Opinion:

It was a cruel way to learn for our Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team when they were shut out of the Cup semifinals of the New Zealand 7s in Hamilton yesterday.

The Gareth Baber- coached side was outsmarted and outgunned by the Argentineans in the 26-10 loss in their final pool game.

The dismal performance from Dubai and Cape Town continued in Hamilton.

Meanwhile, hats off to Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team for another gutsy performance against women series leaders New Zealand.

The Raijeli Daveua- captained side were one of the first teams to score three tries against the champion Kiwis.

We list five key points that sum up the performance of our men’s and women’s 7s teams.

Fiji Airways Fijian Men’s 7s

• With a new format in place, our team officials seemed unprepared for it;
• Again, where were our tall men, Apenisa Cakaubalavu and Josua Vakurinabili? Our restarts were poor;
• Great start for co-captain, Meli Derenalagi, who led from the front and did well;
• Need for mental fitness especially under pressure situations. Wrong options were made, which denied us tries;
• Give a bit more time to Waisea Nacuqu and rookie first five-eighth Napolioni Bolaca.

Fiji Airways Fijian Women’s 7s

• Referee Emily Hsieh’s call to red card Roela Radiniyavuni was declared incorrect by the judiciary;
• Our photographer Bruce Southwick, of ZoomFiji, was impressed with how our women scored three tries against New Zealand – not many teams can do that. Pride and potential, he said.
• Full marks to head coach Saiasi Fuli for standing by Radiniyavuni at the hearing;
• Maybe, it’s time that the Fijiana officials look for a fast winger to finish off their moves;
• Thumbs up to Vasiti Solikoviti and halfback Tokasa Seniyasi for their great performance.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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