Rookie Swire Shipping Fijian Drua winger Taniela Rakuro made the difference for Nadroga in their 26-10 win over Namosi in the Skipper Cup round two at Thomson Park on Saturday.

Rakuro joined his kinsmen at Lawaqa Park for training earlier last week following the rugby-crazy provincial side’s dismal performance in the Skipper Cup losing opener 17-31 against Suva last fortnight.

He urged his Nadroga team-mates that there was nothing stopping them from playing in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Nadroga rugby coach Etonia Naba after their victory said: “When Rakuro and the other Drua players joined the squad on Wednesday, they really boosted the boys.”

“Rakuro has been telling the boys every day that if he can make it then they can also do it. This motivated not only the new boys but everyone to strive for success.”

Rakuro made his Skipper Cup debut last season and was drafted to the Drua squad, early this season, on a short-term contract.

He was brought in as a last-minute replacement for Vinaya Habosi during the Super Rugby opener against Moana Pasifika.

The 22-year-old scored the winning try with his first touch of the ball when he came in as a replacement.

The Drua then signed him on for a long-term contract and Rakuro has scored four tries in this season’s Super Rugby competition.

Last Saturday, Nadroga led Namosi 12-10 at halftime before Rakuro came in as a substitute.

He set-up Nadroga’s third try before scoring the fourth try for the handsome win.

“I’m grateful to God for the talent and also to the Nadroga officials for accepting me back and play in the Skipper Cup again,” Rakuro said.

Story by: leon.lord@fijisun.com.fj