Coaches turn focus to 7s World Cup

Fiji Times - Thursday, May 08, 2008 4:36 PM

PLAYERS have been reminded to stay focused on the world cup and not the last leg of the IRB Series in England and Wales.

Echoing similar comments made by Fiji rugby coaching director Ilivasi Tabua, the Fiji 7s team mentor Savou says the focus is on retaining the world title.

"Yes what Tabua said is true.We have to start focusing on the world cup next year," Savou said.

"We are now using the IRB series as a build up to the World Cup.

Tabua told an online website that Fiji needs forget about winning the IRB 7s title because of its strings of defeats this season. Instead, the former Fiji and Wallaby flanker said Savou and the Fiji Rugby Union must start plotting their course to the successful defence of the 7s Rugby World 7s Cup in Dubai next year.

"Let's forget about the IRB 7s. Whatever we do, we cannot win the series because we cannot change the stand that New Zealand will win this year," Tabua said.

He said Fiji must play well in London and Edinburgh tournaments and aim to be a top contender but the World Cup is the ultimate goal.

Former Australian sevens coach Glenn Ella told ABC Radio Australia yesterday Savou is mentoring a young squad that needs time to develop. Ella, who has signed as technical advisor to the FRU in charge of high performance sides, said there was no need to pressure the team for the last leg.

"Just keep the pressure off these guys, they are young and inexperienced at international level, they need time," Ella said.

"They cannot win the IRB series this year, but let the guys go away and build up this year and then there is the 2009 World Cup."

The Fiji 7s team defeated an Army selection 53-7 in a four quarters friendly match at the QEB ground, Delainabua yesterday.

"I believe this is the first time that they're playing together as a team. We're trying to put together a combination and select a team this afternoon," Savou said.

Meanwhile, Savou has named five new players in his 14-member squad that marches into camp on Sunday.

Lomaiviti club rugger Seremaia Burotu, Vilitati Veremi, Timoci Vakadranu, Sailosi Rabonaqica and Apenisa Ratuyadra are the new faces. The eight other players Ratu Naisa Narukutabua, Timoci Matanavou, Viliame Maya, Setefano Cakau, Emosi Vucago, Tomasi Mawi, Nasoni Roko and Marika Vunibaka participated in Hong Kong last month.

Savou will name his 12-member final team next week.