PLAYMAKER Waisea Nacuqu’s experience and leadership will be key for the Fiji Airways men’s 7s team as they head into the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Los Angeles this weekend.
Coach Osea Kolinisau said Nacuqu brings something special to the team, both on and off the field, as they prepare for the season finale at the Dignity Health Sports Park.
“Waisea Nacuqu has experience. You don’t have a lot of people that has a World Cup medal, an Olympic gold medal and a silver medal and there’s not a lot of people that has it and a World Series title as well,” Kolinisau said.
He said Nacuqu understands how the team wants to play, and his calm approach helps guide the younger players.
“He moves the ball around really well. The experience he has, he has direction in throwing the ball around.”
Kolinisau added that Nacuqu’s presence brings unity and confidence to the squad.
“You can see him in the gym, a lot of boys around him just giggling. That’s something you want from a senior player, getting the young boys comfortable in training and getting them to come out of their shells.”
With only two pools in the LA 7s and a winner takes all format, Kolinisau said they are more focused on fixing their own mistakes than worrying about opposition.
Fiji’s first match is against New Zealand at 6.06am.
Their second pool match will be at 9.07am against Australia followed by their match against Spain at 12.13pm.
The tournament will be held in Los Angeles from May 3-4.
