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IRB SEVENS UPDATE

Click on the link below to watch highlights of Wellington Sevens.

Digicel Fiji Sevens Team for the NZ and USA Sevens

Setefano Cakau, James Brown, Emosi Vucago, Lepani Botia, Sekonaia Kalou, Nemani Nagusa, Osea Kolinisau, Jone Tiko, Taniela Rawaqa, Metuisela Talebula, Waisea Nayacalevu, and Avenisi Vasuinubu.

Non-travelling reserve: Jimilai Naikadawa, Malakai Volau, Josateki Naisilisili and Isimeli Taqea.

Setefano Cakau will captain the side and it is history in the making for the two Uprising players, Waisea Nayacalevu and Avenisi Vasuinubu.

Fiji is in Pool C in the NZ Sevens with Wales, Argentina and Tonga.

The New Zealand Sevens will be held in Wellington on Friday and Saturday.

Tietjens Starts 7s Selection

irb.Com
Monday, January 16, 2012

AHEAD of the fourth and fifth rounds of the 2011/12 HSBC Sevens World Series New Zealand Sevens Coach Gordon Tietjens has named 30 players to assemble in Mount Maunganui for the national squad trials starting on 17 January.

New Zealand are currently joint Series leaders with Fiji on 51 points after their Cup victory at the Nelson Mandela Bay South Africa Sevens in Port Elizabeth in December, and are now preparing for their home leg in Wellington on 3-4 February.

The players were named following the Pub Charity National Sevens in Queenstown which was won by Auckland who beat Otago 36-24 in the Final.

Tietjens, who is searching for a 10th title in 13 years, said the trial camp was an important part of identifying and developing future talents.

"The players know they are competing for contracts for the 2012 season but they also know we have an eye on talent for the Olympics in Rio de Janerio in 2016.

"This is a really exciting time to be involved with Sevens rugby.

"With fulltime Sevens contracts up for grabs in the future there are some talented young players coming into this trial that could put their hands up as Olympic medal hopefuls in Rio in four years' time," he said.

A national contracted squad of 15 will be named on 20 January at the conclusion of the trial and will assemble in Wellington on 26 January ahead of the Hertz Sevens tournament in the city on 3 and 4 February.

The hosts and defending Series and New Zealand Sevens champions will face pool matches against Samoa, Scotland and Japan on day one at the Westpac Stadium.

New Zealand: Toby Arnold, Tomasi Cama, Frazier Climo, Scott Curry, Matt Faddes, DJ Forbes, Frank Halai, Bryce Heem, Nathan Hughes, Joe Hill, Mark Jackman, Solomon King, Warwick Lahmert, James Lowe, Jono Malo, Tim Mikkelson, Kieran Moffat, Waisake Naholo, Kylem O'Donnell, Ken Pisi, Charles Piutau, Lote Raikabula. Glen Robertson, Ardie Savea, Ben Souness, Ahsee Tuala, Nafi Tuitavake, Lolagi Visinia, Joe Webber, Jack Wilson

Cakau leads Babaas

Rashneel Kumar
Saturday, January 14, 2012

VETERAN Setefano Cakau will lead the Digicel Fiji Barbarians team into the Uprising Fiji International Sevens tournament next weekend.

National coach Alifereti Dere named a strong side at Digicel's Kadavu House office in Suva yesterday. The side has two new faces.

The 2005 Rugby World Cup (RWC) 7s non-travelling reserve Iliesa Nadau and Lautoka's Jone Tiko have the chance to impress the national selectors and make the team for the second leg of the HSBC IRB Sevens World Series.

Alongside them, 15s reps Sekonaia Kalou, Apisai Domolailai, Nemani Nagusa, Samu Bola and Jo Nasilisili have been roped in for the top level abbreviated code competition to be held at tfl National Stadium in Suva on January 20-21.

Notable exclusions from the team are former national 7s skipper Emosi Vucago and James Brown, who were part of the national squad in the opening leg of the series.

Jimilai Naikadawa, who was injured at the Gold Coast 7s last year, was also left out but other injured players Cakau and Livai Ikanikoda made it into the team.

Dere said the Fiji Barbarians squad was selected based on the performance of the players during training and the fitness test, which was conducted yesterday morning.

"We have been closely monitoring the players' performance at our training and the fitness result was also considered before we named the 12-member squad to the Uprising 7s tournament," he said.

"We have named Cakau and Ikanikoda because the physio has informed us they have fully recovered from the injuries they sustained in the last leg.

"We observed Jimilai still needs some time to rest before he is fully recovered to play the top level competition and Emosi has started developing a boil so we rested him as well."

Dere said the final squad for the Wellington and Las Vegas 7s would be named after the Uprising 7s.

"We will select a 16-member squad which will be trimmed down to 12 who will travel to Wellington and Las Vegas."

Meanwhile, Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Manasa Baravilala said the Uprising 7s would help the team test its combination.

"The standard of competition in our own local tournaments is always first class, so what better place to test our top national players than at the Uprising 7s tournament."

Fiji Barbarians

Forwards: Sekonaia Kalou, Apisai Domolailai, Nemani Nagusa, Samu Bola, Setefano Cakau, Dale Tonawai;

Backs: Iliesa Nadau, Osea Kolinisau, Metuisela Talebula, Livai Ikanikoda, Jone Tiko, Jo Nasilisili

7s talents on show

Kameli Rakoko
Thursday, January 12, 2012

TWENTY players from the sevens training squad have been named to prepare for the Wellington and Las Vegas legs of the HSBC IRB series and they are the fittest we've got.

Last week we promised to talk about some talents that are around but not in the current Fiji team that will provide options for our national sevens coaches and selectors.

One such talent is Police's Waisale Dau, who failed to make the last 20, but has played sevens for Fiji on a couple of occasions.

But such is the Naitasiri lad that when he is fit he is an instant match winner especially for Police on many occasions.

His problem is just that he is inconsistent, probably because of injury, but on his day few other playmakers currently playing can match him.

Not that he plays badly, rather he does have quiet games where he opts to let his teammates outshine him rather than him weaving his magic.

What makes Dau unique is that he goosesteps with either feet and this has often seen him get out of tight situations either to score tries or set up teammates.

And when he does a double ù a left then right goosestep one after the other fans go crazy and take double intakes of breath. He tackles well and is a solid customer.

He is the next closest thing to Waisale Serevi and he still needs to develop confidence and consistency.

But just like in Serevi's days people watch sevens rugby just because he is playing and some fans like to watch the Police team just because Dau will be playing, expecting him to come up with his tricks.

However, Dere and Etuate Waqa have gone for the consistent and super-fit Metuisela Talebula and Livai Ikanikoda for the choices of playmaker.

