Winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa made an impressive 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 speed and strength, managing to score a try in each half of the game for the Fijians.
The match began with Georgia taking the lead, thanks to fullback Luka Matkava’s successful penalty in the third minute.
Fiji responded six minutes later with a penalty that led to a lineout. Number 8 Viliame Mata capitalized on the opportunity, bulldozing through to score and give Fiji a 5-3 lead.
Matkava added another penalty to briefly put Georgia ahead again, but the Flying Fijians kept up the pressure. From a broken play, the backline swiftly recycled the ball, finding Dakuwaqa in an overlapping position to run in a try untouched.
The home side closed the gap to a single point with a 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 just before the break for a dangerous tackle on Fijian scrumhalf Frank Lomani.
Dakuwaqa secured his second try from an attacking scrum in the second half.
Though Matkava kept Georgia in contention with his fourth penalty, another Botitu penalty extended Fiji’s lead further. Despite losing Albert Tuisue to a yellow card, the Mick Byrne-coached side defended well to secure the win.
The Flying Fijians are set to face the All Blacks next in San Diego on 20 July.