NZ, USA, Spain to test Kolinisau’s men in Dubai

NZ, USA, Spain to test Kolinisau’s men in Dubai

The Fijians who have not won the past 22 tournaments in the Series are in a tough Pool C where they face Spain, archrivals United States of America and New Zealand. 

Fiji men’s 7s head
coach Osea Kolinisau. Photo: Leon Lord

Winning and maintaining possession is critical of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team in this weekend’s Dubai 7s, the opening tournament of the 2024/25 HSBC SVNS series.

This was the gist of head coach Osea Kolinisau’s interview with FRU Media, where he indicated the need to perfect their kick-offs and their moves.

“We need to get it right,” he said.

Kolinisau said they also need to execute their defence and attacking styles.

The Fijians who have not won the past 22 tournaments in the Series are in a tough Pool C where they face Spain, archrivals United States of America and New Zealand.

All the teams are on a rebuilding phase after this year’s Paris Olympic Games.

New Zealand under head coach Tomasi Cama has brought in a new-look squad after seasoned campaigners Tim Mikkelson, Sam Dickson and Scott Curry have retired.

However, Dickson believes a changed New Zealand side can be a surprise package in Dubai.

 

Apart from the veterans, New Zealand will also be without Moses Leo, Payton Spencer, Leroy Carter, Che Clark, Tepaea Cook-Savage and Fehi Fineanganofo.

But Dickson told World Rugby, “There’s still a group of 10 or 12 boys who are really experienced but still at the top of their game. It’s almost a perfect storm for Tomasi (Cama) to rebuild with a decent amount of experience to help these fresh teenagers coming through.”

Dickson said the growth in the HSBC series meant the competition was fiercer than ever.

“For the first four years of my career, we’d have one pool game every event where we’d put 40-50 points on a team, but now it’s so rare.”

Meanwhile, the USA is coming to Dubai under new head coach Simon Amor who has taken over from Mike Friday.

The former England, Great Britain and Japan sevens head coach brings a wealth of experience. He is going to work with two of the American sevens legends of Ben Pinkelman and Perry Baker as his assistant coaches.

 

Baker who was regarded as the fastest winger in the series was named the World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year in 2017.

“With a number of great and long standing players retiring after the Paris Olympics, Dubai becomes the first step for a new group on our journey aiming to win a medal at our LA 2028 Olympics,” Amor said.

“The team selected for Dubai therefore has five players making their debuts, as we go from one of the most experienced and oldest teams on the HSBC SVNS, to one of the least experienced and youngest.

“We are looking to evolve how we play, using our talent and speed, and while our inexperience means we will not be perfect.”

Minnows Spain is no pushover after making the Cup quarterfinals on a number of occasions.

Men’s fixtures 

Saturday: 6.06pm Fiji v Spain, 9.52pm Fiji v USA; 

Sunday: 3.10am Fiji v New Zealand

 

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