The Fiji men’s national sevens team is gearing up for the HSBC SVNS Dubai tournament, which begins this Saturday. Former Fiji sevens player Vilimoni Delasau provided an insightful interview that emphasized the importance of mastering the fundamentals of the game for a successful tournament.
Delasau expressed confidence that the players are ready to represent Fiji with pride, despite the tough competition they will face. He noted noticeable improvements in the team’s fitness, as demonstrated during the recent Mataso Sevens tournament. “All teams in the HSBC SVNS series are competitive and up to par in terms of fitness and development,” he stated, adding that while the road ahead won’t be easy, he trusts the coaching staff has prepared the players well.
With the right squad selected for the Dubai 7s, Delasau optimistically believes that Fiji can reach at least the top four. He mentioned, “I could accept a loss in the quarterfinals since it’s the first tournament, but finishing in the top four would not surprise me.” His ultimate hope is that Fiji reaches the final, emphasizing the importance of unity and genuine passion among the players as they don the national jersey. He highlighted a need for the younger generation of players to regain the zeal and commitment that used to define their predecessors when representing the country.
The Fiji men’s team is drawn in a challenging pool alongside Spain, the United States, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the Fijiana team will compete against Ireland, Australia, and China in their respective pool.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau remarked on the importance of acclimatizing to the Dubai climate, stating how beneficial it’s been for the team to prepare on local pitches with the support of UAE Rugby. He is grateful for their hospitality and believes that the arranged scrimmages will significantly enhance their readiness for the tournament.
As the tournament kickoff approaches, fans and supporters can look forward to an exciting display of talent from both Fiji teams, starting with the following match schedule:
– Fiji Men:
– Saturday:
– 6:06 PM Fiji vs. Spain
– 9:52 PM Fiji vs. United States
– Sunday:
– 3:10 AM Fiji vs. New Zealand
– Fiji Fijiana:
– Saturday:
– 5:44 PM Fiji vs. Ireland
– 9:05 PM Fiji vs. Australia
– Sunday:
– 1:13 AM Fiji vs. China
This tournament presents a great opportunity for the Fijian teams to showcase their growth and passion for rugby on an international stage. With the support of dedicated fans and the commitment of the players, Fiji aims to inspire and aim high, uniting their efforts to achieve remarkable results.
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