Australia and Fijian players fight for the ball during the rugby 7s final between Fiji and Australia at the 2022 Hong Kong Sevens. Photo: LO PING FAI/AFP
Precision on defence and having players switched on for the duration of matches will be key if the Fiji Sevens team is to win the 2023 Hong Kong 7s tournament this weekend.
Pasific neighbours Samoa and Fiji will square off at the Hong Kong Stadium in Hong Kong on Friday afternoon local time in what is expected to be a fiery Pool A opener.
It's a game Fiji's head coach Ben Gollings knows will set the pace for them in the tournament.
Gollings has put his warriors through the drill over the past two weeks, leaving no stones unturned as he works on ensuring the key area of defence is sorted out.
"Something that we've learned from the last tournament was our defence and that we've got to be a lot more switched on," Gollings said from Hong Kong.
"We're going to have a lot more control in defence because it's hurting us when we're missing tackles.
"It's hard to work for long periods of time in this game and we have to be effective and keep the ball against the likes of Samoa."
'Key for us to set a good platform'
Gollings said Samoa will be tough as they are also chasing a win and a top four placing on the overall table, which qualifies teams for the Olympic Games in 2024.
"So yeah, we know Samoa are going to come out. It's really key for us that we set a good platform and we get the tournament off to a good start. We know we've got the capabilities," he said.
"Everybody wants an opportunity. Everybody wants to hit the quarter-finals, everyone wants to get into the finals because of the points and the Olympic qualification."
Gollings has recalled a number of players such as Napolioni Bolaca, Joseva Talacolo and Suliano Volivoli and he believes they will contribute towards the team's focus this weekend.
"The players are training really well, they've got focus, they really come together and we know exactly where we want to be coming this weekend and what we need to get through this week so players applying themselves really well," Gollings stated.
"And so far so good with the preparations. The boys who have been recalled have come in, they've gelled well with the players and are working really hard on the field, which is exactly what we want from them."
As well as Samoa and Fiji, the pool also features Argentina and Canada.
Samoa co-skipper out
Manu Samoa Sevens head coach Muliagatele Brian Lima has named his team for the tournament as well as the Singapore 7s.
Co-captain Melani Matavao is missing from the squad with Va'afauese Apelu Maliko and Vaovasa Afa Su'a taking on the responsibility of leading the team.
Meanwhile, for the first time in the event's 46-year history, the top 12 women's nations, including invitational side Hong Kong China, are to join the men's Series.
The pools see series leaders New Zealand in Pool A alongside Canada, Great Britain and Hong Kong China.
Fiji will take on Australia, Ireland and Brazil in Pool B, while Pool C sees USA with France, Japan and Spain.