Olympic Games gold medallist Ratu Meli Derenalagi has set another rugby record for himself, his family, village and his country.
The young Nawaka Village, Nadi chief, after being part of the historic retention of the Olympics rugby 7s prized possession, has been named as the captain of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team against the Rebels in Australia tonight.
He replaces Nemani Nagusa, who left the field during the second half against the Brumbies last week.
Drua head coach Mick Byrne named the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist and former Queen Victoria School student to lead his 23-member line-up which has four debutants this weekend.
Meanwhile, former Flying Fijians, former Fiji 7s rep and former Blues Super rugby lock Apisai Naevo, who is also from Nawaka, said Derenalagi had made his village proud.
“Sa qai dua na i tukutuku bibi ka marautaki vei Nawaka ni sa mai kavetani ko Meli (It is a very big and exciting news for Nawaka that Meli has been appointed captain),” Naevo said from his farm in Nadi, yesterday.
“We are honoured because he probably is the first from our village to be named captain of a Fiji 15s team in an international competition. We have had captains in the Fiji 7s team such as Semisi Naevo, but for Meli to get the nod in Super Rugby is such a proud moment for Nawaka and the people of Nadi.
“It will not be an easy game for him. It is a huge responsibility to lead as he will have to prove himself, represent his family, his vanua, his country and his team. He will also try and win for Nawaka to coincide with the Fiji Bitter Nawaka 7s this weekend. Please remember him and the team in your prayers today.”
Derenalagi will not be alone in his quest for a win tonight. His dad Ratu Vuniani Derenalagi, known as the ‘White Shark’ in his rugby days for Nadi and Fiji, and mum, Imeri Tuidraki, will watch from the Sunshine Coast Stadium grandstand tonight.
“They watched the game against the Brumbies and their presence will boost him. Having to play in front of your parents and loved ones in an international match is an honour to us Fijian players.”
Naevo called on the Fijian rugby public to support the Fijian Drua.
“Give them time to adapt to the Super Rugby environment. They will grow into a champion side. Super Rugby is a different ball game. We bring our players from all over the places, but other teams have players from the same area and they have been playing together for some time.
“The Drua can beat the Rebels because they will not be as strong as we expect. We have beaten them in the friendly match. We just have to defend well and use our game plan.”
Meanwhile, last week’s front row of Kaliopasi Uluilakepa (1), Tevita Ikanivere (2), and Samuela Tawake (3) has been retained against the Rebels together with the locking partnership of Isoa Nasilasila (4) and Ratu Rotuisolia (5). Captain Derenalagi (6) as blindside flanker pairing Vilive Miramira (7) as openside flanker while Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta replaces Nagusa at number eight.
Halfback Peni Matawalu gets his first run-on of the season combining with Caleb Muntz at fly half.
Vinaya Habosi is the left winger while Selestino Ravutaumada will be at right wing. Kalaveti Ravouvou (12) and Apisalome Vota (13) will complete the centre combination while Baden Kerr runs at fullback.
The reserves are Mesulame Dolokoto (16), Timoci Sauvoli (17), Manasa Saulo (18), Viliame Rarasea (19), Rusiate Nasove (20), Joshua Vuta (21), Teti Tela (22) and Jona Mataiciwa (23).
The match kicks-off at 8.45pm at Sunshine Coast Stadium.
