in pain, the Fijians win against Georgia

Waisea scored a spectacular try. SARAH MEYSSONNIER / REUTERS

After a complicated first period, Simon Raiwalui’s men finally overthrew the Lelos (17-12). And are getting closer to qualifying for the quarter-finals.

The Fijians can breathe easy. Georgians can be proud. After a nightmarish first period, the “Flying Fijians” finally beat the Lelos (17-12) this Saturday in Bordeaux. Even if this success does not yet ensure direct qualification for the quarter-finals, Josua Tuisova’s teammates continue their momentum and will play a final decisive match against Portugal.

Entering the Matmut Atlantique sun, the Fijians first left their precision and inspiration in the locker room. From the first minutes, Georgia seized their chance, without complexes. Tabutsadze almost went for the try before a first penalty converted by fly half Matkava (5th). Picked cold, the Flying Fijians made a series of blunders. Lost touches, grotesque forwards, lack of support, the victorious Australian team (22-15) 15 days ago was absent from the debates, like Kuruvoli, imprecise against the poles (14th). A boon for the Georgian Lelos who, despite two setbacks due to injury (Jaiani and Zamtaradze out), took advantage of the slightest opportunity to score. Lyon winger Davit Niniashvili set the sights from long distance, scoring six points (20th, 31st). As imprecise and undisciplined as ever, Simon Raiwalui’s men came close to being penalized just before the break, Mikautadze missing his last pass towards Tabutsadze heading into the in-goal area (39th).

Fiji force decision in second half

In front by nine points after returning from the locker room (9-0), Georgia dreamed of a great performance but did not survive the shock over time, despite a first Fijian yellow card for Radradra (42nd). More diligent in transmissions, Fiji found the fault thanks to a tightrope walk from Waisea, an extension marker at the end of the line (52nd). Lomani, however, remained on alternating current, missing a rather accessible penalty (56th) before giving his team the advantage (65th). Without being imperial, far from their level of the first two days, the “Flying Fijians” ended up taking cover thanks to the second try scored by Habosi, after a lot of work from Botia (17-9, 68th). But this evening in Bordeaux, the Pacific players were, in any case, condemned to suffer, Tuisova receiving a yellow which could cost him dearly. Coming back to five points thanks to a kick from Matkava (80th), the Georgians had the winning ball, brought up 80 meters by Kakhoidze but saved at the last minute by Droasese in his in-goal.

Fiji can breathe easy, the four points are in their pocket and qualification is very close. To reach the quarter-finals, it will be enough to win against the Portuguese next Sunday, unless they achieve the feat tomorrow against Australia. For their part, Georgia will finish their tournament against Wales in a week, with the aim of coming out with honors.