Based on the Fiji Day 7s One-Day Tournament held two weeks ago, the Eels will be the team to beat. SHALVEEN CHAND/26101106
Local clubs will have the opportunity for a ‘last hit-out’ this afternoon in their preparations for the RARO 7s tournament next month, from November 5–7.
The Super 7s tournament, to be held at Aretere Park in Avatiu, will feature five premier men’s teams: Avatiu Eels, Kuki Bula Brothers, Tabusoro, Veiyasana Brothers and Tupapa Panthers.
Cook Islands Rugby Union development manager Ben Koteka said for local teams preparing for the RARO 7s, “this will be their last hit out”.
Based on the Fiji Day 7s One-Day Tournament held two weeks ago, the Eels will be the team to beat.
“The Eels with their width and depth of talent were able to win all five matches – although they did start slowly but after each game, they got better especially with their fitness levels and the core of Cook Islands 7s reps Nathan Nabou and Tevita Niusama and hard-working forwards Fana Fotofili and Bill Temo,” Koteka said.
Kuki Bula Brothers finished as runners-up at the Fiji Day 7s tournament.
“Standout players from the runner-up Kuki Bula Brothers were the twin brothers, ex-CI 7s reps, Jason and Thomas Potoru and their evergreen speedster Pita Senibiakula.”
Koteka said that with five teams participating this afternoon – featuring 14-player squads and 12 players per match – all teams are expected to play four matches today before a winner is decided.
The under-14/16 Maine Tueporo and U14/16 Avatiu Youth Development teams will play during the breaks.
“Make sure to be at Aretere Park (Avatiu) from 1pm for some fast and furious
Fixtures
12.45pm – Opening prayer, 1pm Eels-Tabusoro, 1.17pm Kuki Bula-Veiyasana, 1.34pm U14/16 Maine Tueporo A-U14/16 Maine Tueporo B, 1.51pm Veiyasana-Eels, 2.08pm Tabusoro-Panthers, 2.25pm U14/16 Eels A-U14/16 Eels B, 2.42pm Panthers-Veiyasana, 2.59pm Eels-Kuki Bula, 3.16pm U14/16 MT A-U14/16 MT B, 3.33pm Kuki Bula-Panthers, 3.50pm Veiyasana-Tabusoro, 4.07pm U14/16 Eels A-U14/16 Eels B, 4.24pm Tabusoro-Kuki Bula, 4.41pm Panthers-Eels, 5pm Prizegiving – Individual & Team Awards.