The Vodafone Fijian 7s team has settled in well since arriving at the capital on Tuesday.

They had their first gym session in the morning and a scrimmaging session with Kenya in the afternoon.

“Everything is just fine,” Ryan said.

It was a wet and miserable day for the team who were freezing it out there during their scrimmaging session against Kenya. Despite the rain the boys looked calm and focused on their task.

Not only did the side look more focused on the field but they also went around greeting other teams at the hotel.

One player that really caught my attention was Pio Tuwai who was really putting in extra work at the gym and during scrimmaging.

He is excited and can’t wait for the game to start. Everyone is in good mood right now and hoping for a sunny weekend.

All players are working hard in their respective job descriptions.

Damudamu Special Try

Meanwhile, Ryan is hoping one of his 7s gladiators replicates England’s Isoa Damudamu’s memorable match winning try in 2009 Wellington 7s at the Westpac Stadium.

This was when the Ryan coached England 7s won their first Wellington 7s title. The moment is special for the national coach.

Ryan challenged Damudamu’s fellow countrymen to repeat that 2009 7s feat in a land where rugby is like a religion.

Ryan likewise for the “crazy” Fiji 7s fans always wanted the national 7s team to win at the Cake Tin.

In his calm, cool and collected way Ryan said he was confident the boys would do their best to do the country proud in New Zealand.

“I have been a coach on team which has a Fijian scoring the winning try in the extra time against New Zealand at Wellington,” said Ryan.

“And if we can replicate the same this weekend that will be healthy and someone to take the place of Isoa Damudamu.

“Wellington will be great, there will be a lot of Fijian support and we will be ready to go. It is a fast and wide pitch we have got some big challenges ahead of us but we are in good shape.

“We have a few tricks up our sleeves and we are looking forward to the tournament.”

Edited by Osea Bola

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