Former Fiji 7s coach Peni Veidreyaki expects the Fiji men’s 7s team to lift their intensity by playing a more structured game in their bid to defend the Olympics gold medal.
Veidreyaki, who coached the national side during the inaugural World Rugby Sevens Series in 1999-2000, said despite defeating Great Britain 33-7 in the final group stage game yesterday, Fiji didn’t have much fluency.
He said the national side fed off the scraps which Great Britain provided them with their loose carries.
“The teams are stronger at the Tokyo Olympics,” Veidreyaki said.
“There were few good breaks, especially the one made by Jiuta Wainiqolo. We need more of those sorts of runs.
“I was not impressed by how they played against Japan because they let Japan come back at them every time they went ahead on the scoreboard.
“The scoreline against Great Britain was big but then Great Britain gave away a lot of possession to Fiji.
“So there wasn’t much set piece play which Fiji scored from. They capitalised on Great Britain’s mistakes. Fiji needs to be better organised and play a structured game by using their skills.”
Under Veidreyaki’s guidance, Fiji won five tournaments during the 1999-2000 World Rugby Sevens Series.
The Fiji team played Australia in the last quarter-final last night.
