Vodafone Fiji 7s rising star Semi Kunatani will be the go to man in this weekend’s Las Vegas 7s.
After being suspended for two matches along with captain Osea Kolinisau, Kunatani showed his class in the Plate final against Australia last week by setting up two tries, crossing over for one and made a few crucial try saving tackles.
The 24-year-old from Naqalimare village in Navosa has been one of Ben Ryan’s main players after veterans Pio Tuwai and Setefano Cakau pulled out for contracts in Sri Lanka.
Ryan said players like Emosi Mulevoro, Sitiveni Waqa, Viliame Mata and Manueli Lagai have more to offer this weekend.
The Vodafone Fiji 7s side is currently in Nadi and will transit for Los Angeles at 9.40 tonight before they head to Vegas.
Meanwhile, All Blacks 7s veteran Lote Raikabula has been called in to replace DJ Forbes who is not fit for this weekend’s tournament.
Fiji will face Samoa at 1.06pm and Wales at 4.02pm on Saturday in the Las Vegas tournament.
They will then meet New Zealand at 9.05am Sunday.
The Cup quarterfinals will be 1.14pm Sunday.
The Cup semis will kick off at 8.32am Monday while the final of the Las Vegas 7s will start at 11.25am Monday.
The defending Las Vegas Sevens champion is South Africa.
