The Georgia national rugby union team finished the first tour on the Pacific Islands without a failure. After a draw with Samoa (19:19), The Lelos beat Tonga 23:20 and Fiji 14:3. The Georgians set a record and has an unbeaten run of 9 matches.
All rugby players held a good match against Fiji. Giorgi Begadze and Lasha Khmaladze played pretty well. Despite the criticism, Begadze proved that he deserves playing in the national team. Davit Kacharava and Merab Kvirikashvili held the 95th match in the national team. Kvirikashvili gained 9 points and increased the number of points to 743. It was the 94th match for Giorgi Chkhaidze, the 60th for Shalva Sutiashvili and the 70th for Lasha Malaguradze.
The Georgia national rugby union team had a territorial advantage against Fiji and controlled the ball. Overall, Fiji attacked only 2-3 times but the Georgians managed to parry them.
The Georgians started the match calmly and soon Kvirikashvili scored a penalty. Unfortunately, Fiji scored a penalty too and restored balance. At the 15th minute Kvirikashvili had the second chance but missed it.
Then, Mchedlidze scored a try which referee annulled due to forward passing. Tazo had another chance of scoring a try but he could not catch the ball. At the end of the half Fiji scored a try and this time their try was annulled due to forward passing. The first half finished 3:3.
At the beginning of the second half Lasha Khmaladze scored a try but Kvirikashvili could not use conversion – 3:8. Then, Fiji committed a foul and this time Kvirikashvili did not miss – 3:11.
The last quarter was very important and tense. The Georgians parried Fiji’s attacks. The Fijians also made a foul and Kvirikashvili scored a penalty from 25 meters.
Georgia defeated Fiji 14:3 on its own island and is returning home unbeaten.
Fiji. Suva. ANZ Stadium
Fiji – Georgia 3:14 (3:3)
Fiji: 15. Benito Masilevu, 14. Savenaca Rawaca, 13. Andriu De lai (23. Vereniki Goneva 59), 12. Eroni Vasiteri (22. Seremaia Bai 58), 11. Patrick Osborne, 10. Ben Volavola, 9. Nemia Kenatale (21. Henry Seniloli 80+4), 8. Eremasi Radrodro (20. Malakai Ravulo 58), 7. Mosese Voka, 6. Naulia Dawai, 5. Tevita Cavubati, 4. Savenaca Tabakanalagi (19. Nemia Soqeta 41), 3. Taniela Koroi (18. Mesake Doge 55), 2. Sunia Koto (16. Viliame Veikoso 70), 1. Peni Ravai (17. Campese Ma’afu 62).
1 penalty: Volavola
Georgia: 15. Merab Kvirikashvili 14. Giorgi Pruidze, 13. Davit Kacharava, 12. Merab Sharikadze, 11. Sandro Todua, 10. Lasha Khmaladze (22. Lasha Malaguradze 70), 9. Giorgi Begadze; 1. Karlen Aseishvili (17. Zurab Zhvania 58), 2. Jaba Bregvadze (16. Shalva Mamukashvili 59), 3. Irakli Mirtskhulava (18. Nikoloz Khatiashvili 70), 4. Giorgi Chkhaidze (19. Nodar Cheishvili 75), 5. Giorgi Nemsadze, 6. Shalva Sutiashvili (20. Lasha Lomidze 50), 7. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili (23. Saba Shubitidze 64), 8. Beka Bitsadze.
1 try: Khmaladze
3 penalties: Kvirikashvili
Zura Ksovreli
