Fiji 7s coach Osea Kolinisau expressed his disappointment upon returning to Nadi International Airport after a close semifinal defeat to South Africa at the Vancouver 7s. Despite enjoying a numerical advantage for over ten minutes due to a red card issued to South Africa, Fiji could not secure the win, ultimately losing 12-10. Kolinisau highlighted that missed opportunities and lapses in execution cost them dearly.
“We had the game in the bag,” Kolinisau noted, emphasizing that their strategy failed to capitalize on South Africa’s disadvantage. He acknowledged the South African team’s resilience, stating, “There’s no excuse to that 7-6 with a red card—we are supposed to win those games. It’s a tough pill to swallow,” reflecting on the frustration of not taking the game when they had the upper hand.
This match echoed challenges faced in previous tournaments, particularly discipline-related issues. These problems were evident in earlier performances, such as their quarter-final exit at the Perth 7s, where discipline cost them against South Africa as well. Kolinisau has been vocal about the importance of discipline and communication to counteract such difficulties.
Looking towards the future, the national team is preparing for the upcoming Hong Kong 7s at the Kai Tak Sports Park, where they are set to compete against formidable opponents including Argentina, USA, and Ireland. Kolinisau believes that with focused training and an emphasis on learning from their recent experiences, Fiji has the potential to bounce back and reclaim their competitive edge in the tournament landscape.
This current setback serves as a reminder of the ups and downs in sports, but it also offers a hopeful outlook. The team’s ability to regroup and harness past lessons can turn adversity into strength, reinforcing the resilient spirit embodying Fijian rugby. Fans and supporters remain optimistic, eager to see the team rise to the occasion in the forthcoming challenges.
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