FORMER national sevens rugby maestro Waisale Serevi made some interesting comments the other day.
As we gear up for the annual Hong Kong 7s, there are some valuable lessons in them.
Now coaching the Russian 7s side, Serevi believes there is room for more dialogue between coaches and players in Fiji.
Players representing the national side, he said, must play according to the game plan laid down by national coach Gareth Baber.
The coaches and management, he pointed out, decide what is best for the team.
“But they also have to talk,” he said. No coach, he said, sets a plan for his team to lose.
“There are injuries in the team, but that shows how tough the series is,” he said.
Interestingly, he believes age is not a barrier when selecting players to represent Fiji, especially in sevens.
“I was 37 years old and was named the best player during the Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2005, and that is just a comparison to these young warriors.”
Our youngsters, he pointed out, must trust each other and work hard if they want to win in Hong Kong.
The overview is quite interesting because it touches a number of key issues for the national side.
Hong Kong, without a doubt is the tournament Fijians hold very close to their hearts.
It’s the event we all look forward to every year.
This is where we have a very special place in the history of the game.
It is where we discovered our passion for the abbreviated version of the sport, and where the world discovered our amazing talents, flair and magical presence.
It’s where we became the darlings of the game, earning a place at the highest level of the sport and numerous titles along the way.
The Happy Valley unveiled Fijian superstars over the years, and gave the world our special brand of sevens rugby.
This year’s event is special, just like all those other years. But there is history to be made as well when we run on to the stadium at So Kon Po. We have a great opportunity to win our fifth title in a row.
It is a major challenge for the side.
Losses in Las Vegas and Vancouver in the recent leg of the World Rugby 7s series have placed us on the backfoot though.
Our challenge is to get over them, believe in ourselves, and give Hong Kong our best shot.
The players who will be named by Baber will carry the hopes and aspirations of a nation, and thousands of Fijians living around the world.
Go Fiji, go.
