Fiji coach Iliesa Tanivula has warned that this season’s IRB Sevens Series could be one of the toughest contests ever.

Paul Treu’s South Africa deservedly took last season’s title, claiming three wins and finishing runners-up twice.

But the flying Fijians finished runners-up overall after winning in Hong Kong and Edinburgh.

With traditional heavyweights England and New Zealand sure to hit back hard this season, and Wales surely inspired by their stunning World Cup win earlier this year, Tanivula is certain things will be tough.

The former New Zealand international player took over coaching duties from Fiji legend Waisale Serevi in February, after the sevens legend was sacked last season. And Tanivula is confident his side will be in the mix this season, regardless of the opposition.

He said: “Preparations have been fairly intensive. We’ve selected a strong team that we’re hopeful can deliver in Dubai.

“Every team will be tough. Honestly I think it’s impossible to predict but I think any opposition will need to be wary of every single player in our team.”

Dark horses Fiji were a big disappointment at the World Cup earlier this year as they crashed out to Kenya at the quarter-final stage.

But Tanivula is confident his stylish side will show a packed crowd at The Sevens ground just what could have been.

Fiji have not tasted victory in Dubai since way back in 1998 but had a real close shave last year. They only just missed out on a final spot at the new ground last season, reaching the last four, before losing out in extra-time to champions South Africa. And Tanivula said: “Regardless of our performance at the World Cup we’re always determined to win in Dubai.

“I think you’ve always got to be confident going into these tournaments but of course there are so many good teams these days that any one of a whole host of teams could win.”

Fiji ,champions in the 2005-2006 season, have avoided any of the traditional big guns in the group phase, having been drawn against rivals Samoa, Scotland and Zimbabwe. And they are confident of avoiding an early slip-up.

Tanivula believes his side are looking good for a quickfire start to the season-opening double-header.

From Dubai, Tanivula’s side go straight to South Africa for the George leg the following week. And he said: “We had a good momentum ending the last series. We have just got to step it up this time.

“We have done the preparation,” he added. “The boys have gone through some intense and strenuous training and we have done our part and have done the hard yards.”

* Tickets for the 2009 Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens are still available at The Sevens ground on the Al Ain Road, the Dnata Travel Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road and numerous Costa and MMI outlets, or by calling Ticketline on 8004669. They are also now available at Go Sport outlets and through Souq.com.

For more information visit www.dubairugby7s.com.

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