Tietjens keeping eye on Marist Sevens

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 18 February 2017, 12:00AM

The pressure is on for players in the 29th Vailima Marist International Sevens tournament.

Not only are athletes looking to out play each other, they also have some key spectators in the crowd who are following their every move.

One man who stood out in the crowd is Manu Samoa Sevens Head Coach, Sir Gordon Tietjens.

At Apia Park yesterday, he was flanked by Assistant Coach, Stephen Betham.

The two were spotted on the grand stand with pens and papers taking notes of the proceedings.

 “The tournament here today for me is really important because a lot of the players are playing for spots on the team,” Tietjens told the Weekend Observer. 

“It’s also an opportunity  for me to see other players that I haven’t seen on the island and really step up.”

The Manu Samoa Sevens players are taking part in the tournament.

Familiar men in blue like Malu Falaniko, Francis Ieremia, Ed Fidow and more were seen on the pitch at Apia Park. 

The timing of the tournament provides a great dress rehearsal for players vying for a spot on the team as they are preparing for the Las Vegas leg of the H.S.B.C. World Series next month.

Preparations are well underway, according to Tietjens. 

“For the players back here in Samoa, just this past week, they were tested fitness wise and they’re really good at the moment and we want to build on that,” he said. 

“After this tournament, we‘ll name the training squad for Vegas. Once the opportunity is there for all those  players to make that squad then we’ll go in to training.”  

By Sina Filifilia Seva’aetasi 18 February 2017, 12:00AM
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