THE Fiji Airways Fiji 7s team is focused on winning the upcoming HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series London tournament to keep its series title hopes alive. Head coach Gareth Baber said the side would treat all its games as the cup final and reminded the players on the job at hand.
He said it would be a tough challenge for the players knowing the reigning champions would bounce back strongly in the last two tournaments.
“It is a big job to do and we know the two tournaments will be tough with only a few points ahead of South Africa,” said Baber.
“We know South Africa is also coming to get the crown as well and they will want to win back to back. “But for us it is important we can only focus on how we can do better as a team. “We have done some good stuff and we need to keep looking ahead of us and certainly what is done is done. “We will keep our feet on the ground. The players know what job is to be done with the passion of doing that for them and the country and we are ready for the challenge. We know that every game is our cup final.”
Baber thanked the Fiji Rugby Union for allowing the team to leave early for London.
“Hats off to FRU for allowing us to go to England early like we did in other tournaments. “It is important to get the players focused on what we need. “We know there will be tight games and the biggest thing is to reinforce the positives which makes us competitive. “My job as the coach is to analyse that and make sure the boys are developing and above all reminded of the position they are in,” he added.
Fiji is pooled with Commonwealth Games gold medallist New Zealand, Scotland and Argentina at next week’s London 7s.
The Jerry Tuwai-led team leads the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series overall points table standings with 145 followed by South Africa with 141.
Team: Jerry Tuwai, Jasa Veremalua, Kalioni Nasoko, Mesulame Kunavula, Josua Vakurinabuli, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Paula Dranisinukula, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Amenoni Nasilasila, Vatemo Ravouvou, Waisea Nacuqu, Eroni Sau, Alasio Naduva, Samisoni Viriviri
