The captain of the Tepatasi team, Iafeta Purcell, says the men from Aleipata are ready to challenge for the title when the Vodafone National Sevens Series kicks off next week.

Speaking to the Observer Sports, Purcell said they are prepared and although they do not want to make promises, their goal is to win and make their supporters proud.

"We have started our preparation already and our main focus now is our fitness and getting the team to gel," he said. 

"It is understandable that competitions like this are going to be tough but we've been in this competitions before so we already know what to expect. All teams that are competing are all in it to win it so we know that our preparations should be up on the next level."

Purcell said they expect the competition to be extremely tough but he admits that there is an element of familiarity to it.

"Many of the teams that we hear are playing in this competition are teams that we have clashed before and none of them was an easy opponent," he said. 

"They all have their own game plan and strategies but I know it all comes down to each player's performance. Fitness is the key thing for every team especially in sevens." 

The defending champion is the Tama Uli team from Salelologa, Savai'i.

Purcell said they are extremely talented outfit and they would be the team to beat.

"We have met before on the field and yes I must say it is a tough opponent," he added.

But Tepatasi, he said, is not looking at any one team in particular. 

"We have started our camp on Monday night in the hope to achieve our goal," he said. 

"We are keen to play for the title. We are representing our district, and we have also been in this national tournaments ever since it started. And we know we have the full support of our village and our district most especially our Church Minister Malo Sefo and his family," he said.

The Tepatasi team: 

Faletoa Ena, Junior Iese, Ioane Aukusitino, Puna Filo, Manuia Tiumalu, Iafeta Laau, Vankay Asini, Toa Faitui, Faafoi Falaniko, Bill Ponifasio, Siaki Vala, Anthony Tuafale, Vaelua Talavou, Iefata Falaniko, Vaa Fauese Maliko and Captain Iefata Purcell. Their team is managed and sponsored by Reverend Malo Sefo.