Fiji 7s

Last month Fiji Rugby announced they were cutting costs to manage the financial fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure its long term sustainability.

Baber's four-year contract is due to end in January.

Fiji Sports Commission Chairman Peter Mazey told FBC news that a contract extension is dependent on funding from the government.

Meanwhile, if given the green light, the Fiji Rugby Union has marked 11 July as the proposed date for local rugby competitions to kick-off.

The Fijian sevens superstar has his eyes set on helping his country win another Olympic Games gold medal in Tokyo this year and when the tournament takes place his boots will feature those two words that are designed to remind him of the sacrifices his parents made to give him a sporting chance.

Tuwai’s father and mother scrimped and saved enough money to buy their son his first pair of rugby boots. As she handed them over Tuwai’s mother told him “ this is your knife and fork .”

The Fijians, who were looking to secure back to back titles for the first time this season, had led 19-0 and looked to be cruising before the Blitzbokke launched their comeback, scoring two quick fire tries to force the game into extra time before scoring another to scoop the title.

Fiji, who won the previous leg in Sydney four weeks ago, had topped their pool after dispatching South Korea 45-7, France 33-28 and Argentina 28-14 on day one.

Gareth Baber's side then overpowered England 26-5 in the Cup quarter-finals before crushing Australia 43-7 in the semis.

It was Fiji’s first victory over Argentina after three meetings this season.

Fiji finished at the top of pool A while England is the second-seeded team from pool D.

The Fijians won their first tournament of the season in Sydney four weeks ago after a slow start to their title defence https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/408709/sport-fiji-find-... and have been drawn to play South Korea, France and Argentina.

Baber said it's all about progression.

"I never look too much in advance, I look at it in relation to what we've got to do to get better and how we progress from tournament to tournament," he said.

Head coach Gareth Baber said the Police star's consistent work ethic and attitude to training has impressed.

"He's got a maturity about his game, and he knows the game of sevens, he just loves to work, he's got a great work ethic and that's what we love about him."

The other 13 players in the touring squad remain unchanged with Meli Derenalagi retaining the captaincy in the continued absence of regular skipper Paula Dranisinukula.

Man of the match Napolioni Bolaca scored all of Fiji's points in the first half as the Fijians secured their second win against the Blitzboks in eight days.

Bolaca, who was named in the tournament 'Dream Team' alongside Waisea Nacuqu, opened the scoring in the second minute, after pouncing on a ball that ball skewed out the side of a breakdown.

South Africa struck back two minutes later after a strong run from Zain Davids set up JC Pretorius to score, with Fiji's woes compounded after Josua Vakurunabili was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle earlier in the move.

Backed by a big crowd in the stands of the Paramatta Stadium, Fiji beat England 17-14 in the semi-final.

This will be Fiji’s first finals appearance this season and the team has so far been looking unbeatable.

Fiji thrashed Wales 55-0 before qualifying for the semi-final.

Waisea Nacuqu scored straight after the kickoff with a brilliant individual try to give Fiji a 7-0 lead.

Fiji increased their lead through Aminiasi Tuimaba for a 14-0 scoreline.

Tuimaba scored his second in the corner to give Fiji a comfortable 19-0 lead.

With New Zealand also hosting an official leg of the Women's World Series for the first time the men's competition has been cut back, with the four pool winners now advancing directly to the semi-finals.

The elimination of the quarter final stage, means every pool game is effectively a must win, with Fiji drawn to face Samoa, Argentina and Australia this weekend.

Baber wasn't sold on the new format.

"It's a bit strange," he said. "It wouldn't be what my thought process would be in terms of a tournament for certain.

Head Coach, Gareth Baber says his players have responded well during the past few weeks of training, they have thrown some solid sessions at them and ultimately now they need to move ahead.

He says the players understand what they need to do and how hard they have to work on the field.

He further says discipline is one of the other areas they have been focusing on, with changing habits and behaviors which have existed for a long period of time.