At playmaker or rover is Talebula, a multi-talented player with rugby in his blood.

His three uncles, the Ratudradra brothers, all played rugby for Fiji.

Eldest uncle Viliame Ratudradra played at number eight for Fiji in the famous win against the British Lions in Suva in 1977 and represented Fiji on many occasions including the Fiji sevens team in the inaugural Hong Kong Sevens in 1976 and the first win in 1977.

Younger brothers Eneri and Kitione Ratudradra also played loose forwards for Fiji in fifteens.

Talebula played for the Fiji sevens team in New Caledonia last year and displayed the aggressiveness in the tackle that was a trademark of the Ratudradra brothers.

He will be a popular choice for Wellington and Las Vegas because of his front on and fearless tackling and exceptional rugby talents.

In the current squad, expect big things from Nadroga's Sekonaia Kalou.

The man from Navisabasaba in the tikina of Malomalo maybe just the answer Fiji has been waiting for.

He is a fitness fanatic, a test second-rower and can outrun any winger in the country.

Kalou previously played his rugby in New Zealand for Otago and represented Nadroga last season.

He plays sports throughout the year and is a national men's netball and Fiji archery rep.

He played for Fiji in the 2011 Rugby World Cup but was injured.

But if we follow Kalou's XV career he is a prolific tryscorer having played in every Fiji game in 2010.

He likes to show off his great pace whenever he is in possession and his run-away try against Samoa last year is the most memorable.

With the fullback to beat Kalou swerved around him and outpaced him for the race to the tryline.

He is a great lineout jumper and rarely does a player play first for Fiji in fifteens then sevens. His great speed and all-round play in tight and loose situations makes him a trump card for the next leg of the series.

The other Nadroga forward experienced players are Apisai Domolailai and Nemani Nagusa.

They have ball winning capabilities, provincial and top level experience to go with it.

Obviously, Dere and Waqa have maintained their preference of players who have had provincial rugby experience.

Sevens is a pressure game and Fiji has often lost many important games because players recruited from club level competitions often lacked mental toughness, which is gained through experience in top provincial competitions.

They can play well in pool games against weaker opposition and when it comes to the tougher games against England, New Zealand, South Africa and Samoa they easily panic. But it is not always the case and some players selected from club competitions in previous years like William Ryder have won great games for Fiji against top opposition and made a name for themselves.

So by the look of things to come, players hoping to make the national sevens team will have had to play top level rugby to be sure to make Dere and Waqa's team.

On the other hand club sevens tournaments allows the exposure of a wide range of sevens talents which wouldn't have been possible through provincial sevens competitions.

It is up to the club coaches and provincial coaches to seek out and nurture such talents as in the case of Semi Radradra, who was noticed by Inoke Male in Taveuni and brought over to be groomed at Vatukoula.

He rose from the unknown to the Fiji under-20 side, Fiji sevens team and now he has been recruited by Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League competition in Australia.

And he is only 19 years of age.

In the speed department Joe Nasilisili carries our hopes with Osea Kolinisau.

Suva speedster Isikeli Vuruna did not make the final 20 maybe because of his military connections and would be an interesting prospect for the rest of the series.

As for Joeli Lutumailagi and Mitieli Nacagilevu their decision to rest has been hailed by many rugby followers as a wise decision.They may lose monetary benefits and opportunities to tour overseas in the next couple of months but they will benefit in the long run.

As the fitness experts say, load + rest = fitness.

We expect bigger things from them in both codes for Fiji.

Clubs to pay for 7s stars

Maciu Malo And Rashneel Kumar
Monday, January 09, 2012

OVERSEAS clubs wanting to take contracted Fiji sevens players must pay a fee.

Fiji Rugby Union operation manager Vilikesa Rinavuaka said the deal with union clubs abroad was that the release for any player contracted by the FRU must be paid according to his contract.

The comment comes as sevens players are being eyed by overseas clubs - including big-paying rugby league teams in the National Rugby League competition in Australia.

Semi Radradra, the young speedster from Somosomo in Taveuni, joined the Paramatta Eels after a sterling performance in the first leg of the IRB HSBC World Sevens Series on the Gold Coast.

The 20-year-old has been the find of the squad and his loss has left a void for coaches Alivereti Dere and his assistant, strategist Etuate Waqa, to fill by the end of the Uprising Sevens on January 21.

Rinavuaka said all unions had an understanding on player transfers.

"I'm not sure about rugby league clubs but unions have this deal," he said.

Newcastle Knights assistant coach Rick Stone, who flies into the country next month to coach the Fiji Bati, said they were still negotiating with the FRU.

"Negotiations are ongoing but nothing definite has eventuated," he said. "The recruitment team is definitely working on getting his release and I'm not sure what negotiations are ongoing at the moment."

National Digicel 7s coach Waqa, who switched to rugby league with former sevens star Noa Nadruku in the early 90s after playing rugby union in Australia and at home, said players must carefully consider their overseas offers before signing them.

The former dual international said the Rugby House wanted the best for the players, for their future and their families.

He said they had no hard feelings for Votu and Radradra "but we wanted them to secure good rugby contracts, especially for Votu".

"Most Fijian boys are excited of going overseas and they don't bother to check the finer details of their contracts," said Waqa.

"We want the best deal for them - not all overseas clubs are good, we have had many Fijian boys coming back to Fiji because of such dealings and we do not want these to happen to our boys."

He said the Australian rugby league teams were already starting with their off-season training and "this means that their final squad has been finalised".

"For Semi, I believe he will go through the trials for the Under 20 team, likewise for Votu he will undergo three months of trials before he's selected in the development squad.

"Being selected in the premier team is not an automatic, you need to go through many trial games and I know the same will happen to these two.

"I wish them the very best and continue to do well in their various new clubs," he added

Decree to license and brand Fiji mahogany

Friday, December 23, 2011

Cabinet has approved a Mahogany Decree which will govern the licensing and branding of Fijian mahogany.

Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the decree will ensure the mahogany industry operates on a sustainable basis and provides maximum return.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the Mahogany Industry Council will have rights to grant licenses.

“In June 2011, the council issued its first license to Sustainable Mahogany Industries Limited (SMI), at an upfront license fee of $1 million. In addition to this upfront license fee, SMI is also required to pay a license fee of $70 per cubic metre for every cubic metre of mahogany logs purchased from FHCL, as well as $25 per cubic metre reforestation fee.”

Sayed-Khaiyum says the decree will also enforce Fijian mahogany as an exclusive brand so that it is not mixed with mahogany from other countries.

A harvesting code of practice will also apply to the harvesting of plantation grown mahogany trees.

