Tuqiri Warns Fiji to Pick Right Players, No More Changes
“I don’t think Fiji has been doing that but chop and change. We need to get a really good squad stick to it and work on it.”
Wednesday 24 January 2024 | 14:32
Bula Perth... Fiji Airways men’s rugby sevens reps Josese Batirerega (left) and Kaminieli Rasaku in Perth, Australia, on January 22, 2024.
The Fiji Airways Fiji men’s rugby sevens team must select the right players if they are to win the gold medal at the Paris Olympic Games in France.
This was the view of former Australian Wallabies star winger Lote Tuqiri.
Speaking to SUNsports, he reiterated the need to focus on retaining the best players for the Olympics, which is from July 26 to August 11. He highlighted that changing players would not help the team build its combination.
Tuqiri who hails from Namatakula in Nadroga also represented Australia and Fiji in rugby league. He knows the pressure the team will face to perform at that level.
He said this is an important year for Fiji especially after winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Now they are gunning to win it for the third time.
Tuqiri said this weekend’s Perth Sevens in Western Australia, should be an indication to head coach, Ben Gollings, the caliber of the players.
“This is some great competition you know, a whole lot of different conditions,” he said.
“You know, everyone’s jostling for positions and I think Fiji rugby is in good hands. They just have to pick the right players. They have got a good lot to pick from, which is good. It only takes one thing to make it click.”
Tuqiri said the current Fiji team has gone through a lot of things and is yet to be there compared to Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and even South Africa.
“I think their experience to come through some of those harder tournaments will put them in good stead.
“Going forward, they’re going to gain that experience and hopefully, they’ll pick up from there.”
Lote Tuqiri. Photo: Leon Lord
Tuqiri said changing of players would not augur well for the team.
“Australia is doing well. With sevens one of the things you must get and you must play together a fair bit.
“I don’t think Fiji has been doing that but chop and change. We need to get a really good squad stick to it and work on it.”
Meanwhile, the Fiji men’s and women’s sevens teams arrived in Perth on Monday evening and were welcomed by the Fiji community there.
The men’s side continued with their gym session before they had a friendly match against Canada yesterday.
The side is looking to breaking their 13-tournament losing streak as they build on towards the Olympics.
The side takes on Samoa at 6.38 pm Friday in their first pool match and plays France at 11.31 pm Friday.
They face New Zealand at 5.25 pm on Saturday in their final pool match. The men’s Cup quarterfinals will start at 10.10pm Saturday, the Cup semifinals will get underway at 5.10pm Sunday with the Cup final at 9.53pm.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
