Winger Peniasi Dakuwaqa made a stunning debut for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, scoring two tries in their 21-12 victory over Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena.
Dakuwaqa showcased his pace and strength, scoring a try in each half for the Fijians. The hosts initially took the lead with a penalty from fullback Luka Matkava in the third minute. Six minutes later, Fiji responded with a penalty, choosing to kick for touch. This strategic move allowed Number 8 Viliame Mata to muscle his way through for a try, putting Fiji ahead 5-3.
Matkava restored Georgia’s lead with another penalty. However, the Flying Fijians maintained their pressure, and from a broken play, the backline quickly recycled the ball. Dakuwaqa found himself in an overlapping position, running to the try-line untouched.
Georgia closed the gap to a single point with a 29th-minute penalty, but a Vilimoni Botitu penalty ensured Fiji went into halftime with a 13-9 lead. Just before the break, Georgia’s openside flanker Luka Ivanishvili was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle on Fijian scrumhalf Frank Lomani.
Dakuwaqa secured his second try from an attacking scrum. Despite a fourth successive penalty by Matkava keeping Georgia in the game, another penalty from Botitu extended Fiji’s lead. The Mick Byrne-coached side defended well afterward, even with Albert Tuisue receiving a yellow card.
The Flying Fijians will next face the All Blacks in San Diego on 20 July.