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
FEATURE NEWS
LATEST NEWS
Tanoa Hotel Group and NZ students plant 600 mangroves at Taiperia, Lautoka
To combat the ongoing effects of climate change and the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the Tanoa Hotel Group and 16 ...
84 days ago

Ovalau family to celebrate Easter reminiscing the hard work and dedication of their late son
The Boleilovoni family will have a celebration this Easter at their home in Lovoni Village, Ovalau, celebrating their late son Joseph Rymell ...
84 days ago

Expect a rainy Easter weekend as a flash flood alert and heavy rain warning in force for Fiji
People need to be prepared for a wet Easter weekend as a flash flood alert is still in force for all low-lying and flash flood-prone areas of Viti ...
84 days ago

Flash flood alert for Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
Please be prepared as a flash flood alert is now in force for all low lying and flash flood prone areas of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. A heavy rain ...
84 days ago

U.S Ambassador calls out China on trying to undermine its bilateral relationship with Fiji
It's puzzling that any country purporting to be a friend to Fiji would try to publicly undermine Fiji’s bilateral relationship with one of its ...
84 days ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
95 days ago

Supervisor of Elections on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The interview focus on preparations for the 2026 general elections, voter related issues, electoral laws, the 2022 glitch and the municipal council ...
95 days ago

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
98 days ago

TOP