Our Vodafone Fijian 7s team got their Hong Kong 7s campaign in the 2016/17 World Sevens Series underway last night.

And this time it’s not going to be an easy ride for the Osea Kolinisau captained- side. Gone are the days where they take an easy ride in the pool games as they usually steamrolled their much weaker opponents before turning their focus to the heavyweights when it comes to the playoffs on Sunday.

Today, the battle starts right in the pool games where they take on Wales at 5.12pm and arch rivals New Zealand at 9.12pm. This is to determine Pool C’s top two teams that qualify for the Cup quarterfinals.

On paper, we stand a good chance of qualifying to the main competition along with the Kiwis. However, we cannot afford to sit on our laurels and underestimate the Welsh, who are very much capable of causing an upset win come the day.

Let’s not forget, that it was only in February, this year they had beaten us 28-15 in the pool game of the Sydney 7s tournament in Australia.

With the return of their try-scoring machine Morgan Williams, who had scored three tries in that upset win, the Welsh are already brimming with confidence of another repeat in Hong Kong.

And an added advantage they have is through former Fijian 7s coach Ben Ryan, who is hired as their consultant.

For the Kiwis, as usual, we’re expecting an uphill battle. However, the surprise selection of Fijian born-Auckland winger, Joe Ravouvou, whose combination with playmaker Vilimoni Koroi is yet to be seen has made the Scott Waldrom coached-side an unpredictable package altogether.

This is the real battle that is before us today.

It’s best for our players to forget about who we play in the Cup quarters at this stage but instead focus on each game one at a time.

As defending Hong Kong 7s champions and Olympic Games gold medallists this is the best approach to take because all teams will be out to claim our scalp.

No one denies the fact that we’ve got a capable 12-member squad. With the return of veterans Jasa Veremalua, Isake Katonibau and Amenoni Nasilasila, they now stand a good chance of winning our first tournament in the 2016/17 World Sevens Series this weekend.

However, they have to play smart rugby, organise their defence well, retain possession in the kickoffs and maintain their discipline throughout the tournament.

With these done, we should be on the right track for a glorious ending tomorrow night.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj