27 Apr 2017

Sport: Fijiana 7s still seeking improvements

11:28 am on 27 April 2017

The Fiji women's sevens team believe keeping their composure at crucial moments is the key to securing a breakthrough victory against Australia and New Zealand.

The Fijiana made the semi-finals at the Kitakyushu Sevens in Japan on the weekend to consolidate fourth place on the Women's World Series.

Series leaders New Zealand proved too strong in the Cup semi finals, winning 21-0, while Olympic champions Australia scored at the death to pip Fiji 19-17 in the playoff for bronze.

Fiji captain Ana Maria Roqica made the tournament Dream Team at the Kitakyushu Sevens.

Fiji captain Ana Maria Roqica made the tournament Dream Team at the Kitakyushu Sevens. Photo: Michael Lee - KLC fotos

Fijiana coach Iliesa Tanivula said the team has made improvements this season but still have work to do.

"The composure at the crucial times under pressure and just our decision making in those times," he said.

"It's something that we've learned as a team, something for (training) next week we've just got to sit down and go through a few of those videos and hopefully we get it right by the time we play those good teams like Australia and New Zealand.

"They're well coached, they're experienced teams and it's always good to get up in this tournament and play them at that level."

Captain Ana Maria Roqica and Miriama Naiobasali were both named in the tournament 'Dream Team' at Kitakyushu, while Naiobasali was the second highest point-scorer over the weekend.

Iliesa Tanivula said it was fantastic for his players to receive recognition for their performances.

"It's huge for us to have two of our players in there and just...the way the other girls have played with each other and it's sort of a reflection of what they've done," he said.

"And I'm pleased to see that and hopefully we can be consistent on that and keep producing some of those performances."