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Fiji Sevens coach Iliesa Tanivula has promised his side won’t take anyone for granted when they start their quest for gold at the Pacific Mini Games on Thursday. The Fijians will be looking for another gold medal to match their win at the World Games in July.

With Wallis & Fu-tuna, Tahiti, Cook Islands and Niue their opponents in Pool A, there should not be many troubles for the 2008/9 World Sevens Series runners-up in the early rounds.

Despite including a very strong team Tanivula said they see every team as a threat with the likes of Niue and Cook Islands, sides with IRB Sevens experience, not to be underestimated with their New Zealand based players.

"We will treat the Mini Games like any other tournament. The aim is to build the combinations. We have brought in a few new players on this trip. They have been performing well in the local series,” said Tanivula

Fiji include a host of regulars from last season including skipper Emosi Vucago, Pio Tuwai, Seremaia Burotu and Nasoni Roko. Playmaker Peni Rokodiva and winger Waqabaca Kotobalavu will be using the tournaments to show Tanivuala why they should become regular fixtures in the side. The favourites hand out debuts to Turuva Lumelume from Nadi and Jolame Bera from Lautoka.

"It's all about continuity. We must use the opportunity to give new players a break at the international level," Tanivula said.

"We need to have a strong pool of players for the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series.

"This is because injury can occur at any time. We need to have back up in every department."

Samoa are expected to be the Fijians major challengers for the gold medal, with the two sides expected to meet in the final. They line up in Pool B against Tonga, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia. With the likes of Mikaele Pesamino, Lolo Lui, and Ofisa Trevaranius included they will back themselves to go all the way over the two days.

Interestingly there is also the possibility of Fiji running into the Waisale Serevi inspired Papua New Guinea. The Fiji Sevens legend became Director of Rugby of the island back in August and is looking forward to observing other sides not just his own.

“This is a good build up for us because we are here to start our long journey towards the 2013 RWC 7s. And PNG should play the top nations in order to lift their standard," said Serevi.

"I'm here just as an observer. PNG has a coach and a manager looking after them for this tournament. I'm here just to have a look at couple of teams like the Cook Islands, Tonga and Niue.

“Those are the teams that we will be playing against in November. This is qualifying rounds for us to the Wellington 7s

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