Fiji Airways men’s rugby sevens head coach Osea Kolinisau is set to assess his players’ performance at the McDonald’s Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament, starting tomorrow. He has announced a squad of 14 players, while additional members will compete for Mike Friday’s Select 7s team, as everyone strives for a position in the upcoming HSBC SVNS Perth tournament scheduled for January 24-26.

Kolinisau acknowledged that several players are currently nursing injuries but expressed optimism that they will be back on the field at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka this weekend. “We aim to test our combinations this week at the Coral Coast; this isn’t the final team,” he stated, indicating that those on the Select 7s team are also in play for roster spots.

During the tournament, Kolinisau will focus on enhancing various tactical aspects including communication, defensive structure, kick-offs, and set pieces. “I want to see improvement in one-on-one tackling and quick decision-making on the field,” he emphasized, underlining the need for players to remain alert and not lapse in concentration.

In preparation, the team held a scrimmage with Lavidi Brothers and the Police sevens team at Bidesi Park to identify weaknesses. Kolinisau expressed gratitude for the good weather during training, which he believes is beneficial for acclimatizing the team to the anticipated heat in Perth. He remarked, “We’re looking for a good outing and good testing this weekend,” as the Fiji 7s team is set to compete against formidable opponents including New Zealand Sevens two and Tuva Rugby.

Kolinisau plans to finalize his team for the Perth tournament on Saturday, after the conclusion of the Coral Coast event. He has underscored that no player is guaranteed a spot, emphasizing the competitive nature of the selection process. This proactive approach reflects Kolinisau’s commitment not only to immediate performance but also to the long-term development of the players, ensuring Fiji remains competitive on an international level.

Overall, the Coral Coast 7s presents a valuable opportunity for the Fiji men’s sevens team to showcase their skills, energize team dynamics, and motivate emerging talent in Fijian rugby. The focus on continuous improvement and resilience instills hope for the future of the team as they prepare for both domestic and international competitions.