Fiji Airways men’s sevens head coach Osea Kolinisau expressed his appreciation for his team’s mental fitness during recent training sessions. As the team gears up for the Perth 7s tournament scheduled for January 24-26, Kolinisau is focusing on enhancing their defensive strategies and spacing under pressure.
Following a break for Christmas and New Year, the squad convened for their first training session yesterday. Kolinisau noted that he is keen to assess the players’ fitness levels leading into Perth as part of their ongoing development within the series. He commented on the players’ commendable mental resilience, especially during rigorous fitness drills that involve intense two-minute intervals.
“I’m looking at the players’ fitness as we prepare for Perth, aiming to build on our current standing in the series,” Kolinisau remarked. He highlighted the players’ determination and high intensity during training, which he found impressive.
In addition to working on fitness, Kolinisau has also announced a team for the upcoming McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast sevens and mentioned that eight squad members are participating in Mike Friday’s Select sevens team. The final team selection for the Perth 7s will follow the three-day tournament at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
The coach emphasized the importance of strengthening their defense, particularly in critical game moments, and urged his players to enhance their communication and decision-making skills on the field. He made it clear that all positions on the team are open, reinforcing his commitment to creating a competitive environment.
“The objective for Perth is to achieve victory, and the players understand that our ultimate aim this season is to win the series, even as we build towards long-term goals,” he stated.
Kolinisau also expressed gratitude for being recognized by the Coral Coast 7s tournament organizers and reflected on his journey, hoping to inspire young Fijian boys to follow their dreams in rugby.
This positive outlook from Kolinisau not only reasons well for his team’s immediate goals but also instills hope for the future generation of athletes in Fiji. The emphasis on resilience, teamwork, and communication sets a strong foundation for the players as they prepare for the upcoming challenges on the rugby field.
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