Face of Defeat
Baber feels lack of time for Europe-based players to adapt to 7s rugby a contributing factor Sir Gordon Tietjens says a huge transition time was needed for a 15s player to adapt to 7s rugby
The body language said it all. Head down, shoulders drooped, Fiji Airways Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber yesterday revealed his reasons for Fiji’s dismal performance at the Rugby World Cup Sevens semifinal and playoff for the bronze medal at the AT&T Park, San Francisco, yesterday.
He said the lack of time for our Europe-based players to acclimatise to 7s rugby was a contributing factor to their 22-17 loss to New Zealand. Toulon winger Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra struggled to keep up with the pace of the game before they ran out of steam and were replaced; Leone Nakarawa was not his usual self when he came in the second the half.
They lost to South Africa to finish a disappointing fourth after coming third in the 2013 tournament in Russia.
When approached yesterday Baber said the three players had struggled to keep their form when fatigue crept in.
“Probably New Zealand had capitalised on it,” he added.
Baber said the team failed to find the form they were in during the Cup quarterfinal match against Argentina.
“We lost control of possession and the kick-offs as well,” Baber said.
He also pointed out that he started Amenoni Nasilasila because he had certain skills set that was needed. New Zealand 7s winger Joe Ravouvou told Fiji Sun that their game plan was to throw the ball outside