Expect Flair, Physicality at PNC: Temo

Cradling his first born in his arms early this month Vodafone Flying Fijians lock Temo Sukayawa Mayanavanua admits that it is a life changing experience.

The 24-year-old Cautata, Bau, Tailevu naitve who shares maternal links to Nakalou, Macuata, currently plays for Lyon in the French Top 14.

During the Pacific Nations Cup launch at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva on Tuesday night Mayanavanua

indicated that playing with Pacific rivals, Tonga and Samoa is tough.

“It’s always an honour and privilege coming back home to represent our nation,” Mayanavanua said.

“It’s going to be a physical round of games especially with our Pasifika brothers. It will be exciting as well with Australia A bringing in good tempo.”

Born on June 2, his son, Temo Sukayawa Elnathan Mayanavanua is his motivation.

“To be honest it is a life changing experience, change of mindset and huge respect to my wife and all mothers out there for what they have to go through the nine months.

“It just boosts my morale and I am more motivated now; having a son paves the pathway for me to appreciate blessings and that nothing comes easy.

“With hard work and commitment, every dream is possible,” Mayanavanua added.

He hopes that his experience would be a bonus for the Flying Fijians at the Pacific Nations Cup.

“Just physical parts of it, and hope that I can bring that to the team and add little 5 or 10 per cent more into the knowledge the team has.”

He indicated that All Blacks was the most physical and fastest game he has encountered.

“Not saying that Tonga is going to be easy, we all know when there is an encounter between Tonga, Fiji and Samoa, we expect a bit of flair and also physicality.”

The Flying Fijians will play Tonga at 3:30pm while Samoa take on Australia A at 1pm.

Flying Fijians head coach, Vern Cotter, is expected to name his team today.