‘Four-year preps for Rio compared to four months for Paris Olympics,’ Kolinisau breaks silence.
Fiji men’s rugby sevens players with their Paris Olympic Games silver medals at the Stade de France on July 28, 2024. Standing (left-right) Kaminieli Rasaku, Iosefo Masi, Filipe Sauturaga, Ioane Teba, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Jerry Tuwai (captain), Joseva Talacolo, Selestino Ravutaumada, Jeremaia Matana, Jioji Nasova and Ponipate Loganimasi. Kneeling (left-right) Josua Raisuqe, Waisea Nacuqu and Terio Tamani.
Photo: AFP
The standard of preparations of the current Fiji men’s rugby sevens team was nowhere close to what the gold medal winning team of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games went through.
This was revealed yesterday by Fiji men’s rugby sevens head coach, Ratu Osea Kolinisau, after their 28-7 loss to France to settle for the silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
“I came in to (coach) this team four months ago,” he said.
“Our preparation for the Olympics is a four-year phase and we were not even close to the standard of preparation when I joined. I had to push the boys to their limits with very limited time and in a high tempo game.”
Kolinisau said he was proud of the fact that they were able to reach the Olympics final and get a medal.
“The boys were really shattered by the result. I told them to keep their heads high because they have won an Olympic silver medal, which is a big achievement for any athlete,” he said.
The 38-year-old said there were lots of critics when he joined (the team) because many thought he had set high standards for the players and the reason for them failing to make an impact in the HSBC SVNS series. Sevens rugby pundits also ruled out Fiji’s chances of winning a medal. Kolinisau said he was a much happier man with the achievements of this young team.
When asked about captain Jerry Tuwai’s influence in the team, Kolinisau said: “I am thankful for Jerry. He (Jerry) knew I would always get him back because he knows how I want the game played.
“He knew the standards that are needed in the team. It will be a tough loss for Fiji rugby when Jerry retires. The legacy Jerry set will be one that will be hard to break and an inspiration to our upcoming athletes.”
Kolinisau said France was a better team at the end of the game as they took their opportunities and turned it into points.
“It is a tough job coaching Fiji especially with the legacy Fiji has and the crazy rugby fans back home. No matter if it is a young side, our fans expect us to win but we know we’ve worked really hard for these couple of weeks.
“I know some of my players have been facing criticisms for the last two years in regards to their performance in the sevens’ series but to be able to have a (Olympic) medal is a bonus,” he said.
Kolinisau expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported them on the road to Paris and also apologised for not being able to secure the gold medal, this time around.
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