Report by : Christopher Chand

Sevens team turns to supplements

Emoni Narawa
Thursday, December 22, 2011

THE Digicel Fiji sevens team has been advised to use the Sports Nutrition Supplements supplied by Fiji Sports Supplements.

Lautoka rugby coach Sireli Bulicokocoko mentioned that the nutritious supplement would help uplift the performance of rugby players in the country.

Bulicokocoko's men used the legal drug during its off-season training.

"I believe if Fiji rugby wants to improve then I am recommending this thing to be used by all players. I have seen the changes it has given my players and their performance during training."

FSS director Apenisa Vodo said the national sevens team needed the supplement to ensure appropriate and speedy recovery during the International Rugby Boards HSBC Sevens World Series.

"Rugby is an intensive contact sport that involves tedious and rigorous workouts. One of our biggest hurdles in the IRB 7s circuit is recovery time."

"Our players are constantly travelling for long flying hours, having to train rigorously and then having to play consecutive two to three day tournaments, by the time our players are on the field for the actual tournament they are fatigued and worn out as a result of the strained and worn muscles, lost nutrients and dehydration," the former Italy international said.

He said the nutrition supplement ensures appropriate and speedy recovery, rehydration, rebuilding and strengthening of muscles and the carrying of the right amount of body fat. He said having the wrong muscle or fat ratio leaves athletes prone to injuries.

"The last three 7's tournaments in Gold Coast, Dubai and Port Elizabeth have revealed that our players were dehydrated, fatigued, prone to injuries and powerless as highlighted in their weak defence and lack of endurance," Vodo said.

He added Fiji could still use the supplement to boost its performance in the next leg.

"We have another six tournaments left in this circuit with the upcoming Wellington tournament. It is not too late for our team to turn the odds around in our favour, this is the timely opportunity for our players to use sports nutrition supplements to recover, rehydrate, rebuild/repair muscles and build endurance and muscle power whilst ensuring that essential appropriate muscle/fat ratio in their bodies."

He said Fiji was blessed with natural talent. "Other teams beat us in strength, speed and power because they use this supplement despite our natural talents," Vodo said. Fiji coach Alifereti Dere said they needed to seek advice on the legal drug.

"We got our physio and other people in the team to seek advice from. It is a good idea but we need to seek advice from experts before we can make a decision," Dere said

FBCL News

7s workshop highlights key areas

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Players in the Digicel Fiji team today delivered their report of what they thought could be improved on before the Wellington and Las Vegas 7s next year.

Coach Alivereti Dere says the players highlighted two areas following the Gold Coast, Dubai and South Africa 7s tournaments.

"They highlighted the administration side of things like the food and clothing. The main point on clothing was that we are at a professional rugby era where teams get to wear brand clothes from sponsors and that we have to get with the time."

Dere also highlighted areas the coaching staff identified, needing more improvement.

"From our part, we will try and improve on our endurance and our set pieces. These were the two key areas we felt that were exposed by other teams."

The players have been handed their training program for the next two weeks and will be having their fitness test on January 4.

Report by : Vosita Kotoiwasawasa

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NEWS

ILO Condemns Fiji Junta over Labour Rights

18 November 2011: The UN’s International Labour Organisation has issued a strong condemnation of Fiji’s military Junta over severe violations of labour rights. The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association described the situation there as “extremely serious” and requiring urgent attention.

The ruling follows the arrests of Daniel Urai, President of the national trade union centre FTUC on October 29 and Felix Anthony, the organisation’s General Secretary, on 5 November. Worker representatives have also been subjected to a campaign of harassment, intimidation and physical beatings.

“Fiji’s military rulers are turning the country into an absolute dictatorship, and seem determined to destroy the trade unions as part of their strategy to crush any dissent and eliminate the legitimate voice of civil society,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow. “The rulers must turn back from this destructive path, and allow Fiji to return to democracy.”

The arrests of Urai and Anthony and the travel bans placed on them, have been linked to union opposition to a recent “essential services decree” which eliminates the right to trade union representation for a large part of Fiji’s workforce. The decree, written for the military regime by a US law firm, takes away collective bargaining rights for many workers, imposes heavy restrictions on those elected to union leadership positions and removes the right to strike and minimum wages for all the sectors it covers.

“The ITUC and its international trade union partners will be ramping up action against the Fijijunta’s plan to destroy workers’ rights, and is calling on all governments to put maximum pressure on the military rulers,” said Burrow.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions and national employer group ACCI have jointly condemned the junta’s actions, and trade union representatives at this week’s ILO Governing Body meeting have issued their own strong condemnation through the ILO’s Workers’ Group

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THE FIJI TIMES

Landslide threat forces family out

Tui Macuata hails people's respect for protected areas

Inmates clean up neighbouring school

2 more years for prisoner

Alarm over dead seafood

Party for first tourists

Tongan man back behind bars

Careless burning spreads wild

Firewood hunt ends in death

Deadline on food safety

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Town waits for 8 ships

Long ride, swim for food aid

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Towns, city count losses

She's the first

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New DDPC's promise

Jail time for indecent assault

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Heavy rain forecasted for Fiji group Feb 6th 2012

Families need food

Maciu Malo
Thursday, February 09, 2012

TWELVE families that sheltered at the Lautoka Girmit Centre are in dire need of food ration after returning to their homes yesterday.

Speaking on behalf of the families, Akuila Saukuru claimed the families did not receive food ration from the government after leaving the evacuation centre.

He said those affected families had lost a lot during the flood and they needed food ration.

"Most of these families had their farms destroyed during the flood and they desperately need food ration," Mr Saukuru said.

"We have requested the Lautoka district officer for the food ration but we haven't received any to take to our respective houses."

Lautoka DO Ruth Atu said food rations had been distributed to affected residents early this week.

"All those residing at the Girmit Centre have been given food ration for one week and they are supposed to budget these ration amongst them," Mrs Atu said.

"Donations and food rations have also been distributed to other affected areas in Lautoka and residents are urged to use the ration wisely," she said.

"There are also religious bodies and non-government organisations (NGOs) that are distributing food rations and donations to these affected areas."

Naviago resident Mere Yacalevu, 55, said she returned home without food ration.

"I was told that we will be taking some food home but nothing materialised so we have to leave the centre without any food," she said.

"Now, I have to look for food once we arrive home."

Mr Saukuru said the 46 families at the Girmit Centre were expected to vacate the evacuation centre by tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama made a surprise visit to some parts of the flood-affected areas in the Western Division yesterday.

Commissioner Western Commander Joeli Cawaki said the objective of the visit was for the Prime Minister to be updated on the latest developments and rehabilitation programs for the affected residents.

