Twenty-one-year-old Anasa Qaranivalu has proven himself in local rugby 7s tournaments as one of the top contestants for goal kicking duties in the Fiji 7s team.
The former Fiji under-20 flanker has been recalled into the Fiji 7s extended training squad with players such as his under-20 teammates, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Epeli Momo who plays wing and flanker Kitione Salawa.
Qaranivalu has scooped a few of the player of the tournament awards in local competitions and many recognised him through his ability to secure possessions from kick-offs and also an accurate goal kicker in conversions.
“Two weeks ago, Baber called me to inform me that I have been drafted into his training squad and I’m grateful for that because I get to execute my goal,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to represent Fiji in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series and be a goal kicker for the team. I’ve watched the previous tournaments and I’ve seen that Vatemo Ravouvou and Amenoni Nasilasila were one of the best in that.
“I’ve been practicing and when I’m given a chance to prove myself, I will do my best to make a difference because in some matches in the play-offs, teams lose due to unsuccessful conversions and I want to make it better for Fiji,” he said.
Former Fiji 7s rep and World Cup champion Neumi Nanuku spotted Qaranivalu’s performance in the Burenitu 7s tournament earlier this year said he wanted to see him don the national jumper in the Sevens Series.
Nanuku was impressed with how Qaranivalu controlled possession and recovered the ball from kickoff and accuracy in goal kicking.
“I believe Anasa has the built, strength and skills to secure a spot in the Fiji team in the near future,” Nanuku said.
“If national selectors need to scout for a promising player, I recommend Anasa because one thing we lacked in the Fiji team in the series was recovering the ball from kick-offs and he masters that.
“Given an opportunity to run, he can beat his opponents because of his speed and a bonus is that he is also a good goal kicker converting most tries scored on the corner,” said Nanuku.
