Peniasi Dakuwaqa’s two tries on debut was a testament to the Flying Fijians’ team effort. Their collective performance secured a 21-12 win against Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena in Georgia.
The team got off to a shaky start, receiving a penalty in the 3rd minute, which allowed Georgia fullback Luka Matkava to score the first three points.
In the 9th minute, Fiji’s strategic decision-making came into play. Awarded a penalty, they chose to kick for touch, leading to a maul and eventually Viliame Mata powering over for a try. This was a pivotal moment in the match.
Georgia fullback Matkava continued to score, keeping the home side in the lead. Fiji then managed to advance 5 meters from the Georgian line, where Dakuwaqa scored from an overlap, going through untouched.
Vilimoni Botitu further extended Fiji’s lead to 13-9 with a penalty kick from 43 meters out. In the 40th minute, Georgia’s openside flanker, Luka Ivanishvili, received a yellow card.
In the second half, Botitu secured another penalty kick from 40 meters out, and Dakuwaqa scored his second try from an attacking scrum on the Georgia 5-meter line, further extending Fiji’s lead.
In the dying minutes, Georgia’s defence was tested, and Albert Tuisue was shown a yellow card.
Botitu’s penalty kick from 43 meters out extended Fiji’s lead to 13-9
Fiji’s next match will be against the All Blacks in San Diego on July 20th.
