Ikanikoda and Tuivuaka for Hamilton 7s

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National 7’s player Livai Ikanikoda attacks against Australia 7’s team during the scrimmaging session at Albert Park yesterday. Picture: RAMA

FIJI 7s exponents Livai Ikanikoda and Asaeli Tuivuaka have forced their way back into a powerful 13-man team named by coach Gareth Baber for the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Hamilton and Sydney 7s.

“These players have responded very well during the past few weeks of training,” Baber said.

“We’ve thrown some solid sessions at them and ultimately now we need to move ahead.”

Ikanikoda returns to the team for his first tour of the season and will bring experience and leadership skills to the side.

Fiesty and dynamic Asaeli Tuivuaka is expected to bring more physicality and power into the Fijian 7s team.

“Livai is a great player and has shown a lot of commitment in training plus Tuivuaka has improved his game and has shown he is really up for a spot in this team.”

Kavekini Tabu, Sevu Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurinabili and Apenisa Cakaubalavu also retain their spots in the forwards.

The Hamilton 7s runs from January 25 to 26 at the FMG Stadium in New Zealand.

The Fiji 7s team is pooled with Argentina, Australia and Samoa.

Fiji are defending champions of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

Fiji: Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurinabili, Asaeli Tuivuaka, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Jerry Tuwai, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba, Napolioni Ratu, Livai Ikanikoda.

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