The Fiji Airways men’s rugby sevens team is urged to adapt their playing strategy in order to maintain their competitive edge in the ongoing HSBC SVNS Series. This perspective comes from Waisale Serevi, a legendary figure in Fijian rugby, who emphasized the need for a fresh, dynamic style of play during a recent interview with SUNsports in Labasa.
Serevi observed that the current playing methods of the Fiji team have become similar to those of their opponents, making them predictable on the field. He expressed concern that other teams have begun to adopt and replicate Fiji’s style, undermining the team’s unique advantage that helped them dominate in the past.
Recalling past successes, Serevi noted how the innovative strategies created by late coach Ratu Kitione Tuibua and the Nabua sevens side in the late 1980s transformed Fiji into a formidable force in the sport. He further mentioned how teams coached by Ben Ryan and Gareth Baber during the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics, respectively, utilized innovative tactics focusing on speed, offloading, and physicality to achieve gold medal victories.
Despite their success in the series, including a win at the Dubai leg last December and currently leading in the points table alongside Spain and Argentina, Serevi pointed out weaknesses in space creation and vision during attacking plays that have contributed to their losses this season. He stressed the importance of having a unique style of play that keeps opponents on their toes.
Serevi acknowledged that the influx of international teams seeking to learn from Fiji is beneficial, yet he insisted that Fijian players must consistently elevate their game to stay at the top. He remarked on how the competitive nature of the series means that lower-ranked teams are now challenging the Fijian squad, citing the surprising loss to Uruguay in the recent Perth tournament as a wake-up call.
He believes that by continually evolving their approach and incorporating contributions from former players who wish to assist, Fiji can solidify its standing as a leading team in the world of rugby sevens. Addressing the broader impact of sevens rugby, Serevi described it as a platform that enables emerging teams to compete with larger, more established nations, maintaining hope for future developments in the sport.
In summary, Fiji’s rugby sevens team stands at a crossroads where innovation and adaptation could define their path forward in international competition. With strong guidance from coaches and support from former players, there is optimism for the team’s resurgence in upcoming tournaments.
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