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Logistical issues have forced Fiji to call up Sireli Naqelevuki into the squad for this weekend’s George Sevens.

Fiji Rugby Union originally indicated that Turuva Lumelume and Josefa Bole will be flown in as replacements, but with time not in their favour they have decided to only get in Naqelevuki who is already in South Africa plying his trade for the Stormers in the Super 14 outfit.

This means the Fijians head to George with only 11 players in the squad instead of the usual 12. They face Australia, Portugal and Russia in Group B in George.

He replaces Seremaia Burotu and Niumaia Cakacaka who both picked up knocks in last weekend’s semi-final defeat at the Dubai Sevens.

Fiji was one of the dominant forces in Dubai sweeping past defending champions South Africa, 17-5, at the quarter-final stage. But they were find wanting in the next round, losing 19-0 to a New Zealand side who went on to win the tournament and take the maximum 24 points.

Naqelevuki was an instrumental member of the Fiji team that won the overall IRB Series title in 2006 impressing with power and pace, but in recent seasons has focused on fifteens.

Naqelevuki has enjoyed a mixed season in South Africa and gave away the match-winning penalty to the Blue Bulls that ultimately lost Western Province the Currie Cup semi-final in October.

Fiji faces Australia, Portugal and Russia in Group B in George where a possible quarter-final against Kenya or South Africa looms on day 2.

Meanwhile Argentina have been forced to call up Pedro Garzon and Rafael Parlatore to for George, both of whom will make their IRB Sevens World Series debuts.

UR7s will be providing full coverage of this weekend’s George Sevens, including a Live Text Commentary from Outeniqua Park
.