Ma’afu holds Fiji links as motivating factor
Interestingly for the Flying Fijians loose-head prop, this trip also marks a special moment in his family - with older brother Salesi Ma’afu playing for the Wallabies and younger brother Apakuki in the Tongan national team.
Last year, the Ma’afu family made an interesting mark in rugby history when the two brothers, Salesi and Campese, squared off in a test match between Australia and Fiji.
The Kolovau, Tonga native is also related to captain Deacon Manu whose mother also hails from Tavuki in Kadavu and who is married to former Tonga national rep George Ma’afu.
The West Harbour 114 kg prop knows they will be in the spotlight with the front row always an area of concern in the team but he is ready to do Fiji proud and carry on with the family rugby legacy.
The Fiji team was the first team to arrive in New Zealand yesterday and have moved to Pukatani where they will stay for a week before moving to their base camp in Tauranga.
Fiji will play against Namibia next Saturday at 3.30pm in their opening RWC pool game.
You can catch the exclusive live radio commentary of the match on Viti FM with the new voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and Ilivasi Tabua.
Story by: Dreu Vukailagi
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