• • Facebook
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Technorati
  • Reddit
  • Stumble Upon
  • Furl

Fiji captain Emosi Vucago believes his side need to show a greater deal of passion and belief on this season’s HSBC Sevens World Series.

Vucago was speaking following the announcement by coach Iliesa Tanivula of a preliminary 24-man squad selected in preperation for the opening legs of the Series in Dubai (3-4 Dec) and George (10-11 Dec).

Along with the experienced halfback Vucago, other established names set to feature are Seremaia Burotu, Watisoni Votu, Joeli Lutumailagi and Nasoni Roko.

Notable absentees include Pio Tuwai, Randell Kamea, James Brown and the mercurial William Ryder.
Fiji finished in third position on the 09/10 overall standings with a solitary win at the NZI Sevens in Wellington and a runners-up berth at George.

The country’s suspension from the Commonwealth resulted in them not participating in Delhi’s Games.

“We just have to believe in ourselves, it can be done if we just believe in ourselves,” said Vucago yesterday speaking to Fiji Live.

“These players (selected) are gifted, they can play that’s the only reason why they’re here. It takes a lot to believe that and utilise the gift that has been bestowed upon them.”

“New Zealand is a good example of this, they play with a lot of pride because they know they have been chosen to play and they do it very well. The same goes for Samoa, we just need to instil pride into our game but at the same time maintain a level of humbleness,” he added.

The squad, which will be cut down to 12 ahead of Dubai, could see plenty of new talent unveiled including the likes of Navosa’s Malakai Kuribau who is highly regarded.

Meanwhile coach Tanivula has also confirmed Fiji will warm-up for Dubai by participating in the Sri Lanka Sevens over the preceding weekend.

“It will be good to get a bit more game time under their belts. We’ve done this in the past and we’ve seen how helpful it’s been towards the contribution in Dubai.” said Tanivula

Fiji Training Squad for Dubai/George : 1. Seremaia Burotu; 2. Sitiveni Waqa; 3. Malakai Kuribau; 4. Timoci Vakadranu; 5. Vilitati Sokiveta; 6. Watisoni Votu; 7. Josaia Lotawa; 8. Emosi Vucago; 9. Ilai Tinai; 10. Eroni Ravaga; 11. Saimoni Nuku; 12. Joeli Lutumailagi;13. Nemani Nagusa; 14. Risiate Tadulala; 15. Samu Saqiwa; 16. Penaia Naweilulu; 17. Mitieli Nacagilevu; 18. Sisa Vosaki; 19. Nasoni Roko; 20. Semi Keli; 21. Orisi Sareki; 22. Kitione Kamikamica; 23. Josefa Bole; 24. Semesa Gonevou