Baber has more time
WHILE Gareth Baber has supported the decision made by the International Olympics Committee to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I urge our 7s guru to reflect on the dismal outing of our national 7s side after last season’s scintillating display.
Last season Fiji won five back-to-back tournaments and (for the first time since Ben Ryan’s departure) won the overall WRSS title. However, this season our boys’ performance has been miserable especially in Vancouver, Dubai and Hamilton.
In Vancouver, we were floored by the USA Eagles (40-14) and in Dubai and Hamilton, our boys failed to progress from pool play.
However, in Sydney and Los Angeles the world saw what the Fijians were capable of doing when in the right mood.
We demolished our opponents in Sydney and won the gold medal playoff in style although we were unlucky against the Blitzbokkes in Los Angeles.
Hence, fans want a repeat of the Sydney and Los Angeles 7s performance.
Baber has time now to rectify the errors made this season and he must devise strategies to counter our ailing performance. As for help from other expatriates like Waisale Serevi, I believe Baber is the best person to make that decision.
However, I’m missing seeing Tomasi Cama and Kane Jury with our 7s team. Their impact on the team was seen last season and their departure has been felt. I also urge FRU to renew Baber’s contract as he is the best person to take us through the Olympics. I have that much of confidence in our Welshman!
RAJNESH ISHWAR LINGAM Nadawa, Nasinu