Exclusive> Report on the game between Georgia and the FIJI Water Flying Fijians
At the Adjarabet Arena, the Fiji Water Flying Fijians defeated Georgia 21–12 thanks to a solid defensive effort and several crucial plays from rookie Peniasi Dakuwaqa. With this triumph, Fiji has now defeated Georgia in five of their seven meetings since their first meeting eleven years ago.
Match Synopsis
First Half
Fiji’s start to the game was shaky as they were penalized in the third minute, which gave Georgian fullback Luka Matkava the opportunity to score the game’s first three points. In the ninth minute, Fiji onto the field and scored a penalty of their own, opting to kick for touch. Viliame Mata successfully crossed the line to score Fiji’s first try as a result of this, culminating in a maul.
Any scoring opportunities were seized by Georgia, as Matkava scored another penalty to give the team the lead again. Peniasi Dakuwaqa’s try, which came from an overlap, gave Fiji a swift response and put them back ahead. With another penalty, Matkava kept Georgia within striking distance, 9–10.
With a stunning penalty kick from 43 meters out, Vilimoni Botitu increased Fiji’s advantage to 9–13. Luka Ivanishvili of Georgia was given a yellow card for a dangerous late tackle on Frank Lomani at the end of the first half. At halftime, Fiji had a 13-9 lead.
Second Half
In the second half, Fiji continued to show potential as Botitu added another penalty kick from 40 meters out to increase their lead to 9–16. The margin was further increased when Dakuwaqa scored his second try from an attacking scrum on Georgia’s 5-meter line.
With his fourth penalty of the match, Matkava kept Georgia within striking distance, making the score 12–21. Albert Tuisue of Fiji was given a yellow card in the 70th minute, which put pressure on their defense in the closing seconds.
Despite Georgia’s heroic last-ditch effort to score a try, Fiji’s defense stood firm, and the referee declared the try to be held up. When the final whistle blew, Fiji was up 21 to 12.
Important Results
Peniasi Dakuwaqa: Made two vital tries in his debut, which greatly aided Fiji’s triumph.
Luka Matkava: Responsible for all 12 points scored by Georgia, he is a reliable penalty kick taker.
Vilimoni Botitu: Fiji’s lead was preserved and increased thanks to his long-range penalty kicks.
Next encounter: On July 20, Fiji will play the All Blacks in San Diego. This much-anticipated encounter will put their skills to the test against one of the best rugby teams in the world.