Fiji win Dubai 7s

Local Sports

Fiji Airways men's team win Dubai 7sFIJI Airways men's 7 team did what Fiji does best is a cliche that hadn’t been heard in a long while.

And that is how SVNS commentator Rupert Cox phrased it after Fiji ended its 22 tournament winless streak.

“Fiji there you have it, finally all smiles.”

For Fiji it took 22 tournament losses, a wave of criticisms and a new coach for Fiji Airways men’s 7s team to do what it does best to return to the podium.

Fiji beat Spain 19-5 to win the Dubai 7s and head coach Osea Kolinisau put it on hard-work and consistency for the team’s victory.

And with a first of the 10 tournaments, the joyous occasion brought smiles ear to ear for the players, Koilnisau and the fervent world over.

Kolinisau rode high on players shoulders, who went wild, sang and danced to the chants of typical Fijian celebration.

He praised the player’s hard work and shared passion for the game to reign supreme in the opening leg of the SVNS series.

“It is an amazing feeling,” Kolinisau said.

“Two years without a trophy [on the world series] for Fiji is far too long. I am just happy for the boys.

“After the criticism they have faced over the past two years, we are finally able to get one back. I was able to do it as a player, and now I am lucky enough to do it as a coach.”

Kolinisau was part of the 2015 team that last won the Dubai and just the third occasion Fiji won the Emirates International Trophy.

He said ahead of the Dubai 7s weekend that he hoped to emulate the success of his mentor, Ben Ryan, and bring back the good old days of Fijian sevens.

Kolinisau made a mention of bringing back the flair with which the great Fiji sides are known for.

“We want to restore the old Fiji style of play, and I have seen a bit of that from the boys.

“I hope this gives them the confidence to keep expressing themselves.”

Ben messaged Koilnisau and said, ‘One more to go, Oscar. Just be you.’

Fiji had not won the sevens since 2015, when Osea Kolinisau was the captain of a side that went on to win  Rio Olympic gold.

The team turns its focus on the Cape Town 7s between 7-8 December.