Savou takes a swipe at critics

Fiji Times - Thursday, April 10, 2008 7:57 AM

FIJI sevens Coach Josateki Savou is unrepentant, saying he is ready to front up the Fiji Rugby Union board.

Labelling criticisms of a poor game plan, tactics and lack of team structure as "nonsense", Savou reaffirmed he had no intention of stepping down.

Speaking on arrival from the failed mission in third leg of the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series on Tuesday, Savou attacked people who questioned the changes he made during the heart-breaking semi-final loss in Adelaide.

Fiji led New Zealand 14-5 at the break but fell apart 17-14, a week after the Kiwis ran up the 34-0 record margin in Hong Kong. Defiant even to Fiji Rugby Union chief executive officer Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua, who was among those unhappy with Savou pulling off Lepani Nabuliwaqa in the crucial clash against NZ, Savou said: "I don't agree with those comments."

Throwing the team's demise onto his players, the under siege coach said, "The game plan and the structure is with the players during the game and on the field.

"We cannot stay with the boys on the field and tell them what to do.

"The game plan depends on the playmaker and the player who is leading the team and dividing all the structures.

"So I think it is nonsense being stated about the lack of game plan and structure.

"Lepani played very well in the first half against New Zealand but he was exhausted. This is why he was taken off the field.

"I think most of the critics have been saying that William Ryder should have been taken off but, in my view, I made a decision and that's it."

But Savou admitted he would have no choice but to go with the flow should the FRU go ahead, as it has indicated, and appoint a technical advisor to the beleaguered sevens side. The FRU wants a technical advisor to help Savou make crucial calls during games.

"I won't step down until the FRU board wants me to go," said Savou.

"To get in a technical advisor is up to them (FRU). They are the bosses."

The national 7s team management meets the FRU board on Friday to report on the continued failure by the team. Savou said reports on the Hong Kong and Adelaide 7s had already been prepared.

"We are ready to answer to the board," Savou said.

"The task now is to look ahead to the final leg.

"The focus is to move forward. Thereafter we will be focussing on the World Cup.

"In three weeks we will be conducting a fitness test where a 20-member squad will be selected. "If changes occur then it may be only one or two players. I think there is a need for a change in the forwards. I'm confident with the other boys in the team."

Savou said playmaker Ryder had been told to get himself into shape if he wanted to be part of the team for England and Scotland. The England 7s will be held from May 24-25 followed by the Scotland 7s on May 31-June 1.