Challenges fail to keep Tuidraki down

Not having enough game time in the first three season of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific failed to deter Fijian Drua centre, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, from staying on course.

He started off as a first five-eighth, then wing before stamping his mark at centre. The Namotomoto, Nadi man continued training with the Drua and from last season he was making the starting line-up regularly.

Last Saturday, he scored Drua’s second try when he intercepted the ball from the 30-metre line. The try followed by the conversion saw them level the scores 20-20 against the Hurricanes.

“I was just following Ilaisa Droasese and got surprised the ball, came straight to me. I took the ball and ran for the second try,” Samusamuvodre said of his intercept.

This is his second try in this season’s Super Rugby competition.

The 28-year-old said he only played five matches in his fi rst season and four in the second.

“I had only one match in my third season,” he said.

“From last season I played 10 matches and having this many game time takes a lot of patience.”

He dedicated the Drua’s 25-20 win to the Lautoka City Council workers and their fans.

“We came in the bus we saw the workers, cutting grass, working on the drains - it was emotional to see them.

“It is because we are here playing and enjoying the game while they are doing the hard work. So this one is dedicated to the people behind the scene.”