Derenalagi to captain Drua against the Reds

Derenalagi to captain Drua against the Reds

By Navitalai Naivalurua
Thursday 16/03/2023
Olympic gold medallist Meli Derenalagi will lead the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side when they take on the Queensland Reds this week

Olympic gold medallist Meli Derenalagi will lead the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side when they take on the Queensland Reds this week in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.

Head Coach Mick Byrne has retained all of the 23 players from last week’s win against Crusaders but has mixed up the starting 15 and the impact players.

Meli Tuni will start again at loosehead prop, Samuela Tawake starts at tighthead, and Tevita Ikanivere will complete the front row at hooker.

Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta is back in the starting 15 and will start at locks with Isoa Nasilasila.

Joseva Tamani retains his spot at blindside flanker, Kitione Salawa will start at openside flanker, while Derenalagi is at number 8.

Frank Lomani will combine with Teti Tela at the halves while blockbusting centre Apisalome Vota starts his second match at inside centre, with Iosefo Masi firmly holding on the outside centre role.

Eroni Sau and Selestino Ravutaumada are on the wings, with Ilaisa Droasese at fullback.

The Fijian Drua will meet the Queensland Reds at 5 pm Sunday.

STARTING 15:

1. Meli Tuni 2. Tevita Ikanivere 3. Samuela Tawake 4. Isoa Nasilasila 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta 6. Joseva Tamani 7. Kitione Salawa 8. Meli Derenalagi (C) 9. Frank Lomani 10. Teti Tela 11. Eroni Sau 12. Apisalome Vota 13. Iosefo Masi 14. Selestino Ravutaumada 15. Ilaisa Droasese

IMPACT PLAYERS

16. Mesulame Dolokoto 17. Emosi Tuqiri 18. Jone Koroiduadua 19. Leone Rotuisolia 20. Elia Canakaivata 21. Peni Matawalu 22. Kemu Valetini 23. Kalaveti Ravouvou


FNRL

Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Ratu Sukuna Celebrations 2023
People turned out in numbers to be part of the Ratu Sukuna Day celebrations, which began with a march from the Flea Market to Albert ...
3 days ago

Girmit Celebrations 2023
The Girmit story isn’t a story confined to one community in Fiji, it is a story that belongs to all of us. This was highlighted by the National ...
15 days ago

Fiscal Review Commitee members, Richard Naidu and Vani Catanasiga appear on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Fiscal Review Committee chair, Richard Naidu and senior member, Vani Catanasiga appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan to discuss ...
17 days ago
FEATURE NEWS
Drua bows out of Super Rugby Pacific after 49-8 defeat to Crusaders
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua went down 49-8 against defending Shop N Save Super Rugby champion, the Crusaders in Christchurch tonight. The Crusad...
5 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
14 women undergo training on promoting gender equality and human rights
14 feminists, activists, human rights defenders, community trainers, legal practitioners and counsellors from six Pacific Small Islands Developing ...
6 hours ago

Huge turn out for the Roadside Campaign- Deo
More than 400 people including students lined up from Koronivia Road Junction to the Rewa Bridge, along the Kings Highway for the Roadside Campaign ...
6 hours ago

Students conducting awareness campaigns about the Blue water spaces being connected - Nanovu
They have been part of the Ocean Alliance organising the activities for the week with the march and the International School Suva was a big part of ...
6 hours ago

FNU present soli, matanigasau and a thanksgiving protocol to the President
The Fiji National University carried out three iTaukei traditional protocols to President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere at the State House to show their ...
9 hours ago

No change to taxi fare after lackluster response from the industry – FCCC
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission says there are currently no changes to taxi fares due to a lack of financial information provided by ...
9 hours ago

TOP