FLYING FIIJIAN SPECIAL IN JAPAN
The World Cup is a different level from the Northern Tour so we will need to be at our best to achieve success, says Mesulame Dolokoto
Mesulame Dolokoto believes the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians can do special things at the 2019 Japan Rugby World Cup in September.
The 23-year old hooker made his test debut in the 17-54 loss against Scotland at Murrayfield during the Northern tour last year. The Savusavu, Cakaudrove native is optimistic of making the cut to Japan, drawing encouragement from his performances against Scotland, Uruguay and France.
He played an important role as a late substitute in helping protect Fiji’s 21-17 lead against France, in what turned out to be a historic win last November. During one of the highlights of the game, Dolokoto held his ground against a late French scrum with Leone Nakarawa urging him to stay firm from the background because “the French players are only humans.”
A video of the scrum was shared more than 500 times on the popular social network site, Twitter.
“That moment when Nakarawa was screaming at me during the scrum was massively encouraging, especially coming from a player like him,” Dolokoto said. He believes the team will have to raise their standards in Japan if success is to be achieved on the grand stage of rugby.
“All the teams will now start looking at us as potential giant-killers so I think the boys will need to step up further and maintain those standards,” he said.
“The World Cup is a different level from the northern tour so we will need to be at our best if we are to achieve success. This team has the potential to do something special because we are a tight-knit group – both senior and junior players – so I’m confident of our chances.” The Brumbies academy graduate wants to work on his fitness and scrummaging before the Flying Fijians march into camp for the June-July tests. “My chances of being selected will depend on the hard work I do in training,” he said.
“The team has a lot of talented players, but if I stay focussed I know everything will work out.”
Flying Fijians head coach John McKee selected Dolokoto for the Northern tour based on his stellar performances for the Fiji Airways Fijian Drua last year. The Drua experience helped him enhance
his reputation as sturdy forward with valuable passing and tackling abilities. His first chance to impress this season will come during the Skipper Cup Premiership that starts in April. Dolokoto has been included in the Suva squad for the new season and wants to help the team defend the Skipper Cup this year.
“It will be tough domestic season this year, especially coming up against my Drua and Flying Fijians teammates,” he said.
“I want to focus on making the cut to the world cup so I’ll be working really hard throughout the season.”
Fiji are in Pool D with Australia, Wales, Georgia, Uruguay.