National sevens coach, Iliesa Tanivula's South Sea Drifters side is expected to be given a good run for their money when the 2011 Heineken Hottest 7's kicks off in Darwin tomorrow.

A record 40 teams will compete in the Darwin sevens over the next two days at AUSTAR Rugby Park, Marrara.

This exceeds all previous years with 31 Men's and 9 Women's teams entered to play for the five trophies on offer.

The Drifters are second seed in the tournament while Nadroga based, Davetalevu who are also in Darwin are seeded fourth and the two sides are expected to face stiff competition from top seed SRC Borneo Eagles, Aussie Thunderbolts and the PNG Barbarians.

Seasoned 7s skipper Emosi Vucago is leading the South Seas Drifters in a side which includes seasoned players, Watisoni Votu, Nasoni Roko, Mitieli Nacagilevu, Seremaia Burotu, Sitiveni Waqa, Nemani Nagusa, Semesa Gonevou, Kelemedi Bola and Lepani Nabuliwaqa.

Besides a possible spot in the national side, the players are also vying for a piece of the AUSD$65,000 prize pool at stake at the Darwin 7s this weekend.

The Drifters first match will be against the Darwin Dingoes at 2:30pm tomorrow Fiji time while Davetalevu take on Kombat Cougars in their first outing at 3:40pm tomorrow.


Story by: Roneel Lal