Fiji’s Head Coach Osea Kolinisau has reiterated the importance of local competitions for his players, emphasizing that these events provide valuable match experience. Following Fiji’s recent loss at the Perth 7s, which some critics attributed to player fatigue, Kolinisau took responsibility for the team’s performance and defended their participation in local tournaments.
He acknowledged that the team’s casual and overconfident approach contributed to the loss, stating, “No communication in a team I think is really hard.” The Coral Coast tournament, which has attracted several premier teams, is highlighted by Kolinisau as a crucial opportunity for young players to gain international experience.
Kolinisau pointed out, “Some said that maybe we shouldn’t have participated at Coral Coast; Coral Coast is one of the biggest tournaments. A lot of bigger teams are coming to the Coral Coast, and it is the only way to test our young players against international rivals.” He further noted the unpredictability of the 7s format, emphasizing that success is not guaranteed from week to week: “You can do well in one week and the other week if you don’t take care of your opportunities, you will be knocked out.”
The team is now setting its sights on the Vancouver 7s later this month, where they will look to bounce back and demonstrate their resilience. With the focus on gaining experience and improving communication on the field, there is optimism that these local competitions will continue to prepare Fiji’s players for international challenges ahead.
In summary, Kolinisau’s focus on local tournaments as a testing ground for developing talent underscores his commitment to building a competitive team, providing hope for better performances in future tournaments.
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