Kolinisau Works on Fitness and Strength

The Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens team is working in their players fitness and strength as they prepare for the HSBC SVNS Hong Kong tournament, which from April 5-7.

This was the gist of national men’s rugby sevens head coach, Osea Kolinisau’s interview yesterday.

“This is the third week and we’re getting along,” he told the media yesterday.

“We are working hard on our reaction, and we can do that by being fit. We want to dictate the tempo of the game and put the pressure on the other team.”

Kolinisau said he was excited to be given the opportunity to coach the national men’s rugby sevens team.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to coach the team in the Hong Kong tournament. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the players play in Hong Kong.”

Kolinisau said all the teams playing in the series are now tough.

“We’re focusing on our weaknesses from our last tournament and fitness is one of the areas of concern. We want also to focus on our kick-off because we know other teams are targeting that area trying to restrict us from getting possession.”

Jerry Tuwai during training at the HPU Gym in Suva on March 27, 2024. Photo; Ronald Kumar

Kolinisau said he was impressed with Vatemo Ravouvou’s performance at the Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament last weekend.

“He (Ravouvou) showed a lot of maturity, in his control and kicking game as well,” he said.

“He’s a very experienced player and its kudos to him for coming to camp to get fit.”

Kolinisau said a newcomer Jioji Nasova showed a lot of improvement during training.

“Nasova has been in the squad for a while, and I told the players that I’ll give them an opportunity provided they maintain their standard of fitness.

Ropate Rere is not in the camp due to personal issues,” he said.

Kolinisau said the team is also working on improving their discipline on the field.

“I will select the captain next week and there are few names that have put their hands up,” he said.

“The players are starting to understand how we want to play the game.”

Kolinisau said the players are gradually picking up their speed and fitness in training.

“We always want the players to perform at their maximum and bring out the best version of themselves either at camp or during training,” he added.

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