Victory in Suva today means Georgia ends their Island Tour unbeaten as they beat the Flying Fijians on their home ground 3-14. That win wraps up their successful rugby Island Tour in style.
Fiji were missing most of their International stars, rested after retaining the Pacific Nations Cup last weekend. Many had also left to join the national sevens training squad for Rio. So with that ammunition removed, they were left wanting in every facet of play. Seemingly lost for options, the Georgian side dictated play from the get go. Full credit to them for denying the home side any ball to let their backs loose and Fiji only claimed one penalty–when was the last time that occurred?
The South Pacific teams will all be thankful to Georgia for undertaking this three game tour. A successful visit to the South Sea nations, a place where most Tier One unions in Europe refuse to take on these countries on home soil. An Island tour is difficult at best; ask the Lions team of 1977 [25-21] With that risk, only Scotland and Italy show any interest in coming over next season, with those still to be finalized in coming months.
Standout Georgian fullback nears 100 test caps
One player that has really stood out for the Georgian team in this tour is fullback Merab Kvirikashvili. He not only has won them games, but his territorial kicking and counter attacking prowess were also handful for the Island Nations to handle. Nearing his 100 test cap (94 games) he defies his 32 years of age. An agile man, he will have benefited much from running against such big and unpredictable sides (Samoa, Tonga and Fiji) Tours like this can be a stepping stone to legendary status back at home, and he deserves the praise.
The game was a special one too as Seremai Bai, playing his last game for Fiji. Unfortunately, they couldn’t send him off in style. A loyal player, he played for the schools rugby team, represented Tailevu provincial team before joining Clermont in France. He has grown a good reputation in Europe and was part of the Flying Fijians team that reached the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarter final.
Georgia Ends Their Island Tour Unbeaten
It was a see-saw game from the start, but it was the Georgian side who controlled the tempo in the game. Making Fiji work overtime, it was their basic mistakes during set pieces that cost the host side dearly. A more determined visiting team dictated all facets of play which left the Fijians backtracking all throughout the game.
The Georgians took the early lead through evergreen Kvirikashvili with a penalty, which Ben Volavola reduced minutes later to level the scores, The Fijians went close to scoring a try through Adriu Delai but he knocked the ball forward in the line. That could have been their best opportunity. The match was built on big tackles and the Europeans were massive in that respect.
It was a game plan that Milton Haig’s men executed to perfection. The Kiwi-born maestro should be credited with the fine performance they have archived on their Island Tour. Playing with a confidence drawn from the 2015 Rugby World Cup (main picture) it was a brilliantly directed effort. They will take what they have learned and, even while losing the Island teams too will learn from them. It has been a win-win tour.
Lelos Hold On To The End
In the second half, the Lelos scored early and they held that advantage to the end. With Fiji launching attack-after-attack, the resilient Georgian defence stood tall and withstood the onslaught. Their loose trio should be credited with the win, as they have against all Pacific sides they faced. Taking over from their talisman Mamuka Giorgordze isn’t easy, but Giorgi Thikashvili has really grown into his new role. The lean number seven has manned the openside flank with ease and a great degree of leadership.
Fullback Kvirikashvili wrapped up the day with another penalty, to seal the low-scoring victory 3-14. In doing so, have kept the mighty Fijian try-less; a feat not many teams have archived on their home ground. The Fijians only have themselves to blame for the loss because they were ill-disciplined, careless and erratic. Far too casual to their approach to the game which the Georgians gladly capitalized on. The Lelos adapted well to referee JP Doyle’s interpretation of the game, especially the scrums.
Having International referees has been the difference in several games this season. World Rugby have invested in the Pacific, and reinforced that with quality officiating. It counts when the technical infringements are considered. Scrums twisting and lineouts not being thrown straight, little errors that you can afford in a village match, cannot be allowed in an International. Having men like Nigel Owens control these matches will bring longterm benefits.
Unbeaten on Tour
To win on foreign soil is commendable. Georgia ends their Island Tour Unbeaten and will return home with plenty of pride and good relationships formed with their Pacific brothers. Last Word On Sports salutes their efforts to grow the game and they will be hard to beat at home now.
Fiji 3
15. Benito Masilevu 14. Savenaca Rawaca 13. Adriu Delai 12. Eroni Vasiteri 11. Patrick Osborne 10. Ben Volavola 9. Nemia Kenatale. 8. Eremasi Radrodro 7. Mosese Voka 6. Naulia Dawai 5. Tevita Cavubati 4. Savenaca Tabakanalagi 3. Taniela Koroi 2. Sunia Koto 1. Peni Ravai
Replacements: 16. Viliame Veikoso 17. Campese Ma’afu 18. Mesake Doge 19. Nemia Soqeta 20. Malakai Ravulo 21. Henry Seniloli 22. Seremaia Bai 23. Vereniki Goneva
Georgia 14
15. Merab Kvirikashvili 14. Giorgi Pruidze 13. David Kachrava 12. Merab Sharikadze 11, Sandro Todua 10. Lasha Khmaladze 9. Giorgi Begadze 8. Beka Bitsadze 7. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili 6. Shalva Sutiashvili(c) 5. Giorgi Nemazadze 4. Giorgi Chkaidze 3. Irakli Mirtiskhulava 2. Jaba Bregvadze 1. Karlen Asieshvili
Replacements: 16. Shalva Mamukashvili 17. Zurab Zhvania 18. Nikolz Khatiashvili 19. Nodar Cheishvili 20. Lasha Lomidze 21. Vazha Khutsishvili 22. Lasha Malaghuradze 23. Saba Shubitidze
“Main photo credit”
