The Fiji Airways men’s national 7s team is preparing for the highly anticipated Hong Kong 7s tournament, with captain Jeremaia Matana emphasizing that their greatest challenge may stem from moments of lost concentration. The tournament is particularly crucial for Fiji, as they last won the title in 2019 and are eager to restore their legacy, having clinched the trophy a remarkable 19 times historically.
Matana pointed out that past difficulties often arise from lapses in focus during high-pressure games. “We tend to switch off in tough matches, which has been one of our weaknesses,” he said. In light of this, the team is focusing on building resilience, discipline, and effective decision-making as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Training efforts have been aimed at enhancing their ability to control the game’s tempo, a key strategy for competing well against formidable opponents. Matana reaffirmed their objective, stating, “Our goal for every tournament is always the same: to win. We know we possess the talent, but we need to be sharper in challenging scenarios.”
Fiji’s deep-rooted history in the Hong Kong sevens adds further motivation for the team, as this tournament is especially significant due to their three-year drought without a win. “It’s been a long time since we took home the trophy from Hong Kong, and we are determined to change that,” Matana asserted.
The team’s campaign kicks off on March 28 against the USA, followed by matches against Ireland and Argentina. With a renewed sense of unity and purpose, the Fiji men’s 7s team is hopeful about not only reclaiming the trophy but also igniting national pride among their supporters.
As the tournament approaches, fans are filled with excitement and optimism about the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and showcase their skills on the world stage. The players’ commitment and determination foster a sense of hope and solidarity in the rugby community, setting the stage for thrilling matches ahead.
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