Wainiqolo ‘Needs More Possession’: Collazo

Former Fijian 7s winger and Olympic gold medallist, Jiuta Wainiqolo’s Toulon failed to win in his debut.

They lost 41-10 to Toulouse on Monday.

Toulon head coach Patrice Collazo told AFP, the 22-year-old needs to see more ball to show what he is capable of .

Wainiqolo, arrived in France about two weeks ago after winning the sevens tournament in Japan in July.

However, he was unable to stop the champions from taking top spot from Racing 92, who had beaten La Rochelle earlier.

“When he has the ball he’s capable of doing interesting things. But, you have to get the ball to him,” Collazo told AFP.

“We saw in just two moves that he can find space, especially on one example.

He’s like other players, he depends on the whole team. Having players like him is good, but you need a team around them.”

Collazo also handed 21-year-old Harrison Obatoyinbo his club debut on the opposite wing to Wainiqolo.

Three-time European champions Toulon were rewarded for a good start as Les Bleus fly-half Louis Carbonnel kicked a fifth-minute penalty.

The momentum swung two minutes later as USA hooker Mike Sosene-Feagai was shown a yellow card for elbowing Lucas Tauzin.

The hosts, who also won a record fifth European title last season, led 8-3 after No. 8 Selevasio Tolofua crashed over just before the 10-minute mark.

Wainiqolo showed his ability with ball in hand just after the opening quarter as he broke 40 metres upfield.

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