With the Singapore 7s set to kick off this weekend, Fiji Airways Men's National 7s Head Coach, Osea Kolinisau has identified defensive accuracy and breakdown discipline as the non-negotiable priorities for his side as they prepare to defend their title.
Speaking to the media via Zoom from the team’s camp, Kolinisau said lessons from the previous tournament have shaped the team’s focus this week.
Kolinisau says defence is something they really want to work on after their last tournament.
He says they missed a lot of tackles, so they have been working hard on their one-on-one defence making sure the boys complete their tackles.
The Coach added that discipline at the breakdown remains just as critical, particularly with referees placing increased emphasis on correct technique at the contact area.
Kolinisau says one thing they have to work on is making the right decisions at the breakdown.
He says one of the key focus areas for the referees is making sure players clearly release before going for the ball and that is something they really drilled into the boys.
Kolinisau says improved control at the breakdown would allow the team to dictate the tempo of matches from the outset.
Acknowledging the challenge and the pressure that comes with being defending champions, Kolinisau stressed the importance of a game-by-game mindset.
Fiji has been drawn in a tough pool in Singapore and will face Great Britain at 4.32pm Saturday, before facing Spain at 7.58pm and South Africa at 11.46pm on the same day.
The Men’s Cup semi finals will start at 6.52pm on Sunday,with the final scheduled for 11.41pm.
