Cape Town 7s: First three missions ‘key’

The Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team is geared for the challenge of taking on three tough teams during the pool stage of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Cape Town, South Africa this weekend.

Fiji will open their campaign against third placed France at 5.35am on Saturday and then play number one ranked South Africa at 9.19pm.

The final pool match will be against 12th placed Canada at 2.38am on Sunday.

Fijian 7s coach Ben Gollings said those were the challenges they wanted in Dubai and they have another huge challenge in Cape Town.

“When we look at our pool in Cape Town, we have France then South Africa straight up,” he said.

“We will take it game by game, but it is important that we put in three real big performances.

“That is one against France, one against South Africa and one against Canada. In terms of those games, we have done our homework and preparation.

“Next is going out there and applying that on the field. I’m confident that we will see some strong performances.

“Fiji won the Rugby World Cup 7s in Cape Town in September.”

Gollings said as a team they have had a lot of highs this season.

“In reflection we have lost one game to New Zealand last week,” he said.

“It was a crucial game and we did not control the points. It is good for us to have all these lessons.

“In the bigger picture it will make us stronger and the good thing is that we are resilient and will bounce back and look forward to this weekend.”