Swire Shipping Fijian Drua skipper Meli Derenalagi says he and his team are ready to put their body on the line for Fiji as they take on the Melbourne Rebels at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva this afternoon.
Derenalagai says they have been able to pick out the areas where they lacked in their previous matches against the Reds and Highlanders, and are ready to run onto the Suva turf.
“Playing at home is very huge for all the boys because they will be playing for their vanua, mataqali, and their people,” the former national 7s rep said.
After their last training session at the HFC Bank Stadium yesterday, the towering lock said they knew the Rebels would be looking to upset the Drua side in their home ground.
“We know that they will play a very physical match and will be looking for a win.”
The two sides have only met three times since the Drua’s debut season last year, winning against the Rebels in a pre-season match earlier this year for the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Derenalagi said in the past week they had been in camp, the atmosphere has been on a high as they will be out seeking redemption after two losses in the past two weeks against the Reds and Highlanders.
“We were unable to get the result we wanted for the past two weeks, but we have been preparing well over the past few days.”
The man from Saunaka in Nadi says he trusts his players to get the job done when they face the visitors today.
“I have 100 per cent faith and trust in the boys that they will be able to make our country proud.”
He also called out to the people of Fiji to come out in numbers to the HFC Bank Stadium and also asked for prayers over the team.
“We ask that our fans come out and support the boys tomorrow. And most importantly, we ask for your prayers, and the good wishes of all our fans.”
The Fijian Drua will face the Rebels today at 3.35pm.
