Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is among five newcomers in the Flying Fijians lineup set to face Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena on Saturday.
Dakuwaqa, known as the Flash for his remarkable speed, has scored six tries in the French Top 14 this season. He will partner with Toulon speedster Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wings.
The other debutants include Fijian Drua’s Kitione Salawa and Racing 92’s Inia Tabuavou, who will play in the inside center position. Fijian Drua players Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are expected to come off the bench.
The matchday squad is dominated by Fijian Drua players, with 12 members in the lineup. Waisea Nayacalevu continues as captain, and Vilimoni Botitu takes on the playmaker role.
Head coach Mick Bryne mentioned that the team’s one-week training was sufficient preparation for the Georgia match. “The arrival of Europe-based players gave us a full week of preparation, so we got a lot more work done and more clarity on how we want to play,” he said.
On Thursday, the Fijian team attended a junior rugby festival in Batumi and interacted with young local players.
The last encounter between Fiji and Georgia was at the Rugby World Cup in Bordeaux, where Fiji won 17-12. Out of six meetings, Fiji has won four times, Georgia once, and one match ended in a draw.
Saturday’s match kicks 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:
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