FIJI Airways Fijiana 7s team head coach Michael Walker is optimistic about the team’s preparations for the upcoming Dubai 7s tournament, the first leg of the HSBC 7s series.
The team recently returned from the Ignite 7s tournament in New Zealand, where they gained valuable experience.
“The Ignite 7s tournament in New Zealand was great, we got some good learnings out of that, we played against New Zealand, Australia and Japan over there, so that was a good preparation tournament for us,” said Walker.
“We also played in the Paradise 7s in Lautoka, and now we are two weeks out of our final preparations as we head to the first leg of the HSBC 7s series, the Dubal 7s.”
Walker is pleased with the roster of players, which includes new talents from the 15s and the Marama Cup, all competing for spots in the final team selection.
“We got a good bunch of players, we got new players from the 15s, and some new players we have identified through the Marama Cup, all vying for a spot in the final team.
Reflecting on the previous season’s successes, where they achieved a top eight finish, the team is focused on building on this momentum.
“We have been looking at some improvements at the end of the season last year, we needed to make the top eight, and we did that, so that was really good, not only for the team but the nation as well.
With tough competitors like USA, France, and New Zealand in their pool, they are well aware of the difficulties that lie ahead.
“In our pool we have top teams such as, USA, France, and New Zealand, we are lined up with tough teams, so we know the challenge that is ahead of us, so we are preparing a solid team for this tournament as hope to do our best.
As they approach the first leg of the HSBC 7s series, starting off on a positive note is crucial. Coach Walker acknowledges the potential changes in players and tactics among other teams and is eager to see how the team’s efforts in training will translate into the tournament.
The Dubai 7s is scheduled to take place on November 29-30.
