Baber: Best is yet to come

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Fiji Airways Fiji 7s coach Gareth Baber during the team’s training session in Sydney, Australia earlier this year. Picture: FT FILE

WE were mesmerised and doused with overflowing champagne rugby by the Fiji Airways Fiji 7s rugby team at the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series London 7s but coach Gareth Baber said what we saw on the field was just the tip of the iceberg. “There are always things that we are looking to improve,” Baber said.

“In developing players technically, tactically, mentally and physically as well as the culture of the group, there will always be elements that we focus on.

“What you see on the field is the tip of this iceberg and we constantly look at how we address the foundation of this.”

Fiji finished the tournament with a thrilling 21-17 victory over arch rival South Africa, which gave the side a seven-point lead on the series standings.

Fiji now has 167 points while South Africa has 160. Fiji needs to win 17 points or a bronze medal finish to gain 184 points and win the world title.

Meanwhile, Baber said the side would have a few days off when they return from the Paris 7s.

“However, our turnaround is relatively tight and we will look at assembling the players into a Rugby World Cup training squad before we narrow it down for the squad to travel to USA.

“We will travel to Utah for two weeks of prep at altitude prior to moving to San Francisco.”

The RWC 7s will be held at San Francisco from July 20-22.

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