Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens head coach Osea Kolinisau will analyse his side’s combination at the McDonalds Fiji Coral Coast 7s tournament which kicks off tomorrow.
He has named 14 players on his side while the remaining members of the squad will feature for Mike Friday’s Select 7s team. All squad members will contest for a spot for the HSBC SVNS Perth on January 24-26.
Kolinisau said a few boys have been sidelined due to injuries, however, they’re expected to return on the field at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka this weekend.
“We want to test our combination this week at the Coral Coast; it’s not the final team,” he said.
“The guys that are playing for Mike Friday’s team are still in contention for selection.”
Besides fitness, Kolinisau would assess key criterias from his men.
“Certain things that we wanted to improve are our communication, our defensive shape, kick off and our set pieces.
“I want to see how we are good at one- on -one tackling, especially the boys on decision making – knowing what to do on the field and learning to play with what’s before them.”
He added the players should be keen to work hard in both attack and defense and not turning off for a few seconds.
“I think when the ball comes away from you, a lot of people tend to just freeze up and watch the game.
“Something we’re working on is if you send the ball the opposite way, make sure we’ reloading and you’re preparing to go again when the ball comes instead of watching, then reacting late to it when the ball comes your way.”
Yesterday, the squad had a scrimmage session with Lavidi Brothers and Police sevens team at Bidesi Park to identify some weaknesses on the side.
“It was the last minute request, they answered the call and came. We learned a lot of our weaknesses that we wanted to improve before the Coral Coast 7s,” Kolinisau said.
He hopes that the fine sunny weather will last until Saturday to prepare to prepare them for the Perth heat.
“I’ve been thankful to the Lord for good weather yesterday, it’s good prep and it’s a good testing ground too for us going to Perth.
“I heard it’s hot there and also at the Coral Coast too having national teams come, especially New Zealand and Australia, the team from Seattle and not getting our own top clubs in Fiji.
“We’re looking for good outing and a good testing in this weekend.”
The Fiji 7s team is drawn with New Zealand Sevens two, Tuva and Brothers.
Kolinisau will name his side to Perth on Saturday.
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