SAMURAI Waimanu Barracudas coach Sailosi Naiteqe Sr has named a mix of experienced and new players in his team for the Uprising Fiji International 7s tournament which starts this Friday.
Following the Northland 7s in Korovou over the weekend, Naiteqe selected the "best players" he had to feature in the two-day tournament at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
Former Fiji 7s reps Nasoni Roko and David Batiratu along with former Flying Fijian Iliesa Keresoni are some big names in the team.
Naiteqe said he would use the tournament to expose his young and upcoming players while keeping an eye on the major prizemoney.
"I fielded two teams at the Northland 7s in Korovou from where I managed to pick my team for the Uprising 7s," the newly-appointed Naitasiri coach said.
"It's a good mix of young and experienced players and we hope they do well in the tournament."
The Barracudas are pooled with Samoa, Australian Thunderbolts and Lautoka Hurricanes for the Uprising 7s.
Naiteqe said the "pool was tough" but the experience of playing with the national shadow teams before would prove vital.
"I have coached a team that played Samoa and the Thunderbolts before so I know what to expect from these national teams," he said.
"But it will be a big challenge for me and we will do our best to remain in contention for the Uprising 7s title."
Naiteqe thanked major sponsor Uprising Beach Resort owner Rene Munch and tournament organising committee chairman Culden Kamea for the invitation.