Winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa made a spectacular 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, scoring a try in each half for the Fijians.
The match began with the hosts taking an early lead, thanks to fullback Luka Matkava’s successful penalty kick in the third minute.
Fiji quickly responded, earning a penalty six minutes later. Opting for a kick to touch, they executed a lineout that allowed Number 8 Viliame Mata to force his way over the try line, giving Fiji a 5-3 lead.
Matkava added another penalty to put Georgia back in front briefly, but the Flying Fijians continued to apply pressure. Capitalizing on a broken play, Fiji’s backline players swiftly recycled the ball to find Dakuwaqa in an overlapping position, allowing him to score unchallenged.
The home side managed to close the gap with a penalty in the 29th minute, reducing Fiji’s lead to a single point. However, a Vilimoni Botitu penalty extended Fiji’s advantage to 13-9 at halftime.
Just before the break, Georgia openside flanker Luka Ivanishvili was sent to the sin-bin for a dangerous tackle on Fijian scrumhalf Frank Lomani.
Dakuwaqa secured his second try following an attacking scrum.
Despite another penalty from Matkava that kept Georgia in contention, a further penalty from Botitu extended Fiji’s lead. The Mick Byrne-coached side then defended resiliently, even after Albert Tuisue received a yellow card.
The Flying Fijians are set to face the All Blacks next in San Diego on July 20.