A total of 848 residents in the west are now sheltering at various evacuation centres in the Western Division.

LAS VEGAS FIJIANS WELCOMES FIJI 7'S TEAM

FNPF allows disaster withdrawal scheme

February 08, 2012 12:05:21 PM

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Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) board has reactivated its natural disaster partial withdrawal scheme for members affected by recent spate of bad weather, but under certain conditions.

Members should reside in affected areas defined by DISMAC, have partial withdrawal eligibility and that affected members are only allowed maximum withdrawal amount of $1000 per household.

The fund’s chance of stance, chief executive Aisake Taito said, was based on humanitarian grounds and for those affected by the floods in the Western Division.

Taito said those applying should complete FNPF Partial application forms to be witnessed by Commissioner Western or delegated officers, provide correct residential addressed for on-site inspection by FNPF officers and provide current personal bank account statement.

Members’ applications also need to be verified by district officers to ascertain damages to their proprieties.

“FNPF will liaise with government officials in the West to determine those that will be assisted,” said Taito.

And as a cost cutting measure, FNPF will deploy their teams to assist and receive applications.

“We will not receive any application for flood assistance at any of our branches or agencies. These applications will be received by our team who would be on-site at the areas designated as worst-affected.”

By Nasik Swami

'No fund' for flood victims

Maciu Malo
Wednesday, February 08, 2012

A group of people returned home disappointed yesterday after being turned away by the Fiji National Provident Fund's Lautoka office yesterday.

Akuila Saukuru of Naviago said he and a group of men sheltering at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka were told the FNPF would not be paying out any flood assistance.

He said 58 families were in dire need of funds and were disappointed after their visit to FNPF office yesterday.

"We were told that the forms have not reached the Lautoka office," said Mr Saukuru.

"We are surprised with the news from FNPF officials today (yesterday).

"Most of the families have schoolchildren to look after and we need to buy school uniforms but they don't have money."

Another disappointed resident Kaminieli Kama said he was told by FNPF officials that the Fund had yet to decide on the flood assistance scheme.

"I was told that the fund is not giving out flood assistance," Mr Kama said.

"I am requesting the government to step forward and help us through these troubled times," he said.

In response to queries, the FNPF said a statement would be issued later yesterday or today.

___________________________________________________________________

TIEGENS BOYS SCOOP WELLINGTON SEVENS CUP

Spellbound by Cama

Kameli Rakoko
Tuesday, February 07, 2012

ENGLAND's Isoa Damudamu did it in the quarter-finals in Dubai and Port Elizabeth and Tomasi Cama repeated it in Wellington.

Two of the HSBC Series most tactical coaches Ben Ryan and Gordon Tietjens have found that the ultimate weapon to stop Fijian sevens rugby prowess in the 2011-2012 season is using another Fijian.

Just like the old adage 'it takes a thief to catch a thief', it also takes a Fijian to stop a Fijian.

This has been happening for many years and another Fijian has joined Tietjens team to Vegas.

But as for Fiji-born Tomasi Cama, like wine, he gets better with age.

While Tietjens played down the pivotal role of the 32-year old Koro islander, no one can argue the fact that without him, the Kiwis will be plain ordinary.

Tietjens said in the after-match interview that it was a team effort as the reporter threw the obvious question on whether Cama had been the reason behind the win.

After receiving heavy marking from England in their semi-final clash, New Zealand were in sixes and sevens as England led 12-7.

With time ticking away and nowhere to go, Cama hoisted the ball in a diagonal kick behind the England defence for Tim Mickelson to chase and then feed DJ Forbes for the winner.

In the final, Cama was the master tactician behind the Kiwi's attack and defence.

His last gasp effort against Fiji hooker Lepani Botia to drive him over the touchline stopped a sure Fiji try and finished off the first half with a try of his own.

We believe he could have led New Zealand to more tries in the second half but did not.

At the sound of the hooter he kicked the ball out to avoid further punishment.

Cama senior must be very proud of the achievements of his son as any father would have been and also for rugby fans all over the country we congratulate Cama for the achievement.

However, he is only reaping the benefits of his dedication and discipline over the years and the many disappointments a couple of years ago when he nursed a knee injury and would not always complete matches.

He had also played second fiddle to the maestro himself Waisale Serevi for several years.

But without doubt in the 2011-2012 HSBC series Tomasi Cama is the greatest sevens player on the planet and he is enjoying the best years of his rugby.

When England thought that they had him cornered and wrapped in a cocoon he struck.

He thrives under pressure and from Wellington to Las Vegas every other coach in the series would be digging deep into their coaching experience trying to figure out how to stop Cama.

Last year he had opted to concentrate on the fifteens code but not surprisingly he returned and must have been at the urging of Tietjens and the unique camaraderie of the NZ sevens gladiators.

As for our team, it is so far so good.

If players want tips to stop the New Zealand sevens star then they can just call former Kabara Island Zone rugby rep Ilaitia Vakayatuyatu, who is on a visit to his relatives in Dogo Place, Kinoya.

Vakayatuyatu has some interesting tactics learnt from the battles of the island zone 20 years ago, especially after several bowls of yaqona. His tactics go back to when rugby was not really a game but a form of controlled tribal warfare with the referee at the end of the game running for his life.

On the serious side when asked of his view of the type of game plan he thought could bring victory, he said the coaches should use long striding Sekonaia Kalou outside the wing like Ratu Kitione Vesikula did with Mesake Rasari in the nineties.

Also for players to use their fend every time they have the ball.Interesting view from the islands, indeed.

However, we may have lost but reaching the final was a miracle on its own. We may have lost the battle but the war is still on.

Only four members of the team that won the Gold Coast Sevens are in the 12-member squad.

If we look at the bright side Fiji was the only team not allowed to use it's full potential because of the military ban.

Our players are so familiar with Cama as they travel and stay together in all tournaments and outside the ground Cama is a Fijian through and through.

Last week he posed for a photo with Osea Kolinisau, Emosi Vucago and other Fijian students who were in Wellington.

He is softspoken, humble and easygoing.

That is exactly why he is running around freely among our players in games because he earns their respect.

It is the same case when Fiji meets England. They let Isoa Damu run around the paddock and in the last leg he was responsible for both Fiji's losses in Dubai and Port Elizabeth.

When Sugar Ray Leonard challenged unbeaten world middleweight boxing champion Marvin Hagler for his title, after having collected the scalps of Tom Hearns, Panama's Robert Duran and every other welterweight champion on the planet, his first mission was to befriend him.

Hagler was a ruthless man in the ring and he achieved this by psyching himself up during his preparations.

By the time the bell sounded his opponent would be the most hated man in his life.

He was unbeaten for many years.

