Fiji 7s Coach Banks on Derenalagi For London 7s
Derenalagi has been a sensation and key member of the team since his debut in Dubai last December.
Sunday 19 May 2019 | 23:49
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rep Meli Derenalagi during a training session in London on May 18, 2019. Photo: Ian Muir
Fiji Airways Fijian 7s coach Gareth Baber will bank on new blood Meli Derenalagi to cap off a stunning season with another top performance at the London 7s in Twickenham this weekend.
The 20-year-old Nawaka, Nadi, native has been a sensation since he made his 7s debut in Dubai in December.
His work rate, skills and aerial control have been exceptional and has been making a starting line-up for Fiji in the World Sevens Series.
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He will be among the key players to feature prominently if the Paula Dranisinukula-captained side is to win the London 7s and the series title in Paris the next weekend.
The Fijians are three points behind leader USA (145).
Winning a major 7s event has been long overdue since the gold medal victory at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Fiji face Kenya in their first pool match at 9.36pm (FJ) on Saturday, France at 12.42am (FJ) on Sunday and Samoa at 3.48am (FJ).
After the London 7s, the Fijian 7s team will move on to Paris.
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