The Fiji men’s national sevens rugby team is gearing up for the HSBC SVNS Dubai tournament, which begins on Saturday. Former Fiji sevens player Vilimoni Delasau recently shared insights on the team’s readiness and the importance of executing the fundamentals of the game to succeed in the tournament.
Delasau expressed confidence in the players’ preparation, noting their notable improvement in fitness based on their performance at the Mataso sevens. He emphasized that all teams in the HSBC SVNS series are highly competitive, which makes the tournament a challenging endeavor. Delasau expressed his faith in the coaching staff and is pleased with the squad selected for the Dubai 7s. He believes that with the right players in place, the team has the potential to finish among the top four, although he acknowledged that he wouldn’t be surprised if they exited in the quarterfinals, given it is their first tournament.
Delasau encouraged the players to bond as a unit and to embody a heartfelt commitment to representing their country, underscoring the importance of national pride and the desire to reignite that passion among newer players.
The Fiji men’s team has drawn Spain, the United States, and New Zealand in their pool, while the Fijiana team faces Ireland, Australia, and China.
Meanwhile, Head coach Osea Kolinisau mentioned that the team is acclimatizing to Dubai’s weather ahead of the tournament and expressed gratitude towards UAE rugby for their support in providing facilities for practice. He believes this preparation will be vital for the team’s performance at the Dubai 7s, and he has hopes for the UAE rugby team to eventually compete in the HSBC SVNS series.
The fixtures for both the Fiji men’s and Fijiana sevens teams have been set, with match times scheduled throughout the weekend.
This tournament presents a significant opportunity for Fiji’s rugby sevens teams to showcase their talent on an international platform and could help revive national pride in the sport. With a focus on unity and a renewed passion for representing their country, the Fiji teams are positioned for a spirited competition in Dubai.
In summary, as the Fiji teams prepare for the HSBC SVNS Dubai tournament, their dedication, training, and commitment to national pride will be crucial in navigating the competitive landscape ahead.
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