Barring upsets, the Qantas Australian Men’s Seven team and The Telecom Fiji Women’s teams are top bets to win this weekends Oceania Rugby Sevens Olympic Qualifier at The Trust Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand.
Samoa and Tonga will also provide stiff competition for the Australian Thunderbolts while the Papua New Guinea Women’s team pose the biggest threats to the Fijiana side, but rest assured the Samoan and Tongan ladies have boosted their squads too, as every team will be gunning for that one automatic spot to qualify for the Rio Olympic Games in August.
Australian Interim head coach Tim Walsh has named a 15-man squad filled with experience for the Oceania Qualifier, bearing in mind the winner wins a trip to Rio automatically while the runner-up and third placed teams must then go to the final qualifying World Rugby sevens tournament in June.
Australia will play Nauru, Cook Islands and Tonga on Day One in Pool A, while Pool B has Samoa, Papua New Guinea, American Samoa and Solomon Islands filling the ranks.
Ed Jenkins skippers an experienced Australian squad that also includes 30+ cap veterans Jesse Parahi and Con Foley. Pama Fou, Greg Jeloudev and Henry Hutchinson provide speed out wide while World Cup returnee Henry Speight looks set to make his debut in sevens as Australia bid for that Gold Medal in Rio, and it all starts in Auckland.
Tim Walsh said “We have prepared well having played a very valuable series against New Zealand in Rotorua, followed by a solid performance at the Central Coast Sevens (which the Thunderbolts won) Training standards have been high and every squad member continues to challenge one another which has culminated in a stronger team.
“We have a belief that we will perform this weekend and gain the desired result. However, with a spot at the Rio Olympics on the line in Auckland, we are under no illusion that now is the time to deliver. For us, it’s a process and the side must now execute under pressure as there are seven other teams looking to fulfil their own Olympic dream” Walsh concluded.
“The Pacific Island nations are known for their passion for Rugby and in particular Sevens, so we can expect a lot of physicality. I’ve heard many people say Samoa will be our main opponents for that coveted spot but I don’t buy into that at all – as per usual, we will be paying due respect to our Pool and won’t be looking any further than Day One.”
Australian Squad:
- Cameron Clark (Northern Surburbs, NSW), Tom Cusack (Canberra Royals, ACT), Allan Fa’alava’au (Endeavour Hills,VIC), Con Foley (University Of Queensland,QLD), Pama Fou (Souths,QLD), Lewis Holland (Queanbeyan Whites, NSW), Henry Hutchison (Randwick,NSW), Greg Jeloudev, (Sydney University, NSW), Ed Jenkins (Sydney University, NSW), Tom Lucas (Sunnybank, QLD), Sam Meyers ( Northern Surburbs, NSW), Jesse Parahi, (Northern Surburbs, NSW), Henry Speight (Aquis Brumbies, ACT), James Stannard (Souths, QLD), Michael Wells (Northern Surburbs, NSW) *three players will be omitted before Day One
On the other side of the draw, former World Sevens Series champions Samoa, under their new coach English man Damian McGrath wrapped up that sides preparation leading to this tournament by winning the Ovalau 7s in Levuka, Fiji before naming his side to lead them in Auckland. Samoa has slid down from it’s usual position at the top sevens table recently and the Chairman Of Samoa Rugby and the Country’s Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi said during the announcement of the team, he wants the team to resurrect themselves from past shameful results.
Tuilaepa Lupesoliali Dr Sailele Malielegaoi commented “Samoa was in the top two in the World but has been discredited due to your performance. We are trying to restore Samoa’s standards in the world of rugby.
“We said the same thing about South Africa when Manu Samoa went to the Rugby World Cup, but we underestimated Japan and Scotland and those teams gave us a hiding. You’re the remaining Warriors , give it your best” remarked the Chairman of Samoa Rugby.
Manu Samoa Sevens coach Damian McGrath adds “I know that we are behind other countries [currently] but we have worked hard, we train three times a day, and as Coach I couldn’t ask for more from the 12 boys selected”
Samoa Squad:
- Faalemiga Selesele, Lio Lolo, Fetufou Setu Laga, Tofatuimoana Solia, Francis Ieremia, Jay Saena Phoenix Huinapo, Danny Tusitala, Tila Mealoi, Fale So’oialo, Siaosi Asofolau, Samoa Toloa
Assistant Coach: Brian Lima, Trainer: Luke Stephenson, Physio: Matthew Siliga Amituanai and Manu Samoa Team Manager; Tupuola Masunu Talapusi Tuisilia
In the Women’s Division
The Fiji Women’s team stand as clear favorites as they are the only Women’s World Sevens Series regular in this Olympic Qualifier but they are not underestimating anyof the other four sides. The team has been boosted by the inclusion of former Aussie Pearl captain Rebecca Tavo and New Zealand-based Brittany Coates.
Ana Maria Roqica, Fiji captain said “We have been preparing for this event for sometime, that includes our Gold Coast 7s participation and we are very ready for the challenge.”
“We don’t underestimate any team despite our girls winning Gold at the Pacific Games (in July) because all teams have prepared well. Cook Islands have some New Zealand and Australian-based players in their side, likewise the Samoan’s who have been in Auckland from last week.
“But for us, we have a good bunch of talented girls and two experienced coaches Chris [Chris Cracknell–Coaching Director for Women’s Rugby] and Tani [Iliesa Tanivula–Head Coach]”
Fiji Squad:
- Ana Maria Roqica, Asinate Savu, Brittany Coates, Lavenia Tinai, Litia Naiqato, Luisa Tisolo, Rebecca Tavo, Rusila Nagasau, Talica Vodo, Timaima Ravisa, Timaima Tamoi, Viniana Rawai.
Fans heading to the games over this weekend, watching on television or via Livestream will have plenty to enjoy. Henry Speight with his speed, Falemiga Selesele (Samoa) for his strength and his valuable experience or even the twinkle toed talents of Joanne Lagona of PNG who will burn many opponents with her pace. Also, the New Zealnd sevens team will be using this tournament as preparation, so fans can see the Sevens All Blacks too.
Get ready for Pacific Sevens Rugby at it’s best!
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WORLD RUGBY SEVENS SERIES begins with Round One in Dubai on 4th/5th December, 2016.
Follow all the Sevens Rugby action with our in-depth coverage on Last Word On Sports with Jovilisi Waqa.
