Match Report: FIJI Water Flying Fijians vs. Georgia

The Fiji Water Flying Fijians secured a 21-12 victory against Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena in a match marked by strong defensive efforts and key plays from debutant Peniasi Dakuwaqa. This victory means Fiji has now won five of their seven matches against Georgia since their first meeting 12 years ago.

Match Summary

First Half

The match began with a shaky start for Fiji as they were penalized in the 3rd minute, allowing Georgian fullback Luka Matkava to score the first 3 points of the game. Fiji responded in the 9th minute with a penalty of their own, choosing to kick for touch. This led to a successful maul, with Viliame Mata powering over the line to score Fiji’s first try.

Georgia capitalized on any scoring opportunities, with Matkava slotting another penalty to regain the lead. However, Fiji quickly responded with a try from Peniasi Dakuwaqa, who scored from an overlap, putting Fiji back in front. Matkava continued to keep Georgia close with another penalty, making it 9-10.

Vilimoni Botitu extended Fiji’s lead with a beautiful penalty kick from 43 meters out, bringing the score to 9-13. The first half ended with a yellow card for Georgia’s Luka Ivanishvili after a dangerous late tackle on Frank Lomani, and Fiji led 13-9 at halftime.

Second Half

Fiji showed more promise in the second half, with Botitu adding another penalty kick from 40 meters out, extending their lead to 9-16. Dakuwaqa scored his second try from an attacking scrum on Georgia’s 5-meter line, further increasing the lead.

Matkava kept Georgia within reach with his fourth penalty of the game, bringing the score to 12-21. Fiji’s Albert Tuisue received a yellow card in the 70th minute, putting their defense under pressure in the final moments.

Georgia made a valiant effort to score a try in the dying minutes, but Fiji’s defense held strong, and the referee ruled the attempt as held up. The final whistle blew with the score at 21-12 in favor of Fiji.

Key Performances

• Peniasi Dakuwaqa: Scored two crucial tries on his debut, significantly contributing to Fiji’s victory.
• Luka Matkava: Consistent in his penalty kicks, scoring all 12 of Georgia’s points.
• Vilimoni Botitu: His long-range penalty kicks helped maintain and extend Fiji’s lead.

Next Match

Fiji will face the All Blacks in San Diego on July 20th, a highly anticipated match that will test their skills against one of rugby’s top teams.