Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is set to make his debut for the Flying Fijians in their upcoming match against Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena on Saturday. Known for his impressive speed, Dakuwaqa has already scored six tries this season in the French Top 14 competition. He will be joined on the wings by Toulon’s Jiuta Wainiqolo.
The Flying Fijians will feature four other debutants: Fijian Drua’s Kitione Salawa, Inia Tabuavou from Racing 92 playing in the inside center position, and Fijian Drua duo Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, who are expected to come off the bench.
The matchday squad is heavily represented by Fijian Drua players, with 12 making the cut. Waisea Nayacalevu continues as captain, while Vilimoni Botitu will take on the playmaker role.
Head coach Mick Bryne mentioned that the one-week training camp had been sufficient to prepare the team for the game against Georgia. “The arrival of the Europe-based players gave us a full week of preparation, allowing us to get a lot more work done and establish greater clarity in our playing strategy,” Bryne said.
Yesterday, the Fijian team participated in a junior rugby festival in Batumi, interacting with young local budding players.
The Flying Fijians last faced Georgia in the previous year’s Rugby World Cup in Bordeaux, securing a 17-12 victory. Over six encounters between the two teams, Fiji has won four times, Georgia has won once, and one match ended in a draw.
Saturday’s match will kick 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 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