Savou's excuses

Fiji Times - Monday, March 31, 2008 7:49 AM

FIJI continued its win-less streak on the IRB Sevens World Series after being steamrolled by New Zealand 0-34 at the Hong Kong Sevens last night.

Starved of possession, coupled with poor co-ordination and a poor defence, Fiji was humiliated by a six try rampage by the Kiwis.

The Kiwis' bruising physicality and fitness were simply too much for the Fijians as Captain DJ Forbes again led by example with two tries. Steven Yates added a brace to the two he grabbed against Wales and there were also tries for Victor Vito and the outstanding Tomasi Cama.

The loss took Fiji's losing run to six games under new coach Josateki Savou, who took over from maestro Waisale Serevi.

Savou said poor defence and woes in the set-pieces, especially retaining possession from the kick-offs, proved to be Fiji's downfall. "We just could not get it right from the start and we failed to find our feet," he said last night.

"New Zealand was the better team on the day and we congratulate them for a fine performance.

"I've told the boys that we've lost and we should now prepare for the Adelaide Sevens next week. Waisale (Serevi) spoke to the team after the final and encouraged them to move on."

Savou said he would continue to coach the team until the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai next year.

"I'm still willing to coach and it would be up to the FRU board whether I go or stay. My focus will now shift to the World Cup because I think New Zealand would have wrapped up the series."

Asked if he was willing to work with Serevi, Savou said it would be up to the FRU board.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua said any thoughts on Savou's future would be discussed when the team returns.

"We just can't sack him. We have to wait until they come back and see what we do," Ratu Timoci said.

"We have no excuses to make because we lost to a better team. We were outplayed and the result speaks for itself.

"I think the players did not play to their full potential."

Efforts to get a comment from FRU games committee chairman Rafaele Kasibulu and national rugby coaching director Ilivasi Tabua proved futile last night.