A structured rather than a sliding defence is what Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team need to work on before the second tournament of the 2017-18 World Sevens Series kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa.

The Gareth Baber –coached side need to tick in this area if we are to improve from our 4th placed ranking after the first tournament in Dubai last weekend.

We seem to be sliding off tackles because we are not organised and communicated defensively.

Understandably Baber must be given time in trying out new combinations.

Reaching the semifinal is a good start to start the series campaign.

And it will augurs well for the future if we keep improving until we reach final and win it,

We gave eventual winners South Africa the sternest test in Dubai before going down 12-7 in the Cup semifinals.

But unfortunately the Blitzboks scored after they properly contested the breakdown

Cecil Afrika managed to scoop up the ball out the back of the breakdown to score the first.

World Rugby Sevens Player of 2016 Seabelo Senatla who showed his tactical awareness for the Blitzboks second, He ripped the ball out of a ruck on the Fijian 10 metre line and slipping through the defence untouched.

Fiji Airways Fijians skipper Seremai Tuwai made a big mistake waiting for the referee to rule in his favour when he should keep his focus on the ball and the game.

Senatla told Cape Argus he was happy with his performance after switching back to sevens after playing 15s rugby.

Seabelo Senatla fends off Vatemo Ravouvou in the Cup semifinal of the Dubai 7s on December 3, 2017. Photo :Ian Muir

“You have to get back into it as the game keeps evolving,”said  Senatlar, who ended the tournament with seven tries. “You need to keep on learning all the time. This is a special team and you want to play with these brothers … these guys rejuvenate me.”

“It is nice to be back. It is easy to shine, as the guy next you is doing the hard work in order to allow his teammates to play at their best. It was a good win, as we played against opponents with different styles and strengths. We managed to stick to what we wanted to achieve and scored a good win out there. We must stay humble though and keep on working hard.”

Fiji faces Wales, Canada and Samoa in the pool games will be another test. We need to it right from the start, playing the first game as the final.

Edited by Grace Narayan

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