The Fijiana team during their training session [Source: Fiji Rugby]

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s coach Saiasi Fuli has named a formidable side for the HSBC 2019/2020 Womens Sevens Series opening tournament in Glendale, USA this weekend.

Fuli said “We have managed to prepare well this season.

“With a larger the off season program, the girls are in much better shape compared to last season.”

Rusila Nagasau will captain the 12-member squad and will be guided by the experience players such as Ana Maria Roqica, Raijeli Daveua and Lavenia Tinai.

With Tinai and Deveua, six more players who were part of the Pacific Games gold medal winning squad have made the cut.

Akanisi Sokoiwasa, Luisa Tisolo, Tokasa Seniyasi and Vasiti Solikoviti are once again expected to provide the fire power in the Fijiana 7s squad this season.

Fuli added “We have got a big season ahead of us and we have prepared physical well, and have introduced new pattern of plays.”

“The core of the team traveling to Glendale is from the team that played last season and at the Pacific Games” he said.

He highlighted that the girls need to pick the momentum from the first game as they are in a tough pool alongside Australia, Spain and Canada.

“All the teams in womens competition are tough.

“We just need to prepare well mentally and stay focused on what we can do and try to create something positive next week in Glendale” the coach commented.

The team departs for Glendale 7s tomorrow.

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s is pooled with Canada, Australia and Spain.

They take on Canada in their opening match at 4.15am {FJT} on Sunday, then face Australia at 6.37am {FJT} before batting it out against Spain at 9.21am {FJT}.

Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s 12-member squad
Asinate Savu
Rusila Nagasau {c}
Lavenia Tinai
Raijeli Daveua
Vasiti Solikoviti
Ana Maria Roqica
Ana Maria Naimasi
Viniana Riwai
Tokasa Seniyasi
Mereula Torooti
Luisa Tisolo
Akanisi Sokoiwasa