Fiji Airways 7s coach Osea Kolinisau has delivered a motivational message to his team as they gear up for the upcoming Dubai 7s tournament, highlighting the significance of every match within the revamped 2026 SVNS competition framework. Under this new format, teams will compete in two pools of four, with only the top two teams from each pool advancing directly to the semi-finals, thereby eliminating the traditional quarter-final stage.
Kolinisau emphasized the high stakes of each pool match, stating, “We can’t drop a game. Every game we have to play and make sure we come out on top to secure ourselves in the semi-finals.” The Fijian squad finds itself in a formidable pool alongside Argentina, France, and South Africa—teams renowned for their competitive edge. Argentina, having entered the season as series champions, along with South Africa and France, who consistently contend for top honors, presents a significant challenge that Kolinisau acknowledges will require utmost readiness from his players.
Set to take place on November 29, the Dubai 7s promises to test the Fiji team’s resilience and skill against elite competition. Despite the challenges, Kolinisau remains hopeful about his team’s ability to thrive under the pressures of this new competition structure. He is confident that the squad has adequately prepared and is poised to confront the challenges, aiming to exhibit the dynamic and traditional Fijian style of rugby that has made the nation a celebrated force in the sport.
The upbeat atmosphere surrounding the team, coupled with their commitment to honing their skills, sets a promising tone for their campaign in Dubai. As they prepare to showcase their talents on the international stage, the players are driven not only by the desire to win but also to embody the true spirit of Fijian rugby, a passion that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.