Pacific

Fiji 7s aiming to reload and come stronger in Dubai

15:33 pm on 2 December 2021

The Fijian 7s interim coach Saiasi Fuli has restructured his game plan and approach towards the second leg of the Dubai 7s tournament this weekend.

The 11 new players who made their debut for the national 7s team in the first leg last weekend are expected to pick up the momentum this weekend.

Kalione Nasoko is a former Fiji 7s captain and won gold at the Tokyo Olympics. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"It's another tough week to prepare, looking at what we did in the first week we started well against tough opponents but fell short against the US in the semi-finals," said Fuli.

"It's a matter of how well we can adjust, how well we can bounce back and how we can prepare mentally and physically.

"Looking at the last two games against US and Argentina, it comes back to those small issues like decision-making under pressure. We have to be clinical and stay composed, manage our time well and manage our rugby from the first whistle until the last."

Meanwhile, Fuli said he was proud of the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s progress and productivity, having achieve an impressive result reaching the final of the World Rugby Sevens Series for the first time.

"I know they fell short against Australia but there is a lot to learn and I believe they will bounce back this weekend," he said.

"It's tough playing back-to-back tournaments but the focus is to have a good recovery, assess all injuries and start all over again and produce positive results."

The second leg of the Dubai 7s tournament will kick-off on Friday with the Fijiana playing Ireland at 5:22pm local time then will play the United States at 8:02pm.

On Saturday they will face Great Britain at 12:14am and France at 8:29pm.

The men's team plays their first game on Friday against France at 5:44pm then Spain at 9:14pm, before their final pool match against Argentina at 1:24am on Saturday.