Dubai Sevens: Ryan and Friday reveal Fiji and USA squads
~Roko returns for Fiji
~USA name two debutants
Ben Ryan and Mike Friday have announced their 12-man squads ahead of the 2014 Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens, round two of the HSBC Sevens World Series.
Ryan retains nine of the players that won the opening round on Australia’s Gold Coast, and two of the players that won the Dubai tournament in captain Osea Kolinisau and Semi Kunatani as he prepares his side to defend their title in Dubai.
Nasoni Roko returns to the side, while Aminon Nasilasila and Jone Qorovarua are set to make their debuts on the circuit. Fiji are currently in first place after their win in Australia and Ryan will be looking to win a fourth title in Dubai in five years.
“Going into Dubai as defending champion and top seeding is a huge challenge for the players and we need to raise the bar,” said Ryan.
Fiji squad: Apisai Domolailai, Apisalome Waqatabu, Amenoni Nasilasila, Isake Katonibau, Jasa Veremalua, Jone Qorovarua, Nasoni Roko, Osea Kolinisau, Savenaca Rawaca, Semi Kunatani, Seremaia Tuwai, Vatemo Ravouvou
OLYMPIC QUALIFYING
Mike Friday also names two new players in his squad with Martin Iosefo and Aladdin Schirmer set to make their debuts in Dubai. Having won the Bowl in Australia, and collecting eight Series points towards Olympic qualification, Friday will be hoping to pick up where his side left off winning all three of their matches on day two at the Cbus Super Stadium.
Zack Test is included after being named in the sevens dream team in Australia having scored his 100th career try, while Friday has an abundance of pace with the likes of Carlin Isles and Perry Baker at his disposal. The USA face pool matches against England, Australia and Kenya on day one.
“We are working towards the goal of Olympic qualification and we need to develop and grow the experience and talent pool for the squad to improve the squad depth and create a strong, competitive, hard-working environment,” said Friday.
USA squad: Perry Baker, Danny Barrett, Garrett Bender, Pat Blair, Andew Durutalo, Madison Hughes, Martin Iosefo, Carlin Isles, Folau Niua, Aladdin Schirmer, Zack Test, Maka Unufe
Courtesy of World Rugby
Related Posts
« New Zealand Rugby congratulates All Blacks on World Rugby 2014 Awards Boks release Senatla to join Blitzboks »
