Fijivillage News - 5 February 2010
The wait is now over as the second leg of the IRB World 7s series and the first 7s tournament of 2010, the New Zealand International 7s in Wellington, starts today.
All the 16 teams in the tournament have named their teams and are now ready for the two day event. The New Zealand International 7s is rated as one of the best in the IRB World 7s Series.
Rugby fans around the world will be cheering for their teams today and will be ecstatic to see their sides make it to the Cup quarterfinals, even going on to win the tournament tomorrow evening.
Rugby pundits have said that five teams - New Zealand, Fiji, Samoa, England and South Africa stand a very good chance of winning the tournament this weekend, although the rest of the teams cannot be ruled out.
Hosts New Zealand is short-priced favorites at $2.50 to win the tournament, ahead of England at $5.50.
Both Fiji and Samoa are on $6-odds with South Africa on $7.
Meanwhile, New Zealand 7's General Manager Steve Walter said that although the DJ Forbes captained side have won the past two IRB 7's tournaments, in Dubai and George, this weekend will not be a foregone conclusion.
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For the defending IRB 7's series champions, South Africa after losing to Fiji in Dubai and George in the quarter finals they know that it will be an uphill battle in Wellington.
Coach Paul Treu predicts New Zealand and Fiji as the favorites to win the New Zealand 7's title.
Fiji 7's Coach Iliesa Tanivula has played his cards close to his chest and has not revealed much about his game plan.
This weekend in Wellington former Fiji 7s Coach Waisale Serevi must do the unthinkable: coach a side to go out and play against his beloved Fiji.
The two-time Rugby World Cup 7s winning captain, who also coached Fiji to their sole World Series title, will be trying to inspire the Puk Puks of Papua New Guinea to success against some of his former team-mates.
The New Zealand 7's will start at 1pm today with the opening match between Samoa playing France.
Fiji's opening pool match will be against Scotland at 2.28pm today. Fiji 7s team to play Scotland in the opening match will be - Seremaia Burotu, Pio Tuwai and Watisoni Votu in the forwards, with captain Emosi Vucago, Jiuta Lutumailagi, Osea Kolinisau and Waisale Beci in the backs.
Fiji then plays Papua New Guinea at 5:24pm with their last match will be against Australia at 9:34pm.
Stay tuned as we'll bring you the latest results and interviews on the New Zealand 7s tournament starting at 1pm.
Also join our sister radio station Viti-FM for the extensive coverage on the tournament with live interviews, talkbacks and analysis after all Fiji's games. |
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