Fiji Airways’ men’s sevens team head coach Osea Kolinisau underscored the critical need for a strong start as the team gets ready for the Cape Town Sevens tournament, which begins today in South Africa. In a statement made from Cape Town on Thursday, Kolinisau highlighted the importance of avoiding the scenario of playing catch-up rugby, particularly with the introduction of a new competition format that could intensify the challenge.
The team is eager to end their losing streak in Cape Town, with their opening match against the home team, South Africa, scheduled for 10:44 PM. Kolinisau recognized the heightened pressure on both squads, especially after disappointing outcomes from the previous tournament in Dubai. He remarked, “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.”
In preparing for the tournament, Kolinisau has focused on communicating essential areas for improvement to his players, prioritizing defense, discipline, and teamwork. He emphasized the necessity for robust one-on-one defensive strategies, effective communication roles, and clarity during gameplay, which are crucial for a united on-field effort.
Fiji’s tournament schedule further includes a match against Great Britain at midnight, followed by a showdown with New Zealand at 3:48 AM tomorrow. The team’s concentration and preparation for early-game performance are expected to be pivotal for their success in this fiercely competitive environment.
As they take the field, Fiji’s players are not only looking to bounce back from last week’s performance but also aiming to make a notable statement as they compete against some of the world’s elite teams. With a firm commitment to teamwork and defensive tenacity, the Fijian squad is hopeful that they can turn their fortunes around in Cape Town.