The Fiji men’s national sevens team is gearing up for the HSBC SVNS Dubai tournament, which begins this Saturday. Former Fiji sevens player Vilimoni Delasau emphasized the importance of executing fundamental skills to succeed in the competition.
Delasau expressed confidence in the players’ preparation and acknowledged improved fitness levels observed during recent matches. He noted that all teams in the HSBC SVNS series are competitive and have honed their fitness and sevens programs.
While Delasau is optimistic about the team’s prospects, he recognized the challenges they will face, expressing faith in the coaching staff’s decisions. He is pleased with the squad selected for the Dubai tournament and anticipates a top-four finish, although he would accept a loss in the quarterfinals given the tournament’s early nature. His hope is to see the team reach the finals, instilling pride in the players as they represent Fiji.
Delasau also emphasized the need for unity among the players, urging them to play not for personal glory but for their nation. He expressed concern about recent players’ declining passion for representing Fiji, highlighting the importance of rekindling that fervor.
The Fiji men’s team finds itself in a challenging pool that includes Spain, the United States, and New Zealand. Meanwhile, the Fijiana side will compete against Ireland, Australia, and China.
In preparation for the tournament, the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens team has been acclimatizing to the Dubai climate since their arrival. Head coach Osea Kolinisau expressed gratitude to the UAE rugby for their hospitality, as the team takes advantage of training opportunities to refine their skills. Kolinisau also expressed hope for UAE Rugby’s participation in the HSBC SVNS series in the future.
The tournament fixture for the Fiji men includes matches against Spain and the United States on Saturday and New Zealand on Sunday, while the Fijiana team will face Ireland, Australia, and China on the same days.
This tournament represents a chance for the Fijian teams to showcase their talent while honoring the pride of representing their country. As they navigate tough competition, the aspirations of the players and coaching staff highlight a hopeful journey ahead.
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