The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team is set to sharpen their skills as they prepare for an upcoming tournament in Perth, following a thorough review of their recent performances in Singapore. Head coach Richie Walker addressed the media from Perth, emphasizing the team’s determination to enhance their defensive strategies in anticipation of tough competition.
Walker highlighted several critical areas that need improvement, stressing the necessity of converting strong performances into victories on the scoreboard. He underlined the importance of consistency and adherence to their game plan in order to effectively tackle the challenging pool they will encounter in Perth.
“Our main aim is to keep the consistency with the players. We will be looking at a tough pool in Perth, and we just need to stick to our defense and game plan,” Walker remarked. He recognized the team’s improvements, particularly praising their performances during the Dubai and Cape Town tournaments, which showcased their growth in rugby.
With a positive outlook, Walker conveyed optimism regarding the team’s capabilities. “The girls played some excellent rugby; compared to Dubai and Cape Town, they’ve made significant strides,” he noted. He expressed confidence that with a concentrated effort on their attacking strategies and solid defensive execution, the Fijiana could challenge any opponent globally.
Insights gained from their performance in Singapore revealed the team’s ability to pressure their rivals effectively. “If we get that right, we can beat any team in the world,” Walker declared.
The Fijiana’s tournament schedule includes a match against the USA at 2:30 PM on Saturday, followed by games against New Zealand at 5:58 PM and Japan at 8:52 PM. If they qualify, the women’s cup semi-finals are set for Sunday at 4:13 PM, culminating with the final later that evening at 8:28 PM. With a strong commitment to improvement and a focus on their strengths, the Fijiana 7s team appears ready for an exciting and challenging tournament ahead.