Ben Ryan: We’ll reset in South Africa By MAIKELI SERU (Fiji Sun) The Fijian 7s team will reset this weekend at Port Elizabeth, South Africa, to keep oppositions guessing after the win at the HSBC Emirates Dubai 7s. Coach Ben Ryan said our 12-man squad is injury free but he predicts the use of the game plan change to prevent other teams from stopping another Fijian triumph. “We are bruised and battered but no injuries of concern,” Ryan said before leaving Abu Dhabi yesterday for Port Elizabeth. The Fijians survived the high intensity encounters at Dubai last weekend coming out victors over South Africa 29-17 in the Cup final for our first win at the United Arab Emirates and a 44-0 drubbing over arch-rival New Zealand in the semis. The feat sent out warning signals to oppositions as the damage done by a group of unknowns and seasonal campaigners Ryan put together within three weeks. While oppositions, especially Sir Gordon Tietjens of New Zealand, would be guessing the Englishman’s next move, Ryan said our fitness had not reached its peak. “I am very pleased with the Dubai win on a lot of levels. Fitness has improved, but still needs to get a lot better.” While Ryan is expected to rely on his run-on team from last week to allow consistency, he would change game tactics to keep oppositions guessing. He said mental preparation was also important to prevent players from riding on last week’s win so that they could repeat the victory this week. “We will reset. Put some good training in and be as professional as we can, leading into the tournament. This is the start of journey and we will have lows as well as highs. It is important to keep everyone’s feet firmly on ground as we are a long way to go. We have to stay patient. “Thank you all for the congratulations. Team gave their all this weekend. All 12 are uninjured so an unchanged squad for Port Elizabeth,” Ryan said. Fiji is pooled against Scotland, Australia and France. Fiji plays Australia in our first match at 11.28pm Saturday, France at 2.34am Sunday and Scotland at 6.14am Sunday.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Dec 2013 07:06:54 +0000
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