7s stars to debut for Flying Fijians

Olympic gold medalists Jiuta Wainiqolo, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Vilimoni Botitu will make their debut for the Vodafone Flying Fijians against Spain on Sunday.

The trio have been named in the starting XV while 2016 Olympic gold medalist Masivesi Dakuwaqa and and 20-year-old promising hooker Henry Spring of Stade Francais will earn their first cap off the bench.

Following the naming of the team, interim coach Gareth Baber said initially it was challenging getting the players together with a group of coaches but in true Fijian fashion once that decision was made, everybody that’s involved is adding value to what they are doing and getting over the job.

He said it is good to see young players who have been developed through Fiji Rugby’s High-Performance pathways get an opportunity to add game’s value to the team.

Baber, who has been involved in grooming players such as Tuimaba, Wainiqolo and Botitu for the past five years said it’s nice to be with them when they are going to make their debut for the Flying Fijians.

“I have spent a lot of time in developing their games and I’m looking forward to seeing them achieve another milestone in their rugby career.”

Flying Fijians face Spain at 3am FJT at Estadio Central UC, Madrid on Sunday.
 
Flying Fijians squad vs Spain
 
1. Eroni Mawi
2. Sam Matavesi
3. Mesake Doge
4. Tevita Ratuva
5. Temo Mayanavanua
6. Leone Nakarawa
7. Mesulame Kunavula
8. Albert Tuisue
9. Nikola Matawalu
10. Ben Volavola
11. Aminiasi Tuimaba
12. Vilimoni Botitu
13. Waisea Nayacalevu {c}
14. Jiuta Wainiqolo
15. Setarki Tuicuvu
 
Reserves
16. Henry Spring
17. Peni Ravi
18. Leeroy Atalifo
19. Api Ratuniyarawa
20. Viliame Mata
21. Masivesi Dakuwaqa
22. Josua Tuisova
23. Eroni Sau
 
By Reginald Chandar