Experienced squad heads for Hong Kong 16 March, 2011

Digicel Fiji 7s players pose for the media.

Talented veterans Dale Tonawai, Setefano Cakau, David Batiratu and Osea Kolinisau have forced their way back into the Digicel Fiji 7s team for the Hong Kong and Australia legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series.

Digiel Fiji 7s coach Iliesa Tanivula believes the inclusion of the four will give the side valuable experience.

“All four players give the side experience at the highest levels which will be invaluable in what is undoubtedly the pinnacle tournament in the World Series - Hong Kong,” Tanivula said.

However, Tanivula admits the players aren’t in the team solely for their experience.

“Dale (Tonawai) and Batiratu have been performing exceptionally well in recent local tournaments and so both deserve to be there on talent alone, regardless of their experience, as do Cakau and Kolinisau who’ve been in regular contact and have shown great commitment in training.”

Meanwhile regular captain Emosi Vucago has been stood down as captain in order for the nuggety scrumhalf to focus on his own game.

“We’d like Emosi to play his usual game unfettered from the burdens and pressure of captaining the team,” Tanivula said.

In Vucago’s place Tanivula has named Tonawai and Votu as co-captains.

“Votu and Dale both command the respect of the players and having them as co- captains means they share the work load and are more able to concentrate on their individual game in the positions they play in.”

The Digicel Fiji 7s team will shift from Suva to Sigatoka for their final camp before departing on Monday morning for Hong Kong.

The full squad is as follows:

Seremaia Burotu, Watisoni Votu (co-captain), Setefano Cakau, Dale Tonawai, Waqabaca Kotobalavu, Nikola Matawalu, Emosi Vucago, Mitieli Nacagilevu, Ilai Tinani, David Batiratu, Joeli Lutumailagi, Osea Kolinisau.

Non-travelling reserves: Kelemedi Bola, Livai Ikanikoda, Sailosi Rabonaqica, Nemani Nagusa