Fiji’s backs to power them to victory over Georgia

Colin Newboult
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Semi Radradra in Fidji during the World Cup Japan 2019, Pool D rugby union match between Georgia and Fiji on October 3, 2019 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka, Japan

After weeks of waiting, the world will finally get to see the Fijians in full flight when they take on Georgia on Saturday.

It has been a hugely disappointing and ultimately worrying time for the squad after they returned 29 positive tests for coronavirus. Thankfully, and most importantly, all now seems to be well and Vern Cotter’s men can finally concentrate on the rugby.

Unfortunately, it is effectively over before it started as three of their games were wiped out, but the Pacific Islanders do get their chance to showcase their talents on a big stage.

Fiji’s backs v Georgia’s forwards

To say it will be Fiji’s backs against Georgia’s forwards often oversimplifies the game, but there will be no doubt as to where each side will target. Los Lelos have gradually improved over the past few weeks, going from heavy defeats versus Scotland and England to far more respectable efforts in Wales and Ireland.

They were, at times, genuinely impressive last weekend, defending stoutly throughout and then scoring one of the tries of the tournament via Giorgi Kveseladze. The Georgians have consistently developed over the past few games, suggesting that with more adequate preparation time and exposure to regular matches with tier one nations they could be competitive.

Saturday’s encounter is their biggest game of the competition, however. It is a match they will think they can win, particularly following the issues their opponents have endured over the past month. The Flying Fijians are without some key forwards, which is Georgia’s strength, and Cotter’s charges will be targeted in the set-piece.

In gnarled operators Mikheil Nariashvili and Beka Gigashvili Los Lelos have two formidable starting props, while Giorgi Melikidze and talented youngster Guram Gogichashvili provide impact off the bench.

The Pacific Islanders will therefore look to keep the ball in play and stress the Georgian defence by moving the ball wide quickly. They have some incredible players in the backline, from Josua Tuisova to arguably the world’s best rugby player in Semi Radradra.

There is also the returning Nemani Nadolo, who has come out of retirement, and they will look to repeat their efforts from the World Cup. Fiji were too good in 2019, emerging 45-10 triumphant in Japan, but that was a side that contained Peceli Yato, Semi Kunatani, Leone Nakarawa and captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu.

With Cotter rebuilding the pack and the aforementioned Covid-hit preparations, it gives Georgia an excellent chance of gaining revenge for last year’s defeat. In ordinary circumstances, the Fijians would have too much quality and athleticism for their opponents, but we are not living in ordinary times and Georgia could cause an upset. It will be tight and the Islanders are favourites, but don’t be surprised should Los Lelos’ set-piece quality assume command.

Players to watch:

For Georgia: The Lelos are renowned for their forward play and one player who will be crucial in that department is Leicester Tigers hooker Shalva Mamukashvili. A seasoned professional, who also had stints with Glasgow Warriors, Montpellier, Sale Sharks and Toulon, Mamukashvili is an abrasive ball carrier and aggressive on defence. He will be expected to give his team much-needed momentum in both departments. The 30-year-old is also strong in the execution of his core duties and his scrummaging and lineout throw-ins will have to be at their best if Georgia want to win this game.

For Fiji: After retiring from Test rugby in 2019, Nemani Nadolo has had a change of heart and is set to make his return to the international arena in this fixture, much to the delight of Fiji’s supporters. The Leicester Tiger in full flight is one of the most fearsome sights in the game and the 32-year-old will be determined to leave his stamp on this match with a strong attacking display. His ability to destroy defences with ball in hand is well documented and he will be highly motivated to leave a few Georgians lying in his wake with some barnstorming runs. Apart from his prowess on attack, Nadolo is also an adept goal-kicker and if Ben Volavola has an off day, don’t be surprised if the behemoth flyer takes over the goal-kicking duties.

Head-to-head: Although Georgia have struggled in most of their games, one player who has emerged from this tournament with his reputation enhanced is exciting outside centre Giorgi Kveseladze. The 23-year-old delivered an excellent attacking display in the Lelos’ previous match against Ireland and caught the eye with an outstanding solo try. This week he goes up against Fiji’s captain, Semi Radradra, who has already scored numerous similar tries at club and international level. As one of the game’s leading attackers, Radradra is sure to test Kveseladze’s defence and it will be interesting to see how the youngster measures up against his more seasoned rival.

Previous results:

2019: Fiji won 45-10 in Higashiosaka (RWC pool game)
2018: Fiji won 37-15 in Suva
2016: Georgia won 14-3 in Suva
2012: Fiji won 24-19 in Tbilisi

Prediction: Although Georgia’s forwards have an edge, Fiji’s pack should provide their outstanding backs with enough ball to create some magic. It will be close but Fiji will win by five points.

The teams:

Georgia: 15 Soso Matiashvili, 14 Akaki Tabutsadze, 13 Giorgi Kveseladze, 12 Merab Sharikadze, 11 Sandro Todua, 10 Tedo Abzhandadze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Tornike Jalaghonia, 7 Beka Saghinadze, 6 Otar Giorgadze, 5 Kote Mikautadze, 4 Lasha Jaiani, 3 Beka Gigashvili, 2 Shalva Mamukashvili, 1 Mikheil Nariashvili
Replacements: 16 Jaba Bregvadze, 17 Guram Gogichashvili, 18 Giorgi Melikidze, 19 Grigol Kerdikoshvili, 20 Mikheil Gachechiladze, 21 Gela Aprasidze, 22 Demur Tapladze, 23 Davit Niniashvili

Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Semi Radradra (c), 12 Levani Botia 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Albert Tuisue, 7 Mesulame Kunavula, 6 Johnny Dyer, 5 Temo Mayanavanu, 4 Tevita Ratuva, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Samuel Matavesi, 1 Peni Ravai
Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Chris Minimbi, 20 Manueli Ratuniyarawa, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Seru Vularika, 23 Waisea Nayacalevu

Date: Saturday, December 5
Venue: Murrayfield
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Sam Grove-White (Scotland), Andrea Piardi (Italy)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)

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