Serevi targets Sevens title

2006-05-18 14:17

Suva - Sevens rugby maestro Waisale Serevi believes his Fiji team can clinch their first ever IRB Sevens title in the last two rounds of the series in Paris and London, but concedes England are a formidable obstacle.

Fiji is a world power in Sevens and are well placed to win the International Rugby Board (IRB) series with a 10 point lead over England in the competition. New Zealand have won all six previous IRB titles but dropped out of contention this year.

Serevi said on Thursday it is very important for the 900 000 people of Fiji to win this time.

"The boys know what is expected. It's been six years but we're three weeks away to taking it out," said Serevi, the Fiji player-coach who is widely acknowledged as the best Sevens player ever.

But he is wary of England, who are 10 points adrift of Fiji with 106 but with a home advantage in the last tournament in London on June 3-4, a week after the Paris tournament.

Even though England have lost some players to the 15-man national squad, Serevi believes the home advantage will make a difference.

"You don't want to lose at home - they will be very strong," said Serevi.

Orisi Sareki is a surprise inclusion on the wing in the Fiji squad named on Thursday and Serevi predicts a big future for the unknown.

"It will be a good experience for him. We have chosen Orisi because he is the fastest we have outside and he's in form."

Sareki replaces Norman Ligairi who has joined Fiji's 15-man squad along with Sakiusa Matadigo, who will be replaced by former Sevens captain Mesake Davu.

Squad:

Semisi Naevo (captain), Dale Tonawai, Isireli Naqelevuki, Laisiasa Tora, Mesake Davu, Mosese Volavola, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, William Ryder, Filimoni Bolavucu, Neumi Nanuku, Orisi Sareki, Waisale Serevi (player-coach)

- AFP