Fiji made five changes for Wellington

Despite contractual disagreements amongst players and Fiji Rugby Union, Baber and the team have been hard at work with training and warm-up matches.

The selection sees five players from the Fiji Baabas Sevens team forcing their way into the side.

Mesulame Kunavula and Nacanieli Labalaba will make their debut, while Kalioni Nasoko, Amenoni Nasilasila and Alivereti Veitokani make a return to the side.

Retained from the last leg are Jasa Veremalua, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Setareki Bituniyata, Nemani Nagusa, Jerry Tuwai, Osea Kolinisau, Samisoni Viriviri and Joeli Lutumailagi.

Vatemo Ravouvou who missed out on the first leg of the tournament has also been named in the team.

Baber said that the players from the Fiji Baabas Sevens team deserved to be selected as they played really well and impressively. He also congratulated the two debutants in the team.

"We believe that we have selected a very good team which has a mixture of experienced and youthful players. I am confident that the team will do well in both tournaments,"

"Some of the senior players are still recovering from injury and will be considered for the next leg once their rebab has been completed,"

FRU CEO, John O’Connor congratulated the players on their selection.

"I would like to congratulate you on your selection especially the two debutants. However, I would like to remind the team that you face a huge challenge in both tournaments,"

"All eyes will be on the team as you take the field because you now have a new coach. But be reminded that this is the same as any other tournament only a different venue and the game plan does not change. So go out there play to the best of your ability and make Fiji proud,"

The FRU also confirmed that apart from the players undergoing rehab, those that were not selected have been released to play for their clubs in the Coral Coast Sevens this weekend.

Fiji Sevens: Jasa Veremulua, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Setareki Bituniyata, Nemani Nagusa, Kalioni Nasoko, Mesulame Kunavula, Jerry Tuwai, Vatemo Ravouvou, Osea Kolinisau, Alifereti Veitokani, Amenoni Nasilasila, Samisoni Viriviri, Nacanieli Labalaba, Joeli Lutumailagi

fijirugby.com