Buatava to prove his worth

He missed selection in the 2007 Rugby World Cup but that did not stop Vitori Buatava from knocking on the selection door to don the Flying Fijians jumper to New Zealand this year.

Buatava was one of the three players that contested the half-backs position 4 years ago but did not make the cut when the selectors opted for experienced players Mosese Rauluni and Jone Daunivucu to be in the team.

With both players retiring from national duties this year, Buatava again made himself available and proved his worth when he got the starting spot in the last two Test matches against Tonga.

Born in Melbourne Buatava has close links to Rewa as his father is from Lomanikoro.

26 year old Buatava played rugby for the Gold Coast Breakers in 2004 and was later selected in the Western Force Super 14 squad in 2006.

Buatava who now plays his rugby in Italy made his debut for Fiji in 2007 but did not appear in the national colors last season because of injury.

Counting himself lucky after getting the nod with Nemia Kenatale as the two half-backs in the team, he believes the presence of Mosese Rauluni - the 2007 RWC captain, as his coach will give him a lot of comfort in the number 9 jumper.