No cards

Digicel Fiji 7s flyer Osea Kolinisau works on his moves as the team prepare for the Tokyo 7s tournament in Japan this weekend. Fiji’s first game is on Saturday at 1.44pm against South Africa, followed by Spain (5.51pm) and Portugal (9.19pm). Kolinisau scored three crucial tries against Wales to help Fiji win the Hong Kong 7s final last weekend 26-19. Photo: IAN MUIR

By VUNIWAQA BOLA-BARI

Japan-based Josefa Lilidamu will replace Ilai Tinai in the Digicel Fiji 7s team at the Tokyo 7s this weekend.
Fiji Rugby Union High Performance Unit general manager Mike Ryan confirmed Lilidamu’s selection yesterday.
Lilidamu is the son of former national rep Viliame Lilidamu and a former Nadi rep who plays as a wing.
Tinai has been banned for a week after being cited of a spear tackle against Wales in the Cup final of the Hong Kong 7s last weekend. Tinai was yellow-carded but the International Rugby Board ruled that it was a red card offence
Digicel Fiji 7s team manager Semi Rogoyawa says offcials met Josefa on Tuesday.
“We’ve done the paperwork and he should join us on Thursday,” Rogoyawa said.

100 per cent commitment

Ryan said when players were asked to commit 100 per cent to breakdowns and tackles and other phases of play, there would be less space for mistakes, however when the battle heats up, mistakes were bound to happen.
“When you are asking players to commit 100 per cent to the breakdown, tackle, etc. there is little margin for error – in the heat of battle and with that total commitment we need to acknowledge that there are going to occasionally be mistakes made,” Ryan said.
He said constant work has been done with players as they try to utilise videos and provide feedbacks on what needs to be done to reduce the number of penalties against the team.
“We are constantly working with the players – utilising video, providing feedback and having referees in camp to look to reduce penalties in all areas of the game.”

Dere warning

Digicel Fiji 7s coach Alifereti Dere told SUNSports that players have constantly been reminded even before the Hong Kong tournament of fouls that would lead to yellow cards.
“Before the HK tournament managers were briefed on mistakes that can lead to yellow cards and the players were informed on it.
“We have constantly been reminding the players on these offences during team talks and training sessions,” Dere said.
He believed with Kolinisau being given the responsibility to assist in captaincy gave him unnecessary pressure and this was the reason he kept him off the bench only to go in as an impact player.
Fiji plays South Africa at 1.44pm, Spain at 5.51pm and Portugal at 9.19pm on Saturday.