Derenalagi eager to give All Black Savea a good game
Watch Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Meli Derenalagi hunt All Blacks and Hurricane strongman Ardie Savea.
Fans can anticipate the clash this Sunday when the Hurricanes host the Drua at the Wellington Regional Stadium in New Zealand.
On paper Savea looks to head the tail with 59 All Blacks appearances and 91 Super Rugby Caps with 105 Super Rugby Points.
His opponent Derenalagi is an Olympic Gold medallist and a Super Rugby debutant.
Speaking to SUNsports head coach Mick Bryne said it will be a good match up.
“If they go one on one that will be very exciting to watch,” Byrne said.
“Give Dume a chance and watch him have a go at Ardie.
“It’s the physicality these two players have that will be interesting this Sunday.
“You have a young and talented flanker in Meli up against one of the world’s greatest number seven Savea.
“It will be brutal with hard hits and turnovers when these two players face each other.
“It’s a good story for us to have a upcoming young player like Meli who is growing every week and it will be exciting for him to go against Ardie.
“Savea is a great player and where he is every week, his a good one and he has growth in the game.”
Derenalagi knows that to match the veteran like Savea, extra effort and commitment are wanted.
Last weekend against the Highlanders his work rate was relentless.
This is a positive sign to the youngster’s preparations heading to the Hurricanes’ game this weekend.
Derenalagi won five turnovers last week and this week he will look to contest that area against Savea.