Overseas recruits failed to perfrom

Fiji Times - Wednesday, April 02, 2008 3:19 PM

ILIESA Tanivula believes the inclusion of overseas-based players contriubuted to Fiji’s “biggest downfall” at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament.

The former Brumbies and Highlanders Super rugby player, who played for the New Zealand sevens team, said the team failed to find its combination.

The Digicel sponsored national side and the Fiji Rugby Union have come under fire after the disappointing performance at Happy Valley last weekend.

The Fiji side suffered its biggest defeat in Hong Kong after going down 34-0 to New Zealand.

“I think the players who came in from overseas did not perform and failed to step up and lead the team,” Tanivula said. “We all thought their presence would lift the team but instead, it was our biggest downfall."

“The players did not get any combination. It looked like the team did not have any game plan and resorted to individual play.
“The senior players were guilty of not leading the team when the going got tough.”

Tanivula said Fiji sevens could not continue to rely on the overseas-based players to bring glory to country.

“When these players return, we’re back to square one. I think we should try and develop players now rather than relying on the overseas players,” Tanivula said.