WELLINGTON (AP) The defending champion Fiji men's rugby sevens team will be led by Jerry Tuwai, Rio de Janeiro gold-medalist.Tuwai was part of the Fiji team which won gold at the 2016 Olympic sevens competition.Fiji's 2019 World Sevens Player-of-the Year will lead a team of experienced players that will compete in Tokyo as the gold medal favorites. After Fiji's victory at the Oceania Sevens tournament in Townsville, Australia, Coach Gareth Baber decided on his 12-man squad.Baber stated that he was looking for power and speed.Josua Vakurinabili and Kalione Nasoko provide the power, while Asaeli Tivuaka, Asaeli Toivuaka, Waisea Nacuqu and Napolioni Ratu, Aminiasi Timaba, Vilimoni Botitu and Waisea Nacuqu add speed to the backline.Baber stated that he is excited about the potential of the group. It's a balance between power, which is an important part of our game, and the pace we can put into it. We will continue to work on our ability to dominate the air battles and set-piece.After missing the Oceania tournament, Semi Radradra from England will be joining the Fiji team in Tokyo. Baber believes Radradra will easily fit in the Fiji team.Baber stated that he is a great person and an athlete. He has the ability to play sevens, even though he plays 15s. We have seen him do remarkable work when he played in either sevens or fifteens.Fiji was drawn in Pool B of the Olympic tournament alongside Canada, Japan, Britain and Canada. The competition begins July 26.Two key Fiji women's players are missing, Vani Buleki, and Luisa Tisolo. They were both injured at the Oceania Sevens.Coach Saiasi Fuli is very confident in his team, which includes Rusila Nagasau and Rejieli Davidua, 2016 Olympians. Fiji was eighth overall at Rio.Continue the storyThe majority of other players were part of the World Rugby Womens Sevens Series. Sesenieli Dou, Reapi Uluinasau, and Laisana Kuceva are all newcomers.We were able to play against Australia and New Zealand, where I was able. . . Fuli stated that Fuli wanted to find out who is able to take on the challenge.___Fiji squadsMen: Kalione Nasoko and Josua Vakurinabili. Meli Derenalagi. Iosefo Masie, Asaeli Tuivuaka. Semi Radradra. Vilimoni Botitu. Vilimoni Botitu. Waisea Nacuqu. Napolioni Bolaca. Jiuta Wainiqolo. Aminiasi Tuimaba. Jerry Tuwai. Reserves: Sireli Makala, Joseva Talacolo and Joseva Taliga.Women: Rusila Naimasi (captain), Rejieli Davidua, Vasiti Solikoviti and Reapi Uluinasau. Reserves: Ana Maria Roqica and Lavenia Tinai.____More AP Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/olympics-games, and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
