Winner and Loser: Georgia vs Fiji
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Fiji registered their first win of the 2019 Rugby World Cup on Thursday, as they beat Georgia 45-10 at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashi-osaka, Japan.
The Pacific Islanders, who ran in seven tries, blew the Georgian’s off the park in all fascists of play and it’s a pity that they could not put this type of performance together against Uruguay a few days back. This win lifts Fiji off the bottom of Pool D, and they are now likely to finish third ahead of Georgia and Uruguay.
"I want to give thanks to the boys..."@fijirugby captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu speaks after his sides first win at #RWC2019 #GEOvFIJ pic.twitter.com/bkMp4axrzG
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 3, 2019
Fiji celebrating the @fijirugby way #GEOvFIJ #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/8x2GlwuWpA
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 3, 2019
Here are a few winners and losers from the match this morning:
Winner: Semi Radradra (Fiji)
The 27-year-old struck fear into the Georgians this morning with his scintillating performance. The winger made 177 metres, beat seven defenders, had five clean breaks and also produced three offloads on attack. Radrada also scored two tries of his own and then was involved in three try assists.
Semi Radradra, @Mastercard Player of the Match for #GEOvFIJ
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 3, 2019
- Ran for 177 metres (most of the tournament so far)
- Had five clean breaks (most this match)
- Two tries (most this game)#StartSomethingPriceless #POTM #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/NXAZs6UY7L
Loser: Manasa Saulo (Fiji)
The prop, who was on the park for 69 minutes, had a quiet game and although he did work at scrum time, his game will be remembered for being on the wrong end of a falcon.
Winner: Ben Volavola (Fiji)
It is not often Fiji have a flyhalf who can take control of games but today they had one. Volavola didn't make many metres, 10, in this game, but he kicked really well and especially out of hand. The 28-year-old kicked 71% of his kicks and had 14 kicks out of hand which caused Georgia problems.
Volavola scored 10 points and made 100% of his tackles today.
Loser: Georgia
The second tier nation had a great opportunity to put pressure on Australia for a World Cup quarter-final. We have seen the likes of Japan cause all sorts of problems in their group but one feels Georgia had to win this one if they wanted to keep their hopes alive for the spot.
"I want to apologise to our supporters, we know how much this means to you..."
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 3, 2019
Heart wrenching interview from the @GeorgianRugby captain Merab Sharikadze, after his sides tough loss to Fiji at #RWC2019 #GEOvFIJ pic.twitter.com/OiMNZecYQn
