Former national rugby 7s representative Semi Kunatani has remarked on the significant transformation within the Fiji Airways men’s rugby team under the direction of new head coach Osea Kolinisau. Kunatani, known affectionately as “The Beast,” shared his insights during an interview with The Fiji Times after his team, the TEMC Warriors, achieved a decisive 34-5 victory over Gold Coast Senibiau in the cup final of the Mick’s Fiji Tours & Transfers Vatulele 7s event.
“It is a big change; a massive change has taken place, and we are thankful for the work that has been done,” Kunatani expressed. He acknowledged the efforts made by Kolinisau to shift the national 7s team away from a challenging 22-match losing streak. Despite the progress, Kunatani recognized that challenges remain as the team aims for further success.
He stated, “However, if we were all given a chance to hold on to that position (head coach), there are bound to be challenges in its early stages.” This sentiment aligns with comments made by former teammate Jerry Tuwai, who also noted improvements in the national squad’s gameplay during the recent Dubai 7s, emphasizing the noticeable change in culture and system.
All three athletes—Kunatani, Kolinisau, and Tuwai—were part of the remarkable 7s team that secured Fiji’s first gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, highlighting their shared success and historical significance in Fijian rugby.
As the Fiji men’s team embarks on this new journey under Kolinisau’s leadership, there is a hopeful outlook for continued progress and achievements, driven by the dedication and resilience of these talented players. The ongoing improvements signal a promising future for Fijian rugby as they continue to build on their rich legacy.
Overall, the changes implemented by Kolinisau reflect a positive shift in the team’s dynamics, potentially leading to even greater accomplishments on the international stage.
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