Wadigi to bounce back; Bolaca to lead side after Coral Coast 7s disappointment

The Wadigi Salvo team from Lautoka aims to improve its performance at the 36th Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s that starts at Prince Charles Park in Nadi tomorrow.

The side was bundled out of the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s by Fire in the main cup quarter-final at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka last month.

Wadigi Salvo lost 5-24 to Fire and then went down to Kombat Uluinakau 12-42 in the plate semi-finals.

Team manager Apimeleki Nasalo said the boys returned to training last week.

He said the wet conditions during the Coral Coast 7s did not suit their style of play.

“After the Coral Coast 7s, the boys were given a break,” Nasalo said.

“The Nawaka 7s will be different.

“At training, the focus has been on defence. We will try to win the title this weekend.”

Former national 7s rep Napolioni Bolaca will guide the team.

Bolaca was the top points scorer during the 2019-2020 HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.

The side is in Pool 4 with Coral Coast 7s winners Army Red, Lavidi and Cloudbreak Nabila.

Men’s competition

Pool 1:

Warden, Nakaiolo, Duibana, Vuda Green

Pool 2:

Raiwasa Taveuni, Cagimaira (Nadro), Vadravadra, First Landing

Pool 3:

Police Blue, Cooling Down Lau Bros, Wallis & Futuna, Gaunavou (Nadi)

Pool 4:

Army Red, Wadigi Salvo, Lavidi, Cloudbreak Nabila

Pool 5:

Tabadamu, DXC Barbarians, Nasonini, Nacula

Pool 6:

Ratu Filise, DSM Clermont Stallion, Malolo Island Resort, Fiji Development

Pool 7:

DXC Dominion Brothers, Jason Reality Nasesevia, Devo Babas, Nawaka White

Pool 8:

Fire, Veilomani Combo, Yamacia, Saunaka

Pool 9:

Army Green, AJ Pallet Ba River, Veiqaravi Nadroga, Navosa, Muaisigisigi Blues

Pool 10:

Police White, Druhacake Investment, Mosi One, Rukunirara

Pool 11:

Kombat Uluinakau, McDonald’s Vueti Cakau, Ravuka Sharks, Koroinasau Babaas

Pool 12:

Fiji Bitter Nawaka Black, Navala, Plantation Island Resort, Savusavu Rebels.

Tournament brief

Competitions

• Men’s Open – 48 teams
• Women’s Rugby – 8 teams
• U21 – 20 teams
• Fellow Fijians – 4 teams

Registration and participation

• 15 players and three officials who are fully vaccinated.

Prizemoney

• Men (Cup winner – $10,000, runner-up $5000)
• Women (winner – $3000, runner-up – $1000)
• U21 (winner – $3000, runner-up – $1000)
• Fellow Fijians (winner – $700, runner-up – $300)
• Prizemoney also available for other categories: Plate, bowl, shield and consolations.

What to expect

Rugby carnival atmosphere, beer parlour, food stalls, entertainment, top rugby 7s action at its best.

Tickets

Day One: Adults – $7, children aged 6-12 years – $5, children aged five years and below are free.

Day Two: Adults – $10, children aged 6-12 years – $5, children aged five years and below are free.