Arguably, the pick of the 2023 Rugby World Cup matches on Saturday will be Fiji, looking to take a step closer to a top-two finish in the group when they take on Georgia at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux.
Pool C has lived up to its expectation of being the most wide-open group in the competition, and with Australia failing to fire, the Fijians have emerged as the dark horse in the tournament.
Match preview
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Everyone loves an underdog story, and that is exactly what Fiji are creating, having entered the competition as the fourth favourite in this group and now poised to reach the knockout stages for the first time since 2007.
The Flying Fijians moved into second place in the group after securing a historic 22-15 win over Australia in their last match to end a 69-year wait for victory over the Wallabies and record their first-ever win over them in World Cups.
Simione Kuruvoli's four successful penalties gave Fiji a 12-8 lead at half time before Josua Tuisova increased their advantage two minutes into the second half, and a penalty from Frank Lomani took them 22-8 up.
Despite a late push by the Wallabies and a Suliasi Vunivalu try, the Fijians held on to the victory, and they received another huge boost of confidence after Australia slumped to a 40-6 loss to Wales last Sunday.
Fiji have a solid record against Georgia, having only lost to them once in the last seven encounters, although they cannot slack off just yet as the Georgians still have an outside chance of qualifying and will throw everything into this match.
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Meanwhile, Georgia looked to be cruising to an easy victory over the unfancied Portugal side last week as they dominated the first half and took a seemingly safe 13-0 lead into the changeroom at half time.
However, Portugal came out the blocks flying in the second half, with Raffaele Storti scoring two incredible tries, leading Os Lobos to an 18-13 advantage heading into the final moments of the match.
Levan Maisashvili's side made a final push in the closing stages and managed to avoid what would have been an embarrassing loss through Tengizi Zamtaradze, who was awarded a late try by the TMO to bring his team level.
For Georgia to have a shot at reaching the quarter-finals, winning this match against Fiji is non-negotiable, and their challenge will also include overcoming Wales, which will be an even greater ask.
Fiji Rugby World Cup form:
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Fiji form (all competitions):
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Georgia Rugby World Cup form:
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Georgia form (all competitions):
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Team News
Simon Raiwalui has revealed the lineup for the match against Georgia, featuring a single alteration in the starting 15, as Selesitino Ravutaumada steps in as the wing, replacing Jiuta Wainiqolo.
The pack will be led by Eroni Mawi, Samuel Matavesi and Luke Tagi in the front row, while the ever-dependable Levani Botia keeps his place in the back row after an excellent performance against the Wallabies.
Samu Tawake has been announced on the bench, and if called upon, he will be making his World Cup debut and just his fourth Test appearance for Fiji.
Maisashvili has made a few notable changes in search of an upset win, with Luka Matkava and Vaso Lobzhanidze making their return to the halves pairing, while Davit Niniashvili moves from fullback to the left wing.
Tornike Jalaghonia, who is yet to miss a tackle in the tournament, moves from blindside flanker to number eight, with Mikheil Gachechiladze taking over the number six shirt for his first appearance in the tournament.
Fiji starting lineup: 15. Ilaisa Droasese, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu, 12. Josua Tuisova, 11. Semi Radrada, 10. Teti Tela, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 8. Viliame Mata, 7. Levani Botia, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 3. Luke Tagi, 2. Samuel Matavesi, 1. Eroni Mawi
Replacements: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Samu Tawake, 19. Temo Mayanavanua, 20. Albert Tuisue, 21. Frank Lomani, 22. Vilimoni Botitu, 23. Vinaya Habosi
Georgia starting lineup: 15. Mirian Modebadze, 14. Akaki Tabutsadze, 13. Demur Tapladze, 12. Giorgi Kveseladze, 11. Davit Niniashvili, 10. Luka Matkava, 9. Vaso Lobzhanidze, 8. Tornike Jalaghonia, 7. Beka Saginadze, 6. Mikheil Gachechiladze, 5. Kote Mikautadze, 4. Lasha Jaiani, 3. Beka Gigashvili, 2. Tengizi Zamtaradze, 1. Mikheil Nariashvili
Replacements: 16. Luka Nioradze, 17. Nika Abuladze, 18. Irakli Aptsiauri, 19. Nodar Cheishvili, 20. Luka Ivanishvili, 21. Gela Aprasidze, 22. Tedo Abzhandadze, 23. Tornike Kakhoidze
Head To Head
In seven test matches against Georgia, the Fijian team have registered four victories, two draws, and suffered one loss. Their most recent encounter took place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, where Fiji secured a convincing 45-10 win over Georgia.
We say: Fiji 28-15 Georgia
Fiji are quickly becoming a fan favourite here in France as they continue to leave everything on the field each time they step out. Both sides have to win to stay in contention, but we are backing the Fijians to come out on top in this one.
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Devesh Jaganath
