Raiwalui makes a couple of changes for the Georgia match

Flying Fijians Head Coach Simon Raiwalui will again field a powerful 23-member squad in their much-important clash against Georgia on Sunday.

After creating a history fortnight ago, the Flying Fijians are raring to go against a tough Georgian side and leap into the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals.

Raiwalui has made only two changes in the whole line which defeated the Wallabies. Selesitino Ravutaumada gets the start on the right wing while prop Samu Tawake has been named on the bench.

Head Coach Simon Raiwalui said “There’s a couple of changes there, obviously Jiuta Wainiqolo had an issue with his ankle and is still recovering from that and Mesake Doge had a HIA [head injury assessment] and Samu Tawake came in for him, so they were the two changes.

We’ve gone for consistency with our selections. Jiuta’s ankle is still a bit sore, he needs a bit more time and Mesake came out of his HIA protocol yesterday so he’s back available for selection.”

Poprs Eroni Mawi and Luke Tagi start with Sam Matavesi at hooker. Isoa Nasilasila and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta pair up in the locks while Lekima Tagitagivalu and Levani Botia are on the flanks. Viliame Mata is at number eight.

Simione Kuruvoli earns his second straight start at half-back while Teti Tela will marshal the game from fly-half. Waisea Nayacalevu and Josua Tuisova will provide firepower in the midfield while Semi Radradra and Ravutaumada are on the wings. Ilaisa Droasese will guide the team from fullback.

Head Coach Simon Raiwalui said they are expecting a physical match against Georgia.

“It’s going to be a physical game, we know them quite well, we’ve played them quite often. They are a very proud team, they will come out and be very physical. The set piece will be a big challenge as well.

They’re a very good team. They’re fit, they’ve obviously prepared well. They’re a very physical team, they love to play with that physicality, something that we like to do as well. We’re at similar stages of our development, we’re looking to get further and move up further with bigger matches outside the World Cup. We have the utmost respect for Georgia and what they’re doing and we understand it’s going to be a very tough match” said Raiwalui.

Flying Fijians take on Georgia at 3.45am FJT on Sunday.