FIJI 7s coach Gareth Baber will use the Oktoberfest 7s tournament in Germany to test new players.
This is to make sure they can play under pressure in the buildup to the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series which starts in December.
Some 2019 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series players such as Asaeli Tuivuaka, Terio Tamani, Napolioni Ratu, Isoa Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu and Livai Ikanikoda were joined by Vodafone Fiji under-20 reps Anasa Qaranivalu, Osea Natoga and Kaminieli Rasaku and Nadi duo Tevita Mociu and Vuniona Vukinavanua in the team that departed for Munich on Monday.
“Some boys are fresh to the 7s environment while some have been with the team for some time,” Baber said.
“There are some boys who have been involved in the past six months to one year, so I’m looking forward to putting them under pressure just to see what they have.
“Part of the building process is to play at this high level tournament. They need to perform, not just on the field, but off the field also.
“The travel that takes place and with the stress put on the players will allow me to gauge their ability on how they can go to win tournaments.”
The team is expected to return next Monday.
Baber said there would be very short turnaround time for the players to return to camp for training.
“We will give them the impression that they have not just played one tournament, but two.
“There will be all the tightness, jet lag and feeling of stresses after playing the tournament, so it is another test for them.”
