FIJI Airways Fijian 7s Prepare for Spain and France Tournament

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team has returned to camp following a brief break after their Plate final victory at the Hong Kong 7s tournament and have immediately ramped up intensity on the training paddock at Albert Park.

 

The squad marched into camp on Sunday and continued their training session this afternoon, raising the tempo significantly as they look to finish the remaining two tournaments of the season in Spain and France on a high note.

 

Head Coach Osea Kolinisau said that while the Plate win provided some reward, several “little things” need fixing before the side heads to Europe.

 

“We dissected the game and to me just little things were getting wrong,” Kolinisau said.

 

“Unfortunate to get those two cards. I think it was a bit harsh on Aquila, but as the game goes, especially against a top team like Argentina, you can’t play six men. We played six men for two minutes, then we played the rest of the second half with another six men with a red card.”

 

Fiji lost their Cup Quarter Final against Argentina 24-17 in Hong Kong, a result that forced them into the Plate bracket.

 

Kolinisau stressed that defensive execution remains the biggest concern.

 

“We came back. We want to do what we want to do properly, especially our defence. We’re still bouncing off tackles, our tackle heights. We need to make sure we get our chops right and our communication as well.

 

“We got beaten on the outside. It’s something that goes back to our skills on tackling. We’re planting and we’re giving them the outside.”

 

Reflecting on the narrow quarter-final loss, the Olympic gold medal-winning coach reminded his players that fitness and skill alone are not enough.

 

“It’s a game of opportunities. I told the boys we can be the fittest team, we can be the favourite, or we can be the most skilful team, but this game is about taking opportunities. We’ve got to take our chances.”

 

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side now shifts its focus to Valladolid in Spain, where the next tournament is scheduled from 29th to 31st May, before concluding the season in France.