Tavatavanawai Toughest: Ratave
Fijian-born winger Timoci Tavatavanawai (right inset) is the toughest opponent to beat in all Super Rugby Pacific matches, says former Swire Shipping Fijian Drua winger Onisi Ratave.
Super Rugby statistics have indicated that Tavatavanawai tops the defenders beaten, with 73.
There were moments in the Drua-Moana match that saw Ratave, and others in the team, having trouble trying to stop their Fijian rival.
Ratave, who stands at 1.79 metres, and weighs 99 kilograms, was one of the Drua’s try-scoring machine last season. He scored six tries in 11 matches. Yet, he still admitted that Tavatavanawai was tough.
“With all the teams we faced, there was no tougher opponent than Jim (Tavatavanawai), despite our 34-19 win against Moana,” Ratave said.
Looking back on Super Rugby, his best memory was the 28-33 loss to Queensland Red in Round 4.
“We almost won that game against the Reds: it is one of my best memories of the Super Rugby matches.”
Moving on
With Ratave’s Super Rugby contract over, he said being part of the country’s first Super Rugby team was an unforgettable experience.
The centre turned winger said it was a great journey, with a lot of learning.
The 30-year-old from Naqarani in Noco, Rewa, has signed a two-year deal with Italy-based club Benetton, where he and his wife Losalini and their four children will move to next month.
“It was a great experience. I have learnt a lot of things especially time management, discipline, mental preparation as well as physical fitness,” he said.
“Our visa launch is in process and will likely to leave next month upon approval. Italy will be new, especially with food and weather but the game of rugby will still be the same.”
While other players adore international rugby players, Ratave indicated he was inspired by his cousin, former Drua and Flying Fijians utility back Serupepeli Vularika.
“For me, Vularika has always motivated me to play rugby, and I have worked hard to follow him.
“We started playing together for our village team, Naqarani, but he was selected first into the Suva team and then the national side.
“I started playing for Naqarani when I was 17, as an outside centre, then I joined Rewa later.
“In 2009, I was part of the students who started the John Wesley College rugby academy. That’s where my rugby journey started.”
Ratave also played for Bay of Plenty Steamers in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) in New Zealand. Steamers was his first overseas club after being drafted in the Flying Fijians extended squad against the All Blacks in July last year.
He was also part of the extended Fijian 7s squad preparing for the 2020 Olympics.
Ratave also joined the National Fire Authority, where he played for the Fire 7s rugby team and later Namosi for the Skipper Cup competition.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
