‘We’re trying to learn from last year’: Fiji’s blueprint for SVNS Series

Fiji are revered on the HSBC SVNS Series for their attacking flair and game-breaking abilities, making recent comments from coach Osea Kolinisau exciting for fans and perhaps concerning for rival teams ahead of the season opener in Dubai.

Filipe Sauturaga received Player of the Final honours after Fiji started their 2024/25 campaign with a title at the Dubai Sevens last December, defeating giant-slayers Spain in the final, who had beaten the All Blacks Sevens twice at that event.

The Fijians backed that up with a third-place finish the following weekend in Cape Town, and one other podium finish from the other four regular-season events. They took out the SVNS Singapore decider with a thrilling win over a valiant Kenya side at the National Stadium.

With the first stop of the new SVNS Series only a couple of weeks away, fans don’t have to wait long to see the Fijians back in action on the international sevens circuit. 2016 Olympic gold medallist Kolinisau has highlighted some key work-ons and target areas before the new season.

Fiji want to play with the ball more, as they attack the new-look SVNS format and opposing teams with precision, seeing the lineout and ruck defence as key areas ahead of the Dubai Sevens on November 29-30.

“We really want to start well this year,” Kolinisau said, as reported by Fiji Village.

“Although we’re defending champions, as you know, the format has changed. There’s eight teams, the top two goes straight to the semi-finals. There’s no more quarter-finals.

“In last year’s championship, we won the ball but we got blown away in the ruck. We know it’s something they’ll… attack our lineouts, attack our breakdown as well.

“They don’t want to give Fiji a lot of ball. That’s what they always say, if you want to beat Fiji, keep the ball away from them.

“It’s something we’re trying to learn from last year is trying to keep the ball for a long time. We know that when we keep the ball for a long time, we score a lot of tries out of that… we know we use the ball pretty well and the talent we have.

“If we keep the ball for a long time we always score as it shows in our analysis… it shows the longer we keep the ball, we break teams down.”

Fiji have been drawn in the “pool of champions” ahead of the Dubai Sevens, pitted against reigning League Winners Argentina, defending SVNS Series champions South Africa, and Paris Olympics gold medallists France.

The All Blacks Sevens are in Pool B along with Spain, Australia and Great Britain.

“The HSBC SVNS is back! Dubai is the perfect kick-off for the new-look series, featuring the world’s top teams, the biggest stars… over two competition days,” World Rugby Chief Executive Alan Gilpin said in a statement.

“With a runway through to the LA 2028 Olympic Games, some of the biggest stars who shone brightly at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will be in action, bringing fans even closer to the personalities who inspired a new fanbase for the sport.”

Festival Director Mathew Tait added: “With so many Women’s Rugby World Cup stars returning to the HSBC SVNS stage, this year’s Emirates Dubai 7s will be a showcase of world-class talent. Dubai sets the tone for the global series, and fans can expect thrilling matches, incredible music, and an electric atmosphere.”