SYDNEY SEVENS - Fiji Team Wrap-up and Photos

With New Zealand being crowned Sydney 7s champs for 2016, and Fiji finishing third (again), we take a look at the overall player rating for Fiji and see where they need to improve:

Osea Kolinisau – 3.5 / 5

Led the boys brilliantly in all matches and took advantage of the moments he had – his best game was in the third-place playoff game where he scored twice and set up a try. However, he needs to instill mental toughness in his team-mates as it is lacking in big games. He also needs to pick his moments better in defense as he was flat-footed on a number of occasions.

Apisai Domolailai – 2.5/5

The big man had very little influence on games, coming off the bench and being on the receiving end of last set plays to cross over, but a leg injury in the last game of day 1 ended his Sydney 7s campaign. His kick off winning plays were missed. Don’t expect him to be at Vegas in April.

Jasa Veremalua – 3/5

Another terrific big man coming off the bench, but had little influence when needed. Managed to break a few tackles and cross over the line over the two days, but being second to Pio Tuwai does not help his cause.

Semi Kunatani – 4/5

In my opinion, one of two for the best Fiji players at Sydney. Semi was very consistent in attack and defense and did not fail to light up the field. As he has been with Toulon in France, hoping his 15s career takes off, he has come back to 7s applying a strong physical presence. He uses his pace well, he initiates contact and at times has caused a turnover. Can be unstoppable if he can find his old 7s feet.

Isake Kotonibau – 4/5

Isake led from the front in every game and for a man standing at 190cm, he can sure move in both attack and defense! He is one of Fiji’s hard workers who continuously grinds away and ensures his team is always accountable. He had over 20+ try assists over the two days and even ran in a few himself. The man never drops his smile.

Jerry Tuwai – 4.5/5

Fiji’s excitement and smallest contributor was a superstar. Led the team around the field and with 12 tries to his name throughout the series he was a constant pain for opposition defenses. However he did miss and drop several vital tackles in crucial games which led to tries – his most notable dropped tackle was against New Zealand in the semi-final when Akira Ioane threw him away like a rag doll. If he is to be the last defender at the back, he must tackle low against big men, and hold the tackles.

Amenoni Nasilasila – 3.5/5

Whenever Amenoni came off the bench, he made an impact. He added a spark to the team and his great footwork in attack and his hard hitting tackles for a man of size would have some question whether he should be starting ahead of Jerry Tuwai.

Seremaia Vunisa – 4/5

Another consistent player for Fiji in both attack and defense. Had great try assists and helped control the pace for Fiji, but was vulnerable in defense. Due to his outstanding consistency, he scores 4 out of 5.

Sevuloni Mocenacagi – 2.5/5

Had very little game time over the two days as he was coming off the bench, but managed to notch up 3 tries over the two days. Is still a new member of the team and will have a bigger impact in future.

Pio Tuwai – 4/5

The “off load king” found his feet on days 1 and 2 with great tries, try assists and footwork to break the defensive line. But I still question his decision-making as he ran when he should have passed and passed when he should have run. Pio also likes to slow up the play and suck in defenders before off-loading thereby putting his team mates into space. But he does need to watch his ball control under contact as he sometimes gets caught up high leading to a turnover or knock on.

Savenaca Rawaca – 5/5

My Fiji player of the tournament. Consistent, powerful, skillful and fast. He leads the series with 22 tries and Sydney was no different as he had the opposition second guessing. He has the ability to win a game off his own feet for Fiji, but in the crucial game against New Zealand in the semi-final, he seemed to have been over-awed by the moment. Against provocation, he needs to readjust and focus on the important point – winning the game. Could be the best player in 7s rugby.

Vatemo Ravouvou – 4/5

Alongside Jerry Tuwai and Amenoni Nasilasila, he was a concern for opposition defenses and had the role of kicking for Fiji. He showed great accuracy. Needs to assert his presence in bigger games perhaps, but throughout the Sydney tournament he was great.