Soul-searching as Fiji flop again ahead of tilt at third Games gold

Hong Kong, China, AFP: Fiji's men are the reigning two-time Olympic rugby sevens champions and when they play, the Pacific island country comes to a standstill and crime there plummets. But just over three months before they defend their cherished Olympic crown in Paris, there is soul-searching after a painful barren run in the World Series.

The latest disappointment came in a 19-12 loss to holders New Zealand in the quarter-finals on Saturday in Hong Kong, the most prestigious leg of the series and a tournament Fiji consider home. One month ago, Englishman Ben Gollings was sacked as head coach and replaced by former Fiji sevens captain Osea Kolinisau, who helped the country to Olympic gold as a player at the 2016 Rio Games.

"In the pursuit of Olympic glory in France, we have to have the best," rugby board boss Peter Mazey said in axing Gollings.

Kolinisau took charge for the first time this week in a hot and wet Hong Kong, where Fiji have triumphed a record

19 times and are usually the hottest ticket in town. But coming to

Hong Kong, they had not won a tournament in the five legs so far of the current series. That poor run continued in defeat to New Zealand and skipper Vatemo Ravouvou told AFP: “We planned to come and win but it wasn't a good enough week and it wasn't our day today”.

“The boys have to adapt to the change in coaching staff and we are getting there. But we need to improve in a lot of things, especially our defence.”

In a message to the large number of colourful Fiji fans at Hong Kong Stadium, many wearing blue wigs, Ravouvou said: “We will work hard to put Fiji back on the map.”