OSEA Kolinisau, the head coach of the Fiji Airways men’s sevens team has named his squad for the HSBC Dubai 7s in the opening leg of the 2024/2025 edition of the series yesterday.
The 12-member contingent was named following the conclusion of the Fiji Bitter Mataso 7s in Lautoka on Saturday, in which Fiji 7s Blue defeated Taikita Brothers 29-5 to win the tournament.
The national team entered the competition with two teams – Fiji 7s Blue and Fiji 7s White, however the latter fell short in the semi-final due to a 10-15 defeat by the Taiki Ta Brothers.
Kolinisau’s selection serves as an insight into the scope of training covered by his side, following a diligent and intense training period where every player demonstrated their willingness to be a part of the team to Dubai.
Late last month, following a training session at the FRU High Performance Gym in Laucala Bay, Suva, Kolinisau emphasised how high the stakes were and the immense pressure accompanying the role of head coach.
“It’s always tough selecting a new squad, there’s a lot of new and old faces but like I said, there’s a certain standard we want to push them to,” he said.
Meanwhile, the team flew out to Dubai yesterday.
The national 12-member squad:
1. Jerry Matana. 2. Joji Nasova. 3. Sevuloni Mocenacagi. 4. Ilikimi Torosi. 5. Suliano Volivolituevei. 6. Terio Tamani. 7. Pilipo Bukayaro. 8. Ratu Filipe Sauturaga. 9. Kavekini Tanivanuakula (debutant) 10. George Bose (debutant). 11. Vuiviwa Naduvalo. 12. Iowane Teba
