SIMIONE Kuruvoli will run out onto the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard ground in St Etiennetomorrow to make his first start in a Rugby World Cup game.
Having been in the shadows of first-choice half-back Frank Lomani since making his Test debut against Georgia in 2000, the 24-year-old has done just enough to run out first in the must-win match against the Wallabies.
He came on in the second half against Wales last week and made a big impact with the pace of game with fast distribution from the base of the rucks.
With Lomani expected to come in the second, Kuruvoli is counting the hours to the big match.
“I am excited and at the same time a bit nervous, but I know the boys have my back,” he said.
“It’s every young boys dream to play in the World Cup and I remember the boys playing at the last World Cup in Japan — it gave me the boost to one day be on the world stage.”
Head coach Simon Raiwalui said Lomani was still under the cloud after their loss to Wales and this opened the doors for Kuruvoli to start.
“Frank pulled up quite sore after the match (against Wales) and we’ve had the philosophy since the beginning of the campaign that everyone is there to play,” he said.
“Simione is a great player as well so he gets the chance this weekend and Frank will come off the bench.”
Kuruvoli will be up against Wallabies veteran Nic White on the opposite end The match kicks off at 3.45am.
