Georgia vs Fiji
World Cup
6:15am Thursday 3rd October
Georgia can proceed high in reserve their place and Pool D with victory over Fiji.
The Georgians have to score a big win over a state in the identical vein as Japan successes over Ireland and South Africa, but they are keen to show the world just how much they have improved.
Beating at two-times quarter-finalists Fiji, on the back of an astonishing victory over Uruguay, will all-but guarantee third place and a spot at the next World Cup.
It might be a perfect way for head trainer Milton Haig to bidding farewell.
“You’d be honest in stating that if Georgia wins this match, we will qualify for the next World Cup,” said Haig.
“Logistically, no one could grab us unless there are a few enormous, huge upsets.
“We’re convinced that should we get this task done, we will get qualified. That is what we’ve worked for over the previous 3 decades. It’s come down to the and we always knew it could.”
He braced for a Fiji backlash, but, also expects to find the team that fared well early on against Australia rather than the side that lost to Uruguay.
“The entire world understands about the Fijian team,” said Haig. “They will look to run the ball, so I am absolutely certain of that.”
In what is a game before it faces pool leaders Wales, fiji needed an turnaround because losing to Uruguay.
Georgia tally of five attempts against Uruguay carried on the momentum generated to Wales in the second half of its 43-14 loss. The Georgians trailed that one 29-0 commanded in the scrum and but matched that the Welsh 2-2 in transformed tries after the break.
The package of fiji has its job cut out, contemplating that five of Georgia’s seven tries so far happen to be scored by forward.
They have to handle before getting their springs that are flying to the match Georgia’s imposing pack.
“They’re a really powerful set-piece team and it’s about getting our set piece right to offer some fantastic ball for our deadly backline,” said Fiji prop Campese Ma’afu.
“Anyone who knows the Flying Fijians nicely, we get our title from flying around the pitch a good deal. But this week the most important focus would be to perform our plays and really apply some tension at the set-piece.”
Fiji head trainer John McKee has made 11 changes in the Uruguay match, picking a comprising 13 of the 15 players who started against Australia.
After demonstrating signs of concussion after a heavy and high tackle in the Australia match, peceli Yato, that missed the Uruguay game, returns at No 8 at a significant boost for McKee’s side.
“Peceli was a large loss for individuals,” said McKee. “He had been in excellent form against the Wallabies, also in the time that he got injured was most likely among the greatest players around the park.
“It’s been good to have experienced an eight-day turnaround to provide us time to regroup and have a full week’s training heading into this game.”
Georgia: 15 Soso Matiashvili, 14 Giorgi Kveseladze, 13 David Kacharava, 12 Merab Sharikadze (c), 11 Alexander Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze; 1 Mikheil Nariashvili, two Shalva Mamukashvili, 3 Beka Gigashvili, 4 Giorgi Nemsadze, 5 Konstantine Mikautadze, 6 Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, seven Mamuka Gorgodze, 8 Beka Gorgadze
Replacements: 23 Miriani Modebadze, 16 Jaba Bregvadze, 17 Guram Gogichashvili 19 Otari Giorgadze, 20 Beka Saginadze, 21 Gela Aprasidze, 22 Lasha Malaguradze
Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Lepani Botia, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani; 1 Campese Ma’afu, 2 Samuel Matavesi, 3 Manasa Saulo, 4 Tevita Cavubati, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu (c), 7 Semi Kunatani, 8 Peceli Yato
Replacements: 16 Tuvere Vugakoto, 17 Eroni Mawi 19 Apisalome Ratuniyarawa, 20 Viliame Mata, 21 Nikola Matawalu, 22 Jale Vatubua, 23 Josh Matavesi