Fiji Airways Fiji men’s sevens team head coach Osea Kolinisau expressed the importance of starting strong as the team prepares for the Cape Town Sevens tournament, which kicks off today in South Africa. Speaking from Cape Town on Thursday, Kolinisau emphasized the need to avoid playing catch-up rugby, especially given the new competition format that has been introduced.
The team is determined to break their losing streak in Cape Town, with their first match set against hosts South Africa at 10.44 PM. Kolinisau acknowledged the pressure on both teams, particularly following disappointing results in Dubai. He noted, “They’re playing at home, so they are not going to give up easily; they will throw everything at us, especially in the first game.”
Kolinisau has been communicating key areas for improvement to his players, particularly focusing on defense, discipline, and teamwork. He stressed the necessity for strong one-on-one defensive strategies, effective communication, and clarity in roles during gameplay to ensure a cohesive effort on the field.
Fiji’s schedule also includes a second match against Great Britain at midnight, followed by a game against New Zealand at 3.48 AM tomorrow. The team’s preparation and focus on early-game performance could prove crucial to their success in this highly competitive tournament.
As they step onto the field, Fiji’s players will be looking to not only improve from the previous week but also to make a significant statement as they compete against some of the best teams in the world. With a commitment to teamwork and defensive strength, the Fijian side aims to turn their fortunes around in Cape Town.