Botitu Ready to Play Australia Match
The phone call from Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui came as a surprise for Vilimoni Botitu.
Raiwalui made the call to inform Botitu that he was replacing first-five eighth Caleb Muntz, who injured his knee during training and was ruled out of the Rugby World Cup.
“Wasn’t expecting it,” Botitu said.
“This is because there were other senior players on the list who could have replaced Muntz.
“After I was not considered for the Rugby World Cup, I went home and then came to France to join my club.
“I was training when I got a call from Simon and he asked me to join the Flying Fijians camp. I was happy and looked forward to joining the camp.”
From Left: Flying Fijians Teti Tela and Kalavaeti Ravouvou.
The 25-year-old utility back plays for French Top 14 club Castres. Botitu, a member of the Fiji men’s rugby sevens team that won the gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, was tested out at No.10 by former Flying Fijians head coach, Vern Cotter, last November.
He had been playing at first-five eighth too for Castres during the French Top 14 competition. Botitu said he was ready to give his best, if selected for the crucial Pool C match against the Australian Wallabies next Monday.
“I would like to thank coach Simon Raiwalui and the team for believing in me and giving me a chance (for Fiji) once again,” said Botitu.
“Now that I’m in the squad, I need to give my 100 per cent if I’m selected for the match against the Wallabies.” Botitu said the environment was the same since their first week in camp back in Taveuni.
From left: Flying Fijians Jiuta Wainiqolo, Iosefo Masi (with ball), Peni Matawalu and Teti Tela. Photo: FRU Media
“It’s nothing new for me, still the same set of players and coaches I worked with so it’s been easy for me to get into the training since last week.
“I have been working hard and I will give my best to make it into the team for the game against Australia.
“I’m certainly ready to give my best shot if selected for the team this weekend,” said Botitu.
The Flying Fijians take on the Wallabies at 3.45am.
Story by: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
