"Consistency is the Key" says Drua Captain

Consistency in performance is an area Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Meli Derenalagi believes they need to focus on in this season’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.

“We have been training well and we’re looking forward to the first match (February 24) against the Blues,” he said.

“We’re trying to maintain our fitness and build consistency throughout the season.”

Derenalagi said the team has set a target to be in the top four of the Super Rugby standings to secure a home playoff.

“Our target is to win the championship, but it takes a lot of sacrifice, determination and how we play as a team in order to achieve those goals we have set,” he said.

“My personal target this year is to take ownership of this leadership role by linking up with players like Tevita Ikanivere and Mesake Doge.”

Derenalagi said he is grateful to have Ikanivere and Doge by his side.

“My goal is to be physically fit and injury free so I could to play in all our games this season.”

Derenalagi said the team is not under any pressure despite the fact they are facing Blues in the Super Rugby opener. The Blues are now coached by former Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter.

“We have a good game plan in place by our coaches in order to create an upset against the Blues,” he said.

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Meli Derenalagi. Photo: Ronald Kumar

“We’ll play as ae team and have each other’s back in order to match up to the Blues.”

Derenalagi said being captain, he has learnt to take up a lot of responsibility.

“In order to be a great leader, you have to set your way through to lead so the players can observe and follow,” he said.

“It’s what I learned from when I joined the Flying Fijians rubbing shoulders with great leaders like Waisea Nayacalevu, Levani Botia, Sam Matavesi and Semi Radradra.”

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj

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