PROUD mum Akesa Ramumu says her son Manasa Saulo will not let the Flying Fijians down if given a chance to play against England at Twickenham Stadium tomorrow.
The 23-year-old naval officer was named on the bench for the national side in its northern hemisphere tour opener in London.
Coach Inoke Male named newcomers Api Ratuniyarawa at locks and Samu Wara on the wings to make their debut for the Flying Fijians.
Ramumu said they were proud of Saulo's achievement and were looking forward to see the burly prop tearing through the English defence at Twickenham.
"Before he left Fiji, I told him that he will be named in the team for the England match. He didn't manage to get in the starting line-up but he still has a chance to play against them," she said.
"I'm pretty confident Manasa will make a difference if given the chance to play."
Saulo's journey to the national team wasn't an easy one.
Like all successful players, he faced numerous hurdles along the way since taking up the sport at the age of nine.
But Saulo, who spent two years at the Lelean Rugby Academy, endured all and never lost sight of his goal to become a Flying Fijian.
And when he finally realised his dream, his biggest supporter, dad Ratu Sailosi Ramumu, wasn't there to witness the achievement.
Akesa said Ratu Sailosi always supported his dream and helped him in whatever way possible.
"We never stopped him from playing rugby. His father was his biggest supporter and was behind Manasa's success," she said.
"We buried him (Ratu Sailosi) on Tuesday and Manasa left for England with the team on Thursday.
"He was quite emotional but I told him that 'it was the dream of your father you are going to accomplish'. I told Manasa to do well so his dad can be proud of his performance from wherever he was watching."
Before leaving Fiji, Saulo told Times Sport he wanted to play in Twickenham as a tribute to his father's dream.
"Playing against England is something I will cherish throughout my life. I will do my best if given the opportunity to play against them," the soft-spoken Wainawaqa, Naitasiri native said.
"I dedicate my selection to my dad, who is my biggest inspiration."
Meanwhile, Male named Nadroga's Penijamini Makutu, Viliame Veikoso and skipper Deacon Manu in the forwards.
Lanky Leone Nakarawa and Ratuniyarawa are at locks, while Api Naikatini, Malakai Ravulo and Akapusi Qera make up the backrow.
Nikola Matawalu is at halfback, Metuisela Talebula at fly half while Vereniki Goneva and assistant captain Sireli Naqelevuki at centres, Watisoni Votu and Samu Wara on the wings and Simeli Konifredi at fullback.