DIGICEL Fiji sevens coach Alifereti Dere has opted for experienced Isikeli Vuruna instead of newcomer Maleli Bula on the wings for the opening South Africa 7s pool match against England tonight.
Bula, who made the starting line-up in the Dubai 7s pool opener against Spain last weekend, was unable to impress the former Fiji 7s skipper. The Suva winger showed speed but failed to properly function in the set-piece play.
Vuruna, who made his debut in the 2011/12 International Rugby Board series, is yet to stamp his mark as an established 7s player but Dere hopes his experience playing in the Hong Kong and London 7s will boost the team in the pool play.
Dere also retained skipper Setefano Cakau at rover while Joji Ragamate at fly-half and Ilai Tinai in the centre.
In the forwards, he has named Inia Tukere, Levani Botia and Vilitati Sokiveta while the rest of the newcomers Peni Maka, Gasaudua Tube, Maleli Bula, John Stewart and Peni Vaciloa at reserves.
Fiji team manager Semi Rogoyawa earlier told they would use all their reserves during the pool play to expose the newcomers to the high level of competition at the international 7s stage.
Meanwhile, Fiji's Ambassador to South Africa, Ben Salacakau, who is the former Labasa College principal, presented the team with their jerseys early today (Fiji time) following the captain's run.
Fiji will play England at 10.22pm, Scotland at 1.28am Sunday and New Zealand at 5.58am.