Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is set to make his debut for the Flying Fijians against Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena this Saturday. Known for his incredible speed, Dakuwaqa has scored six tries this season in the French Top 14 and will join Toulon’s Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wings.
Alongside Dakuwaqa, four other players will make their debut: Kitione Salawa of Fijian Drua, who will play as a workhorse, and Inia Tabuavou from Racing 92, who will take the inside center position. Fijian Drua duo Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are likely to start from the bench.
The matchday squad is heavily represented by Fijian Drua players, with 12 included in the 23-man squad. Waisea Nayacalevu continues as captain, while Vilimoni Botitu will serve as the playmaker.
Head coach Mick Bryne expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, noting that the arrival of Europe-based players provided a full week of training, enhancing the team’s readiness to face Georgia. “We got a lot more work done and more clarity in how we want to play,” said Bryne.
The Fijian players engaged with local youth at a junior rugby festival in Batumi ahead of the match. This upcoming game will be the seventh encounter between Fiji and Georgia, with Fiji leading the head-to-head record with four wins, one loss, and one draw. Fiji triumphed 17-12 in their most recent clash at last year’s Rugby World Cup in State de Bordeaux.
The match is scheduled to 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 Subs:
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
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj