The Cook Islands men’s 7s team has identified key performance areas for improvement following the Oceania 7s tournament in December, which showcased promising young talent and sets the stage for future international success.

The Cook Islands men’s 7s team concluded the 2024 season with the Oceania 7s tournament in the Solomon Islands in December, finishing in sixth place – an improvement of two places compared to their 2023 tournament result.

The side spearheaded by head coach Clive Nicholas along with his management team, has had a thorough look into what has transpired from the lead up into the tournament and how they can improve on specific aspects of their performance at the yearly tournament.

Team manager Simon Iopu Johnston told Cook Islands News: “It was a long-drawn-out process, but we eventually got through the review.”

“Lead in times to the tournament for starters, was a major issue and something that was completely out of our control. Oceania Rugby had issues with securing a host city because of the last minute pull out by Brisbane and then the eventual fall away of PNG and Fiji as the backup hosts.

“The original 2024 Oceania tournament was scheduled for the 7-9^th of November but by the time the Solomon Islands was confirmed as host, November was only a couple of weeks away which forced Oceania to revise their tournament date to early December. We were, at the same time dealing with training availability issues with squad members as many of them were involved in Cook Islands Games teams.”

This left the team with a five-to-six-week training window by the time the dust had settled, which was not ideal, Johnston said.

“But we dealt with it. With a full 12 -15 week lead in training programme we would’ve seen a more leaner fitter team, but hey like they say it is what …”

Speaking on the team’s culture, Johnston pointed out some key successes.

“Team culture was a priority.  In camp, head coach Clive, physio Jana (Whitta) and I, with the help of captain Robert Heather, leadership group members James Kora and Brian Akava built a team culture based on spiritual values of humility and respect,” he said.  

“We peeled away the flashy things that looked like was going to create a distraction and replaced it with daily devotion. We all drove standards and expectations centred around the phrases “No Monkey Business “and “No Toxicity” which was sign posted in camp. In return we got a team culture that was respectful, fully aligned, that cared deeply for each other and the programme.”

Johnston further commented on the team’s performance, stating that, along with coach Nicholas, they conducted an in-depth analysis of the rugby performance using statistics and data. This analysis aimed to identify performance gaps by comparing statistical ratios and analysis to the game plan and its resulting outcomes.

“To touch on a few areas of opportunities: Kick offs and restarts were a hit and miss with a 55 per cent success rate, we need to be up around the 85 per cent. A more efficient podding system will fix this problem which Clive is already devising,” he explained.

“Our defensive missed tackle rate was a low 22.2 per cent when we were able to make physical contact, which is very good compared to previous campaigns of 35-40 per cent. But an alarming stat hidden in the detail is, of the 144 tackles made throughout the tournament, 37 of the tackles were hand grabs. Tackle efficiency plummets and the flow on effect is that it leaves strain on the defensive system.”

Some of the successes recorded by the team were in areas like tackle busts. From 75 carries total, the team managed a 65 per cent tackle bust success rate led by our big forwards, “which essentially means that we beat the first defender over 60 per cent of the time”

“What happens at the point of breaching the defensive line is what we are looking at improving, e.g. increasing offloads.”

Nathan Nabou was one of the five newcomers in the national side. CIRU/24123102

Johnston said the 2024 campaign also saw five new debutants stepping up to represent the country in international 7s rugby.

“They were excellent, and it was pleasing to see them top the stats table with some fine performances from James Strickland, Moses Poreo and Nathan Nabou who were leaders in metres gained, tries scored and defensive stops. Even Kaleb Chase and Adyn Kapi featured well in defensive numbers with low, single number missed tackle percentages,” he explained.

“I spoke to a few of them afterwards and what surprised them was the intensity of facing the likes of Niue as opposed to Samoa and Australia. The Tier 1 teams brought a level of intensity and speed of play that you can’t prepare for at a local competition level and so it took them a while to adjust to.”

Cook Islands Rugby Union thanked the many supporters who genuinely wished the teams well. A special mention to key backers, Sir Michael Jones and board member of Matson International, alongside his fellow board members and management, for their unwavering support in international competitions and Phillip Hendersonand Vodafone Cook Islands board members, staff and management, both for their on-going and significant contribution to the international event schedule over the past 15 years

CIRU also acknowledged Air Raro, represented by captain Stephen Willis, managing director Ewan Smith and Bubs Numanga, for their ongoing support and sponsorship, Taoro and Rose Brown of Super Brown for the kind financial support, Mr and Mrs Louis Nicholas of Slipway, George of Raro Sparks, Top Shape Gym, Pilates Cook Islands, and all the family and friends who supported the team.

“We eagerly anticipate the 2025 international competition and acknowledge the collective efforts of the Cook Islands Rugby Union Board, the Rarotonga Rugby Union Clubs across the island, and the respective Outer Islands Rugby Union Associations.”