The absence of key players from the Dominion Brothers rugby team, who are currently on national duty, has paved the way for the under-21 squad to take the spotlight in the upcoming Super 7s Qualifier set to take place in Sigatoka this Saturday. Noteworthy players such as Sakiusa Siqila, Filipo Bukayaro, and Josese Batirerega are unavailable, as they are representing the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s teams—Siqila and Bukayaro are in Cape Town, while Batirerega is competing in Korea.
Despite the loss of these significant contributions, head coach Rokolua Manuaba remains optimistic about the younger players stepping up to fill the gaps. “Many of our under-21 players have been gaining exposure on the field in major rugby tournaments and have been performing well,” Manuaba remarked. He believes these junior players have a crucial role in securing a spot in next month’s McDonald’s Coral Coast Fiji 7s tournament.
The Dominion Brothers have been drawn into Pool D, where they will be competing against Covenant Rugby, Ravuka Sharks, and Yalova Spearhead. Manuaba noted that their prior experience against these teams in tournaments like the Fiji Bitter 7s series could serve as an advantage. However, he stressed the necessity for his squad to adjust their strategies to outmaneuver their pool rivals.
The one-day qualifier event will take place at Lawaqa Park, generating excitement as the team looks to demonstrate their capabilities and earn a place in the prestigious Coral Coast 7s. Although this transitional phase may present challenges for the Dominion Brothers, it also offers a valuable opportunity for young talent to shine on a more prominent platform. With the right approach and mindset, these emerging players have the potential to create a significant impact on the field.