Watch France: Kolinisau warns players

France would be hungry for a win against Fiji after they failed to lift a title in the previous two legs.

Fiji will face the French in their opening match at the Vancouver 7s tournament on Sunday.

Fiji Airways Fiji men’s 7s head coach Osea Kolinisau said that Jerome Daret’s men would want to avenge their 21-12 loss during the HSBC SVNS Singapore final.

He said they are looking forward to their clash and would take one match at a time.

The other two teams in their Pool B group are Argentina and Australia.

“I told the boys, let’s not think about the other teams, let’s just focus on France,” Kolinisau said via a Zoom call yesterday.

“France has a very good set. They brought back a lot of the gold medal-winning players, which shows how serious they are.”

Kolinisau said he has a good relationship and a good competitive friendship with Daret.

“I know they would be more hungry. I told the boys to make sure we play to our standards and do things with discipline and play to the standard of Fiji rugby.

“I always know that they’re going to come hard, especially on a reputation to keep as Olympic champions, and they’re building towards that.”

He added that the French have also set their eyes on winning the title this season.

Kolinisau took 14-men for the two legs to cover for injuries before they head to New York next weekend.

He said that Akuila Dranivotua will earn his debut for the side at BC Place.

“He’s (Dranivotua) very good defensively, physical, and his aerial skills is really good. I think he is someone who fits really well into the squad. He’s got a lot of energy and works well together with the team.”

Kolinisau said his men are acclimatising to the cold.

He added they’re not counting Argentina and Australia out as they’re also champion sides despite being the current series leaders.

“It’s not easy being number one. There’s a lot of things that can go wrong.

“Something we’re focusing on, is trying to make sure we’re consistent with our attitude on what we’ve been doing and make sure we’re pushing the boys hard.

“I told the boys that your potential can’t come out if you’re not pushed to your limit.”

Fiji will take on France at 7.19am on Sunday before they face Argentina in the second match at 11.07am. The third pool match will be against Australia at 2.56pm.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj