Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is among five debutants in the Flying Fijians lineup set to face 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 this season. He will be joined on the wings by Toulon’s speedster Jiuta Wainiqolo.
The other debutants include Fijian Drua’s Kitione Salawa and Racing 92’s Inia Tabuavou, who will play at inside center. Fijian Drua’s Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are likely to come off the bench.
The Fijian Drua players make up a significant portion of the match squad, with 12 included in the team.
Waisea Nayacalevu continues as captain while Vilimoni Botitu is set to play as the team’s playmaker.
Head coach Mick Bryne mentioned earlier in the week that their one-week training was adequate preparation for the match against Georgia. “The arrival of the Europe-based players gave us a full week of preparation, so most definitely, we got a lot more work done and more clarity into the sort of way we want to play,” Bryne said.
On Thursday, the Fijian players attended a junior rugby festival in Batumi where they engaged with young local players.
The last encounter between the Flying Fijians and Georgia was at last year’s Rugby World Cup in Stade de Bordeaux, where Fiji emerged victorious with a 17-12 win. Historically, Fiji has won four out of six matches against Georgia, with one loss and one draw.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 4am 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 Players:
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.