Updated: 6:00am – With three days to the 2017 Dubai 7s, Fiji Airways Men’s 7s coach Gareth Baber is embracing the big challenge from South Africa, England, USA, New Zealand and Australia in the 2017/2018 World Sevens Series.
South Africa have named Chris Dry, Philip Snyman, Tim Agaba, Kwagga Smith, Werner Kok, Kyle Brown, Branco du Preez, Rosko Specman, Justin Geduld, Cecil Afrika, Seabelo Senatla and Ruhan Nel.
They are aiming to defend the Dubai 7s title after defeating Fiji 26-14 in the final last year.
Baber says South Africa is a quality side along with other top teams. Baber adds this is the beauty of playing sevens. Fiji is pooled with Russia, Wales and Australia.
Fiji will take on Russia at 7.06pm this Friday in their first game, they will then face Wales at 10.06pm Friday before facing Australia at 4.06am Saturday in their last pool match of the Dubai 7s.
The Medal quarterfinals will start at 6.30pm Saturday, the semifinal will be held at 1.19am Sunday while the final will kick off at 4.33am Sunday.
South Africa is the defending champion. Fiji has only won the Dubai 7s title twice which was in 2013 and 2015.
We have lost out in the final seven times.
-Fiji Village
Featured image: Action from the Fiji vs South Africa match at last year’s Dubai 7s final
