Fiji’s 7s coach Osea Kolinisau expressed his disappointment upon arriving back at Nadi International Airport following a narrow semifinal loss to South Africa at the Vancouver 7s tournament. Despite being a player up for more than ten minutes due to a red card issued to South Africa, Fiji fell short, losing the match 12-10. Kolinisau pointed to missed opportunities and execution errors as pivotal factors in their defeat.
“We had the game in the bag,” Kolinisau remarked, pointing out that their game plan did not effectively leverage South Africa’s momentary disadvantage. He praised the South African team’s determination, stating, “There’s no excuse to that 7-6 with a red card—we are supposed to win those games. It’s a tough pill to swallow.” This sentiment highlights his frustration in failing to convert their numerical advantage into victory.
This loss reflects ongoing challenges that Fiji has faced in previous tournaments, particularly concerning discipline. Similar issues were noted during their quarter-final exit at the Perth 7s, where a lack of discipline led to poor outcomes against the same South African team. Kolinisau has consistently stressed the necessity for improved discipline and communication to overcome such hurdles.
Looking ahead, the national team is gearing up for the upcoming Hong Kong 7s at the Kai Tak Sports Park, where they will face tough competition from Argentina, USA, and Ireland. Kolinisau remains optimistic that with focused training and a commitment to learning from their recent experiences, Fiji can bounce back and regain their competitive strength.
This setback serves as a poignant reminder of the fluctuating fortunes in sports but also carries a hopeful message. The team’s resilience and ability to learn from past challenges can transform adversity into strength, embodying the indomitable spirit of Fijian rugby. Supporters await eagerly, ready to cheer the team on as they tackle their future challenges head-on.
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