Reinstated Fiji Sevens coach Waisele Serevi is already hopeful of a better World Series campaign in 2008/09 following his team's strong performance in winning the Brisbane Sevens at Sunnybank, Queensland at the weekend.
The opposition at the event was not of the calibre to challenge Serevi's Fiji Warriors - of the six teams they played against only the Corinthians managed to cross Fiji’s line - but the inspirational coach still saw enough to convince him that his side can once again mount a serious threat this season.
“It was pleasing to see that the team bonding and team work was there," he said. "I was particularly happy with Iveri Lavo, who I thought made a great effort to continue to improve each time he took to the field from the pool rounds through to the finals.
“We could have opted to stay at home and play local teams but I believe we would not have been able to learn as much if we had done that. At home we have a general pattern of playing, it’s more passing and running, while overseas it’s all power and strength, two great qualities of playing that I believe the boys learned and grasped.”
Last season Fiji failed to win a single Cup title on their IRB Sevens travels, partly due to poor defence and ball retention, but also to a lack of discipline and Serevi has made a lot of the need for strong leadership now.
Strong leadership
“I must mention my two captains, Emosi Vucago and his assistant Etonia Naba, who I thought led the team well both on and off the field," added Serevi.
"Also the other senior players, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Isei Lewaqai, Vereniki Goneva for their support and helping to ensure that the new players were kept in line.
“We have set ourselves a great platform to work on as we look towards the upcoming Series. I have told the boys that we can get better and we have to get better.
“But I must admit, we have a tougher job on our hands now to select the team to Dubai and George with the outstanding display, especially by the new boys.
"On that note, we are hoping that the new players who did not make the trip to Brisbane get to go in one of the upcoming Sevens tournaments lined up before Dubai so that we have a fair idea of where they stand and it will definitely make our work a lot easier.”
