WITH the inaugural Nation Championships approaching rapidly and the injuries depleting the Flying Fijians extended squad tight head prop options, Fiji-born Waratahs prop Apolosi Ranawai could be a surprise package if he maintains his impressive Super Rugby form.
After a standout Super Rugby debut in round 12 against the Western Force, Ranawai raised the bar in round 13 by scoring his first try in the match against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
Then last week, in his first Super Rugby appearance on home soil, the 32-year-old touched down against the Fijian Drua.
Prior to the match he confirmed that the dream of donning Fiji’s iconic white jumper is still very much alive for the former national junior representative.
The Korovuto native’s mindset is firmly focused on his Super Rugby breakthrough with the Waratahs before turning his attention to international rugby..
“At the moment I’m just worried on getting selection to the Waratahs, so my mindset is in staying in the present moment,” Ranawai said.
He understands accumulating more game minutes will be crucial in his bid.
“At the moment I’m just trying to push for selection here (Waratahs) and maybe get some more minutes under my belt, and if I get more then we’ll see how it goes,” he said.
“It’s been a dream (to play for the Flying Fijians), but at the moment I’m just trying to get some more games under my belt before any exposure to international rugby, so that’s the big question to ask at the moment.”
The Waratahs host the Brumbies at Allianz Stadium, Sydney tomorrow.
