Swire Shipping Fijian Drua star Salestino Ravutaumada is following his heart.

He has given up his spot in the Mick Byrne coached FIJI Water Flying Fijians side to take on the British Barbarians this Sunday.

Yesterday at Lautoka’s Churchill Park he was chasing a spot in the national sevens side for the Olympics taking on the Australian side in their two scrimmaging sessions yesterday.

The speed merchant received great applause from the stand whenever he had his hand on the ball beating the visitors 22-5 and 12-0 in both games.

The other Drua player in camp is 2020 Olympian and 2022 Rugby World Cup 7s gold medalist Iosefo Masi who showed glimpses of brilliance with the oval ball.

“I just follow my heart no offense for fifteens,” Ravutaumada said yesterday.

Fitness 

“Trying to get back into my fitness and hopefully I’ll get there before the team gets picked for the Olympics,” he said.

“It’s good as the game of sevens is tougher; Australia is a good team. Today was a good run out.

“Competition is undeniably tough, more and more people are on their feet for selection, like them I am also aiming for the Olympics.

“Everyone is helping everyone; it is good company to be around, with everyone coming to train again, the next couple of days.”

Head coach Osea Kolinisau said, “Masi and Ravutaumada are world class players.

“Good to see them attacking freely and I’m happy with their contribution today in the game. I wanted to see how the teams connected with the players in defence.”

He said the team did great attacks.

“In the attack we did some good things. In defence we need to tighten up a bit.

Yellow cards 

“We don’t want to be giving out yellow cards in the Olympic and that’s we will try to improve on the weaknesses we did today.

“We’re just trying out combinations. Some of the boys that didn’t play today did fitness on the side, and I think tomorrow (today) we will change around.”

Kolinisau did not say when he would be naming his final 13 for the France Olympics.

Australian 7s star Mark Waqanitawase said they were trying to get the best out of the game.

“We can have a very strong team here, so you know it’s well to get a first sit out and learn a few lessons,” Waqanitawase said.

He added, “Hopefully tomorrow (today) when we come back, we can, you know, make up for those lessons.

More space 

“Obviously man, you have to be fit, a lot of running but it’s good you know once the boys help you out a bit. You know, that makes it easier.

“But yeah, a lot more space. So, it’s exciting, but yeah, just got to be careful how we use the space and make sure we stick to our plan.”

The two teams will meet again today.

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