“It will not be easy but our chances of doing well in the rest of the IRB Sevens Series tournaments depends on the results in Wellington this weekend”.
Those are the words of Digicel Fiji 7s co-captain Jerry Burotu ahead of the opening pool game against France at 1.44pm this afternoon.
Burotu believes the presence of his former mentor Josateki Savou, who introduced him to the series in 2008, should assist Iliesa Tanivula in becoming the first ever Fiji side to win the NZ 7s two years in a row.
But New Zealand rugby sevens captain DJ Forbes admits they do feel the pressure playing in front of the home crowd and that has probably played a part in the lack of success in recent years.
New Zealand has not won the Wellington tournament since 2008.
This side contains 5 members of the Commonwealth Games winning team and they are second in the current standings after making the semifinals in Dubai and winning in South Africa.
Forbes said they are under greater scrutiny in the week leading up to this tournament.
Fiji will play France at 1.44pm.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
Series hopes rests on NZ tournament
Related Stories
Unity through rugby: Sukuna challenge shifted to the north
Ratu Wiliame Katonivere says rugby, especially the Sukuna Bowl brings unity to all Fijians as the historic clash heads to the north for the first time. Ratu Wiliame says the decision to move the Ratu Sukuna Rugby
Suva fall short against Mataks in OFC Futsal Championship
Suva Futsal Club put up a determined performance in their OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League 2025 match, but were defeated 5-1 by a strong Mataks FC side from the Solomon Islands. The loss means Suva’s chances o
Ruben Love to start for All Blacks as Robertson rotates team for Wales
Scott Robertson has put his trust in Damian McKenzie at first five-eiqhth after electing to make 13 positional changes to his run-on team for the All Blacks' final test of the vear against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday mor
Botitu and Maqala in the midfield with Nasova on the wing
Major changes have been made to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on Spain on Sunday as Vilimoni Botitu and Sireli Maqala will start in the midfield with Joji Nasova on the wing. Head coach Mick Byrne has
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids through to OFC Futsal final after beating defending champions New Caledonia
New Zealand's Waikato Rapids have booked their spot in the OFC Futsal Men’s Champions League final, beating defending champions New Caledonia's AS PTT 5–2 at the Vodafone Arena in Suva. The Rapids made a fast s
Tanoa Hotel renews partnership with Fijian Drua
Tanoa Hotels has renewed its partnership with the Fijian Drua, securing Tanoa Hotels’ position as the Official Hotel and Home of the Fijian Drua for an additional three years. The Drua says the renewed agreement