Sport: Fiji 7s team embracing the pressure in Dubai

Fiji are embracing the pressure as they begin their quest for a third consecutive World Sevens Series crown.

Since Fiji won Olympic gold in August, champion coach Ben Ryan and a handful of players have departed the team.

Welshman Gareth Baber has been appointed head coach through to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but doesn't take the reins until January.

Despite a number of changes to the Fiji set-up only two new caps have been selected for the opening legs in Dubai and Cape Town.

Interim coach Naca Cawanibuka said expectations remain the same.

"Obviously the results of the last two years is there but it's been there for a long long time really - the pressure has always been on Fiji to perform and these boys they relish the pressure and it's why we play the game you know," he said.

"It's good, it gets the best out of the players and I believe when there's pressure that's when they actually play well, so it's one of those things we just have to face up to."

Fiji's first match on Friday evening will be against Canada, who are coached by former Samoa sevens coach Damian McGrath, followed by Wales and Argentina.

McGrath had some success against the World Series champions last season, including the Manu's victory over their Pacific neighbours in the Paris Sevens final.

"We beat them three times - we played them six times I think and beat them three times," he said.

"Obviously they were much more consistent across the board to win the World Series again but I'm hoping that some of the lessons I learnt with Samoa last year will stand us in good stead, particulary this weekend coming up."

"To play the world and Olympic champions first game up is a toughie," he said.

Fijiana through to the knockout rounds

Meanwhile the Fiji women's sevens team have advanced to the Cup quarter finals at the World Series opener in Dubai.

The Fiji women's sevens team have advanced to the Cup quarter finals at the World Series opener in Dubai.

The Fijiana upset France 21-14 in their Pool B opener before being beaten 19-10 by New Zealand.

Iliesa Tanivula's side then let a ten point lead slip to draw 17-17 against Ireland but still finished second in the group and will face England tonight for a place in the semi finals.