Fiji Under-20 rep Anare Vakawaletabua makes his debut for the Suva team when it takes on Rewa in what is a crucial Digicel Cup match this weekend.

Round 11 of the Digicel Cup is the last one of the competition before the semi-finals and Suva need to win with a bonus point to keep their chances of hosting a semi strong.

“I am very happy with this chance,” the 20 year-old said.

He has big shoes to fill because he will replace Suva skipper and veteran Saiasi Fuli, who is injured.

“This is the first time I will play in the senior team and I know pressure is mounting. Having to replace a player like Saiasi Fuli is added pressure but I have been getting sound advice from the coach and other players and I am confident of my debut,” the U20 rep said.

Vakawaletabua was part of the Fiji U20 team that played in the inaugural Junior Rugby World Cup in Wales earlier this year and also featured for Suva Grammar School in last year’s Deans Cup.

The Bua native is one of five changes Suva coach Kalisto Tunaulu has had to make this week because of a string of injuries to most of his senior reps.

Flanker Dale Tonawai has a niggling injury is replaced by Alipate Bete and Napolioni Naulia suffered a serious head injury last week, which will result in Samu Kunanitu returning to the fold.

“We can’t just rely on a bonus point victory – although that’s the only thing we can control,” Tunaulu said.

“Our securing a home semi-final berth depends also on the results from the other games.”

Toko Ma’ata returns from injury to replace Eseroma Cakacaka and Jone Kuruduadua replaces Jale Lalai.

Samu Bola will lead Suva against Rewa at the National Stadium on Saturday.

“I watched Rewa in one of their games earlier in the competition and they are pretty impressive,” Tunaulu said.

“They haven’t been up here in this level of competition for a long time and they haven’t won any of their games so I know they’ll be gunning for their first win to avoid relegation.”

Fijilive

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