Being one of the three hookers in the Flying Fijians team, Tuapati Talemaitoga’s job description is about the forwards winning their own set pieces in the scrums and lineouts.

With veteran hooker Sunia Koto still in the frame to be the number one choice, Talemaitoga will have to be at his best if given a chance knowing that Vili Veikoso is also in the running.

The 26-year-old who plays for the Woodland club in NZ has been sharing this role with Veikoso from last season but with Koto returning to national duties this year, they have to fight for who will be the second choice hooker.

The Lau man played in the starting role in the PNC win against Samoa and it was enough to earn him a spot in the team to the RWC in NZ.

Fiji’s opening pool game is against Namibia this Saturday at 3.30pm and you can catch the live commentary on our sister station Viti FM with the new voice of rugby, Malakai Veisamasama and 2007 World Cup coach, Ilivasi Tabua.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi