Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is among five debutants in the Flying Fijians squad set to face Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena on Saturday. Nicknamed “The Flash” for his remarkable speed, Dakuwaqa has scored six tries in the French Top 14 competition this season. He will join Toulon speedster Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wings.
The other debutants include Fijian Drua’s Kitione Salawa and Inia Tabuavou from Racing 92, who will play at inside center. Fijian Drua’s Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are set to come off the bench.
The match squad is heavily represented by Fijian Drua players, with 12 of them included in the 23-man squad. Waisea Nayacalevu remains the captain, while Vilimoni Botitu will take on the playmaker role.
Head coach Mick Bryne stated earlier in the week that their one-week training camp was sufficient to prepare the team for the upcoming match against Georgia. “The arrival of the Europe-based players gave us a full week of preparation. We got a lot more work done and gained more clarity on our playing strategy,” Bryne said.
Additionally, the Fijian players attended a junior rugby festival in Batumi, meeting with young local players. The Flying Fijians last encountered Georgia in last year’s Rugby World Cup in State de Bordeaux, where Fiji emerged victorious with a 17-12 scoreline. Out of their six meetings, Fiji has won four matches, Georgia has won once, and one match ended in a draw.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 4am (Fiji time) and will be 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.