Vodafone Fiji 7s coach, Ben Ryan has today said that the Fiji team will be at his expected level of fitness when the next IRB 7s series starts next year.
As Fiji gets ready for the Japan 7s which kicks off tomorrow, Ryan says the team’s fitness level has improved over the past tournaments and the upward trend is expected throughout this year.
The Vodafone Fiji 7s team will take on France in its first Japan 7s pool match at 1pm tomorrow.
Ryan says the French will be tough.
The team that is carrying our hopes in Japan is made up of Apisai Domolailai, Jasa Veremalua, Pio Tuwai, Setefano Cakau, Benito Masilevu, Emosi Mulevoro, Waisea Nacuqu, Vatemo Ravouvou, Donasio Ratubuli, Osea Kolinisau, Samisoni Viriviri, Leo Naikasau.
Meanwhile the All Blacks 7s team will take a cautious approach in the Japan 7s this weekend.
Captain DJ Forbes says they know the importance of winning in Tokyo and maintaining their lead in the IRB World 7s Series.
Despite facing stiff competition from South Africa for the IRB World 7s title, Forbes has not ruled out the Vodafone Fiji 7s team in the race for the title.
Barring any upsets Fiji is expected to meet South Africa, Kenya or Argentina in the cup quarter finals.
Fiji will play USA in it's second pool match at 4:18pm tomorrow and Samoa at 8:52pm tomorrow.
Story by: Vijay Narayan and Aliki Bia
