Vota Keeps fingers crossed
Fijian Drua outside centre, Apisalome Vota is keeping his fingers crossed with the hope to be in the Vodafone Flying Fijians line-up against Tonga in the second 2022 Pacific Nations Cup match at the ANZ stadium tomorrow afternoon.
The Naitasiri lad has proved his worth as one of the best outside centres at the Pasifika Super Rugby Championship.
He was amongst Vinaya Habosi and Kalaveti Ravouvou as the top line breakers for the team during the championship.
Vota joins the handful of fellow Fijian Drua players who are bound to make their debut in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup.
“It’s an honour to be selected to represent my country for the Pacific Nations Cup,” said Vota.
“This has always been my childhood dream to play for Fiji and it has become a reality now that I am in the squad; I thank the Almighty for this opportunity and coaches for believing in me.”
Should he be given the green light this weekend, Vota will be up against former All Blacks centre
Malakai Fekitoa.
“I have learnt a lot from the Super Rugby competition playing for the Drua team and I have also played against some big names so it won’t be a problem playing against one of the best centres for the All Blacks,” he added.
“This is an opportunity for me to prove myself and I will not disappoint if I’m selected to play against Tonga.”
Meanwhile although Vodafone Flying Fijians lock Apisalome Ratuniyarawa is two weeks shy of his 36th birthday; the Nadroga gentle giant has no plans of hanging his boots anytime soon.
“I’ve finished with Northampton Saints now so I’ve re-signed with London Irish for another two years. I’ll still be playing some rugby after the World Cup next year,” said Ratuniyarawa.
The first round of the World
Rugby Pacific Nations Cup kicks off tomorrow at the ANZ Stadium with the Australian A taking on Manu Samoa at 1pm followed by the Vodafone Flying Fijians facing Ikale Tahi Tonga at 3pm.