Lomani hails Vakatawa as world-class addition

Fijian Drua co-captain Frank Lomani says, he has played against many world class backs but rates former France in­ternational Virimi Vakatawa as one of the best he has seen.

Playing at centre Vakatawa has signed up with the Drua for this season's Super Rugby Pacific com­petition.

The Drua tested themselves in a high-tempo pre-season clash against the Chiefs in Mount Maunganui, last Friday, which Lomani said was a valuable hit out.

"I've been waiting for this, as you all know Virimi Vakatawa is one of the world-class centres," he said.

"I've never played against him, but I've always dreamed of play­ing alongside him. To be able to have him here and signed with the Drua is something I've always wanted in my career. He's bringing in a lot of experience and international caps. That's really good for us."

Lomani said the younger inside backs were learning quickly from Vakatawa's experience.

He also highlighted the new com­bination around the base of the ruck settled well under the Chiefs' pressure.

"There were a few boys from the academy last year who stood out. These are the boys who put their hands up for selection and they played really well. The speed of the game and fitness-wise, the boys are right up there.

"They scored off our mistakes, and we can't afford that against a team like the Chiefs. Those were skill errors that put us under the posts. We can't afford mistakes that force us to scramble again for the ball. That's something we're working on but for the pace of the game we were right up there with them."

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