The Waisea Nayalaevu-captained Fijians must play it safe by securing bonus point wins over Georgia and Portugal. “So for us it’s the same, we have been looking forward to this week,” Raiwalui said.
Flying Fijians’ Meli Derenalagi and prop Luke Tagi (facing camera) at training in Lormont, France on September 24, 2023. Photo: FRU Media
The Flying Fijians path to the Rugby World Cup (RWC) quarterfinal won’t get any easier from here.
This was the gist of Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui’s interview yesterday. The Fijians face Georgia this Sunday in a crucial Pool C clash before they play Portugal on October 9.
The Australian Wallabies suffered a big 40-6 loss to Wales who has their spot in the quarterfinals. The Australians have suffered two losses and has a slim chance of qualifying.
The battle for the second spot starts despite an 18-18 between Georgia and Portugal, they will be out to beat Fiji and Wales to qualify.
The Waisea Nayalaevu-captained Fijians must play it safe by securing bonus point wins over Georgia and Portugal. “So for us it’s the same, we have been looking forward to this week,” Raiwalui said.
“There is a lot of talk out there, what we need is to prepare well and we need to perform.”
Fiji and Georgia have met six times since 2012 during the international Test match windows and 2019 RWC. Fiji has won four Test matches, one loss and a draw.
They last played in November 2021 where it ended in a 15-15 draw.
“We got huge respect for Georgia; we played them a number of times, quite close with similar stages of our development.
“We know it’s going to be a huge challenge so we’re going to put our best preparation forward,” Raiwalui added.
Replacement
Meanwhile, Flying Fijians loosehead prop Jone Koroiduadua has been ruled out of the RWC after sustaining an injury during the team’s training run in Lormont, France.
Koroiduadua was a surprise selection after missing out on the Pacific Nations Cup due to injury.
He is replaced by rookie Fijian Drua prop Emosi Tuqiri.
The 22-year-old Namatakula, Nadroga, forward played for the Drua in last season’s Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Koroiduadua played two Test matches for the Flying Fijians, against France and England before travelling with the team to the RWC team base camp in Bordeaux.
Raiwalui wished Koroiduadua all the very best in his recovery.
The Sunday match kicks-off at 3.45am.
Story by: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj
