Fiji faces tough hurdle

Fiji Times - Sunday, February 10, 2008 8:44 PM

FIJI'S hopes of defending the San Diego 7s and making progress on the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series will depend on the match up against New Zealand tomorrow.

The two teams meet in the first quarter-final and Fiji has
a lot riding on the outcome of the match.

The Josateki Savou coached side, if it bows out in the quarter-final
will not only have lost the San Diego crown, but would than would have had lost all hopes of winning the series.

Having led 17-0 against Samoa in its last match, Fiji was dumped 21-17 by the men in blue and this has put a big dent in our amour.

Fiji succumbed to basic mistakes and the lack of a reliable goal kicker didn't help.

Lolo Lui from Samoa showed how it is done as he nailed two side line conversions in the win.

Fijian coach Josateki Savou has admitted flaws in kick off and goal
kicking time which led to the down fall but is confident his side can upset the Kiwis.

Fiji Rugby Union chief executive Ratu Timoci Tavanavanua said they would have to look at getting a few experienced players for the next tournament which will be the Hong Kong 7s.

"The game was lost in the four kicks off which we lost and we should have beaten Samoa," Tavanavanua said.

"We are just making it hard upon ourselves."

He said they would look at getting in the experienced players for HK.

"We will definitely look at the senior players who are free to play," he said.

"The points are what we need."