"We want to win this one badly," coach and legendary sevens champion Waisale Serevi said ahead of the two-day event that starts on Friday. The downturn in the economy since the military coup meant many people were struggling but he vowed the country would be united behind their sevens team. "Politics separates people, religion can even separate people -- but rugby in Fiji always brings people together," he said. The incentives were already strong for the reigning International Rugby Board Sevens Series champions after falling to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the first two tournaments of this season in Dubai and South Africa. Fiji and England share third place in the series, 12 points behind series leaders New Zealand and South Africa who both have 36 points. One of Fiji's stars Neumi Nanuku will be missing through injury but this will be partly offset by the return of former captain Semisi Naevo. Crucial to their chances of retaining their Wellington title are fleet footed William Ryder and the 38-year-old Serevi, who still provides incomparable experience when he takes the field. Home side New Zealand faded into fourth place last season in the IRB Sevens Series last year after previously winning every previous series since its inception in 1999-2000. But they have roared back into contention this season as beaten finalists against South Africa in Dubai and by turning the tables against the South Africans in the final. They have made four changes to the 12-man squad, with captain Tafai Ioasa returning from injury. Coach Gordon Tietjens believe his side will be faster with the inclusion of Charles Baxter, Tomasi Cama and new cap Steven Yates. "There's lots of pressure playing in our home tournament," Tietjens said, adding that the strong start to the series had filled the team with confidence. The performance of co-leaders South Africa will be closely watched in the 16 team competition after the loss of five players from December's side to Super 14 duty. But captain Jonathan Mokoena said the team still believed it could go on to win the series for the first time. "They definitely believe we can actually win the rest of the series, while focussing on it one game at a time," he said. A youthful England under new coach Ben Ryan will also be under scrutiny to see if they can maintain their early momentum in the series. Top of Page |