Wellington Sevens Pool B is going to be one of the hardest fought groups at the Cake Tin over the coming weekend as teams try to dethrone World Sevens Series leaders Fiji from the top spot. Fiji’s Head Coach Ben Ryan has recalled Semi Kunatani from Toulouse to bolster Fiji’s chances in Wellington and Sydney. Kunatani the World Rugby Sevens player of the year nominee returns with his attacking prowess and defensive skills which will really help the Fijians in Welly. Nicknamed “The Beast” Kunatani is the one to watch for Fiji just as much as Sonny Bill Williams will be this weekend.
Fiji Team to Wellington and Sydney (with two to be omitted before Game Day)
Alivereti Veitokani, Amenoni Nasilasila, Apisai Domolailai, Isake Katonibau, Jasa Veremalua, Nemani Naqusa, Pio Tuwai, Semi Kunatani, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Savenaca Rawaca, Emosi Mulevoro, Osea Kolinisau, Jerry Tuwai, Vatemo Ravouvou.
Argentina
One team in particular who will be trying to go one further this weekend would be the Los Pumas Sevens who played in the final in the last leg in the scenic city of Cape Town, South Africa only to lose out to the hosts. The Santiago Gomez Cora side will rely on the services of playmakers Nicolas Bruzzone, Axel Muller and the mercurial Bautista Ezcurra to get them through.
Argentina team
Fernando Lima, Santiago Alvarez, German Schulz, Nicolas Menendez, Axel Muller, Segundo Tuculet, Juan Cruz Gonzalez, Nicolas Bruzzone, Rodrigo Etchart, Bautista Ezcurra, Joaquin Riera, Franco Sabato.
Wales
Meanwhile, former World Cup Sevens winner Tom Isaacs returns to bolster his young Welsh squad to give the Fijians and Argentinians a run for their money but don’t count out the the only non-core team in Wellington, Japan to create some upsets. Looking to carry on from their form in the last leg would be captain Luke Treharne and Sam Cross while young 18 year old Lloyd Lewis debuts.
Wales team
Luke Treharne, Sam Cross, Ben Roach, Luke Morgan, Lloyd Lewis, Jordan Williams, Adam Thomas, Owen Jenkins, Tom Isaacs, Kristian Philips, Ethan Davies and Luke Crocker.
Japan
The Japanese took the Fijians to the wire in Dubai in December and are back to try to finish the job this time. The Katsuyuki Sakai led side will rely heavily on their Pacific Islands players flair to carry them through with the likes of Jamie Henry, Lomano Lemeki, Amanaki Lotoahea and the elusive Lote Tuqiri. The one to watch though is Soejima Rathianara.
Japan team
Satoshi Oshima, Dai Ozawa, Kazuhiro Kevin Goya, Shunya Goto, Teruya Goto, Katsuyuki Sakai, Soejima Rathianara, Lote Tuqiri, Kosige Hashino, Hasakasa Matsakatsu, Kenki Fukuoka, Lomano Lemeki, Jamie Henry and Amanaki Lotoahea.
Pool C – England, USA and Samoa to fight for pool of death
England
English coach Simon Amor has named two debutants to bolster his side to the Wellington Sevens while veteran Dan Norton is rested to be with family after the birth of his son. Ethan Waddleton who turned 19 in November will try to learn from the senior players while Jack Wilson a former New Zealand Sevens player whose debut in Hong Kong in 2012 to answer an S.O.S. call from Gordon Tietjens brings with him experience and speed which will help the English chances.
England team
Tom Bowen, Dan Bibby, Cameron Cowell, Alex Davis, Rihard DeCarpenter, Alex Gray, Warwick Lahmert, Ruaridh McConnochie, Tom Mitchell, James Rodwell, Ethan Waddleton and Jack Wilson.
USA
After taking the All Blacks Sevens down in the last two tournaments the Mike Friday coached USA side will try to keep their momentum going as they continue to build for Rio.
USA team
Folau Niua,Ben Pikkelman, Maka Unufe, Kevin Swiryn, Zack Testy, Nate Augspurger, Perry Baker, Danny Barett, William Holder, Madison Hughes, Matai Leuta and Carlin Isles.
France
Having finished third in Cape Town the Les Bleus of France go to next two legs without their kingpin Virimi Vakatawa who was called up by Guy Noves for national duties for France in the Six Nations and they will rely on Terry Bouharoua and Julien Candelon to carry them through. One new name though will capture everyone’s attention is a certain Fulgence Ouedrago.
France team
Julien Candelon, Terry Bouharoua, Steeve Barry, Jeremy Acardi, Damien Cler, Alexandre Gracbling, Jonatan Laugel, Stepen Parez, Fulgence Ouedrago, Virgile , Romain Martial, Sacha Valleau, Arthur Retiere.
Samoa
While the Samoans have been lukewarm lately be rest assured to see them come out firing in Wellington something like playing at home for them as New Zealand is home to half of Samoa. The Damian McGrath side will rely on Belgium Tuatagaloa, Falemiga Selesele and Samoa Toloa to revive their season.
Samoa team
Falemiga Selesele, Alefosio Tapili, Siaosi Asofolau, Tain Lam, Belgium Tuatagaloa, Jay Saena, Phoenix Hunapo-Nofoa, Danny Tusitala, Tila Mealoi, Tomasi Alosio, Tom Iosefo, Samoa Toloa.
While Pool B will be highly contested between Fiji and Argentina all eyes though will be on Pool C and that is the pool to watch. The crowd at the Wellington Sevens are always loud and they suit the atmosphere well as we hope to see some great sevens action.
Stay tuned to Last Word On Sports for in depth coverage of the Wellington Sevens with Scott Hornell and Jovilisi Waqa.
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