FIJI men’s sevens team left it late to secure a 26–21 victory over France in their opening match of the Canada Sevens at BC Place in Vancouver.
Head coach Osea Kolinisau admitted the win was pleasing but stressed that playing catch-up rugby is not part of the team’s plan.
“We won, but playing catch-up to win is not something we want to do,” he told Sportsone.
“We need to keep playing our game. We are glad that we played to Vuiviawa Naduvalo in the last rush play.”
Fiji trailed for periods of the match before producing a late push that sealed the win in front of a strong Fijian crowd at BC Place.
Kolinisau said the team must lift its performance with a tougher test looming against Argentina, a side that traditionally enjoys strong support in Vancouver.
“With Argentina up next, and knowing they find BC Place as their home base, the team needs to bring its best game,” he said.
“We will play our best. The message is clear that we are here to win.”
