THE Daveta rugby 7s team successfully defended the World Club 7s title beating Samurai 19-17 in a thrilling final at Limerick, Ireland, at the weekend.
The Nadroga-based side stood firm and defended the crown from a gutsy and experienced Samurai side which featured England 7s stars John Brake, Ethan Waddleton, Hary Glover and other international players such as Portugal Pedro Leal, Scotland’s Michael Fedo and Italy’s Apisai Tavutunawailala.
Daveta captain Sakiusa Gavidi led by example as the South Seas Islanders played their hearts out displaying Fijian brand of rugby to win the crown for two consecutive years.
Laced with former Fiji 7s playmaker Waisea Nacuqu, Sakiusa Gavidi, former national rep Jone Vota, Fiji Warriors halfback Emori Waqa, Jo Lotawa and Luke Navuwai to name a few, the side hammered home team Munster 40-14 in the quarter-final to proceed through.
The side also defeated Leinster 45-5 in their first pool game before humbling New York 17-5 and later thumped France Stade Francais 36-5 in their third pool game.
Gavidi led the team to clinch the world club title despite the presence of top teams such as the Stade Francais of France, Hurricanes of New Zealand, Munster of Ireland and Leinster of England.
Other notable names that were featured for Daveta were Fiji 7s rep Eminoni Nasilasila, Sevenaca Rawaca, Eremasi Radrodro, Joeli Lutumailagi, Epeli Natuikata, Kaliova Tani, Leveni Kurumudu, Emosi Vucago, Jerry Tuwai and Apisai Domolaila
