Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau has outlined the team’s strategic selection approach for the upcoming Vancouver tournament, which is indicative of their preparations for the subsequent leg in New York. With a demanding schedule of back-to-back tournaments on the HSBC SVNS Series calendar, the coaching staff is meticulously monitoring player fitness and performance.
Kolinisau explained that bringing an additional player, resulting in a traveling squad of 14, serves a dual purpose: it provides insurance against injuries and allows the coaching staff to evaluate players for optimal fit in the New York tournament. He stated, “We chose to bring 14 players on this leg, and after this leg, one player will return back while 13 will travel to New York.” This strategy emphasizes the team’s proactive approach to managing potential setbacks.
The coach further reinforced the importance of depth in the squad. “We just wanted to bring 14 players just in case we have injuries, and we wanted to make sure we got that covered,” Kolinisau noted, highlighting the uncertainties that come with high-stakes competition.
Ultimately, the performances in Vancouver will guide the decision on which players will advance to compete in New York. Kolinisau remarked, “We’ll see how the games go this weekend, and we might bring in fresh legs for next week if needed.”
The much-anticipated Vancouver 7s tournament kicks off this weekend, with Fiji’s men’s side set to face France in their opening pool match at 7:19 am on Sunday, followed by games against Argentina at 11:07 am and Australia at 2:56 pm. Fans can watch all of Fiji’s matches live on FBC TV, marking an exciting weekend of rugby for supporters. This careful selection process not only showcases the team’s depth but also emphasizes their commitment to fielding the best possible squad as they navigate through the series.
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