THE new format from World Rugby could be the answer for the Fiji 7s team to curtail the number of yellow cards issued during the Hamilton rugby sevens tournament.
The Gareth Baber coached side received 12 yellow cards in two tournaments and was a contributing factor to the downfall of their performances in Dubai and Cape Town last year.
Former Fiji 7s rep Fero Lasagavibau said despite the differences or negativity the players or coaches had on the new format, they would need to pull up their socks and adapt to the new system and use it as a motivational drive.
“The players are aware of their mistakes and I believe that they will come out strong in Hamilton especially when the new format of direct semi-finals from the pool games was introduced.
“One reason they’ll improve is because they’re placed sixth after the second round and they are the defending series champions and it is the Olympic year, so they will need to be in top form.
“Secondly, they know it’s a do or die pool games and Hamilton has recorded to be one of the biggest fan base for them and they wouldn’t want to disappoint them and lastly they are the defending champions.
“Whatever happens in Hamilton, I believe Baber and his boys will bounce back,” said Lasagavibau.
Fiji is in Pool D with Australia, Argentina and Samoa.
The Hamilton 7s tournament kicks off on January 25-26 in New Zealand.
