Former Fiji sevens manager Usa Daunivalu has called on the Fiji Rugby Union to reconsider sevens maestro Waisale Serevi as coach of the Digicel Fiji sevens team.

Daunivalu made the comment after the Fijian outfit was defeated 17-21 by Pacific brothers and arch-rivals Samoa in their last pool match in Petco Park, San Diego this afternoon.

The side sealed a strong 17-0 lead in the first spell but they failed to maintain the rhythm of their performance after the breather. Fiji has been drawn against New Zealand in the quarterfinal after the Samoan ran three converted tries after the breather to keep the Fijians at bay.

“We all know that this is a relatively new side and at the moment the players are in their transition period. We should all accept the ups and downs and expect more to come but the coaches should by now know the strength and weakness of the team,” Daunivalu said.

“We need an experience playmaker and a kicker and I suggest the coach should draft experienced players in these positions. Blending the new players with the experienced ones improves the consistency of the team. The boys have shown us their skills and what they’re capable of in Dubai and George but they need good guidance from the right person. I personally suggest that FRU should bring back Serevi as coach until Joe (Savou) is more acclimatized.”

Fiji is now under immense pressure to produce the goods against New Zealand after many have questioned the sides below par performance. But this does not change Daunivalu’s high expectations as the side has felt the brunt of the rugby loving public.

“If we want our overall standing to progress this is the right time to defeat New Zealand and deny them a chance to play in the semifinal. We can do it and I have no doubt behind the teams’ effort. The loss against Samoa was a learning curve but I expect a better performance even though New Zealand is tough nut to crack.”

Fiji plays New Zealand in the cup quarterfinal at 7:28am (Fiji Time).

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