Swire Shipping Fijian Drua utility player Vuate Karawalevu has set a target to cement the fullback position in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season.

The former Marist Brothers High School student made the revelation to SUNsports after their 33 – 26 win against the Los Angeles Rugby Football club in their pre-season match at Churchill Park in Lautoka last Friday.

“The fullback position has always been my target,” he said.

“It’s a spot in Fiji that has been lacking and I’m hoping to fill in that gap come this season.

“We’ll look at our weaknesses as we have only two weeks to go before we go into Round One against the ACT Brumbies,” the Kadavu man added.

Karawalevu said fitness would be the area of focus for the team.

“I think the boys will bounce back and I hope for a good turnout in the first round.

“I just need to go more with the Fijian Drua, hopefully we reach the semi-finals if everything goes well. Everyone’s target is to win so it won’t be easy, but we’ll try our absolute best.”

Karawalevu is eager to play against his former club Waratahs on February 28.

“I know majority of the boys back there and it’ll be an exciting match in Round Three.

He indicated the focus for the Drua is to be cohesive on and off the field.

“Most of the time, the coaches let the boys lead and it creates a bond between the players to work hard with each other on and off the field,” Karawalevu said.

“This team has a special culture, it’s always different when you come back home. You have close family members around Fiji and everyone comes to support you. It’s a major difference that I’ve seen and felt.”

Karawalevu added they will need to build good momentum on the field when they play away games.

“We have to work on switching off, we should really see those types of areas that we really need to improve on,” he said.

“I want to thank the LA team for giving us a good performance.”

Karawalevu described their pre-season match against the LA team as a special moment in his rugby career.

“To be able to play at home turf in Lautoka and have the world greatest fans behind your back just gives you that motivation to give an extra mile on the field,” he said.

“I’m calling out all supporters around Fiji and the world to come and support the boys against Brumbies.”

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj