The Fiji men’s rugby sevens team is gearing up for a challenging weekend at the Dubai 7s, marking the commencement of the 2024/25 HSBC Sevens World Series. Head coach Osea Kolinisau emphasized the importance of securing and maintaining possession during the crucial matches. He acknowledged the team’s need for precision in their kick-offs and execution of both defensive and attacking strategies.
Having not secured a victory in the last 22 tournaments of the Series, Fiji faces a tough Pool C, competing against Spain, longtime rivals the USA, and New Zealand. Each of these teams is also in a rebuilding phase following the recent Paris Olympic Games.
New Zealand, now under the leadership of head coach Tomasi Cama, fields a new roster following the retirement of experienced players like Tim Mikkelson, Sam Dickson, and Scott Curry. Despite these changes, Dickson remains optimistic, suggesting that the seasoned players still in the squad can mentor newer talents.
Meanwhile, the USA arrives in Dubai with a fresh coaching team, led by Simon Amor, who has taken over from Mike Friday. Amor, alongside assistants Ben Pinkelman and Perry Baker, is steering the team into a new era, aiming for success in the upcoming LA 2028 Olympics. The USA’s squad for Dubai includes five players making their debuts, indicating a shift toward a younger, less experienced team compared to previous years.
Spain should not be underestimated; they have shown their capability by reaching the Cup quarterfinals on several occasions.
The excitement of the tournament will kick off with Fiji facing Spain at 6:06 PM on Saturday, followed by matches against the USA and New Zealand.
This tournament presents a great opportunity for the Fiji team to not only showcase their talent but also to potentially break their losing streak and gain valuable experience against seasoned competitors. As they focus on perfecting their gameplay, fans can hope for a strong performance that might signal a turning point for the team in this season’s series.
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