The Fiji men’s rugby sevens team is gearing up for a crucial weekend at the Dubai 7s, the first tournament of the 2024/25 HSBC SVNS series. Head coach Osea Kolinisau emphasized the importance of winning and keeping possession, calling for improvements in kick-offs and overall game execution.
“We need to get it right,” Kolinisau stated, underlining the necessity for effective defensive and attacking strategies. The Fijians face a challenging Pool C, competing against Spain, their longstanding rivals the United States, and New Zealand—all teams currently in a rebuilding phase following the recent Paris Olympic Games.
New Zealand, now under head coach Tomasi Cama, has introduced a refreshed squad, moving on from key players such as Tim Mikkelson, Sam Dickson, and Scott Curry, all of whom have retired. While the team has faced significant changes, Dickson believes that experience within the squad could lead to unexpected outcomes in Dubai. He expressed confidence in the mix of seasoned players and fresh talent, suggesting it creates an ideal environment for development.
The competition has intensified, according to Dickson, with a notable shift in the challenges faced by teams. He noted how scoring large margins against opponents has become increasingly rare in the series.
Meanwhile, the USA team is embarking on a new journey under head coach Simon Amor, who has taken the helm from Mike Friday. With the support of former sevens stars Ben Pinkelman and Perry Baker, Amor aims to guide a younger team that hopes to evolve its playing style. Baker, named World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2017, will be instrumental in mentoring the team as they look to build toward the 2028 LA Olympics.
Spain, despite being considered an underdog, has proven to be competitive, making it to Cup quarterfinals multiple times.
The Fijian fixtures for the tournament are as follows: on Saturday, they will face Spain at 6:06 PM, followed by a match against the USA at 9:52 PM, and on Sunday, they will compete against New Zealand at 3:10 AM.
As the teams prepare to take the field, there is a palpable sense of excitement and opportunity. With each match, not only is there the chance to earn victory, but also the potential for emerging talents to shine brightly on a global stage.
In summary, the Fijian rugby sevens team is focused on refining their skills ahead of a challenging Dubai 7s, as they prepare to face tough opponents in a competitive series. The involvement of refreshed and evolving teams offers hope for an exciting tournament full of surprises and growth opportunities for all players involved.
Leave a comment