So Sugar Ray bought a shop in New York and invited Hagler to do the official opening.

Weeks later Sugar Ray won the WBA middleweight title sending Hagler to his first defeat.

In his book, Sugar Ray said that when Hagler agreed to open his shop in New York, he had 50 per cent of the fight already won.

It was a psychological tactic as Hagler found it hard to hate his opponent when the two finally met.

To stop Cama is not only a physical effort but first it would have to be a psychological effort and pep talks before kickoff and halftime is important to keep players focussed.

Because if Fiji wants to win in Las Vegas they will have to close him up and tackle him when in range and never let him dictate play or ground him hard with his first touch of the ball.

The Fiji players will have to learn to leave their feelings in the dressing room and run into the ground with no respect of the reputation of any Tom, Dick and Harry.

O Tomu se o Jeke, Go Fiji Go!!

Vegas man

Rashneel Kumar
Tuesday, February 07, 2012

EXPECT a Joe Rokocoko performance from Gordon Tietjens' new find, Waisake Naholo, at the USA Sevens this weekend.

So says Naholo's uncle and Nadroga coach, Esala Nauga.

The 20-year old Naholo, who hails from Nadroumai, Nadroga, forced his way into the New Zealand 7s side after Tietjens was forced to make two changes to his team for Las Vegas.

Nauga said his nephew's dream of becoming an All Black was on track after he was included in the team alongside Waikato's Jonathan Marlow as a replacement to Hosea Gear and injured Toby Arnold.

Naholo, who stands six-foot one-inch, is an inch shorter than former All Blacks winger Rokocoko.

The former Flying Fijian Nauga said Naholo had a physique like that of Rokocoko.

"When he (Naholo) came over to Fiji for holiday last year, we had a talanoa and he told me his interest of donning the New Zealand jumper," he said.

"I always told him to try for that and I think he is on the right track under Gordon Tietjens.

"Whenever I see him, I see a Joe Rokocoko in the making. He has the same build as Joe and he will be just another Joe Rokocoko for the New Zealand 7s side."

Naholo, a member of the victorious New Zealand under-20 team in the Junior World Cup last year, left Fiji in 2007.

Then, he was schooling at Cuvu College and playing for the school's U16 team.

Wanganui City College spotted Naholo while on a scouting tour to Fiji and offered him a scholarship to study in New Zealand.

Naholo accompanied his uncle, Meli Nauga, to Wanganui and since then has progressed through the grades to the Taranaki Academy in 2009.

"When he left for New Zealand, we didn't know how he will cope with the pressure there," Nauga said.

"There are thousands of New Zealanders out there with the dream to become an All Black one day.

"We are so proud of him. The whole family and the people of Nadroga and Navosa are happy with his achievement.

"We want him to do well and make us proud. For us, it will be a hard choice for whom to support. We always want Fiji to beat New Zealand but now we have one of our own playing for them so obviously there will be some soft feelings."

Naholo is the son of Nauga's elder brother, Aporosa. He is the eldest in a family of four siblings.

Fiji ranked among world’s best

Fiji has been ranked third among the world’s top five destinations for 2012.

Fiji has been ranked third among the world’s top five destinations for 2012 by one of the world’s famous travel blog site Ezine Articles.

Beating the likes of many developed countries the blog site ranked Norway first, USA second, Fiji third, Canary Islands fourth and Ukraine fifth.

The Ezine Articles said the top five destinations should not be missed in 2012.

Fiji has been labelled as very exotic with accommodation available for backpackers and luxury holiday makers.

The blog site said Fijians are among the friendliest people one could ever meet.

By Nasik Swami

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7s nemesis

Rashneel Kumar
Monday, February 06, 2012

FORMER Fiji sevens coach and skipper Tomasi Cama senior says the Digicel Fiji players need to look for ways to shut his son, Tomasi Cama junior when facing New Zealand in the HSBC IRB Sevens World Series.

The Fiji-born player was instrumental in New Zealand's second successive Wellington title win last Saturday night.

Cama Junior, who is the 2011/12 Series leading point's scorer, plotted New Zealand's attack and played vital roles in setting up three early tries.

He scored the final try in the dying stages of the opening half to seal the win for the home side at the Cake Tin.

Cama Senior said the national players needed to review the footage of the Wellington 7s final and work out ways to stop his nippy playmaker son.

"We hope our players go back and watch the footage of the final and see the way he (Cama Junior) played," the former Nabua player said.

"He needs to be carefully marked and somebody has to keep a close eye on him (on the field) all the time. He is doing well and now he is matured as a 7s player."

Fiji, led by assistant national coach Etuate Waqa, trails New Zealand by three points heading into the USA 7s in Las Vegas this weekend.

The Setefano Cakau-skippered side, drawn with Canada, Argentina and host United States in the pool play is expected to roll on easily to the quarters.

New Zealand, however, faces a tough pool battle against former Series champions Samoa, Australia and Japan.

"I think it was the lack of communication and poor defence in the first half that led us down in Wellington," Cama Senior, while evaluating Fiji's performance in New Zealand, said.

"Fiji was supposed to do what New Zealand did in the first half. When pressure came from the New Zealand players, Fiji started panicking and was caught flat-footed and that's why they dropped the ball, which resulted in the opening try.

"Our players seemed to have not played according to the game plan and our opponents sensed that forcing us to make more errors."

Cama Senior said the team needed to evaluate their performance against Tonga and NZ ahead of the Las Vegas 7s and amend basic mistakes.

He said the players should start creating chances to break through the defence.

"I think they really need to analyse their game against Tonga and New Zealand and work on some departments they have been lacking," Cama Senior said.

"Things like our kickoff and our defence. While attacking, our players need to create overlap and not run straight into big tackles which costs us the possession.

"And we also need to avoid playing in our own half in critical moments of the game. We should drive our opponents back into their half and try to hold them there."

Meanwhile, Fiji faces Argentina in the opening match of the USA 7s at 12noon on Saturday. The national side takes on United States at 2.56pm and in the final pool play they face

The aftermath of flooding on Western Fiji.

(Picture Courtesy of Ratu George Vuki)

A week after recovering from heavy flooding, Fiji faces another threat of continued rain this week.

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Fiji Media Watch commends lifting of PER

Publish date/time: 06/01/2012

The lifting of the Public Emergency Regulation tomorrow is being commended by Fiji Media Watch.

Media Monitoring Co-ordinator Fulori Turaga said the lifting reinstates Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in our country by which the media will once again effectively play its role as the fourth estate.

She added that Fiji Media Watch will continue their monitoring exercise however they reiterate that their role is not entirely to criticise the media but to build the bridge between the consumer and the media.

