The road to redemption begins for the Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s Sevens team today as they attempt to defend their Dubai 7s title and restore confidence after a disappointing 2023–24 HSBC SVNS season.
Dubai has long been a tournament that brings the best out of Fiji—its open spaces and quick pace suit Fiji’s natural flair.
But this time, the mission runs deeper than chasing silverware. It is about reclaiming identity, rebuilding belief, and proving that Fiji still belongs among the giants of world sevens rugby.
Last season’s inconsistency, discipline issues, and lapses in fitness saw Fiji finish well below their usual standards. In a sport where the margins between teams are closing rapidly, Fiji can no longer rely solely on talent and instinct.
They must be smarter, fitter, and more clinical. As the new SVNS format demands high-intensity performance across every match, Dubai presents not just an opportunity, but a crucial test.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau, a former Fiji sevens great and Olympic gold medallist, steps into Dubai with clear priorities.
While he has expressed satisfaction with the squad’s conditioning in camp, he has also acknowledged that the true measure will be this weekend on the pitch.
1. Fitness: The Fuel for Fiji’s Free-Flowing Game
Fiji’s famed free-flowing style—built on offloads, support play, and attacking instinct—can only thrive when the team is in peak physical condition.
Last season, fatigue was a clear weakness.
Opponents frequently capitalized late in matches, lifting their tempo while Fiji faltered.
As legs tired, passes drifted, support arrived late, and defensive lines loosened.
The result: Fiji’s natural strengths became liabilities.
Kolinisau knows too well that the modern sevens game demands relentless intensity.
Teams like New Zealand, Argentina, and France have built systems around high work rate and structured coverage.
The challenge for Fiji is to combine their natural flair with elite fitness.
The coaching team has placed heavy emphasis on conditioning over the off-season, and early signs have been promising.
But Dubai—played in fast conditions and often under heat—will reveal whether the squad’s conditioning can match the demands of the world stage.
2. Set Piece Dominance: The Foundation of Modern Sevens
Set piece—the scrum and lineout—may not be Fiji’s traditional calling card, but it has become a decisive factor in the modern game.
Last season, inconsistency in both attacking and defensive lineouts cost Fiji valuable possession and momentum.
Opponents exploited this, using clean ball from the air to launch structured attacks.
For Fiji, securing their own ball is crucial, but contesting opposition lineouts is equally important.
When Fiji competes aggressively in the air, their defensive pressure often forces turnovers that spark counter-attacking opportunities.
Kolinisau and his coaching group will be expected to show clear improvement in this area.
If Fiji can stabilize their set piece, they can unleash their attacking threats with far greater confidence.
3. Discipline: The Biggest Obstacle to Fiji’s Success
A staggering 26 yellow cards last season—the highest of any team—tells a story far louder than Fiji would like.
Add to that two red cards, and Fiji’s discipline issues were among the biggest contributors to their struggles. Playing with six men has repeatedly turned winnable matches into uphill battles.
Kolinisau understands this all too well.
Discipline is not just about avoiding penalties; it is about communication, composure, and respecting the moment.
Fiji must cut unnecessary infringements—late tackles, off-the-ball contact, and breakdown errors.
With talent in abundance, the message from the coaching staff has been clear: discipline is not optional; it is the standard.
4. Consistency: Unlocking the Potential of Local Stars
Fiji’s squad is loaded with talent—players like Terio Tamani Veilawa, Pilipo Bukayaro, and Joseva Talacolo, who have dominated the local scene but struggled to fully translate that form internationally.
The challenge now is to help these players overcome the pressure of the global stage and deliver consistent performances.
Kolinisau must find a winning formula that allows Fiji’s playmakers to thrive while maintaining structure and composure.
If these rising stars can find their rhythm early, Dubai may be the spark Fiji desperately needs.
A Pivotal Weekend Ahead
With the new SVNS format increasing the stakes of every pool match, Fiji cannot afford slow starts or lapses in concentration.
Every game in Dubai must be played like a final.
A victory this weekend would be historic—not only as a back-to-back Dubai triumph, but as a symbolic rebirth of Fiji’s sevens identity.
More importantly, it would set the tone for a season of redemption, rebuild faith among supporters, and re-establish Fiji as a powerhouse in world rugby.
Meanwhile, the Fijiana 7s team heads into the tournament with renewed purpose, fresh faces, and a determination to reclaim their place among the world’s elite.
After a challenging season last year—marked by inconsistency, injuries, and a difficult rebuilding phase—the women’s side is looking to begin the new campaign with confidence and conviction.
Under the guidance of head coach Richard Walker, the Fijiana have spent the off-season focusing on areas that previously held them back: decision-making under pressure, defensive structures, and set-piece execution.
The team’s trademark flair and attacking instinct remain their strongest assets, but Fuli has emphasised the need for balance.
In a rapidly improving women’s game—where teams like Australia, New Zealand, and France continue to push standards higher—discipline and structure will be just as crucial as creativity.
The return of experienced campaigners brings stability to the squad, while several exciting young players are set to make their mark.
Their performances in local competitions have impressed selectors, and Dubai presents the perfect stage for them to transition to the global arena.
Maintaining composure in tight matches will be vital, especially under the new SVNS format, where every game carries significant weight.
One of the Fijiana’s biggest strengths is their resilience. Despite setbacks last season, their fighting spirit remained evident, particularly in the final tournaments of the campaign.
Now, with a full preseason behind them and improved squad depth, the team is poised for a stronger showing.
Dubai has historically been a happy hunting ground for the Fijiana, and this weekend offers the ideal opportunity to reset, regroup, and reassert themselves. A solid performance could spark the momentum they need—not only for the tournament, but for the entire season ahead.
Dubai awaits, and Fiji stands ready. The mission is clear: rise again.
