Flying Fijians Set to Redeem Themselves Against Georgia

On face value this game may decide which team will end up occupying third spot in their pool. However, optimistically both sides will fancy themselves an outside chance of still making the quarter finals.

Despite losing their first two matches of the Rugby World Cup, Fiji aren’t quite out of the running for a spot in the quarter finals. It’s near impossible, however, they’ll need to win their final two matches against Georgia and Wales, while needing Wales to lose their other match to Uruguay. A highly unlikely outcome, however, there have been plenty of surprises in this tournament so far.

With a difficult start to the world cup, Fiji will be desperate for a win against Georgia. Additional pressure will be on Fiji as Georgia will be chasing their second win of the tournament to keep their dreams alive. Georgia are not just chasing third spot in their pool but hoping to sneak into the quarter finals providing they can pull off two miracles; first by overcoming a desperate Fiji side today, the second by beating the Wallabies. Both are highly unlikely outcomes, yet not impossible.

The remaining matches holds great importance for both teams so it is of no surprise that both camps will field their strongest teams in today’s clash.

In the hopes to qualify for the knockout stages after their upset against Uruguay, Fiji’s redemption starts today as today is a must win situation in order for them stay alive in the tournament.

Both Peceli Yato and Semi Kunatni are returning to start for Fiji. Unfortunately, their absence may have also impacted on the way Fiji played against Uruguay a week ago. Ready to return from injury, they will no doubt add fire to Fiji’s attack against Georgia today.

Coach McKee has again made wholesale changes to his 23 to play Georgia, opting to have 13 of the starting 15 players against the Wallabies return for this match.

Of no surprise, some of the players that have been retained after their loss against Uruguay are; Manasa Saulo, Semi Radradra, Leone Nakarawa and Dominiko Waqaniburotu.

Georgia earned a bonus-point victory with a dominating performance against Uruguay which also gives them a confidence boost coming into this match.

There were some big changes made while facing Uruguay but they are ready to play their best team against Fiji in this crucial position-defining match. Merab Sharikadze is going to be the third captain at this World cup (first and second being Jaba Bregadze and Mikheil Nariashvili respectively).

With a fiery front row, Georgia has a number of players that have attracted attention in this year’s Rugby World Cup campaign.

Prior to today’s match, the two sides have met on three occasions. Twice Fiji have come out on top while Georgia has won once. Fiji hold current bragging rights having won the last match between the two sides in June 2018.

Fiji will look to pile on the points through their many attacking weapons while the Georgians will not be prepared to let this one slip away from them.

Historically there hasn’t been much separating the two sides. The bookies have Fiji coming into this match as slight favourites. With a full arsenal available at Fiji’s disposal and a clear intent to finally put their stamp on this Rugby World Cup they have probably underestimated Fiji’s capability.