For media organisations, the lifting of the PER will mean the cease of censorship in newsrooms that have been taking place since April 10th, 2009.

Story by: William Waqavakatoga

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NZLS bans Fiji legal job adverts

February 05, 2012 03:35:50 PM

Fiji's Director of Public Prosecutions office has been banned from advertising legal positions in the New Zealand Law Society (NZLS) magazine known as Law Talk.

In a statement, Director of Public Prosecution Christopher Pryde said it was unfortunate that NZLS is involving itself in politics and preventing New Zealand lawyers from hearing about job vacancies in Fiji.

Pryde said New Zealand lawyers are being denied to decide for themselves whether they wish to take up legal positions in Fiji.

He said he is concerned as NZLS continues to have an inaccurate picture of the Fijian situation, in particular of the judiciary and the courts.

He also said invitations to the NZLS still stands and they are welcome to visit Fiji, meet and talk to anyone without restriction so that they can obtain for themselves a first-hand appraisal of things in Fiji.

By Mereani Gonedua

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Snoqualmies take giant leap to Fiji for resort deal

The Snoqualmie Tribe plans to invest in a casino operation in Fiji.

By Lynda V. Mapes

Seattle Times staff reporter

In its latest business venture the Snoqualmie Tribe is looking all the way to Fiji.

The Fijian government announced Tuesday its decision to grant the nation's first-ever exclusive gambling license to One Hundred Sands, which has announced plans to build a $290 million, five-star luxury casino resort on Denarau Island, in a partnership with the Snoqualmie Tribe.

"One Hundred Sands has taken care to strategically partner with the Snoqualmie Tribe from Washington State and Seventh Generation LLC, a Native American company with demonstrated excellence establishing new casinos," said Larry Claunch, chairman of One Hundred Sands, in a news release issued by the prime minister's office.

In a telephone interview, Claunch said he and the tribe have been talking for about five months, and while the tribe hasn't yet put any money into the deal, they are negotiating the tribe's financial stake. The tribe has committed to joining the venture as a partner, Claunch said, and will have ownership in the casino, as well as an active advisory role.

"They are going to be advising us on very aspect of casino management," said Claunch, a retired developer of retirement homes who moved to Fiji from Salem, Ore., about 10 years ago.

He said the conversations got started with Snoqualmie tribal administrator Matt Mattson first, when Mattson traveled to Fiji and investigated the possibilities.

The new venture is a long way — nearly 6,000 miles — from the tribe's North Bend casino, which opened in 2008 with a $330 million debt. The tribe swung open the doors right at the bottom of the recession and in the middle of one of the worst winters in years. The tribe's budget, built on rosier expectations, cratered.

The tribe has since restructured its debt, and the casino is doing better, reports by outside analysts show, and its bond rating has improved.

And now the tribe apparently has new business prospects. Fresh from his seaplane, Claunch said Wednesday he would be joining Tribal Chairwoman Shelley Burch and her brother Pat Barker, a hereditary chief for the tribe, for dinner. The two are in Fiji to continue talks about the tribe's stake in the business, he said. Neither would return calls for comment, and neither did Mattson.

Claunch said he beat out more than 50 other competitors for the sole gambling license granted by the Fijian government, in part he said because of his inclusion of a Native American tribe in the venture. He said that was important to him personally, because he liked the operations tribes run in the United States. Of the Snoqualmies, he said, "I have visited their casino and it's spectacular, I so admire the work they have done."

Paxton Myers, chief of staff for the National Indian Gaming Commission, said the federal agency only regulates Indian gambling on U.S. trust land, so the venture is outside of U. S. regulatory purview. The Washington State Gambling Commission has no jurisdiction over the venture, either.

The news, first reported in the Fiji Times, was controversial back in Washington state.

"It's hurting our tribe; it's pretty sad," said Kanium Ventura, elected to the tribal council in September 2007. He was later suspended by the council in an internal dispute, a move later overturned by the tribal court, but then renewed by the tribal council again.

"They are supposed to take this to the membership," Ventura said. "There is no benefits for us at Fiji; I don't think it will make much."

Some Washington state tribal leaders were surprised by the news.

"In Fiji! Wow. That's interesting," said W. Ron Allen, chairman of the executive committee of the Washington Indian Gaming Association and chairman of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe.

"I'm delighted for them. Extending outside your reservation comfort zone is unique."

He said he had expected the tribe to invest in a resort at its existing casino, not enter a new venture.

Other tribes have looked at gambling operations in other locations, including the Muckleshoot, which for a time looked into partnering in a tribally owned casino in Las Vegas — before dropping the idea.

But the Snoqualmies are believed to be the first tribe in Washington, and perhaps the country, Allen said, to enter into a gambling operation overseas. "It makes you scratch your head a little bit," Allen said.

Allen said his tribe has successfully launched businesses outside Washington state, including a health- and medical-supply company in California and a construction corporation that works all over the country. But the tribe has never worked up a partnership or investment outside the United States.

"We'd be pretty conservative about that. When you are so far removed, it can cause you some concern."

The latest move by the Snoqualmies comes at a time when the tribe is struggling with other issues, including an enrollment audit in response to allegations that many tribal members, including some of its leaders, don't meet the one-eighth blood-quantum requirement in the tribe's constitution to be Snoqualmie.

The tribe less than a year ago spent $14 million to buy out the contract of its former casino CEO's employment contract.

The first phase of the Fiji project will include a luxury resort and casino with 500 slot machines, convention center and banquet facilities.

In a prepared statement, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the venture "provides a malleable fusion between the Western ideas of casino gaming with the strong cultural values of tribal and community life."

Groundbreaking is proposed in March, 2012.

Staff news researchers Gene Balk and David Turim contributed to this story.

PM seals casino deal

Thursday, December 22, 2011

PRIME Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama announced yesterday that One Hundred Sands Limited has been granted Fiji's first casino licence.

He said government rigorously assessed all applicants before choosing One Hundred Sands Limited which plans to open a casino, a resort, and a convention centre on Denarau Island.

Commodore Bainimarama said the government was not trying to "imitate Las Vegas in the Pacific" because Fiji already had its own unique brand name.

Commodore Bainimarama said his government believed the development of casinos in Fiji within a regulated environment, which took into account the balance between the social impacts and potential economic benefits, could be a catalyst in stimulating growth in the tourism industry.

"This is a pre-condition for licensing in Fiji," Prime Minister Bainimarama said.

He said government also chose One Hundred Sands Limited because of its strong affiliation with native American culture which provided a malleable fusion between the Western ideals of casino gaming with the strong cultural values of tribal and community life.

He said government required that at least 20 per cent of ownership in the One Hundred Sands be reserved for Native American interests that are currently involved in casino gaming, as is customary in the US.

