Fresh Fijians to defend Borneo International Club 7s title

Team manager Paula Biu said they have brought a brand new team, adding that none of the players from the previous squad that lifted the crown two years ago, made the trip to Kota Kinabalu.

Biu who has been with the team for five years now, expects a tough tournament although he has yet to see the other teams in the competition.

“We haven’t seen any of the other teams, but we are looking forward to that. There is going to be some tough encounters, especially from the overseas teams.

"It is definitely not going to be easy, but we are prepared for the challenge. We had to bring new players since the previous players are now with the national team and some are playing for other clubs overseas," he said in a statement issued by the organiser, Sandakan Rugby Club, here today.

Asked on which team will be their main challenger for the crown, Paula picked host team – the Borneo Eagles - since they have always been their main rival in the past.

Besides the Borneo Eagles, Paula also sees COBRA as another team to watch. "We heard that they have a mix of Fijians and Kiwis in the team, and I guess they will be a strong side.

Davetalevu has been drawn in Pool A together with Sabah Eagles, Massey from New Zealand, Sunnybank of Australia and Tawau Panthers.

Meanwhile, Borneo Eagles, who lost 12-5 to Davetalevu in the 2010 finals, is also expecting for a tough competition as coach Francis Stowers said they would not be underestimating any of their opponents, including DBKL Dragons, whom they will meet in their opening match.

“I consider every team as serious contenders for the title. We will take every game cautiously no matter who our opponents are,” he said.