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The toughest selection decision of Fiji Sevens' boss's career

Fiji Sevens coach Gareth Baber.

Fiji Sevens coach Gareth Baber is facing the most difficult selection decision of his time in charge of the reigning Olympic champions as he finalises his squad for the defence of the gold medal in Tokyo where Jerry Tuwai, World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, is set to carry his country’s flag in the opening ceremony.

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Despite not playing for almost 15 months, the Fijians finished unbeaten in the Oceania 7s tournament in Townsville, defeating the All Black Seven’s 17-7 in their final match.

Fiji was strengthened by the inclusion of France-based Vilimoni Botitu and Aminiasi Tuimaba and they will have superstar Semi Radradra to call upon at the Olympics with the Bristol centre flying direct to Japan to link up with the squad. However, it is reported that Botitu’s name is not on the initial list of 20 players submitted to Games organisers.

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Maro Itoje | All Access | Episode 2 – What is it like playing for Saracens rugby club?

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      Maro Itoje | All Access | Episode 2 – What is it like playing for Saracens rugby club?

      Jim Hamilton sits down with Vitality ambassador and former teammate Maro Itoje before he jets off to South Africa for the British & Irish Lions Series.
      The Saracens lock told us all about Saracens rugby club and the defining effect it has had on his rugby career.

      Baber is understandably upbeat after the Oceania success and said:“I think we’re in a good spot. We’ve played some good stuff but we’ve been ordinary at times as well and we know that there’s always stuff to work on but we scored a good bag of tries which is what we’re always after and we’re continually working on our shape and qualities in defence.

      “It’s first time we have been in an international competition, some 15 months, so I’m pleased with the level we are at, I’m also pleased with the intensity we bring to the game, we still got a little bit of more work to do physically and keeping ourselves with that mental battle we get in the game but overall it has been a good outing.”

      Baber praised new squad members Sireli Maqala, Iosefo Masi, and Jiuta Wainiqolo who have complicated the selection process that he is now wrestling with. “They have really put their hands up for selection. They are working their socks off, are diligent about the way they go about their work and they show it on the field. I’m pleased across the board, the players have worked hard and worked for each other” he said.

      There were injuries with Kalione Nasoko dislocating a shoulder that was successfully put back in place while Asaeli Tuivuaka is recovering from concussion. “We are trying to get his head up the way he tackles but he tent on leading with his hands most of the time but he will be ok. He will go through protocols to get back to training” said Baber.

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      .The Fijian men’s and women’s teams completed two weeks in quarantine on the Sunshine Coast last and have been training in Townsville after receiving their second dose of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

      The men’s competition in Japan sees three of the top four placed teams from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games together in Pool B as champions Fiji will face silver medallists Great Britain and hosts Japan, who finished fourth in Rio, along with Olympic debutants Canada who claimed bronze at the last HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series event, which took place in Vancouver last year.

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      RedWarrior 4 hours ago
      The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

      So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

      Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

      Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

      1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

      2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

      3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

      4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


      One last thing missing from English analysis

      How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


      Food for thought old boy!!!!

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