Peniasi Dakuwaqa’s two tries on debut helped the Fiji Water Flying Fijians secure a 21-12 win against Georgia in Adjarabet Arena, Georgia.
They got off to a shaky start after getting penalised in the 3rd minute for Georgia fullback Luka Matkava to slot in their first 3 points.
Fiji was awarded a penalty in the 9th minute and opted to kick for touch, throw in to a maul with Viliame Mata eventually powering over to get Fiji on the board.
Georgian fullback Matkava again put the home side in the lead as they were taking any points on offer.
After a bit of broken play and quick recycling of the ball, Fiji were able to sneak their way to just 5 metres from the Georgian line.
Peniasi Dakuwaqa scored from an overlap on the side sending him through untouched to put the Fiji back in the lead.
In the 29th minute Matkava slotted another penalty to keep the home side within a point.
Vilimoni Botitu slotted in a beautiful penalty kick from 43 metres out to extend Fiji’s lead, Georgia 9-13 Fiji.
In the 40th minute Georgia openside flanker Luka Ivanishvili was shown a yellow card after a dangerous late tackle to Frank Lomani.
Fiji led 13-9 at half time.
Fiji showed a bit more promise in the second half after Botitu slotted another penalty kick from 40 metres out, Georgia 9-16 Fiji.
Dakuwaqa got his second try from an attacking scrum on the Georgia 5 metre line extending the lead even further.
Georgian fullback Luka Matkava got his 4th penalty of the game keeping them within reach of the visitors.
Albert Tuisue was shown a yellow card in the 70th minute.
The Flying Fijians defence was truly tested in the dying minutes of the game as Georgia tried to crash over for a try but the referee ruled that it was held up.
Fiji will next play the All Blacks in San Diego on July 20th.