The company will also pay gaming taxes and a community fund levy which will be invested back into the Fijian community primarily for medical facilities, education, and infrastructure.

Larry Claunch, the chairman of One Hundred Sands Limited, said the lives of Fijians stood to be enriched by the project and that it would create 650 jobs and 250 construction jobs over the next two years.

Past governments' efforts to introduce casino failed because of opposition to it by religious bodies

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Bomb threat at Government Building

December 13, 2011 08:46:05 AM

A police and military search team is currently searching the Government Buildings in Suva following a bomb threat this morning.

Operations of the Suva Court House were interrupted and people waiting outside the court rooms along with workers were evacuated from the building.

Police Director Operations SSP Rusiate Tudravu told FijiLive they started the evacuation after receiving three threat emails and now they are following up on those addresses.

“We will not take this lightly even if it’s a hoax. It is a matter of concern and people’s safety,” he said.

“We have the address and we will get the culprits.

Tudravu said the Criminal Investigations Department is investigating the matter.

By Nasik Swami and Farzana Nisha

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Miss Fiji crowned Miss South Pacific 2011

December 12, 2011 08:39:26 AM

Miss Fiji, Alisi Rabukawaqa has been crowned Miss South Pacific 2011 in Apia, Samoa last night.

The first runner up was Miss Hawaii, Kawena Ka-Malamalama-O-Nalani Souza, second runner up- Miss Tonga, Liberty Hinalei Afeaki, third runner up went to Miss Papua New Guinea Sarah Kila Karo and the fourth runner up was Miss Cook Islands, Uirangi Bishop.

Rabukawaqa who is also the reigning Miss Vodafone Hibiscus 2011 represented Fiji among nine other South Pacific countries.

Apart from the Miss South Pacific title, Rabukawaqa was also awarded for best interviews during the pageant.

She advocated on the issue of shark protection.

The pageant started in 1987 and Fiji only won in 2009.

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CCF calls on Govt to reveal construction consultant details

Publish date/time: 09/12/2011 [16:08]

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The Citizens Constitutional Forum said the government needs to make public its plans on how the public consultations on the drafting of the constitution will be undertaken next year.

CCF Chief Executive, Reverend Akuila Yabaki said the government needs to reveal who will be involved and how members of the Constitutional Commission are expected to be appointed.

Yabaki said a fresh, innovative and appropriate approach is needed towards the constitutional development process to ensure it is inclusive and transparent and truly respective of the voice of the people and can be legitimately adopted as the supreme law of the land.

He said it is not merely the acceptance of a certain principle but the process under which that accepted principle is implemented must be inclusive, recognised and accepted as legal and binding by the people.

CCF believes that constitutional development does not have to follow the processes adopted in drafting of the Peoples Charter but a kind of constitutional assembly broadly representative and inclusive.

Meanwhile the government has revealed that it will ensure that the issue of legitimacy for the new electoral system is addressed before the next elections.

While speaking during the AG's Conference, Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said legitimacy has been gained through the general acceptance of a particular principle or value in many other countries, and this will be the same in Fiji.

Sayed-Khaiyum said the process is from the acceptance of the Peoples Charter to the consultations on the new constitution and then having the new electoral system in place.

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FIJI 7S SUPPORTERS – WHY DON’T WE PUT OUR MONEY WHERE OUR MOUTH IS!

So many times when Fiji rugby supporters would turn around and curse the rugby players when the team loses a competition. On the other hand, we smart to praise them when they win a tournament. In most cases asked the Government of the Day for a national holiday – think the last time was in 2005 when the Fiji 7s Team won the Honk Kong / 7s world cup which was captained by Serevi. The late Paul Tagivetaua always mentioned this in his rugby analysis.

What I am going to say is nothing new. Rugby critics always have a nail to hammer on the coffin. “Fiji team are not playing open style rugby that we are known for…” “ so many basics mistakes” “ Team lack discipline” and so on and so forth.

I always say this …”mental, mental, and mental.” Rugby or any sport for that matter has gone to another level overseas. The element that could be the missing ingredient is the “mental preparation” of their sporting team. Sports greats even have their own Sports Psychologist or some people call them Sports Scientist as sports has gone from a past time to a career.

“One of the greatest hitters of all time, Hank Aaron, attributed much of his success in baseball to his mental preparation–both before and during the game.

He was not a big advocate of the mechanics of baseball. Instead, he believed that mental preparation and doing his “homework” was the key to becoming a great, consistent hitter year after year.

Aaron was a master at studying the pitcher before games:

“I think about how a guy mentally prepares himself to do battle, to go out and face the pitcher. I think so many hitters do not know how to get themselves prepared to play or hit against a pitcher. You have to mentally be prepared to hit against all pitchers,” Aaron said (Hanson, 1991).

"I went into a cocoon for 15-20 minutes before each game. This was my quiet time, my preparation time. I focused on the pitcher and how he would try to get me out. I would envision getting a hit off the pitcher," ~Wade Boggs

Boggs, like Aaron, went to the movies in his mind to preview and visualize a plan for what was to come, which is a hallmark of champion athletes. ( Hanson, 1991).

“You may not remember this....During the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, a very small mental error cost shooter Matt Emmons the Olympic gold medal.

He lost this once-in-a-lifetime award because the stress winning a gold medal caused him to miss a critical step in his routine - a mental breakdown - before he executed his final shot.

With a commanding lead going into the final shot, Emmons forgot to check the number on the target he was supposed to shoot! Not only was this an embarrassing mistake, but one that carried a costly consequence—the loss of the Olympic gold medal!”

With those examples above, we as Fiji Supporters then need to zoom into what is the real problem with our boys. We need to have mental coaches, to prepare them during training, before and during and after a game. If we want to compete at world class standard we must engage a Sports Psychology. I do not for sure whether Fiji Rugby Union has one as some of the things that happen on the field are signs that they do have mental weakness. A classic and recent example is at the South Africa 7s. After the Fiji Team has lost from England in the cup quarterfinal (Fiji 12 England 17). The team could not pull themselves and lost to Wales 49 – 0 to Fiji. If they were focused mentally they could have scored a try or even beat Wales. They have mentally lost the plot since they have been relegated to the Plate category.

Now with this identified, what can we do as Fiji team Supporters? We can target 200 die hard fans and each fan contribute say $50 each to go towards a two year contract for a Sports Psychologist to train our boys mentally. These supporters then can have a face book page and they can elect a Fiji based Committee to monitor the performance of the appointed Sports Scientist.

