Kolinisau names Tewa, Dranivotua in extended squad

Fiji men’s top sprinter Waisea Tewa is one of the two inclusions into the Fiji men’s rugby sevens training squad. This was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday by Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s coach Osea Kolinisau.

He also indicated that new players would be added to the training squad after last weekend’s Coral Coast 7s as they now focus on next weekend’s Singapore 7s.

Kolinisau said Tewa and lanky Police forward Akuila Dranivotua are now part of the extended group while others will follow them later.

“It was exciting to watch the Coral Coast sevens grow stronger every year,” he said.

Kolinisau said the Ravuka Sharks defence impressed him and that discipline and decision-making are areas they need to improve on.

“After this leg, we are going to get more boys into the squad and get them into the system to see if they’ve got what it takes to fight for a spot,” he said.

Kolinisau praised Tewa’s recent form.

“Last week he played really well against USA, scored a hat-trick (of tries), and showed he has speed to burn,” he said. He also noted that Dranivotua has earned his place in the squad after consistent performances.

The coach said depth was important as the team look ahead to the Olympic qualification.

“We would like to have four people competing for one position, and that’s the depth we want.”

Fiji will face Great Britain, Spain, and South Africa in pool play at the Singapore 7s.

Kolinisau reminded his players to take it one game at a time.

“We cannot overlook or underestimate any opponent,” he added.