UNDERSTANDING the essence of being placed in the starting fifteen for their match against the Crusaders was the crux for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua player Isoa Tuwai.
Tuwai played his first Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match as a starter in their round eight clash against the Crusaders at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last Saturday and was recognised as the player of the match.
The Drua were defeated 14-31 by the visitors.
Heading into that game, Tuwai elaborated on how vital such a start meant for him and the broader expectations in store for the team.
“Opportunities come with responsibilities and that’s the responsibility I took to heart to prepare me for this week (last week),” Tuwai reflected.
“Playing against the Crusaders in front of the home fans was a big pressure but I was grateful and at the same time I was excited to play in front of (everyone in) Suva.”
He then shared how last Saturday’s start on the field instead of on the bench as he had been in previous Drua matches was a different experience.
“(There was) a lot on my shoulders especially when I’m on the bench wearing the number seven jersey for my fellow number sevens back at home,” he said.
For Tuwai, he also shared his thoughts on his first season with the Drua.
“Every day is a dream come true, to play with most of these boys playing international and I always try to learn as much as I can,” he stated.
While their loss to the Crusaders marked the first time their opponents won over them after two previous meetings, he lauded the turnout of fans and supporters for providing a boost to the team.
“Thank you for coming out in numbers, we really apologise for not getting a win today but thank you for coming out in numbers,” he said.
Tuwai was a part of the Drua’s development academy programme before being selected for the senior team and made his debut off the bench against the Brumbies in round one of Super Rugby Pacific in February.
He made his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench in round one against the Brumbies.
The Ba lad joined the Drua’s development squad last year after an impressive season with Suva in the Skipper Cup.
The flanker who initially played at inside centre before joining Suva has a decorated rugby career so far.
From winning the Milo Kaji while attending Christian Mission Fellowship Primary School to representing Fiji in the under-20 and the Fiji Warriors team that clinched the Pacific Challenge in Samoa last year – Tuwai has continued to sharpen his skills and up his game.
Before joining Suva, Tuwai was part of the Queen Victoria School Old Boys team.
Meanwhile, the Drua will head to Dunedin, New Zealand this week to face the Highlanders in round nine.
