Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is one of the five debutants in the Flying Fijians side that will take on Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena on Saturday.
Dakuwaqa, known for his blistering pace and dubbed as the Flash, has managed six tries in the French Top 14 competition this season. He will team up with Toulon’s Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wings.
The other four debutants include Fijian Drua workhorse Kitione Salawa and Inia Tabuavou from Racing 92, who will play at inside center. Fijian Drua players Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are expected to come off the bench.
Fijian Drua players dominate the matchday squad, with a total of 12 players selected.
Waisea Nayacalevu retains his role as captain while Vilimoni Botitu takes on the playmaker duties.
Head coach Mick Bryne mentioned earlier in the week that their one-week training session was sufficient to prepare for the clash 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 gained more clarity on how we want to play,” Bryne said.
Yesterday, the Fijian players attended a junior rugby festival in Batumi, meeting with young local budding players.
The Flying Fijians last faced Georgia in last year’s Rugby World Cup in Stade de Bordeaux, where Fiji won 17–12. The two sides have met a total of six times, with Fiji winning four, Georgia winning once, and one match ending in a draw.
Saturday’s match kicks off at 4 a.m. (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