Fiji Airways seven’s men’s head coach Ben Gollings is hopeful that the weather will clear before the Hong Kong Sevens tournament kicks off today.

Schools, offices were closed and some events in Hong Kong were cancelled on Wednesday as Tropical Storm Nalgae swept south of the city.

While TS Nalgae was expected to weaken, stiff winds were forecasted to affect the city until yesterday morning.

Gollings is not going to let the change in weather deviate his mind from the task he and his men are in Hong Kong for this weekend.

Fiji takes on Japan in their opener at 8:52pm tonight.

“Unfortunately the weather seemed to be worse yesterday (Wednesday).”

“There’s a typhoon hitting close to Hong Kong and we’re getting the after effects of it,” Gollings said.

“Hong Kong closed down yesterday (Wednesday), but we’re all in good spirits.”

“We’re in a bubble obviously, due to the difference in all the COVID regulations here, so we’re not able to get out and move about too much.”

“But ultimately, I think that’s not a bad thing. There’s less distraction, we’re able just to focus on what we’re here for. ”

“Yesterday the field looked like it was in pretty good condition.

“But outside of the weather, you know the focus is on Japan, we got a taste of them when we played them a few weeks ago in Japan.

“I believe the weather is going to brighten up,” Gollings added.

Fiji is in Pool C with Japan, Spain and Unites States of America. He indicated it would not be an easy pool.

He added that Filipe Sauturaga could cover for Waisea Nacuqu if he is injured.

“Visiting the ground yesterday, was a great opportunity for those that haven’t seen it to set foot there, to be there is another level.”

“If Wise (Nacuqu) goes down, we have the likes of Filipe Sauturaga who can cover both halfback and the first position.”

“He’s very capable in that position, which gives us some depth.”

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