Fiji Airways men’s rugby sevens team head coach, Osea Kolinisau, has pinpointed three critical areas for improvement ahead of the upcoming Hong Kong Sevens tournament this weekend. After a narrow defeat to South Africa in the Cup semi-final at the Canada Sevens, Kolinisau emphasized the importance of enhancing decision-making, consistency, and defensive strategies for his squad.
Reflecting on their performance in Vancouver, Kolinisau noted that despite having a one-man advantage, the team struggled to play cohesively, saying, “We were leading 5-0 but ended up playing as individuals rather than as a cohesive unit.” He highlighted issues with rushing decisions and a lack of patience, which cost the team valuable opportunities—concerns that have also been apparent during competitions in Cape Town and Perth.
As Kolinisau enters his first full season since taking the reins in March 2024, his leadership style focuses on building ownership and trust within the team. He believes fostering confidence in their established processes is essential for success, especially in high-pressure situations.
While Fiji’s recent performance has been mixed—featuring a victory in Dubai, a third-place finish in Cape Town, and fourth and fifth places in Vancouver and Perth—Kolinisau remains encouraged. He is confident that with their young and talented roster, they can strengthen their defensive strategies, which he believes are fundamental for winning championships. “You can win games with attack, but defense wins you championships,” he reiterated, aiming to reshape Fiji’s identity as both an attacking and defensively sound team.
In this weekend’s tournament, Fiji is set to compete against strong opponents including the USA, Ireland, and Argentina, while the women’s team will face Ireland, France, and Great Britain. Kolinisau’s strategic focus on teamwork hints at a promising outlook for both teams, as they strive to make a significant impact on the international stage.
The tournament in Hong Kong is not just an opportunity for competition but also a chance for Fiji’s rugby sevens teams to demonstrate their growth and resilience, instilling hope among fans and supporters who eagerly await their journey.
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