Winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa made a sensational debut for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, scoring two tries in their 21-12 victory over Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena this morning.
Dakuwaqa showcased his impressive speed and strength, scoring a try in each half for the Fijians.
The match began with hosts Georgia taking an early lead through fullback Luka Matkava’s penalty kick in the third minute.
Fiji responded six minutes later with a penalty of their own, opting to kick for touch. This decision paid off as Number 8 Viliame Mata powered through to score, putting Fiji ahead 5-3.
Matkava added another penalty to regain the lead for Georgia, but the Flying Fijians soon struck back. From a broken play, the Fijian backline quickly recycled the ball, finding Dakuwaqa in an overlapping position. He ran in untouched for his first try.
Georgia narrowed the gap with a penalty in the 29th minute, but a Vilimoni Botitu penalty gave Fiji a 13-9 lead at halftime.
Just before the break, Georgia’s openside flanker Luka Ivanishvili was sent to the sin-bin for a dangerous tackle on Fijian scrumhalf Frank Lomani.
Dakuwaqa scored his second try from an attacking scrum in the second half.
Matkava’s fourth successive penalty kept Georgia in the game, but another Botitu penalty extended Fiji’s lead. The Flying Fijians defended staunchly despite Albert Tuisue receiving a yellow card.
Next, the Flying Fijians will face the All Blacks in San Diego on July 20.