The Fiji Airways men’s 7s team is unwavering in its determination as the HSBC Sevens World Series (SVNS) continues, despite recent finishes that fell short of their ultimate goal. The team secured third place in both the Dubai and Cape Town legs of the tournament held in November and December last year.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau emphasized the team’s steadfast resolve, asserting that their spirit remains unshaken as the series progresses. He noted, “Our determination hasn’t changed. I think we are not far off,” reflecting on the team’s narrow losses in the semi-finals of those two tournaments. Fiji faced New Zealand in the Dubai semi-final, losing 21-24, but bounced back to defeat France 24-7 for third place. In Cape Town, they lost 21-29 to Argentina and later triumphed over France 26-19 in the third place play-off.
Kolinisau acknowledged the challenges the team faces but maintains that their goal of securing a gold medal persists, stating, “We go to every tournament wanting to win. I know the boys, they don’t go into a tournament not intending to finish in third place.” He reiterated that their objective to win the series remains unchanged, emphasizing that they are still in contention and viewing this as a positive aspect.
Looking ahead, the team is gearing up for the upcoming Singapore 7s, scheduled for January 31 to February 1. As they prepare for this next challenge, the Fijian squad focuses on refining their strategies and learning from their previous performances, maintaining optimism as they strive for success in the series.