The world's biggest 7s tournament kicked off in the capital of New Zealand, with Fiji coach, Josateki Savou's men ready to prove critics wrong that they are not ready to take on the rest of the world.
16 teams, 34,000 spectators - a lot of pressure, it will definitely not be easy for Fiji but the team is confident to do well after reaching the finals of the last two tournaments.
The big question is can they overcome the obstacle in NZ as in the last two finals they have lost to Gordon Tietjens men in the Dubai and George finals.
Fiji is pooled with England and will meet either NZ or Samoa in the quarter finals tomorrow.
However the team knows what a win in Wellington tomorrow night will mean to the people back home who are still trying to recover from the effects of Cyclone Gene.
Manager Opetaia Ravai :
Ravai adds that preparations have fallen into place and the players were emotional last night when the Interim Prime Minister's letter was read out to them.
Meanwhile, Fiji's toughest pool opponent England is also looking forward to do better this year after missing out on a semi final spot last year.
Coach Ben Ryan says with Fiji naming an unknown team for Wellington it has put alot of pressure on most of the coaches who will try to analyze the strengths and weaknesses in the Fiji team.
For the host team, New Zealand coach Gordon Tietjeans has made it clear to his players that while Fiji is not the overwhelming favourites to win the title, they will have to beat Samoa to avoid a showdown against Fiji in the quarter finals.
But the defending champion, Samoa is ready to take on NZ.
Samoa coach, Rudi Moors said they are aiming to beat NZ tonight.
Last night coach Josateki Savou named his run-on team for the opening pool game against Wales with two new caps, Isei Lewaqai and Dan Rawaqa in the starting line-up.
The side to take on Wales in the forwards Etonia Naba, Viliame Maya and Isei Lewaqai.
Emosi Vucago at half back, Dan Rawaqa at play-maker, Setefano Cakau at rover and Neumi Nanuku on the wing. Fiji's first game is against Wales at 1.28pm today followed by Cook Islands at 4.24pm and the last pool game tonight against England at 8.34pm. The Wellington 7s kicks off at 12pm today. Stay with us for updates.
Fiji confident to do well in Wellington 7s
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