Olympic gold medalist Meli Derenalagi is one of the 22 Swire Shipping Fijian Drua players that will make their Super Rugby debut on Friday.

Head Coach Mick Byrne has included the Nawaka man in his starting 15.

Derenalagi will start in the number six jumper with former Fiji Under-20 rep Kitione Salawa at openside.

The 24-year-old says it’s special to make the starting 15.

“First of all it means a lot to me, I feel nervous and excited knowing there’s a lot of expectation and sacrifices that has been done.”

Nadroga prop Jone Koroiduadua partners Vuma villager from Ovalau, Samu Tawake upfront and Tevita Ikanivere at hooker.

Isoa Nasilasila and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta are the locks while captain Nemani Nagusa will be at number eight.

Tailevu halfback Simione Kuruvoli is at halfback and the only player with Super Rugby experience Baden Kerr slots in at flyhalf.

Kalaveti Ravouvou and Apisalome Vota forms the midfield combination for the Drua along with the back three of Vinaya Habosi, Kitione Ratu and Selesitino Ravutaumada.

The reserves are Mesulame Dolokoto, Timoci Sauvoli, Manasa Saulo, Viliame Rarasea, Vilive Miramira, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz and Onisi Ratave.

Drua Coach Mick Byrne says some selection were made  on the last day of training.

“We did finalize a couple of positions based on the last day of training so there’s a lot of disappointed guys. Every coach will tell you it’s one of the toughest part of the job- selection. Probably the toughest part is players that haven’t made the side so yeah it did not take away the energy from when we came out here to train.”  

The Drua takes on the Waratahs at 8:45pm on Friday and you can watch the match LIVE and FREE on FBC Sports channel on Walesi.

The Drua lineup

Jone Koroiduadua
Tevita Ikanivere
Samuela Tawake
Isoa Nasilasila
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Meli Derenalagi
Kitione Salawa
Nemani Nagusa (c)
Simione Kuruvoli
Baden Kerr
Vinaya Habosi
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Apisalome Vota
Kitione Ratu
Selesitino Ravutaumada

Reserves
Mesulame Dolokoto
Timoci Sauvoli
Manasa Saulo
Viliame Rarasea
Vilive Miramira
Peni Matawalu
Caleb Muntz
Onisi Ratave