Swire Shipping Fijian Drua skipper Meli Derenalagi describes the 41-17 win over the Reds as an emotional one as they have secured a spot in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific quarter finals next week.
“It’s quite an emotional win for the players and I as we were excited to play in front of the fans at the beginning of the match,” said Derenalagi.
“The win here means more to the fans then of us playing overseas. “We learnt from our mistakes last week where we didn’t execute our plays well enough.
“Coming out with the win this week, the coaches and management went out of their way to prepare us and display what we had learnt during training.”
The two teams went into the sheds at halftime with 17-all and Derenalagi shared how he was grateful to his team mates for supporting his decisions on the field.
“They were quite massive decisions to make on the field, but when you see your opponents show you body languages that they’re quite tired, that’s where I decided for us to play the territorial game and go for the corners,” he said.
“I commend the boys for backing me in my decision and all the hard work displayed on the field.
“I am grateful for the support and we will continue to work hard from here.”
The Drua will now wait for the Western Force versus Chiefs match to see who they face in the quarter-finals.
