Fiji enroute to Moscow

With the Rugby 7s World Cup just around the corner, there are many thoughts into how Fiji will perform at the tournament, the only one which is a bit more important than the Hong Kong 7s.     

The Fiji 7s team after a gym session.                                               Source: Fiji Sun

The people of Fiji can only hope that their 7s gladiators bounce back from their recent up-and-down performances in the HSBC Sevens Series so far.

Some of the reasons that usually pop up after a dismal performance include cases of inadequate training, lack of exposure for players, not the right mix of players, inappropriate planning and the list keeps on keeping on.

Fiji after winning a Plate competition.                                          Source: Facebook 

All these factors combined with frequent rotation of players, a move which officials claimed to be vital if Fiji were to win the 2012/2013 IRB Sevens World Series, shine at the World Cup and also triumph at the Olympics in Rio 2016. This venture has been a flop so far with Fiji coming in at third place in the overall standings after the conclusion of the Series.   

Wayne Pivac with Sireli Bobo after winning in 2005.                  Source: Fiji Times

Wayne Pivac, who was the coach when Fiji last hoisted the World Cup back in 2005, feels that selecting the right players was key in winning. Utilising the same technique in 2005 with a mixture of young and old, the side hoisted the Cup with relative ease.

Jope Tuikabe                                          Source: Fiji Times

Some former players and coaches have come out saying that the coach should seriously consider selecting players who are based overseas. Former captain Jope Tuikabe feels that having foreign players would help by adding depth and experience to the squad. 

Marika Vunibaka                     Source: Fiji Times

Former Crusaders winger Marika Vunibaka, who was also a member of the victorious 2005 team, shares similar views in saying that having all the experience that you can get is helpful. Vunibaka, who is coach/player of the Lomaiviti Club is now spreading the gospel of the game to upcoming stars.   







With a 30-member squad now named to prepare for the World Cup, coach Alivereti Dere has chosen to go with a quite experienced bunch of players with nine overseas-based players making the cut.

Boasting such quality players, one can only pray and hope that the Fijian side comes out its shell and rightfully takes its place amongst the giants of 7s rugby.