THE Fiji Airways men’s 7s team has plenty to work on before the next leg of the World Sevens Series in Vancouver following a tough quarter-final exit at the Perth 7s.
The side fell 0-19 to South Africa, with indiscipline proving costly as two players, Joji Nasova and Iowane Teba, were sin binned.
Nasova was penalized for throwing the ball away, while Teba committed a professional foul. To add to their woes, Fiji also conceded a penalty try in the second half.
A week before the Perth 7s coach Osea Kolinisau had stressed the importance of discipline heading into the tournament, a message that didn’t seem like was fully heeded.
“I think we need to sit down and need to be stricter on our tackles because there are lots of high tackles and that is what we don’t want,” Kolinisau said during the McDonald’s Fiji’s Coral Coast 7s.
Despite a commanding 33-5 victory over New Zealand in their final pool match, Fiji’s inconsistent form throughout the competition raised concerns.
Losses to Uruguay and a tight win against Kenya highlighted vulnerabilities that need addressing ahead of the Vancouver 7s, scheduled for February 21-23.
The defeat in Perth means Fiji will likely lose their top spot on the World Sevens Series standings, with teams in second to fifth place advancing to the semi-finals.
With a quick turnaround, the team must tighten up their play, reduce errors, and refocus if they are to challenge for the title in Vancouver.
Fiji featured in the fifth place-playoff against France last night.
Meanwhile, the Fijiana side beat Great Britain 26-17 yesterday to finish ninth in Perth.
