In form Fiji 7s ball hunter Meli Derenalagi will make his Skipper Cup debut in the number 7 jersey for the Ram Sami Suva side in their match against Lautoka tomorrow.
The national 7s team skipper has been training with the defending Skipper Cup champion for the past few weeks, but will be on the starting pack when they run out at Churchill Park in the Sugar City.
“Meli Derenalagi starts for Suva in our next match tomorrow,” team manager Nemani Tuifagalele said.
“We know the firepower he brings to the Suva arsenal,” Tuifagalele said.
Tuifagalele said the defending champion had no shortage of depth with a reshuffled line-up named to travel down to Lautoka as the Capital City side look to secure a spot on top of the standings.
“We are sending a more younger line-up for this next clash and we trust our systems and that they know what is expected of them to deliver the goods.”
Nippy Fiji 7s halfback Terio Tamani has recovered from injury and returns to the reserve bench this weekend Also making their debut alongside Derenalagi are wingers Mosese Nasilasila who starts on the blind side wing with Tevita Murimurivalu to come off the bench.
Veteran hooker Isireli Ledua will captain the capital side and features in a strong front row alongside Meli Tuni and Flying Fijians prop Manasa Saulo.
“We have given some of our starters such as Taniela Sadrugu and John Stewart a rest this weekend, and also an opportunity to our young guns to showcase themselves.
“Playing away from home is never easy but we are confident in our systems and positive of a good result.”
Ram Sami Suva takes on Lautoka at Churchill Park at 3pm this Saturday.
Suva line-up: 1. Meli Tuni 2. Isireli Ledua (c) 3. Manasa Saulo 4. Sorovakatini Tuifagalele 5. Azariah Immanuel 6. Manu Laqai 7. Meli Derenalagi 8. Kolinio Tamanitoakula 9. Joseva Vesikara 10. Jeke Suguturaga 11. Savanaca Uluibau 12. Vatiliai Dulaki 13. Apisalome Vota 14. Mosese Nasilasila 15. Enele Malele. Reserves: 16. Penaia Cakobau 17. Mateo Qolisese 18. Ananaia Rabonu 19. Peni Tuiteci 20. Tui Cakacaka 21. Terio Tamani 22. Meli Kurisaru 23. Tevita Murimurivalu
