Gareth Baber: Three Finals In Pool Play
A lot is at stake for the Gareth Baber-coached Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team at the Hong Kong leg of the World Sevens Series on April 5-7.
Fiji has won the last four Hong Kong titles in succession, which makes them favourites for this year’s meet.
The team left for Hong Kong in high spirits yesterday despite the recent injury setbacks, which have ruled out Kalione Nasoko and Waisea Nacuqu.
Coach Baber said Fiji’s opponents in pool play have the quality to be cup finalists, urging his players to stay focussed.
Fiji is pooled with Kenya, Australia and arch-rivals New Zealand.
“We have talked about playing three finals in the pool,” he said.
“Defending the tournament would be huge because it is Hong Kong. There are records are stake.
“But again, I have to keep the players’ minds fully on the job and the roles they have.”
Fiji typically excels in Hong Kong, having won it 18 times since it was founded in 1976.
Discipline, however, remains a concern for Baber.
“Discipline is a lot about the behaviour of the group, like anyone at the workplace,” Baber said.
“You have to be at the right place at the right time, wearing the right clothes, having the right diet, staying hydrated and resting.
“All those things take a little while for some players to understand, which is a huge part of the preparation process.
“When it comes to training time, making sure that they stay disciplined in the way they prepare and the way they focus in sessions is important.”
Baber said the way players train is obvious in the way they play.
“And if you come with an attitude to training environment which does not have that focus it will show on the field,” he added.
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team: Josua Vakurunabili, Paula Dranisinukula (C), Isoa Tabu, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Asaeli Tuivoka, Jerry Tuwai, Terio Temani, Napolioni Ratu, Vilimoni Botitu, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Livai Ikanikoda.
-Edited by Sheldon Chanel
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
