Fiji Airways men’s 7s coach Gareth Baber believes the forwards have a major role to play in their bid to defend the Hamilton title in New Zealand in the weekend.

Baber says he has selected six forwards and believes they will be involved more in the game against some tough opponents.

“We have got some forwards with the six packs at the moment, obviously that makes 13 member squad but only 12 will be named. So you can see a balance of six forwards and six backlines. What I do know is the likes of Paula Drainisinukula and Josua Vakurunabili back in the group that gives us an added power.”

Meanwhile, the national 7s side defeated South Africa 24-17 in the final at Waikato Stadium last year.

They are pooled with Australia, Wales and Argentina.