Winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa made a remarkable debut for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, scoring two tries in their 21-12 victory over Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena this morning.
Dakuwaqa showcased his impressive pace and strength, scoring a try in each half for the Fijians.
The hosts were first to score, with fullback Luka Matkava’s penalty in the third minute.
Fiji responded six minutes later with a penalty, choosing to kick for touch. This tactic paid off as Number 8 Viliame Mata powered through to score, putting Fiji ahead 5-3.
Matkava regained the lead for Georgia with another penalty, but the Flying Fijians maintained their pressure. From a broken play, the ball was quickly recycled through the backline to find Dakuwaqa in an overlapping position, allowing him to score untouched.
The home side closed the gap to one point with another Matkava penalty in the 29th minute, but a Vilimoni Botitu penalty extended Fiji’s lead to 13-9 at halftime.
Georgia’s openside flanker Luka Ivanishvili was sent to the sin-bin shortly before the break for a dangerous tackle on Fijian scrumhalf Frank Lomani.
Dakuwaqa secured his second try from an attacking scrum.
A fourth penalty by Matkava kept Georgia within reach, but a Botitu penalty further extended Fiji’s lead. Despite losing Albert Tuisue to a yellow card, the Mick Byrne-coached side defended well to secure the win.
The Flying Fijians will next face the All Blacks in San Diego on 20 July.