Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Osea Kolinisau expressed his admiration for the dedication and effort displayed by his players following their exciting Cup victory at the HSBC Singapore 7s. The team is now preparing for the upcoming Perth leg of the series this weekend.
Kolinisau particularly commended playmaker Vuiviawa Naduvalo for his outstanding contribution in the Cup final, attributing his success to his consistent hard work during training. “Vuiviawa is someone who works really hard in training and you can see the payoff when he’s playing,” Kolinisau stated. He further acknowledged the support from the team, emphasizing that it’s a collective effort: “Hats off to the boys around him as well. It’s a team sport they put him into space and he works his magic.”
The coach shared that he had previously challenged Naduvalo to elevate his all-around game, especially in terms of defense. He noted that he had spoken with Naduvalo about the need for improvement in both attack and defense, highlighting his playmaking abilities and the importance of creating opportunities for his teammates. “It’s good to see the form he’s in now his hard work is paying off,” Kolinisau added.
In addition to praising Naduvalo, Kolinisau voiced his excitement for newcomers Nacani Boginisoko and Douglas Daveta, who achieved success in their debut tournament with the national team. “I’m very happy and excited for the boys to get a win in their debut tournament. Not many players get to experience that,” he said, noting their potential for further growth as they gain more confidence at this competitive level.
With the next back-to-back tournament in Perth, Kolinisau acknowledged the physical and mental challenges the team faces and emphasized the importance of player rotation. “We’ll see how the boys feel and make sure we play those who are fresh. It’s a tough tournament, so it comes down to how the boys recover,” he explained.
Reinforcing his strategy, Kolinisau remarked on the significance of utilizing the entire squad, stating, “I’ve always trusted the 13 boys, not just seven. We play as a 13-man squad and everyone needs to play their part.”
As the team continues to prepare, Kolinisau emphasized the focus on recovery and mindset. “This week is about getting the boys’ mindset right and getting their bodies right. When the weekend comes, we’ll be ready to go again,” he assured.
The Perth 7s is set to commence on Saturday, with Fiji placed in Pool A. Their match schedule includes facing Argentina at 4:20 PM, Spain at 7:36 PM, and South Africa at 10:52 PM, spanning Saturday and Sunday. The team is eager to build on their recent success and face new challenges in the upcoming tournament.
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