SEVEN new player were named in the Digicel Fiji sevens team to defend the Gold Coast Sevens tournament in Australia next week.
And assistant coach Timoci Wainiqolo maintained this is the best available team to defend the title.
Nadroga reps Apisalome Waqatabu, Apisai Domolailai, Samisoni Viriviri and Ulaiasi Tavucuilagi, Tailevu's loose forward Manueli Laqai, Suva's inside centre Leone Tabuarua and speedster Alipate Ratini are the new faces in the side.
Recalled into the team is lanky Nadi forward Samu Saqiwa who last featured in the Dubai and George 7s tournaments in 2010.
Levani Botia, Joji Ragamate and Ilai Tinai are the surviving players from last season with Osea Kolinisau back in the mix.
Wainiqoli said the new players met the selection criteria set out by the Fiji Rugby Union.
"There are some new boys in the team but they are just new faces and names, they have been playing rugby and they know what the aim of the team is in this tournament. They have everything that we need of them to be in the team. They have the fitness and they have been playing in the Digicel competition," Wainiqolo said.
The former national sevens rep said they had an uphill battle to defend the Gold Coast 7s title. Fiji defeated New Zealand 26-12 in the cup final last year.
"There is no pressure on us to defend the title and I think the boys know the job. We have advised them on what to do and we have been working with them. We have a game plan so we just have to go out there and give our best."
Wainiqolo said he knew which players to use in his starting line-up.
"Right now I know my starting team and who will be impact players who will come in to lift the game to another level. Our speedsters are Osea Kolinisau, the wingers Apisalome Waqatabu and Alipate Ratini.
"The forwards, Botia is there, Domolailai and also Saqiwa so we are looking forward to it," Wainiqolo said.
The Gold Coast tournament kicks off on October 13. Fiji plays Scotland in its opening Pool B clash before taking on Tonga and Australia.
Fiji 7s team:
Lepani Botia, Osea Kolinisau, Apisai Domolailai, Samuela Saqiwa, Ilai Tinai, Manueli Laqai, Joji Ragamate, Ulaiasi Tavucuilagi Lawavou, Leone Ravutaki Tabuarua, Samisoni Viriviri, Apisalome Waqatabu, Alipate Ratini.