Osea Kolinisau’s Fiji 7s team lost 10-12 to South Africa in the Vancouver 7s semi-final, failing to convert key scoring opportunities. The coach cited a loss of control in the game and emphasized the need for improved decision-making and ball possession ahead of future tournaments in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Fiji Airways men’s rugby sevens coach, Osea Kolinisau, expressed disappointment after his team lost a close semi-final match 10-12 against South Africa at the Vancouver 7s. He indicated that the team had several opportunities but failed to capitalize on them, attributing the loss to a lack of control and cohesion on the field. “We just didn’t cover our opportunities, we had a lot of opportunities, there’s no excuse,” he stated.
Kolinisau highlighted that the team initially planned to exploit the wings in their attack, particularly against a South African team known for its tight defensive structure. However, he noted that once Fiji scored their first try, players began to rush and abandon the strategic approach outlined before the match. He remarked, “We could have just stayed in control and just played to the system we talked about.”
The coach lamented that South Africa took advantage of Fiji’s failure to convert critical scoring chances, mentioning that his side missed four or five opportunities in the first half alone. Only one conversion was secured in the second half, leading to a situation where the match outcome was unsettled. “We should have won that game and it’s hurting the boys,” Kolinisau commented, indicating the emotional impact of the missed opportunities.
Despite the setback, Kolinisau remains optimistic about his team’s standings, acknowledging they are still within striking distance of higher placements in the tournament. “We are six or eight points adrift from Argentina and four points adrift from Spain,” he stated. He emphasized the necessity for the team to improve before their next tournament in Hong Kong, where they aim to rectify their performance and regain momentum.
In preparation for future competitions, Kolinisau highlighted key areas of focus such as ball possession, opportunity conversion, and decision-making skills. He expressed gratitude to his players, taking responsibility for the team’s performance as their coach. “We lose as a team. We win as a team; that’s on me as a coach,” Kolinisau concluded, vowing to address weaknesses ahead of the upcoming tournaments.
In summary, Coach Osea Kolinisau expressed regret over Fiji’s semi-final loss due to missed opportunities and a lack of focus. The team plans to refine their strategies and improve their gameplay before competing in Hong Kong and Singapore. Kolinisau remains hopeful that with proper adjustments, the team can reclaim their competitive edge and perform better in upcoming matches.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
