Fitness is Key Says Kolinisau

Newly-appointed Fiji Airways men's sevens coach Osea Kolinisau is going to focus on fitness and training to the standard Fiji sevens is renowned for.

"My criteria are not based on experience and talent alone but fitness and training to the standard Fiji sevens is renowned for," Kolinisau said from his home in Cunningham, outside Suva, after arriving in the country yesterday morning with his two sons.

The Olympic gold medallist and former sevens captain replaces Ben Gollings, who was axed by the Fiji Rugby Union interim board of trustees last week, for "inability to meet the desired standards and expectations".

Kolinisau has four months to prepare the national side with the hope of winning Fiji's third consecutive Olympic gold in France in July.

"It's the Olympics and we want to take the best players that we have," Kolinisau said.

"No player is guaranteed a spot on the team as equal opportunity will be given to players."

"Captain Courageous" intends to improve the fitness level of the team to bring a high-tempo style of playing.

"My focus now is Hong Kong 7s (April 5-7), I'm going to work on our fitness and defense this week," he said.

"I'm also going to work on our reaction to kick-offs and set pieces." Drua players

Kolinisau will consider roping in Fijian Drua players to the team.

Fiji men's 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau. Photo: Leon Lord

"We can always include the (Drum ) players but it's up to them if they want a shot at representing their country at an inter national sporting event," he said.

"It's up to them to come to the team and show that they got the standard and fitness.

"I intend to take the fittest men's national sevens team to the remaining tournaments.

"The current players are good, I will see as the door is always open and we better pick on form as well.

"There are a lot of players putting their hand up which is good for the team.

"We need to assess individual player's ability to gel with the team and observe how they perform in the fitness test.

"Jerry Tuwai has proven that he's got what it takes, and I've heard he's been training very hard.

"I know I'll get to see him (Jerry) play in a couple of sevens tournaments that are coming up. For me he has to get fit but there's no spot guaranteed."

7s tournaments

Kolinisau said the current national men's sevens players would feature in their own local clubs in the upcoming Tabadamu and Marist 7s this weekend and the following weekend respectively.

"I just want the players to play for their own clubs to strengthen their clubs and I want to have a fair look at everybody playing for their different clubs," he said.

"The current team has started to get their defence together in the last tournament as they are not waiting for the attacking players any more."

Kolinisau said he wanted to implement a type of defence that would put pressure and suffocate the opposition.

"I'm just thankful to God and Fiji Rugby for showing faith and giving me a chance to coach my beloved country," he said.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj