Rarasea calls for support

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Fijian Drua players Jona Mataiciwa (left), Viliame Rarasea and Tevita Ikanivere visited The Fiji Times’ West Bureau staff yesterday. Picture: REINAL CHAND

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lock Viliame Rarasea expects the Western fans to fill up Churchill Park for the final match of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific competition against the Chiefs this Saturday.

The Fijian Drua first home game at the ANZ Stadium against the Highlanders in Suva last month attracted more than 15,000 spectators.

Rarasea said he wanted to see if the western fans could beat the southern supporters in terms of support. “It was pretty crazy in Suva,” he said.

“I know the western fans will come out in numbers also fans from Suva will be coming down so the more the better.

“It will be an important game because if we can achieve three wins in our first season it will be good. “It will be a morale booster to finish the year on a high note.”

Rarasea, who has made more than 50 appearances for Counties Manukau in New Zealand is yet to represent the Flying Fijians.

With Test matches set to take place in the country in July, Rarasea said he would try to make the national squad.

“After the final Fijian Drua game I hope to spend some time with my family in Nadi,” he said.

“I will try to make the Flying Fijians squad. “If it happens then it happens, if it doesn’t then I will be looking at other things, maybe play for Nadi.”

The Chiefs and the Fijian Drua have Fiji-based fans.

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