The Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s team is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in their performance during the 2024-2025 HSBC SVNS Series. After settling for silver at the Olympic Games, the team has recently claimed victory at the Dubai 7s tournament and secured a third-place finish in Cape Town, illustrating a positive upward trajectory.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau, who took on the role on March 8, 2024, emphasizes the importance of re-establishing the flair associated with Fijian rugby. He focused on enhancing fitness levels and bolstering the team’s defensive strategies to realize these goals. In just four months, the team showed significant improvements, demonstrating early signs of their traditional style of play.
The pinnacle of their progress came with their triumph in Dubai, where they ended a long-standing 22-tournament winless streak. Kolinisau described this season as progressive, noting that the players are becoming more familiar with both defensive and attacking patterns, allowing them to play more freely.
The joy of winning the Dubai trophy was palpable for Kolinisau, who reflected on the smiles of his players after their long-awaited victory. He acknowledged the pressure and criticism the team had faced in previous tournaments and thanked God for providing them with the strength to succeed.
This win marks Kolinisau’s first tournament victory as head coach and has instilled newfound confidence in the players. Looking ahead, the team is preparing for their next challenges in Perth in January and Vancouver in February, aiming to continue their positive momentum.
The Fiji men’s 7s team is on a hopeful path that showcases not only their potential but also the resilience and determination of its players. This narrative is an encouraging reminder that setbacks can lead to comebacks, and with continued focus and effort, greater achievements are on the horizon.
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