It was an honour for dad and I to meet Asaeli Tuivuaka Atunaisa in Caubati on Wednesday.
Tuivuaka, like all the other national 7s players that we had met, was full of smiles, and I couldn’t see in him any of the traits that high flyers carry with them when they win something big. In his usual down to earth nature, he welcomed us at his place.
I was amazed that I had got the opportunity to rub shoulders with our 7s utility player who has played in the forwards and in the backs.
The versatile and rugged player, whom international commentators have labeled ‘The Tank’ because of his sheer power and ability to deliver big hits, was not shy to share his rugby journey.
I asked Tuivuaka why commentators chose the name ‘The Tank’, and his reply made me smile.
He said that during a war, the tank would normally lead and do the damage, as it was strong, and like the military tank, he was strong, and had the ability to carry and make huge tackles.
This set the platform for my story.
Tuivuaka’s father, Elia Atunaisa, passed away when Tuivuaka was 14 years old, and his mother, Vitorina Lebakaumata, took responsibility of raising her kids.
Tuivuaka attended Nakavika Primary School and Namosi Secondary School, and during his school days, he played rugby and was a long distance athlete.
His break came when he joined Saint Gabriele Rugby Club where he played as a rover and winger.
He played alongside Setefano Cakau, Leo Naikasau and Abele Yalayalatabua.
He played for the Namosi and Fiji U20 sides, and was part of Senirusi Seruvakula’s Warriors side which played matches against Samoa A, Tonga A and Japan A.
He shared that he was part of the Fijian Drua which won the Australian National Rugby Championship (NRC) in 2018, just two years since joining the NRC.
The Drua won their maiden title after overcoming defending champ Queensland Country at home 36-26. With a vocal crowd behind them at Churchill Park, in Lautoka, the Drua ran in five tries, to lift the trophy.
Tuivuaka represented the Wardens 7s team, which was coached by Maxwell Hughes, and he played alongside players such as Ilai Tinai, Joji Raqamate, Mosese Baravilala, Josua Vakurinabili, Risiate Tadulala and Sakiusa Nadruku.
He shared that in 2019 coach Gareth Baber spotted him when he was part of the Sailosi Naiteqe coached Wardens 7s team at the Nasinu 7s.
He recalled feeling the nerves when he joined camp, especially seeing our big men –– Paula Dranisinikula, Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Vakurinabili and Kalione Nasoko.
At the back of his mind, he had the feeling that he would not make the 7s team, as two weeks were left before the Las Vegas 7s.
He shared the training that he underwent under the current team management in Suva and also at the sand dunes.
He passed the test, and when Waisea Nacuqu was injured, he made the 7s team, and was part of the 2018/19 HSBC WRSS overall title win.
He said the support of Jerry Tuwai and the senior players in the team kept him going. He was selected to be part of the 7s team to the Oceania 7s where he suffered a concussion.
He thought he would not make the trip to Tokyo, but Gareth Baber rewarded him for his hard work with a ticket to Tokyo.
He came on in the second half against Japan, and was shown the door to the sin bin.
He recalled the boys teasing him, and he was adamant to prove himself.
He stamped his mark against Canada, and he was ferocious against Team Great Britain, putting massive hits.
He scored the winning try against the All Blacks 7s.
He described the emotions that went through him, as the national anthem was being sung, as he thought about his mother and the challenges the family went through, and the boys who were dropped.
His mind went back to the days in camp during the lockdown period.
He was excited, as he received his gold medal.
His message to those who want to don the national jumper- utilize the God-gifted talents, work hard, be humble and listen to instructions.
Tuivuaka accomplished his dream of representing Fiji at the Olympics, and winning back to back gold medal! Vinaka Tuivuaka!
- RAJNESH LINGAM is a regular contributor to this newspaper and the views expressed in this article are his and not of The Fiji Times.
