Fiji 7s Squad: A Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent
Fiji's rugby sevens team is gearing up for an exciting challenge, but not all players are on equal footing. Fiji Airways Men's National 7s coach, Osea Kolinisau, has revealed his plans to strengthen the squad with new additions, while also addressing the need for certain players to step up their game.
Kolinisau has announced that several players from the Yaro Chiefs will join the extended squad, including the highly regarded captain Wame Ratuva. Ratuva's leadership skills were on full display during the McDonald's Coral Coast 7s, earning him a spot in the national team's radar. But here's where it gets interesting: Kolinisau believes that while Ratuva has the talent, he still needs to prove his match fitness to secure a permanent position.
And there's more! Kolinisau has been in communication with Amenoni Nasilasila, who recently gained freedom after a prison sentence. The coach has given Nasilasila a clear directive: improve match fitness by participating in local tournaments. Nasilasila, according to Kolinisau, has the potential to be a game-changer, but his current fitness level is a concern.
The squad is also welcoming new talents, such as Police Blue's Akuila Dranivotua and Dominion Brothers' Waisake Tewa, who have been spotted training with the extended squad. These additions bring a mix of youth and experience to the team.
With the Singapore tournament on the horizon, the team selection will be finalized soon. Fiji is set to face tough opponents in Pool A, including South Africa, Great Britain, and Spain. Their first match against Great Britain on Saturday at 4:32 pm will be a crucial test, followed by Spain at 7:58 pm and South Africa at 11:46 pm on the same day.
Will the new additions and fitness concerns impact Fiji's performance? The coach's decisions have sparked debates among fans. What do you think? Is Kolinisau making the right call by focusing on fitness and bringing in fresh talent? Share your thoughts in the comments!
