Luveniyali ready to backup Little

It is time for the apprentice, Waisea Luveniyali to show rugby fans they don’t need to panic when the master fly-half Nicky Little hangs his boot in this Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

He has been Little’s understudy from the 2007 RWC and although he did not have a lot of game-time 4 years ago, the indication is clear especially in the past two tests against Tonga that he will be allowed to run the show more in NZ.

Luveniyali is not new to the rugby fraternity as he has come through the ranks from a rugby Kaji player in Savusavu before joining QVS where he played a key role in the 2003 Deans trophy win and was part of the Western Crusaders team that won the Colonial Cup in 2006.

Luveniyali was a late call-up to the Fiji team in 2007 after playing for Fiji in the Under 21 World Cup.

The young fly half was put right into the starting lineup to debut against Australia A in the PNC where they drew the game 14-14.

After this performance, he was selected for 2007 RWC where he played only against Australia in their 55-12 loss.

In Little’s absence, the 26 year old Kasavu Tailevu lad was the first choice fly-half for Fiji in the 2008 and 2009 PNC season and with his master already playing an important role in the apprentice’s adventures, he knows with the guidance he has grown up quickly.