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New Zealand Sevens guru Gordon Tietjens has reacted with surprise to Waisale Serevi's sacking as Fiji coach, just a week out from the Wellington Sevens.

Serevi has been given his marching orders this week after publicly questioning the make-up of the side he was to coach in Wellington next weekend. Among Serevi's complaints was his allegation that the team was made public without his signing off on the make-up of the 12-strong squad, although this is strenuously denied by FRU chief executive Keni Dakuidreketi, who also claims Serevi picked unfit players

Serevi was also disgruntled with the inexperience of the squad he was given and was quick to let the media understand this. This proved to be the last straw for the Fiji Rugby Union, who have had a fractured relationship with Serevi for some time.

Tietjens says the incident is unfortunate and has some sympathy for all Serevi and the players.

"Any Fijian team which has Serevi in it as coach or player has a different feel to it," Tietjens told the Fiji Times.

"It will be quite disruptive for Fiji as we are just on the eve of the Wellington and San Diego tournaments.

"There is also the World Cup which is very important and could hinder the players. "He has a lot to offer Fiji. Serevi has earned the respect and reputation as a player and with his expertise Fiji can go a long way."

Tietjens said while Serevi wasn't in charge of selections of the Fijian team as coach, he should still be able to have the final say on who he was expected to coach.

"I do not have selectors but use a few advisors who give me details about players," Tietjens said.

"However, the final say is mine. I do not have any interference. "It just does not work with the coach not having his own way to pick his players because he is the one who will work with the players."