DEFENCE is the priority as the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s squad arrive in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong 7s, which begins today at Kai Tak, captain Osea Kolinisau said.
Kolinisau singled out shortcomings in Fiji’s defensive play as the chief concern after their recent outing in Vancouver, telling reporters that missed tackles and poor energy management had left the side exposed. “Our defence needs to get better, Our defence is letting us down,” he said, adding that his message to the team has been blunt and specific: “attacks wins you games but defence will win you championships.”
The skipper pointed to a pattern the coaching staff have identified — players chasing loose ball at the expense of structure, and one-on-one situations not being consistently won. “We were not in control and that is something I told the boys,” Kolinisau said. He warned that opposition teams have begun targeting Fiji’s restarts and kick-offs, forcing the side to sharpen set-piece technique and individual tackling. “We have got to love defending, and our defending has to be good, one-on-one, and especially our set-pieces, our kick-offs. I know teams are targeting our kick offs, our take offs as well.”
The comments signal a tactical reset for the island nation as they prepare for a tournament famed for its intensity and crowded schedule. Hong Kong’s three-day format at Kai Tak tests both depth and discipline; Kolinisau’s emphasis on economy of effort and defensive organisation reflects a desire to avoid repeating the lapses that cost them in Vancouver. While he acknowledged Fiji’s potent attacking capabilities, the captain framed improved defensive accountability as the difference between winning matches and competing for titles.
Fiji have long been a benchmark in world sevens for attacking flair, but recent results have placed a spotlight on their defensive framework and conditioning. Kolinisau did not outline specific personnel changes, but his focus on one-on-one tackling, kick-off takeoffs and set-piece cohesion indicates the team will prioritise those areas in final preparations before their pool matches at Kai Tak.
As the tournament kicks off today, Fiji head into Hong Kong under a narrower mandate: shore up the edges, protect restarts, and turn their renowned attacking instincts into a more balanced, championship-ready side. How effectively they translate Kolinisau’s warnings into on-field improvements will be watched closely in what remains one of the season’s most prestigious sevens showpieces.
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