Two new reps in Fiji 7s team 25 April, 2012

Digicel Fiji 7s team captain Setefano Cakau (centre) poses for a photo with (L-R) Joeli Lutumailagi, Waisea Nayacalevu, Ilai Tinani and Levani Botia.

Two new caps have forced their way into the Digicel Fiji 7s squad for the Scotland and London 7s. 

Hooker Timoci Vakadranu and wing Niko Verekauta have been named to replace Nemani Nagusa and Isikeli Vuruna respectively. 

Making a return to the team is Tailevu centre Isake Katonibau while veteran Setefano Cakau retains the captaincy role. 

WIth the series in the balance Fiji Rugby chief executive officer, Manasa Baravilala, has asked players and the coach and management team to remain focused ahead of the final two tournaments. 

“Well this is the business end of the competition and we’ve gotten ourselves into a position where we can win the Series if we are focused and remain true to the way we want to play the game,” Baravilala said. 

“When I look back on this season’s campaign it just seems like yesterday we were sending the team off to the Gold Coast and now here we are almost at the summit of what has been a wonderful campaign.” 

The core of the team has been retained from the previous tournaments in Hong Kong and Japan with Fiji lying just six points behind series leaders New Zealand. 

The players are:

Forwards: Jimilai NAIKADAWA, Timoci VAKADRANU, Waisea VUIDRAVUWALU, Levani VEIVUKE, Setefano CAKAUNIVALU (Capt)

Backs: Niko VEREKAUTA, Ilai TINANI, Joeli LUTUMAILAGI, Joji RAGAMATE, Nikola MATAWALU, Metuisela TALEBULAMAIJAINA, Isake KATONIBAU