The ability of Digicel Fiji 7's replacement player, Nikola Matawalu to be used as a utility player is a big relief for the coaching staff ahead of the Nelson Mandela Bay 7's this weekend.

Assistant coach, Etuate Waqa highlighted after the 19-12 loss to England in Dubai that they did not have enough depth in the team for players to come on as replacements during the crucial stages of their game.

With Matawalu in the team, he will be able to be used in all of the four positions in the back-line.

Last weekend, Emosi Vucago and Osea Kolinisau played in most of the games after Livai Ikanikoda was injured.

Fiji will play Portugal at 10.37pm this Friday in its first pool match, then they will play Zimbabwe at 1.43am Saturday and the last pool match is against Wales at 6.32am.

The cup quarter finals start at 11.44pm Saturday while the cup semifinals start at 3.59am Sunday.

The Cup final will kick off at 6.40am Sunday.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi