Fiji 7s

With New Zealand also hosting an official leg of the Women's World Series for the first time the men's competition has been cut back, with the four pool winners now advancing directly to the semi-finals.

The elimination of the quarter final stage, means every pool game is effectively a must win, with Fiji drawn to face Samoa, Argentina and Australia this weekend.

Baber wasn't sold on the new format.

"It's a bit strange," he said. "It wouldn't be what my thought process would be in terms of a tournament for certain.

Head Coach, Gareth Baber says his players have responded well during the past few weeks of training, they have thrown some solid sessions at them and ultimately now they need to move ahead.

He says the players understand what they need to do and how hard they have to work on the field.

He further says discipline is one of the other areas they have been focusing on, with changing habits and behaviors which have existed for a long period of time.

Livai Ikanikoda returns to the team for his first tournament of the season and was expected to bring his signature strength and leadership to the side while Asaeli Tuivuaka has earnt re-selection and hoped to inject more physicality and power into the team.

In the forwards, Kavekini Tabu retains his position after making his debut in Dubai.

Baber also holds high expectations for Sevu Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili and Apenisa Cakaubalavu.

The January tournament leaves little room for error with teams advancing directly from pool play to the semi-finals instead of the traditional quarterfinals.

Fiji have had a disappointing season so far finishing sixth in Cape Town, which leaves them languishing in 8th place overall in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series standings.

But coach Gareth Baber is working on returning them to the form that saw them crowned champions in 2019 when they take on Argentina, Australia and Samoa in pool play in Hamilton.

It was a case of third time lucky for the 30-year-old playmaker, who was also nominated for the award in 2017 and 2018.

Tuwai was a key figure as Fiji won titles in Cape Town, Hamilton, Hong Kong, London and Paris to secure the 2018/19 World Series title, their first since 2016, and was named in the World Series 'Dream Team' for the third year running.

The Olympic gold medallist is the first Fijian player to win the award since Samisoni Viriviri in 2014.

He said Fiji's sevens success is a group effort.

The Fiji Times reported Justice Daniel Goundar stood the matter down as the first witness could not control her emotions when taking the stand.

The 24-year-old complainant was the first to be called to the stand by State lawyer Mezabeen Khan.

Justice Goundar has ordered the complainant to take some time off before the matter is called again.

Nasilasila is alleged to have raped the woman in Sigatoka in December 2018.

The woman had to return from the United States to assist with the trial, which is taking place in Lautoka at the request of the defence.

The village is the home of the sevens Rookie of the Year, Ratu Meli Derenalagi.

Nawaka has produced sensational rugby players over the years such as former Fiji reps- the “Man Mountain” Semisi Naevo and his brother Apisai Naevo.

Apisai Naevo says the celebration is not only for the village but also for the ‘Vanua (Land) of Nawaka’

“It’s been after ten years then another son of Nawaka has don the national jersey and made the country proud.”

Fiji were confirmed the series champions after outclassing USA 33-14 in the Cup semifinal this morning before beating New Zealand 35-24 in the Paris 7s final.

This is also the first time Fiji has won back to back title in a leg.

It is Fiji’s fourth World Series title and their third in four years.

Fiji have 186 points after the final this morning followed by USA in second with 177, New Zealand finished third with 162 points and South Africa fourth with 148.

Captain Paula Dranisinukula says his message to the team today was simple.

Aminiasi Tuimaba, Napolioni Bolaca and Vilimoni Botitu all found the tryline as Fiji flew into a seemingly unassailable 19-0 half-time lead in the Cup final.

But the Blitzboks roared back in the second spell, with Kurt-Lee Arendse, Angelo Davids and Ryan Oosthuizen dotting down to cut the deficit to two points with two minutes remaining, while Aminiasi Tuimaba was also shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.

Fiji beat France 21-7 in Sunday night's cup final to clinch a record extending fifth consecutive Hong Kong title.

SODELPA leader Sitiveni Rabuka said it was an incredible victory to savour and that it was only fitting the players and coaching staff each received $US4,700 in recognition of their unprecedented success.

"Our sevens gladiators go from strength to strength and I join other Fijians in expressing our pride and gratitude for their spectacular performance in Hong Kong," he said.