Vodafone Fiji 7s team coach Ben Ryan has stated that it’s important for the side to get a good performance against New Zealand irrespective of the score line.
With just one hour away from Fiji’s first pool match against the All Blacks 7s in the NZ 7s, Ryan said it’s all about how the players perform on the field.
Meanwhile Fiji’s most successful coach who is also a former Fiji and Australian 7s and 15s rep, Ilivasi Tabua said it would be a great psychological boost for Fiji to win against New Zealand in their first pool match.
Tabua said the team needs this and should come out firing.
He is confident that Fiji can bounce back this weekend.
Tabua stresses that the players need to ensure that the one on one tackles count.
He said plans should be in place to ensure that they do not lose focus.
Tabua said what was done wrong in Las Vegas should be fixed now.
New Zealand 7s Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens said the pressure will start for them against Fiji this afternoon.
The Vodafone Fiji 7s team will take on New Zealand in their first pool match at 2.06pm today, their second pool match is against France at 5.35pm today and they will face Spain at 7.28 tonight.
The Cup quarterfinals kick off at 1.33pm tomorrow, the Cup semifinals are scheduled for 5.35pm while the Cup final kicks off at 8.30pm tomorrow.
Meanwhile, if all goes well for Fiji in pool play, they are expected to meet either Scotland, Argentina, Canada or USA in the quarters and if Fiji progresses to the semis they are expected to play South Africa, England, Samoa, Australia or Kenya.
The NZ 7s has kicked off.
Results so far: Canada beat Scotland 17-14 in the opening match while Argentina beat USA 19-14 and Samoa beat Kenya 24-12.
Stay with us for results and updates.
Story by: Vijay Narayan & Aliki Bia
