Vocevoce ‘A Freak'
“I’m so thankful to the senior players for guiding me in terms of skills and technique to improve,” he told SUNsports.
Thursday 15 February 2024 | 15:16
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lock Mesake Vocevoce wins a lineout ball during training in Suva on February 9, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Rookie Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lock forward Mesake Vocevoce is a freak.
This was the view of his Drua team-mate and locking partner Leone Rotuisolia.
“Vocevoce is only young but he is a freak and it’s very good to play with him,” Rotuisolia said of the Vocevoce who stands at 1.97metres and weighs at 106 kilgrammes.
“I only got to play with him (Vocevoce) for 10 minutes but he’s a boy that very keen to learn so it’s a big win for us.”
Drua head coach Mick Byrne has again named the 20-year-old Vocevoce to partner Isoa Nasilasila in tomorrow’s starting line-up against the Melbourne Rebels in their final pre-season match.
Speaking to SUNsports, Vocevoce said they have prepared well but however, they have a big task ahead of them.
“We learnt a lot from the pre-season clash against the Brumbies, so we just have to improve on our mistakes,” he said.
Vocevoce said he had his first taste of what Super Rugby level is like during the Brumbies match.
“I’m so thankful to the senior players for guiding me in terms of skills and technique to improve,” he told SUNsports.
“I’m blessed to play alongside these players who I watched on television and even a few sevens (Olympic) gold medallists. This is very inspiring and pushes me to perform well on the field.”
Vocevoce said he is eager to play against the Blues in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific opener on Saturday, February 24 and Crusaders in Lautoka on Saturday, March 9.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua lock Mesake Vocevoce wins a lineout ball during training in Suva on February 9, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
“They are both good teams in terms of skills and style of playing, so it’ll be good to play against them. Playing against these teams is a learning experience so we can gauge their level and progress in the way we play.”
Vocevoce said he still needs to work hard to improve his lineout jumps, carries and ball handling.
“I also need to improve on my defence and communication with my team-mates. The senior players are always teaching me so many new things which I really appreciate.”
Byrne in his 28-member travelling squad has made changes to the line-up with Tevita Ikanivere, Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi and Frank Lomani getting the nod to start. The match kicks-off at 5.30pm (Fiji time) at Gosch’s Paddock in Melbourne, Australia.
Line-up:
1. Emosi Tuqiri, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Mesake Vocevoce, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Meli Derenalagi (captain), 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Isaiah Armstrong- Ravula, 11. Selestino Ravutaumada, 12. Apisalome Vota, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Epeli Momo, 15. Ilaisa Droasese.
Reserves: 16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Livai Natave, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Vilive Miramira, 20. Motikai Murray, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Kemu Valetini, 23. Peni Matawalu, 24. Waqa Nalaga, 25. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 26. Isikeli Rabitu, 27. Zuriel Togiatama, 28. Jone Koroiduadua.
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj
