FIJI Airways Fiji men’s 7s captain Jerry Matana has acknowledged the significant pressure his team will face as they head into the Perth 7s this weekend, following their recent title win in Singapore. This victory has heightened the expectations surrounding the team, but Matana emphasized that the players remain focused on maintaining a grounded approach to the tournament.
“We understand what the expectations will be, but we will treat the Perth tournament like any other we have participated in,” Matana stated. He acknowledged that while winning instills confidence, it also brings the added responsibility of upholding their champion status. “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.”
Fiji has been placed in a challenging pool alongside Argentina, Spain, and South Africa for the tournament. The coaching staff believes that consistency and discipline will be critical as the team navigates a demanding schedule in Perth.
The men’s side will kick off their Perth 7s campaign against Argentina at 4:20 PM on Saturday, followed by a match against Spain at 7:36 PM. They will conclude pool play with a late-night clash against South Africa at 10:52 PM.
In addition, the Fijiana team is set to face a tough schedule. They will begin their tournament against the USA at 2:30 PM, followed by matches against New Zealand at 5:58 PM and Japan at 8:52 PM. The challenges ahead present an opportunity for both Fijiana and the men’s team to showcase their resilience and skill on the international sevens stage, pushing them to excel further.