Player excuses are unacceptable: Tabua

Fiji Times - Tuesday, April 01, 2008 7:55 AM

FIJI rugby coach Ilivasi Tabua has brushed aside comments that overseas-based players in the national side failed to combine and play well and lacked match practice.

Digicel-sponsored Fiji manager Opetaia Ravai said yesterday that overseas based players didn't have enough time to prepare for the Hong Kong Sevens.

The overseas-based players included Nasoni Roko, Willaim Ryder and Mosese Volavola.

"These players are seasoned professionals and there shouldn't be any problems," Tabua said.

He said while the results came down to how the team played on the day, there were a number of areas which let the Fijians down.

"There were a lot of areas which included kick-offs and defence," he said.

Tabua spent time with the Fijian side for some time and was one of the selectors for the side.

Tabua didn't want to elaborate on the future of coach Jo Savou.

With the World Cup to be played within a year in Dubai, there have been a lot of questions asked of the current coaching staff.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua said they will not decide on the fate of Savou yet.

"We will have to wait for the team to get back after which we will have to go through the report," Tavanavanua said.

With fans calling for heads to roll, FRU is keeping a low key on the issue about the management.

Fiji is pooled with England, France and Kenya and will face a tough tussle.

The side will have to win at least two games to make the quarter-finals.

Should Fiji qualify it will meet either South Africa, Australia, USA or Canada in the last eight.

Organisers anticipate a total crowd of about 30,000 over the two-day event, which is in its second year.

Andrew Hopper said it was a wonderful opportunity for the state to put on a show.

"Rugby Sevens is followed throughout the world and this week all eyes will be on Adelaide," Hopper said.

"We want to put on a show that puts both rugby and South Australia in the spotlight."

Hopper said he expected the unprecedented light display to kick off the event "with a bang".

"We're hoping to give the Adelaide locals a sight they haven't seen before.," Hopper said.

"We want everyone to know the Rugby Sevens party has started."

The tournament will kick off on Saturday afternoon.

The finals will be played on Sunday.

Fiji is the defending champions of the tournament.

They beat Samoa 21-7 in the final.