Be Warned, 102 days left: Kauvesi
Rob Kauvesi says squad members need to take ownership and get serious if they are to defend the 7s gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
The team manager for the 2016 Rio Olympics Fiji 7s gold medal team fired a timely reminder with 102 day left in defending our title on July 26-31.
He said players need to tune themselves ready for the challenge as winning gold is the benchmark, nothing less.
Speaking to SUNsports Kauvesi said: “We are 102 days away from the Olympic Games and the most important thing now is for the boys to be mentally tuned and 100 per cent ready.
“It’s not only the preparation on the field but off the field as well. With that I mean nutrition and what they eat at home when not in camp.
“The players should watch their diet at home and sleep at the right time.
Recovery
“The body needs best recovery and management and coaches can only do so much so the onus is on the players to change things around. “I believe we are on the right track. I’ve been watching them at Uprising Resort and the boys are hard at work to impress coach Gareth Baber.
“Strength and conditioning coach Nacanieli Cawanibuka and physiotherapist William Kwoong are doing their part to get these boys fully fit and ready to be selected. “I believe we should be ready for the Olympics and it’s time to get serious now and plan accordingly. “The best way to defend our title is to be ruthless on attack and I believe we have the men to do it.” Kauvesi said there were rumors that Olympian Vatemo Ravouvou would be joining the Fiji 7s squad. “The playmaker’s role is very important as he directs the team and dictates play.
“It’s a role for a specialist and we’re fortunate in 2016 that we have players like Ravouvou and Kitione Taliga who could play halfback, playmaker or rover.”
He said for any player to be considered for the 7s squad is Baber’s call including Ravouvou
Kauvesi and coach Ben Ryan led Fiji to win the countr’s first ever gold medal in Rio thrashing Great Britain 43-7 in the final.