Fatigue was the cause of our downfall against Kenya in the Singapore 7s Cup final, says a former national rugby sevens coach.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Peni Veidreyaki said the Vodafone Fijians 7s side lacked the killer instinct and allowed the Kenyans to dominate all facets of play.

“That happens when there is fatigue,” Veidreyaki who coached the national sevens team to the first World Sevens Series said.

“The players were good but when they are fatigued it is something else altogether. That is why there were dropped passes, were not aggressive enough to the breakdowns, weak defence and there was no support for the ball carrier. Playing in the series especially now when it is highly competitive is not easy at all.”

Veidreyaki said he felt sorry for the players because they tried their best but were met by a fitter, sharper and gallant Kenyan side.

He recalled that in 2000 he had to make some hard decisions after they lost to New Zealand in the Hong Kong 7s final.

“It was fatigue and Japan was the tournament the week after, so I had to rest Vili Satala, Vilimoni, Delasau  and Setareki Tawake. They were my top players and many did not agree with me but I had no choice. Satala and Delasau did not play at all but I only allowed Tawake to play in the final where we avenged our loss to New Zealand.”

Veidreyaki indicated that he supported the call made by head coach Ben Ryan to include five overseas-based players for the Paris and London tournaments.

“To me if Ben Ryan takes more than overseas-based players for the last leg the better it will be for us.

Veidreyaki said the last leg of the series is the best testing ground for overseas-based players like Leone Nakarawa, Josua Tuisova, Samisoni Viriviri, Metuisela Talebula, Waisea Nayacalevu and Levani Botia.

“For me I suggest if Crusaders’ pair Nemani Nadolo and Ben Voiavola be considered as well. Many may ask why Ben, well to me he is in the mould of Apolosi Satala and Tim Mikkelson of New Zealand.

He has got the height to make an ideal forward, very elusive and speed to burn while Nadolo we all know what he is capable of. Well that is for Ben Ryan and his team to decide on and if I had my way they will be in my list,” he added.

Feedback:  leonec@fijisun.com.fj