Discipline is a critical hurdle for the Fiji Airways Fiji Men’s 7s team following their performance in the opening legs of the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS Series, says international referee Rasta Rasivhenge.
While acknowledging the Osea Kolinisau’s youthful squad, Rasivhenge emphasises that minimising costly errors such as red cards seen in Dubai requires a “concerted effort.”
“If we talk about discipline, obviously it’s discipline in terms of the game plans and the execution. But they are going to learn how to eradicate the errors and non-decisions the more he coaches them and the more he exposes them to higher level.”
He remains optimistic, however, noting that exposure to elite competition will eventually bridge the gap between raw talent and high-stakes execution.
“What I’ve loved about what Osea Kolinisau has done is he’s brought in a lot of youngsters into the team, and they are learning the structures of how to perform at the highest level, which is World Rugby,” Rasivhenge said.
“So, if we talk about discipline and stuff, obviously it’s discipline in terms of the game plans and the execution.
“But they are going to learn how to eradicate the errors and non-decisions the more he coaches them and the more he exposes them to the level.”
The renowned referee’s words could be reflected onto the disciplinary weaknesses seen in the team, especially in the first two stops of the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS Series, such as Dubai last month and Cape Town recently.
A notable infringement for Fiji was a red card shown to Ilikimi Vunaki after he went for a high shot in the build-up to a try scored by Brady Rush of New Zealand in the cup semi-final of the Dubai 7s, where Fiji lost 21-24.
While Rasivhenge is urging for a concerted effort towards the team’s disciplinary blunders, he commended Kolinisau for engaging younger players in the team and creating depth through it.
