Fiji Airways Men’s 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau has expressed his confidence in debutant Akuila Dranivotua as he prepares to make his mark on the national team at the Vancouver Sevens this weekend. Dranivotua joined the extended squad following the Coral Coast Sevens this year and quickly made a strong impression during training camps, securing his place in the team.
Kolinisau noted Dranivotua’s rapid adaptation to the team’s dynamics, emphasizing how seamlessly he integrated into the system. “When Akuila joined after Coral Coast, after the week he seemed like he’s just one of the old players,” Kolinisau remarked, highlighting Dranivotua’s ability to read plays effectively.
The coach pointed out several key attributes that made Dranivotua stand out, including strong communication skills, defensive work rate, and aerial ability. “He communicates well, he’s strong in contact, especially in the air and in the line-out, and he’s a good defender as well,” Kolinisau added, explaining that these qualities are crucial in the selection process.
Kolinisau acknowledged that while some players may have to wait longer for their opportunity due to competition in their positions, Dranivotua’s exceptional performances made it impossible to overlook his talent. “He’s earned his spot in the team,” he stated, further praising the new player’s understanding of their strategy in attack and his vocal and physical presence in defense.
As Fiji prepares for the Vancouver Sevens, they will kick off their tournament with a match against France at 7:19 AM on Sunday, followed by fixtures against Argentina at 11:07 AM and Australia at 2:56 PM on the first day. Fans can watch all of Fiji’s matches on FBC TV. The inclusion of Dranivotua marks an exciting moment for Fiji’s rugby as they continue to build a dynamic and competitive squad.
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