Robust Fijian-born Moana Pasifika winger Timoci Tavatavanawai says it would be a pretty big moment for him-playing against the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua tomorrow.
“It is a big one coming back home, playing my first professional footy back in my homeland, so it is pretty big for me,” he said.
The former Fiji under-20 rep who has been a regular on the wing for the Moana Pasifika this season said he was well aware of the threat the Drua would bring on the field.
“It will be a pretty tough one for the boys. They are going to expect this kind of crowd and the loud fans in Fiji would cheer on for the Drua, so it would be tough one for the boys” he said.
Tavatavanawai, who has scored three tries in the Super Rugby Pacific this season, could also be on Simon Raiwalui’s radar to make the Flying Fijian squad for the World Cup later this year.
Moana Pasifika’s utility backline player Levi Aumua, who has links to Fiji through his mother, said he was excited to play the Drua in front of the home crowd.
“It should be a good game and we would try to get a win.
“We have definitely come here to get a win but we know it won’t be easy,” he said.
Aumua has also signed for Crusaders and would join the the champion side on a two-year contract for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Moana Pasifika team arrived into the country on Wednesday night.
The two Pacific Island arch rival teams would clash against each other tomorrow at Churchill Park in Lautoka at 2.05 pm.
