‘It’s Now or Never’
It is now or never at the Allianz Stadium for defending Sydney Sevens champions Fiji Airways Fijian 7s.
This is the fifth 2022/2023 HSBC Series since November with the two time Olympians yet to bring a win home.
Fiji is one of only two teams — along with New Zealand — to finish in the top four of the World Series every season since its inception in the 90s.
Fiji has won the World Rugby Sevens Series four times — first in 200506, and most recently in 2018-19.
“We have discussed about our loss in Hamilton; this weekend we will work hard and smart, improve on some of those areas,” Gollings said. “Our aim is to come in and do the small things right on the pitch. “And unlike always with performances, we’re 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.” Gollings’ men must have the urgency to retain their title from the first kick off in pool play.
“They need to have the right attitude, mentally and physically focused to produce results,” he said. “We can’t afford to repeat the Hamilton dilemma.”
The return of senior player Tevita Daugunu should add depth to the Fijian squad as this will provide options for Gollings.
Daugunu flew to Sydney at beginning of the week to replace injured Filipe Sauturaga.
Fiji should be the last team standing hoisting the winner’s trophy when dust settles at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday night.
The last six Series include Los Angeles, Vancouver, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tolouse and London.
The top four at the end of the Series qualify for the Paris Olympics in France next year.
This weekend Australia has been drawn in Pool A alongside Hamilton winners Argentina, Great Britain and Canada. Current series leader New Zealand is in Pool B alongside Commonwealth Games champion South Africa, Kenya and Uruguay whilst USA, Ireland, Samoa and Spain make up Pool C. Pool D: France, Fiji, Tonga and Japan.