Sports

Nicol praises Fiji 7s season newbies

March 28, 2012 1:04 am

The young Fiji 7s forwards have been praised by former Scotland captain and commentator during the Hong Kong 7s, Andy Nicol.

Coach Alivereti Dere and his assistant Etuate Waqa have roped in new talent this season in the likes of Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, Jimilai Naikadawa which Nicol says will be hard men to beat in Japan this weekend.

Nicol says these players and Fiji’s overall performance in beating New Zealand in the Hong Kong 7s final on Sunday was one to be remembered.

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“Fiji and New Zealand, two best teams in the tournament, slugging it out showing unbelievable levels of fitness, skill levels, commitment and desire, it was top quality. How could you not be moved by the Fijians, it was so emotional you just wonder if it was too much. Sometimes you wonder if it’s too much before the game that it spills over in the game, but they got it absolutely right, they came out of the blocks flying. Some of the forwards, Naycalevu, Naikadawa they were so electric then Nagusa and Botia came off the bench and they were just brilliant. Take nothing away from NZ they played outstandingly, and that’s probably the best they’ll play and not win a tournament."

Nicol has been commentating on the RBS Six Nations for BBC Sport but he was in Hong Kong alongside the likes of Nigel Starmer-Smith and Keith Quinn for the first time.

The Tokyo 7s begins on Saturday – Fiji plays France at 3.12pm, Japan at 6.47pm and will meet England at 10.09pm.

New Zealand leads Pool B with Australia, USA and Hong Kong.

Argentina, Wales, Kenya and Russia are in Pool C while South Africa, Samoa Scotland and Portugal are in Pool D.