The Fiji Airways Fijiana sevens team is gearing up for the much-anticipated Cape Town Sevens tournament, putting a strong focus on enhancing their tactics and execution. After finishing in a disappointing fourth place at the Dubai tournament last week, head coach Richard Walker has implemented an adaptive training strategy that includes match analysis and walkthroughs aimed at improving team performance.
Walker emphasized the importance of collaborative learning, stating, “For us it’s showing work-Ons but making sure that when we are showing work-Ons the individual clips that we show we tell them it’s for everybody. When we do our mental preparation, we can’t have clips for individuals otherwise they might crawl under a blanket feeling like they let the team down.” This approach fosters a supportive environment where players can learn and grow together.
The video reviews have been beneficial, with Walker appreciating the players’ feedback, particularly concerning warm-ups. “We are getting feedback from the players; they are giving us feedback around warm-ups, so we are keeping their bodies in good shape and not asking too much of them during those warm-ups,” he noted. This adaptability highlights the coaching staff’s commitment to ensuring that the athletes are physically prepared and mentally engaged.
In the upcoming Cape Town Sevens, the Fijiana 7s team has been placed in a challenging pool alongside the USA, Great Britain, and New Zealand, who recently claimed victory in Dubai. Their opening match against the USA is set for 8:44 PM tonight, promising an exciting start to the tournament. The Fijiana team’s determination to bounce back from their recent performance and their focus on teamwork reflects a hopeful outlook as they aim to make a strong impression in Cape Town.