The Fiji men’s national sevens rugby team is gearing up for the HSBC SVNS Dubai tournament, which starts this Saturday. According to former Fiji sevens player Vilimoni Delasau, the team must focus on the basics to secure a victory. Delasau expressed confidence in the players, stating that all preparations are complete and now it’s up to them to perform well.
Reflecting on the team’s past performance at the Mataso sevens, Delasau noted improvements in their fitness levels. He emphasized the competitiveness of all teams participating in the HSBC SVNS series, acknowledging that everyone has upped their game in terms of fitness and development.
Delasau expressed his satisfaction with the selection of players for the Dubai tournament, projecting that Fiji could reach the top four. While he would accept an early exit in the quarterfinals given that this is the inaugural tournament of the season, he holds out hope that the team will make it to the finals. He stressed the importance of unity among the players and urged them to play for pride in the national jersey, reflecting on the need to rekindle the passion that previous generations had for representing their country.
The Fiji men’s team is assigned to Pool A alongside Spain, the United States, and New Zealand, while the Fijiana team will compete against Ireland, Australia, and China.
In preparation for the tournament, the Fiji Airways men’s rugby sevens team has been acclimatizing to the Dubai weather since their arrival last week. Head coach Osea Kolinisau expressed gratitude towards UAE rugby for their hospitable arrangements, allowing the team to practice and adjust before the tournament. He believes that the scrimmages will benefit the team’s readiness and hopes for UAE Rugby’s inclusion in the HSBC SVNS series in the future.
The fixtures for the tournament include matches against Spain, the United States, and New Zealand for the men’s team, and games against Ireland, Australia, and China for the Fijiana side.
As the tournament approaches, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and hope within the Fiji rugby community for the success of their teams.
Positive Outlook: The dedication of the players and coaching staff, along with the support from the UAE, presents an encouraging environment for the Fijian teams to excel in the Dubai tournament. With a strong sense of national pride and unity, the Fijians aim not just for victory but to inspire future generations of rugby players in Fiji.
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