Fiji-born player, Samuela Vunisa is determined to prove his worth for Italy in the Rugby World Cup in England.
The former Suva Grammar School student has represented Fiji in the Under-19 and Under-20 age grades and was a last-minute call-up to replace injured Italy captain, Sergio Parisse in the Azzurri’s opening match against France this weekend.
Vunisa says replacing the team’s hero and talisman is a humbling moment and believes the team can rally on without its leader.
The 27 year old has earned 8 caps for Italy but will be making his first appearance in a World Cup this year.
Italy will face France in the Pool D clash at 7am on Sunday.
France will have the service of Fiji-born winger, Noa Naikataci.
Other Fijian players who will be competing for various countries in this year’s World Cup include Australian duo, Tevita Kuridrani and Henry Speight, New Zealand’s Waisake Naholo, USA’s Andrew Durutalo and Japan’s Michael Leitch.
