The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team, guided by coach Osea Kolinisau, has embarked on a crucial journey to New Zealand, where they will compete in the Ignite 7s tournament. This tournament serves as a vital precursor to the highly anticipated HSBC SVNS Dubai 7s next month.
The team boasts a roster of 14 players, including several promising newcomers who will have the chance to demonstrate their skills against elite contenders like New Zealand, Australia, and various local clubs. Coach Kolinisau highlights the tournament as a golden opportunity for young talents to gain valuable experience in high-pressure situations and face formidable opponents. He commended the energy and performance of the new players, expressing optimism about their potential contributions to the team’s dynamics.
“This tournament will be a good chance for them to prove themselves and earn their place in the team,” Kolinisau stated, emphasizing the importance of using the Ignite 7s to refine strategies before heading to Dubai. The coaching staff has been diligently analyzing footage from previous games to identify areas for improvement, ensuring the squad is well-prepared for the competition ahead.
The Ignite 7s, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday, will also serve as an essential litmus test for the players, allowing them to showcase their capabilities against top-tier teams. “I get to see players that I have not seen a lot take the field, especially the youngsters. It gives me a chance to see them play and evaluate their performance,” Kolinisau added.
Fiji enters the Dubai 7s as the defending champions after triumphing over Spain with a score of 19-5 in last year’s final. This year’s tournament format will have no quarterfinals, with only the top two teams from each pool advancing directly to the semifinals. Fiji is placed in a challenging pool alongside South Africa, Argentina, and France.
As excitement mounts for both the Ignite 7s and the Dubai tournament, the Fiji national team aims to leverage the experience gained in New Zealand to reclaim their title and inspire a new generation of Fijian rugby players. The commitment to team unity and the invigorating spirit of competition bode well for Fiji’s prospects in the upcoming events.