‘We will Improve and Play Smart’

Sydney sevens defending champions, the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s side needs to up the ante this week.

Ben Gollings’ band of men knows that they need to have the urgency to retain their title right from the first kick off in pool play.

With another six HSBC Sevens Series to go, Fiji should be the last team standing when dust settles at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday night.

Standing in their way to achieving that are Tonga, Japan and France, the three who are in their Sydney pool were impressive in Hamilton last weekend.

Speaking to SUNSports, Gollings said they cannot afford to repeat the Hamilton dilemma.

“You can’t afford to play the quarter-finals and give away the amount of balls like we did against Agentina and also the amount of penalties we did,” Gollings said.

“We got to manage these things in the game; that quarterfinal game was winnable - it was there for us to win but we gave it away.

“That’s what makes it disappointing because it’s not the standard we set.”

Gollings added that the team has

discussed the way

forward - imney proving their performance in Sydthis weekend.

“We have discussed about our loss in Hamilton, this week we will work hard and smart to improve on some of those areas,” he said.

“Our aim is to come in this week and do the small things right on the pitch.

“Unlike always with performances taking small things that make a difference.

“We don’t need to be dramatic but we need to tweak a few things so we can get the consistency back that we set as a standard last year.”

Turning things around

Much will depend on the players, it is important that they have the right mindset going into every tournament.

“They need to have the right attitude, mentally and physically focused to produce results,” he said. The return of senior player Tevita Daugunu should add depth to the squad; this will provide options for Gollings.

Daugunu has arrived in Sydney to replace injured Filipe Sauturaga. Meanwhile, Fijiana’s Reijieli Daveua has been ruled out due to con cussion. She will not be replaced.

Photo: FRU Media Fiji Airways Fijian players (from left) Pilipo Bukayaro adn Josese Batirerega during the team’s recovery session in Sydney, Australia, on January 25, 2023.

Photo: FRU Media Fijian seven’s forward Josua Vakurinabili during the team’s recovery session in Sydney, Australia, on January 25, 2023.

Photo: FRU Media Fijiana’s Ivamere Nabura during the team’s recovery session in Sydney, Australia, on January 25, 2023.

Photo: FRU Media Fiji Airways Fijiana player Vasiti Solikoviti (with ball) during training at the Keith Barnes Stadium in Sydney, Australia, on January 24, 2023.