Baber Wants Repeat Of ‘Hamilton’ Performance
The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team walloped Japan 34-5 in their pool opener of the Sydney 7s yesterday.
Japan dominated possession while the Fijians were trying their best to adapt to the cricket pitch at the Spotless Stadium.
Tries to Waisea Nacuqu and Kalione Nasoko saw the Fijians lead 10-0 at halftime before the Japanese narrowed the deficit to 10-5 with a try from captain Kameli Soejima.
From the restart, the Fijians ran in tries to Josua Vakurinabili (2) and a super try from Alasio Naduva.
Coach Gareth Baber told Radio New Zealand that they often perform well in the second week of a back to back and if they can repeat their performance from last weekend they’ll give themselves a great chance of success.
“We’ve never managed that, certainly since I’ve been here.
“To be able to put back to back tournaments together and for us as a group I know everybody will talk about winning but I’m talking about getting the repeat of a performance,” Baber said.
SUPPORT
“As international athletes that’s all I really focus on is if we are able to repeat the performance that we put in last week then that’s the sort of consistency that’s showing from the way that we are with each other.
“The behaviours we show day to day, the work ethic we’re putting in, the support from staff in the FRU (Fiji Rugby Union)- all that sort of thing goes together to produce these performances.”
He said they did not underestimate Japan because they understand that all teams are out to beat them.
– Edited by Osea Bola
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