Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is one of five debutants set to feature for the Flying Fijians against Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena on Saturday.
Dakuwaqa, known as the Flash for his incredible speed, has scored six tries in the French Top 14 competition this season. He will be joining Toulon’s speedster Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wings.
The other debutants include Fijian Drua’s Kitione Salawa, and Racing 92’s Inia Tabuavou, who will play at inside center. Additionally, Fijian Drua players Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula may come off the bench.
Fijian Drua players constitute a significant portion of the matchday squad, with 12 representatives.
Waisea Nayacalevu maintains his role as captain, while Vilimoni Botitu will take on the playmaker duties.
Earlier in the week, head coach Mick Bryne mentioned that their one-week training was ample to prepare the team for the match against Georgia.
“The arrival of the Europe-based players gave us a full week of preparation, so we definitely got a lot more work done and more clarity into the way we want to play,” Bryne stated.
The Fijian team attended a junior rugby festival in Batumi yesterday, engaging with young local players.
The Flying Fijians last faced Georgia in last year’s Rugby World Cup in State de Bordeaux, winning 17-12. In their six past encounters, Fiji has won four times, Georgia once, and they have drawn once.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 4 am (Fiji time) and will be broadcast live on Sky Pacific.
Game Day team list:
1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Vilimoni Botitu, 11. Peniasi Dakuwaqa, 12. Inia Tabuavou, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (C), 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 15. Ilaisa Droasese
Impact:
16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Albert Tuisue, 20. Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 21. Elia Canakaivata, 22. Simione Kuruvoli, 23. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
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