Fiji Water Flying Fijians player Josua Tuisova has grabbed a lot of attention for his standout performance at the Rugby World Cup in France.
The inside centre scored a try in each of Fiji’s opening games against Wales and Australia and picked up the ‘Man of the Match’ award against the Wallabies.
Against Wales, the Votua man from Ba came into the match in the 53rd minute as a replacement for winger Vinaya Habosi.
His injection into the team saw him make nine carries, with one resulting in a try in the 73rd minute. Making the starting line-up against Australia at the inside centre, ‘The Bus’ was even more devastating.
He scored a try and made 10 carries for a chart-topping 123 meters.
He made nine successful tackles, the third-highest in the team, and was instrumental in Fiji winning 11 turnovers.
He played for 68 minutes. Playing in his second RWC event, the Racing 92 bound star player said there was something special about this Flying Fijians team compared with the past.
He said there was a good mix of players plying their trade with clubs abroad and the introduction of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players.
“There’s a good combination now that we have some Drua boys and some overseas-based players. The bond is really good,” the 29-year-old said.
Strong on the field and humble off it, Tuisova says he gives his best in every game and treats it as his last.
“The game last week (against Australia) has finished and I always count every game as my last game. I always try to give everything I have for the team, and everything I do on the field, I always try to give my best, 100 per cent.
“I don’t underestimate any player. For me, all the players are hard to play against. I always try to give my best at every game.”
Having played in France from a young age, Tuisova said the locals had become big supporters of the Fiji team.
Against Wales and Australia, Tuisova received a big cheer from the crowd of mainly French supporters.
“There’s a lot of Fijian players playing in France. For the French people, Fiji is their second team. When France plays they always support France, when Fiji plays they always support Fiji,” he said.
Fiji will face Georgia on Sunday at 3.45am.
