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Fiji legend Jerry Tuwai raises concerns to new coach ahead of Olympics

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 10: Jerry Tuwai of Fiji celebrate after scoring a try during day 2 of the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 Championship Quarter Finals match 27 between Samoa and Fiji at DHL Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

Double Olympic gold medal winner and sevens legend Jerry Tuwai has admitted he is not yet fit enough to bid for a place in Fiji’s sevens squad.

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Tuwai’s relationship with Ben Gollings, the Fiji 7s head coach who was recently sacked, was seen as a major distraction with the former play-maker being told he wasn’t ready to be picked for the HSBC SVNS series events. Now new head coach Osea Kolinisau has confirmed he is monitoring his former teammate’s fitness in the hope he can help defend Fiji’s Olympic gold in Paris this summer.

Kolinisau confirmed to local media that Tuwai, 34, and play-maker Vatemo Ravouvou are back in the Fiji men’s training squad. All three were members of the gold medal-winning team at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.

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Refereeing legend Nigel Owens explains why the 20-minute red card needs a rethink

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    Refereeing legend Nigel Owens explains why the 20-minute red card needs a rethink

    Refereeing legend Nigel Owens explains to Jan de Koning why the 20-minute red card needs a rethink

    He said: “We had an honest chat and Jerry knows where he is at. Jerry said ‘coach, I’m not there yet and I need a month’. I said come into camp and I will come and monitor your fitness. So Jerry is in camp. It’s good to have Jerry around, the knowledge he has, the only two-time Olympian gold medallist in rugby. It’s good to have him around in terms of leadership and mentor the young players.

    “Ravouvou is in camp, he is looking fit and looking forward to see him play in the Marist Sevens. He is always vocal in the game and his kicking as well that’s an area we looking to address. He’s not guaranteed a spot, even though we played together for years.”

    Kolinisau has taken charge of the men’s sevens team four months away from the Olympic Games but is confident there is enough time to defend the gold medal in Paris with Fiji having won the gold medal in Rio and Tokyo.

    The grand finale of the SVNS series is in Madrid from May 31 to June 2, six weeks before the Paris Games with Fiji currently third in the table behind Argentina and Ireland heading into the famous Hong Kong Sevens on April 5-7.

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    “Nothing is impossible, it depends on our preparations – how I prep and what the boys are going to bring in,” he added.

    “I have spoken to some of the boys who wanted to come especially the ones overseas, you only have six weeks – it’s on you whether you want it or not, I’ll invite you camp. I’ve told the boys in camp as well, it’s up to you whether you want to show me what it takes. To me I believe Fiji can do it.”

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    RedWarrior 12 minutes ago
    Many England fans echoing the same gripe following Six Nations loss

    The English defense was excellent in the first half. This is considering Ireland's attack has improved significantly since the Autumn with former Leinster attack coach Goodman. Ireland were beaten by NZ in the Autumn, are behind SA and arguably behind France so de facto 4th in order (rankings take time to catch up) As Eddie Jones said Ireland are still in that elite group so England's domination in the first half is noteworthy.

    I believe they have spent the time since the Autumn largely on defence. On broken play they were relying on Smiths instint along with some jiggery pokery. For Smiths early line break a Twindaloo blocked Baird which left the gap for smith. It looked like he did Aki, but Baird was a little late arriving and clever play by Tom Curry allowed the gap for Smith. Earls line break was Smith spotting Baird coming out and beating him with a beautiful pass to Earl.

    We saw the rehearsed plays for a couple of Ireland's tries. The Aki try was just identifying that England tended to hide Smith on the wing creating a vulnerability which Ireland exploited with one of Akis great finishes.

    Although Ireland were relaxing at the end the two English tries were good enough quality and we may see more of it next week (Scotland will also have taken note).

    Although on the easier side of the draw Borthwick almost took England to a RWC final.

    But in common with the top4 you need to have firepower to get those tries in big games. Can Borthwick manage that? I don't think so.

    Next week even if England have a great first half again, you would be looking at France converting 3 of those Irish chances and pushing on after the break.

    Can Borthwick develop a plan to beat France in the next few years. If the answer is no England need to find someone who can.

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    LONG READ Which Six Nations squad is best prepared to succeed today and in the future? Which Six Nations squad is best prepared to succeed today and in the future?
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