Rugby World Cup 2023 | Match Centre | Fiji 17:12 Georgia

Fiji staged a remarkable comeback to secure a narrow victory in a mistake-riddled Pool C clash against Georgia, virtually guaranteeing their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Waisea Nayacalevu’s second-half opening try set the stage for Vinaya Habosi’s match-sealing dive, with Frank Lomani contributing seven crucial points through his kicking skills. Fiji’s triumph inches them closer to their first quarter-final since 2007. Georgia’s late penalty by Luka Matkava earned them a losing bonus point but eliminated their chances of reaching the last eight.

Remaining second in the group behind Wales, Fiji is on the verge of quarter-final qualification, likely to face England, pending their final pool game against winless Portugal. Australia still holds a chance to advance from Pool C, but their fate is no longer in their control.

Georgia’s journey in the tournament will conclude as they face Wales in their last pool game. Wales merely needs a losing bonus point to top the group, setting up a potential last-eight clash with either Japan or Argentina.

Despite Fiji’s slow start, they showcased a remarkable turnaround in the second half, with Nayacalevu’s acrobatic finish and Habosi’s try extinguishing Georgia’s spirited challenge. However, Fiji’s concern remains the potential loss of center Josua Tuisova, who received a sin bin penalty for a high tackle late in the game.

Match Summary

Pool C | Fiji 17:12 Georgia

Fiji Scores:

TRIES Waisea Nayacalevu (51′), Vinaya Habosi (68′)
CONV Frank Lomani (52′, 69′)
PENS Frank Lomani (65′)

Georgia Scores:

Referee:

Karl Dickson

Man of the match:

Levani Botia (Fiji)

Highlights

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