Fiji Airways’ Fiji men’s 7s captain, Jerry Matana, has expressed the significant pressure his team will experience as they gear up for the Perth 7s this weekend, especially following their recent triumph in Singapore. This latest victory has raised expectations for the team, yet Matana is keen to emphasize that the players are committed to a grounded mindset approaching the tournament.
“We understand what the expectations will be, but we will treat the Perth tournament like any other we have participated in,” Matana remarked. He pointed out that while their recent success boosts confidence, the team is also aware of the added responsibility that comes with defending their champion title. “Winning is one thing, but the pressure of defending the champions’ tag is another. The boys are aware of this, and I am confident they will be ready on game day.”
The Fiji men’s team faces a daunting challenge as they have been drawn into a competitive pool with Argentina, Spain, and South Africa. The coaching staff has highlighted the necessity of consistency and discipline as they navigate through a demanding schedule in Perth.
Their campaign will begin with a match against Argentina at 4:20 PM on Saturday, followed by a face-off with Spain at 7:36 PM. They will round off their pool games with a late match against South Africa at 10:52 PM.
Simultaneously, the Fijiana team is also preparing for a tough series of matches. They will kick off their tournament against the USA at 2:30 PM, followed by contests against New Zealand at 5:58 PM and Japan at 8:52 PM. The upcoming matches provide both the Fijiana and men’s team a chance to demonstrate their resilience and talent on the international sevens stage, creating a hopeful outlook for their performance as they aim to excel further.