The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team, under the leadership of head coach Michael Walker, is gearing up with optimism for the upcoming Dubai 7s tournament, the opening leg of the HSBC 7s series. The team has recently returned from the Ignite 7s tournament in New Zealand, where they faced off against notable teams such as New Zealand, Australia, and Japan, acquiring invaluable match experience.
Coach Walker expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparations, noting the learning outcomes from their performances in New Zealand. “The Ignite 7s tournament was great; we got some good learnings out of that,” he stated. He emphasized that the team also participated in the Paradise 7s in Lautoka and is now in the final two weeks of preparation before heading to Dubai.
A mix of experienced players and newcomers is bolstering the squad as they compete for places in the final lineup. New talents emerging from the 15s and the Marama Cup are creating healthy competition for spots, with Walker stating, “We have a good bunch of players who are vying for a spot in the final team.” This inclusion of fresh talents fuels hope for a vibrant performance in the upcoming tournament.
Reflecting on their previous season, where they achieved a top-eight finish, Walker expressed the team’s intent to build on their momentum. He acknowledged the tough competition they will encounter in their pool, which includes teams like the USA, France, and New Zealand. “We know the challenge that is ahead of us, so we are preparing a solid team for this tournament,” he remarked.
As the Dubai 7s approaches on November 29-30, starting off strong is paramount. Walker indicated an awareness of potential adjustments in player dynamics and strategies from competing teams and expressed eagerness to see the fruits of the hard work put into their training sessions.
Both the Fijiana and men’s teams are keenly looking to make their mark, as they represent Fiji on the international stage. The anticipation surrounding their performances brings excitement to fans, who remain hopeful for strong displays of talent and teamwork in this prestigious tournament, revitalizing national pride in Fijian rugby.
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