The Fiji men’s national sevens rugby team is gearing up for the HSBC SVNS Dubai tournament, which begins on Saturday. Former Fiji sevens player Vilimoni Delasau emphasized the importance of mastering the fundamentals for the team’s success in the competition. In a recent interview, Delasau expressed confidence in the players, stating that they have put in the necessary work and will need to demonstrate their skills on the field.
Delasau observed the team’s performance at the Mataso sevens event, noting improvements in their fitness levels. He acknowledged that every team in the HSBC SVNS series presents a tough challenge, as they are all well-prepared. Despite the competition, Delasau expressed trust in the coaching staff and the chosen squad, predicting that the team has the potential to reach the top four.
While he mentioned that a quarterfinal loss wouldn’t be devastating since it is the beginning of the tournament season, he remains hopeful for the team to push towards the final. Delasau urged the players to unite and play with genuine passion for their country, stressing the importance of pride in representing Fiji. He voiced concern that recent players may have lost the fervor for national representation and desires to see a resurgence in this zeal.
As the tournament progresses, the Fijian men’s team is set to face Spain, the United States, and New Zealand in their pool, while the Fijiana team will compete against Ireland, Australia, and China.
In preparation for the tournament, the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens team has been acclimatizing to the Dubai climate since their arrival in the UAE last week. Head coach Osea Kolinisau expressed gratitude to UAE rugby for their support in providing training facilities, noting that acclimatization is crucial due to the significant travel distance from Fiji.
With matches set to commence, the players and coaching staff are optimistic about their performance and are looking forward to showcasing their abilities on a global stage.
Match Schedule:
– **Fiji Men:**
– Saturday: 6:06 PM vs. Spain, 9:52 PM vs. United States
– Sunday: 3:10 AM vs. New Zealand
– **Fiji Fijiana:**
– Saturday: 5:44 PM vs. Ireland, 9:05 PM vs. Australia
– Sunday: 1:13 AM vs. China
This tournament marks a critical opportunity for Fiji’s rugby sevens teams, bringing hopes of unity, pride, and the possibility of maneuvering towards victory.
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