Queensland Reds winger Filipo Daugunu spoke to his son before playing Jaguares in Bueno Aires last Sunday and promised him that he’ll score his first Super Rugby try.

Speaking to SUNsports, Daugunu’s wife Lusiana said it was a proud moment for them.

“He always dreamed of playing in the Super Rugby,” she said.

“Before Filipo played, he called and spoke to our eldest son, saying that he will score his first try for us. After the match, he called again to ask if we watched the game live and if we did see him score his first try. It was a big thing for us.”

JOURNEY

Daugunu’s humble beginning began when he represented Labasa Sangam (SKM) College in athletics, football and rugby.

Lusiana said her husband went on to represent Labasa in football and later made the national football team.

“Filipo gave up football in 2015 to pursue his rugby career. He made it to the Fijian 7s training squad after playing for the Fijian Under-20s.”

He moved to Australia last year to play for West Rugby and got selected to the Queensland Country side that participated in the National Rugby Championship (NRC). Daugunu scored 10 tries to become the competition’s top try scorer and was roped in by the Reds.

START AGAIN

Meanwhile, Daugunu gets the nod to play in tomorrow morning’s clash against Stormers in Cape Town.

Reds’ prop James Slipper will lead the team out in his 100th cap, after retaining the captaincy role.

“This is a really special match for James Slipper,” said Reds coach Brad Thorn.

“He has been at Ballymore for more than a decade and the opportunity to play 100 games for your home state is significant. The occasion isn’t lost on anyone. We want to put in a performance we can all be proud of.”

The match kicks-off at 3.15am (Fijian time).

LINE-UP

Reds: 15 Aidan Toua, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Samu Kerevi, 12 Duncan Paia’aua, 11 Chris Feauai-Sautia, 10 Jono Lance, 9 Ben Lucas, 8 Caleb Timu, 7 Adam Korczyk, 6 Angus Scott-Young, 5 Kane Douglas, 4 Izack Rodda, 3 Taniela Tupou, 2 Alex Mafi, 1 James Slipper (c)

Replacements: 16 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 17 JP Smith, 18 Sef Fa’agase, 19 Harry Hockings, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Hamish Stewart, 23 Eto Nabuli

Edited by  Osea  Bola

Feedback:nacanieli.tuilevuka@fijisun.com.fj