Caption:Ulaiasi Lawavou, Joji Raqamate, Benito Masilevu and Ilai Tinai at the official parade of the New Zealand Sevens in Wellington.
By JOSEPHINE NAVULA
Ulaiasi Lawavou plans to come out in full force in the first match tomorrow against Scotland as a tribute to his late loved ones whom he lost recently that also donned that Fiji jersey at their time.
Lawavou lost his uncle, Former national, 15s and 7s player and coach, the late Senivalati Laulau to a short illness earlier this year and his cousin, Former Fiji rep Maleli Kunavore to a kidney problem late last year.
“It was really a tragedy when this happened but I aim to play and train really hard and to be like them one day,” he said.
After being named as one of the starting lineup , Lawavou is determine to give his all.
“Like all the players in the team, I want to achieve my goal and it all depend on the hard work and dedication but I can assure you that I will give my very best out there in the field,” he said.
Lawavou mentioned they are taking one game at a time.
“We are not taking the first match against Scotland lightly and I know they will be a good challenge for us too,” he said.
Lawavou added they are confident but also ask for the continuous support from all the people of Fiji and the Fijians abroad.
National Coach Timoci Wainiqolo the team is very thankful at the supports that turned up at the official parade in wellington.
“There were a lot of supporters and we are really thankful to all, it was really huge,” he said.
The New Zealand Sevens kicks off in Wellington tomorrow with Fiji taking on Scotland at 1.50pm in its first pool match.
Fiji then takes on Australia at 4.46pm and the last pool match is against Portugal at 8.34pm.
Our starting line up will feature; Ulaiasi Lawavou, Manueli Laqai, Setefano Cakau – Captain, Joji Raqamate, Ilai Tinai, Josua Tuisova, Samisoni Viriviri.
Reserves: Nemani Nagusa, Jesa Veremalua, Manasa Naiyagi, Benito Masilevu, Jone Vota.