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Fiji 7's head coach pinpoints where team needs to improve ahead of HK Sevens
Fiji Sevens team are seeking a fifth successive HSBC Hong Kong Sevens title this week.
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Their hopes for the tournament were dashed by the injury-enforced absence of their captain Kalione Nasoko because of a knee injury, with Paula Dranisinukula stepping up.
Add to this they’e in the so-called ‘Pool of Death’, which includes Australia, New Zealand and Kenya.
The squad have been in Hong Kong since last week refining their preparations including a session with the host nation.
Head coach Gareth Baber has been targeting particular facets of Fiji’s game to try and see an improvement in their performances.
“We’re focussing on the quality of techniques the players have to put in especially under pressure. Notably things like kick-off, restart is very important to be able to control the possession and put our style of game against our opponents.”
“There are many aspects that I look at individually and also what the team needs to be able to deliver. From a restart, to a throw in to catch and pass plus to tackles. That’s really what the beauty of rugby is, not just one trick you are looking from one player. You should be able to combine those tricks in a player to be able to put all those roles into a team to form the game you want.”
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Baber hopes the Fijian X-factor will help them emerge from a difficult pool.
“Attitude and work ethic carries you a huge amount. The technical skill plus having that ability to do things that the opposition can’t mark. That’s the trade mark of most of the Fijians and getting everything right is really important for us this weekend.”
Fiji begin tournament by facing Kenya on Friday, it’s followed by Pool C matches with Australia and New Zealand on Saturday.
Watch: Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika talks Hooper and Pocock and the World Cup pool with Fiji and Wales
