The Fiji Airways Men’s Sevens team is set to showcase their trademark flair at the 2024 Dubai Sevens, the opening leg of the HSBC SVNS series, taking place from November 30 to December 1. Coached by legendary Osea Kolinisau, who captained Fiji to their historic Olympic gold in 2016, the team faces a demanding Pool C draw featuring New Zealand, the USA, and Spain—three teams known for their competitive edge and resilience.
Kolinisau, newly appointed as head coach after the Paris Olympics, emphasized the importance of maintaining Fiji’s signature style of rugby while focusing on strong defensive structures and precision in set pieces. The coach expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and ability to meet high expectations, both from fans and the Fiji Rugby Union.
Debutants and Squad Strength
The squad includes experienced players such as Sevuloni Mocenacagi and Vuiviwa Naduvalo, alongside promising debutants Kavekini Tanivanuakula and George Bose. Kolinisau is eager to see these fresh talents thrive on the global stage, reflecting their hard work and skills during training camps in Fiji.
Match Schedule
The Fijians begin their campaign against Spain on November 30 at 6:06 PM (local time), followed by a clash with the USA at 9:52 PM. Their final pool match will be against traditional rivals New Zealand on December 1 at 3:16 AM. Only the top two teams from each pool, along with two best-performing third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stages, raising the stakes for every pool match.
Challenges and Goals
Dubai has historically been a challenging ground for Fiji, but the team is motivated to reclaim their dominance in the World Sevens Series. The tournament also marks the start of Kolinisau’s four-year coaching tenure, a critical period leading up to the 2028 Olympics. His strategy centers on building a cohesive team capable of competing at the highest level, starting with a strong performance in Dubai.
As excitement builds, rugby fans around the world will be watching to see if Fiji can rise to the occasion and begin their campaign with a statement victory.
Fiji Men’s Sevens Schedule for Dubai Sevens 2024
The Fiji Men’s Sevens team will play three crucial pool matches at the 2024 Dubai Sevens. Here are the key match timings in local time (UAE):
- Fiji vs. Spain: November 30 at 6:06 PM
- Fiji vs. USA: November 30 at 9:52 PM
- Fiji vs. New Zealand: December 1 at 3:16 AM
The tournament format requires strong performances, as only the top two teams from each pool and the two best-performing third-placed teams will advance to the quarterfinals.
Sources: Fiji Village, RNZ, Fiji Global News.
