Lock Wants to Keep on Momentum
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lock Isoa Nasilasila is focusing on his growth and development to become a better player for the 2024 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The 24-year-old played in all the Drua’s Super Rugby matches during last year’s competition including the quarterfinal against Crusaders in Christchurch, New Zealand.
He also featured prominently for the Flying Fijians during the Pacific Nations Cup, the historic Test win over England in Twickenham and all the matches at the Rugby World Cup.
“I need to become a better player for the team with our goal to reach the (Super Rugby) final and win,” Nasilasila told SUNsports.
“There is always something to find and improve on to progress as a better player.”
Nasilasila hopes to continue his streak as the most capped Fijian Drua player. Already he has 29 Super Rugby matches under his belt and hopes to increase on it.
“I think it comes with a lot of responsibility, but the experience is good to hand over advice to the younger boys,” he said.
“I plan to get the momentum going and hopefully get the Championship this year.”
Nasilasila said he is keen on making the Flying Fijians squad in their Test match against the All Blacks on July 20 (Fiji time) at San Diego, United States.
“Last season was a long season, so I was trying to get my body and mental health right in the off season.
“I’ll try to get stronger and fitter during the off season before we started the pre-season training.”
Nasilasila said he was glad to work with the new players in the off season.
“It’s really inspiring and it’s good to see the future of the Fijian Drua and Fiji Rugby is in good hands,” he said.
Nasilasila said he hopes to end the Waratahs winning run against the
Drua this season.
“I’m from Sydney so I got a rivalry with them, and I can’t wait to meet them in Fiji as well,” he said.
“It will be a bittersweet revenge if we beat the Waratahs because it’ll be the same feeling as beating the Wallabies at the World Cup.” Nasilasila said he is hopeful to start for the Drua side against the Blues on Saturday, February 24, at Okara Park in Whangarei, New Zealand.
“I’m fighting for my spot with the other locks and I’m trying to do what I can on and off the field during training to get the lock spot for the matchday 23,” he said.