A STRONG finish in Bordeaux could provide Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team with the confidence boost needed ahead of next season’s crucial Olympic qualifying campaign.
That was the view of head coach Richard Walker during a zoom conference with the press yesterday.
Walker said finishing the season on a high note is important for the team’s long-term development and confidence.
“For us, we probably need to finish well to give us some good motivation for the off-season and then come back knowing that we can do it,” he said.
The coach believes success in the Bordeaux 7s could create momentum heading into one of the most significant years in the team’s programme.
“As we know, next season is Olympic qualifying season, so if we can get some good confidence coming out of this and finish well, I think that gives us a good head start for the following season.”
Walker has labelled Japan as one of the most disciplined teams in world rugby sevens and warned his players against complacency ahead of their opening Bordeaux pool matches clash tonight.
Although Fiji defeated Japan convincingly in Perth earlier this season, Walker said past results would count for little when the teams meet again tonight.
“We can’t play Japan based on their size and be too confident against them,” Walker said.
“They’re the most disciplined team, they’re the most skilled team, they tackle properly, they pass the ball properly and they do everything efficiently.”
Walker stressed the importance of making a strong start, particularly through kick-offs, support play and discipline.
“For us, we need a strong, tough start and that starts from kick-offs, support and discipline and making sure we support each other.”
The coach identified Japan’s ability to create turnovers as one of their greatest strengths and warned his players about the dangers of poor attacking structure.
“If we go up the middle and they get us really quickly, they’re going to create turnovers.”
Fiji’s preparations have therefore focused heavily on maintaining possession and improving defensive organisation.
Walker believes a fast start against Japan could set the tone for the remainder of the tournament.
“We’re really talking about a strong start this week in our first pool game against Japan.”
Walker said the players understood the importance of ending the campaign positively after showing encouraging signs throughout the year.
The Fijiana 7s side have produced several strong performances against top-ranked opposition this season and will be looking to build on those displays in Bordeaux.
The team open their Bordeaux 7s campaign against Japan at 10.44pm tonight. They will then face Australia at 3.15am tomorrow morning before taking on Brazil at 11.32pm in its final pool match.
