With a handful of younger players out to feature for the Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s 7s side this weekend, veteran Suliano Volivoli has been emphasising the importance of being mentally strong when on the field.
With one more day before the Hong Kong 7s tournament gets underway, Volivoli says he has been helping their skipper, Vatemo Ravouvou, and other veterans in the side to prepare younger players mentally for the tournament.
“I’ve been telling the younger boys that they have to have a strong mindset when on the field because Hong Kong is the biggest tournament of the season and all teams will be coming out strongly,” the former Police 7s skipper said.
“I’ve been telling them that their mindset on the field is important because it will determine how they play.
“Competing at a huge tournament like this can be overwhelming.”
He also mentioned that he has been stressing the importance of playing together as a team.
“I’ve also told them that there shouldn’t be too much individual play, but for us to play as a team.”
Volivoli added the side has been holding up well and adjusting to the atmosphere in Hong Kong as they look forward to a tough pool with Australia, France, and Canada.
“We have been training properly since we arrived here, just getting used to the atmosphere and the boys are excited.”
He added that having former head coach Gareth Baber with the side as a consultant for both the men’s and women’s teams has been beneficial since they arrived in Hong Kong earlier this week.
“Baber has been with us for the past few days as a consultant and we have been learning a lot since we arrived here in Hong Kong.
“We’ve been working on a few things like tackling techniques and the boys enjoy working with him.”
