'Editorial': Unexpected results in Singapore, but let’s keep planning ahead for the Paris Olympics

It was a result, we weren’t expecting for the Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens team at the HSBC SVNS Singapore tournament.

The Osea Kolinisau-coached side was beaten by USA and Great Britain in their pool matches. They managed only one win over Ireland, but failed to make the Cup quarterfinals.

As two-time Olympic Games gold medal winners and being winless in 20 HSBC World Sevens Series tournaments, our chances of a third Olympic gold medal now looks slim.

But what many don’t realise is that at such situation we’re at our best and often we prove critics wrong.

There’s no need to press the panic button.

It’s all about analysing where we had gone wrong and how we could rectify the issue.

Also, negotiations must start with the overseas clubs and the Fijian Drua over the release of the players for the Olympics, which is from July 26 to August 11.

Kolinisau, being a fair coach, included the players from Ben Gollings’ squad and gave them a chance to show their worth.

Players such as Josese Batirerega, Manueli Maisamoa, Ioane Teba, Joseva Talacolo, Kaminieli Rasaku, Filipe Sauturaga, Terio Tamani and the list go on.

Joining them is Rio Olympic Games star playmaker Vatemo Ravouvou, who is given the captain’s armband.

Putting together his team, Kolinisau must bring Jerry Tuwai, who is generally the team’s missing link.

Also there had been interests showed by Kitione Salawa, Taniela Rakuro and Selestino Ravutaumada.

Now these local-based players have showed that they don’t have what it takes to play in the Olympics, it’s now time for Kolinisau to make some hard decisions.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj