After watching his side succumb to successive IRB Sevens World Series semi final losses at the hands of South Africa in Dubai and George, Fiji Sevens coach Waisale Serevi is confident of a shift in attitude among his players ahead of the third and fourth events in the IRB Sevens World Series, in Wellington and San Diego.
Serevi's squad has been in camp at the Nasova Police academy and the former captain was satisfied that the players displayed the levels of commitment that could lead to silverware in the New Year.
"So far it's been positive," he said. "I know the players had commitments during the holiday season, but they sacrificed it all to face the mental hurdles, which is a good sign.
"We learnt a lot of lessons in the first leg and a change in attitude is a must if we are to progress and do well in the remaining legs of the Series.
Serevi: "It's their responsibility"
"If the players can understand and do their part then my work will become easier.
"The players must train harder on their own and not wait for the Fiji Rugby Union to call them into camp for it. It's their responsibility."
Serevi has also admitted that he is up against a tight schedule if he is to turn around the team's fortunes.
"We don't have much time, we'll be together for three days and then march into camp again on 11th January for another three days," he said.
In 2005 Serevi took over the reins in Fiji with significant effect, captaining and coaching the side to World Cup success in Hong Kong.
This time his match day involvement has been limited to the touchline, a role that has left him openly frustrated at times.
Darwin test run looming
He has, however, included himself in the Fijian Drifters side to compete in the 'Hottest' Darwin Sevens on 24-25 January, a chance perhaps to better assess the fitness of certain key players, including Lepani Nabuliwaqa and the returning William Ryder, Semisi Naevo and Setefano Cakau.
Fiji's last win at the NZI Sevens in Wellington came in 2006, while the side has never tasted success in the USA and both events follow hot on the heels of the Darwin warm-up in early February.
Fiji (South Sea Drifters) team to compete in Darwin: Waisale Serevi, Lemeki Duidomo, Ponipate Kato, Semisi Naevo, Seremaia Burotu, Emosi Vucago, Niumaia Rokobuli, Setefano Cakau, Lepani Nabuliwaqa, Osea Kolinisau, William Ryder, Adriu Rinikama. Coach: Waisale Serevi. Manager Adriu Rinikama.
