The Fiji 7s men’s and women’s teams are injury-free and available for selection into the second round of the opening leg of the 2022 HSBC World Rugby 7s Series in Dubai this weekend.
The men finished fourth after losing to Argentina in the men’s bronze play-off, whilst the Fijiana 7s finished second, bowing out to Australia in the women’s cup finals, their first 7s series final in 12 years.
On the men’s performance: head coach Saiasi Fuli said: “We started well, in the first day against good opposition, Canada, France and Australia, and then we came out victorious against a very tough physical, aggressive Kenyans, but fell short against the US.
“There’s a lot of learnings. There’s a lot of work to be done this week, and it’s a matter of how well we can adjust how well can bounce back how well we can prepare mentally and physically and have a good recovery and be ready and freshen up for the second tournament. Looking at the last two games against USA and Argentina, it comes back to those small issues like decision making under duress and under pressure. We have to be clinical we have to stay composed and manage our time well and manage our rugby from the first whistle until the last whistle.”
He commended the women on their historical achievement, noting learnings and areas that they need to work on that was brought to the fore in their 22-7 defeat by Australia.
“There’s a lot of learnings, they were outfought and out-strength [by] Australia, but I believe that they will bounce back and map out the plan again for the second week. It’s always tough to play in a back to back tournament. Today they did their recovery, and this evening there’s a lot of one-on-ones and reviews. Hopefully they can train well and and be ready again for the weekend.”
In the men’s competition this weekend, Fiji gets another chance to go head to head against Argentina having been slotted in the same Pool C alongside France and Spain. The Fijiana are drawn again against Great Britain in Pool B where they are joined by France, USA, and Ireland.
Photo: Fiji Rugby
