Fiji 7s playmaker Livai Ikanikoda is probably the oldest in the Fiji 7s 26-man squad preparing for Dubai based on the year he made his debut for Fiji on the HSBC World 7s Series, but he knows full well it will not be a walk in the park.
Despite boasting nearly 50 appearances on the world 7s circuit since 2011 including being part of the extended training squad to the recent Tokyo Olympics, Ikanikoda says he has work extra hard to prove himself in an extended squad comprising 70 per cent newbies who are eager to make their first appearance in the national colours.
“It has been tough for us with the new boys too,” Ikanikoda said. “It’s a tough time for us to secure our position for Dubai.”
Fiji 7s coach Saiasi Fuli indicated so when he talked about the training levels the young squad was hitting in just the second day of camp.
“It’s a good sign to us. We were even surprised and that is the platform for us to move forward. Fitness level is not very bad, but the next challenge is to train and train well so we can compete and compete well and produce the same results like the past tournaments,” Fuli said.
2021 – DUBAI EXTENDED SQUAD
1. Joseva Talacolo
2. Kavekini Tabu
3. Josua Vakurinabuli
4. Tevita Daugunu
5. Elia Canakaivata
6. Sefa Navuli
7. Venioni Vuki
8. Tira Welagi
9. Simione Cece
10. Jeremaia Matana
11. Nasoni Tulavo
12. Livai Ikanikoda
13. Terio Tamani
14. Jerry Tuwai
15. Jo Vunisa
16. Taniela Yaya
17. Jone Manu
18. Kaminieli Rasaku
19. Maneli Maisamoa
20. Waisea Nacuqu
21. Iowane Leone
22. Panapasa Qeruqeru
23. Filipo Sauturaga
24. Iowane Teba
25. Rusiate Matai
26. Vuivuwa Naduvalu
