Jiuta and Doge Kept Under Observation

Two key members of the Flying Fijians squad are being closely monitored as training continues for their Sunday Rugby World Cup clash against Georgia in Stade de Bordeaux, France.

The players are winger Jiuta Wainiqolo and replacement tighthead prop Mesake Doge.

Wainiqolo was replaced by Vinaya Habosi against Australia while burly Luke Tagi had to return to the field of play for Doge in the same match.

The Fijians turned the tables when they beat the two-time World Cup champions Wallabies 22-15 after 69 years.

The Wallabies have lifted the Webb Ellis trophy in 1991 and 1999 after beating England 12-6 and France 35-12 respectively in the RWC finals.

Australia had lost the 2003 RWC against England 20-17 and 2005 final 34- 17 against the All Blacks.

Doge had received a knock on his head during the Pool C clash against Australia in Saint-Etienne, France, on September 17.

Following their win against Australia the Fijians are in the race for a quarterfinal spot.

Speaking to SUNsports, Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui said the players would be assessed as they go through the week.

“Jiuta has an ankle injury and Mesake is under H.I.A (Head Injury Assessment) protocols,” he said.

“We are back in full training now, this week is geared to getting what is needed to be done and the players to be fresh and ready on game day.”

Raiwalui said the rest last weekend came at the right time as the team was able to be mentally refreshed while at the same time bumps and bruises were looked after.

“The spirit in camp is high,” Raiwalui added as the Flying Fijians need to register a bonus point win over Georgia to boost their chance of making the quarterfinal.

Georgia meets Fiji on Sunday at 3.45am. Their last pool match is against Portugal on October 9, 7am, Fiji time.

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