Do we have anyone in Fiji? Yes we do. I have worked with two people before in the area of sports – Gaylene Osborne who is a Lecturer in Psychology in the University of the South Pacific and Master Joji Liga who is teaching at Nadi International School. I worked with Gaylene Osborne with the Fiji Beach Volleyball Teams before and during the 2003 South Pacific Games and she took the Team's preparation to another level. The Ladies team won gold and Men's team won silver. For Joji Liga we worked closely with the Nadi Rugby 2007 and 2008 seasons. The Nadi Rugby Team won all the trophies in the rugby season in Fiji. Those records speaks for itself on what mental preparedness could have a major influence in your performance on and off the field.

We need the appointed person to be part of the management team. He or she would travel with the team everywhere. Fiji Rugby Union has to support this project by meeting all the expenses in travelling, accommodation during tours. All other necessary paperwork could be done by the Nadi Rugby academy as in my view champion mental preparation in Fiji.

This is empowering the Fiji Supporters to put their money where their mouth is. What do you think if you are a ardent Fiji Supporter?? Are you in?? Let us know what you think!

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FAMILY OF FOUR DETAINED AWAITING DEPORTATION

A family of four from Fiji has been detained by the Australian Immigration officials. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship discovered the family to be illegally staying in Robinvale, working on local farms. The department spokesperson said they had overstayed their visas and are pending their removal from Australia. In a week of compliance action by the Australian immigration department, 50 people in breach of visa rules have been found, with 44 currently detained.

Story by: Filipe Naikaso

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FIJI RANKED AMONG WORLD'S BEST

Fiji has been ranked third among the world’s top five destinations for 2012.

Fiji has been ranked third among the world’s top five destinations for 2012 by one of the world’s famous travel blog site Ezine Articles.
Beating the likes of many developed countries the blog site ranked Norway first, USA second, Fiji third, Canary Islands fourth and Ukraine fifth.
The Ezine Articles said the top five destinations should not be missed in 2012.
Fiji has been labelled as very exotic with accommodation available for backpackers and luxury holiday makers.
The blog site said Fijians are among the friendliest people one could ever meet.
By Nasik Swami

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FNPF PROTECTED FROM LEGAL CHALLENGES

Elenoa Baselala
Friday, December 02, 2011

THE Fiji National Provident Fund Transition Decree has protected the Fiji National Provident Fund from any legal challenges.

It has also terminated any previous legal challenges on the pension reforms that are before the courts.

Gazetted on November 25, part 4, section 11(1) of the decree stated that "the relevant provisions are not to be taken to be inconsistent with a human right or a similar right of any person".

Last Friday, Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama during the 2012 Budget announcement revealed that the decree was effective on that date.

Current pensioners have been given a chance to re-decide their pension options with the amount they had initially saved refunded to their accounts, irrespective of how long they have been a pensioner.

According to Part 4 of the decree, no court, tribunal or any other adjudicating body has the power to accept, hear, determine or in any other way entertain any challenges against the validity or the loss or damage suffered by a person because of the new provisions.

The decree states that at the end of February, all pensioners will cease to receive their pensions under the current pension rates. From March, the FNPF will introduce new pension conversion rates starting at 8.7 per cent for those retiring at 55 years.

To protect the vulnerable from the 58 per cent pension reduction, the FNPF will pay "top up" to current pensioners. It won't apply to those who retire from March next year.

The top up allows those receiving pensions of less than $100 a month, to receive $100 a month. Currently, the FNPF's lowest monthly pension is $5 while the highest is about $10,000 a month.

The FNPF is urging current pensioners to see a FNPF pension counsellor to validate their identity as well as discuss new pension options before February 29, 2012.

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Fiji thumps NZ to win Gold Coast 7s title

November 26, 2011

Fiji stunned New Zealand 26-12 in the final to stake their claim as inaugural Gold Coast 7s winners.

The win sees them take an early lead in the new season on 22 points, three clear of New Zealand and five ahead of third-placed South Africa.

After emotional anthems, Fiji's inspirational 33-year-old captain Setefano Cakau set the tone for a superb final when he threw a dummy and raced 50 metres to put Fiji into a 7-0 lead.

Cakau left the field injured before half-time, and not before Tomasi Cama had cut the deficit to two points and then put New Zealand 12-7 ahead when he set up an attacking move and then latched onto Tim Mikkelson's raking run to score his second before half time.

After the break Fiji lost a further key player in Osea Kolinisau but they levelled when Joeli Lutumailagi raced clear to score, and a minute later they turned over the ball in New Zealand's 22 and found Emosi Vucago in space to lead 19-12.

Watisoni Votu crossed to cap a thrilling attacking build-up to see Fiji extend their lead 26-12, a lead they held onto until the final whistle sparked mass celebration.

South Africa recovered from their semifinal loss to Fiji to beat Australia in the new play-off for third place 17-5 with tries from Chris Dry, Johannes Prinsloo and Paul Delport.

The Welsh squad defeated Samoa 26-15 in the Plate final to collect 13 Series points. Argentina defeated Scotland 17-14 to lift the Bowl title and collect eight Series points.

Shane Howarth's Papua New Guinea beat Japan 31-19 in the Shield final to collect three Series points, and lift the first silverware of the new Series

CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR HIGHLIGHT OF GAMES

www.irbsevens.com/video/index.html

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Eagles Nab Five Series Points in Gold Coast

GOLD COAST, Australia – The Eagles snagged five HSBC Sevens World Series points in the Gold Coast, marking a strong start to their 2011-2012 campaign. With five points, the Eagles are tied for 11th place and move up one spot from where they finished last season.

The USA punched their ticket to the Gold Coast bowl quarterfinals after a strong day one performance and took care of Papua New Guinea 24-5 on day two to advance to the semis against Scotland.

With the first of the nine-stop World Series under their belts, the Eagles will continue on to Dubai next weekend (December 2-3) and Port Elizabeth on December 9-10 to round out their 2011 tournament schedule.

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Cakau and Naikadawa ruled out of Dubai 7s

Source: Fijivillage.com

Digicel Fiji 7s captain Setefano Cakau and Naitasiri hillman, Jimilai Naikadawa have been ruled out of the Dubai 7s weekend because of injury.

Coach Alifereti Dere confirmed to Fijivillage this afternoon that Aminiasi Nava and Pio Tuwai will go in as replacements.

Meanwhile, speaking from the Gold Coast, assistant coach Etuate Waqa said that injuries are part and parcel of the tournament and the team will adjust.

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Vice-captain, Osea Kolinisau added that there is no other win that is sweeter than to beat New Zealand by 26-12 last night.

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Fiji will now prepare for the next leg in Dubai this weekend and they are in Pool A with Argentina, United Arab Emirates and Samoa.

Story by: Selina Navuso