Fiji Airways men’s sevens coach Osea Kolinisau has provided an honest assessment of his squad as they return to training following the holiday season. Kolinisau noted that the team did not meet the fitness standards expected at the international level, which has led to rigorous training sessions aimed at quickly restoring the players’ conditioning.
Discipline is another critical focus for the team, especially as Fiji prepares to compete in a challenging environment on the world sevens circuit. Kolinisau acknowledged the sacrifices required from national players, emphasizing that expectations remain high regardless of the festive season. “We came in after New Year’s and it wasn’t the standard I was expecting,” he stated. “We’ve got three weeks to get the boys back to where they need to be.”
The Olympic gold medalist also pointed out that recent red cards have been detrimental, indicating that such lapses are unacceptable in sevens rugby. The coaching staff is working diligently to instill a sense of discipline and restore the team’s identity as a fit, cohesive, and formidable unit capable of thwarting their competitors efficiently.
The upcoming Singapore 7s tournament is set to commence on January 31. The team lineup for the event will be announced a week after the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s, where Kolinisau plans to lead the Fiji Babas in a title defense. The Babas are placed in Pool A alongside Police Blue, Seattle Barbarians, and Nationwide Sydney Nadi. The Coral Coast 7s will take place next Thursday at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, with the matches available for live viewing on FBC Sports. For international audiences, the three-day event will be accessible via Viti+ for a fee of $99 FJD.
This upcoming series presents an opportunity for the team to showcase their resilience and strength, setting the stage for a positive turnaround as they strive for excellence in the world of rugby sevens.
Leave a comment