Dubai: South Sea Drifters appear to be hot favourites for the International Invitation tournament after cruising through to today's quarterfinals at the Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, but player-coach Waisale Serevi is taking nothing for granted.
His side beat RC Yug 36-0 and then stepped up a gear to overcome a Scott Hastings-managed Steelers outfit 38-7. But one of the sport's great entertainers said the knockout stages of the competition would pose a completely different test for the Drifters.
He said: "We produced two good performances today and I am happy with what we achieved.
"I was especially pleased with the displays of a couple of boys, who I think could be in contention for places in the Fiji team next season.
"But from the quarterfinals, it is do or die. We want to win, but we will not be underestimating anyone and will be trying to learn from our mistakes."
Serevi may be putting all his energies into the Drifters right now, but even at the age of 39 he is hoping that there may be another chapter to write in his remarkable Fiji career on the IRB stage.
He added: "I'm thinking of trying to earn a place in the squad for Hong Kong next year. I am still fit and still enjoying playing, and that's very important."
The Drifters now face Stefan adidas BHF in the last eight while Marauders, who also won both of their pool matches, take on a Christina Noble side that drew its final game 19-19 with the KooGa Wailers.
Action continues
The other quarterfinals see Sporting Chance meeting Steelers and KooGa Wailers facing Moscow Region.
The action at the Dubai Exiles continues today with the IRB teams making their first appearances as well as teams in the Gulf Cup.
First up at 8am on the main pitch are the Dubai Exiles who launch their defence of the Gulf Cup against Muscat.
Skipper Marcus Smith has the luxury of being able to call on many of the same players who contributed to last year's convincing triumph, which itself followed a popular win the season before.
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