WE own the cliche ‘we are on Fiji time.
We live it, as it comes.
Our Fiji men’s sevens team displayed the claim in clear daylight during the HSBC SVNS Canada Sevens.
With our laidback game plan, if there was one against a 6-man South Africa, the semifinal game defined our mentality, that we do sleep at the switch.
At full strength, we played 11 minutes out of the regulation 14 minutes without taking control of the game and losing 12-10.
Sebastiaan Jobb was sent off for making head contact in a tackle on Filipe Sauturaga.
Fiji held that 5-0 lead into the second half, but could not benefit from their extra number, as the Blitzboks worked very hard to keep their defensive line intact.
Game plan
Where were our time management skills, tactical and technical traits and or did we have one?
Rushing play for no reason and getting caught in possession, individual play, bad decisions and as opposed to playing as a team.
Head Coach Osea Kolinisau has been harping about learning and moving forward.
What he needs to understand is all the more learnings are on training fields and results matter in actual games, which moves the team upwards in the standing.
Rugby followers, analysts and commentators didn’t hesitate to call out the team for habitual errors and anemic performance.
Rob Vickerman, HSBC SVNS broadcaster and former England captain didn’t hold back his assault on ‘attitude’ as contributing to Fiji’s semi-final loss to South Africa.
“You have the time, space and style but fail to play the game, Fiji’s got to be better than this,” said Vickerman.
Riten Gosai, a rugby commentator has been cynical about Fiji’s strategy and sees no game plan, leadership or urgency.
“Not getting a good read of the play and game. Someone has to take that leadership role.
“Know when to settle down and when there’s an urgency and the need to push.”
Riten said discipline is an area of concern for the team.
“Not just controlling your actions and decision-making on the pitch but how you approach any game as a team,” he said.
Ben Ryan and Gareth Baber discipline
Riten said Fiji lacks former coaches’ Ben Ryan and Gareth Baber instilled disciplines.
“We show up whenever we feel like, it and go into sleep mode. We were the school of seven’s excellence but just getting schooled.”
Vancouver Province and Sun rugby columnist Partick Johnston also made mention of Ryan and Gareth with specific reference to players’ mental attitudes.
“Addressing the importance of focus, confidence, and positivity —qualities that inspire individuals to push their limits and achieve their goals both on and off the pitch.”
Johnston said it is hard to watch Fiji with so much talent couldn’t beat the Blitzboks’ with a man down.
“When we talk about consistency, Argentina owns it, Fiji now finds itself in a losing battle, Spain, Uruguay and South Africa seem to want it more”.
Hong Kong up next
Osea Koilnisau can’t play the failures by the ear, he needs to steer clear of being painted with Ben Gollings brush.
Golling’s 22 tournament losses are still being felt and if things don’t improve for the better the future of the sport isn’t looking bright.
Fiji needs a squad that balances speed, power, and experience and players who can execute under pressure, dominate offensively and in defence, use opportunities and play with discipline.
The breakdown battle, set-piece execution, and game management have to be crucial, especially in tight matches.
Time is of the essence, let’s wake up.
