Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is one of five debutants in the Flying Fijians squad set to face Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena this Saturday.
Dakuwaqa, known for his blazing speed and nicknamed “The Flash,” has scored six tries in the French Top 14 competition this season. He will link up with Toulon wing 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 duo Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are likely to come off the bench.
The match squad is heavily dominated by Fijian Drua players, with 12 of them making the matchday 23. Waisea Nayacalevu retains his captaincy, while Vilimoni Botitu takes on the playmaker role.
Head coach Mick Bryne expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, stating that the week-long training camp and the arrival of Europe-based players have provided sufficient time to gear up for the match against Georgia.
“The arrival of the Europe-based players gave us a full week of preparation, which allowed us to accomplish a lot and gain clarity in our game plan,” Bryne noted.
In addition, the Fijian players participated in a junior rugby festival in Batumi, engaging with young local players.
The last encounter between Fiji and Georgia was during last year’s Rugby World Cup at Stade de Bordeaux, where Fiji emerged victorious with a score of 17-12. Historically, the two teams have met six times, with Fiji winning four matches, Georgia winning once, and one match ending in a draw.
Saturday’s match is scheduled to kick 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 substitutes:
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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