FIJ 17-12 GEO: Fiji comeback puts them on brink of quarter-finals
Fiji inched closer to a quarter-finals berth at Rugby World Cup 2023 courtesy of a come-from-behind 17-12 win over Pool C opponents Georgia in Bordeaux on Saturday.
It was Georgia who came flying out of the blocks in the first half as Fiji struggled to find their usual rhythm, allowing the Lelos to take a nine-point lead into the break.
Fiji finally found a way through in the 51st minute as captain Waisea Nayacalevu crossed in the corner and Frank Lomani converted, before a Lomani penalty gave Fiji a 10-9 lead with 15 minutes to play.
Less than five minutes later, a Vinaya Habosi try put the game out of reach for Georgia, despite a last-minute penalty in the final seconds.
Levani Botia, the Mastercard Player of the Match, said: "So proud of the boys, I think we struggled in the first half. We gave away opportunities but we came back in the second half."
Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui admitted his side had struggled against Georgia in the opening half, saying: "Congratulations to Georgia, if I am being honest we were beaten to the punch in the first half. We knew it was going to be a battle. I am just thankful we have the result."
Captain Waisea Nayacalevu praised his side's fighting spirit, adding: "What a game! I'm pretty exhausted. Shout out to Georgia for a tough game today.
"I am proud of the boys, what a team effort today, we didn't slack off, we kept fighting. I told the boys we have to keep fighting. For the record, we want to be a history-making team and that is our goal."Georgia captain Mikheil Nariashvili said: "I am proud of the team. Unfortunately it wasn't enough to win this game.
"We will continue to fight for the next game [against Wales]. All the players will give their maximum to show our country at its best."
Head coach Levan Maisashvili felt injuries eventually took their toll on his Georgia side, saying: "We had a good week in preparation and the boys played very hard. But unfortunately we suffered some early injuries at the start of the game and that cost us in the second half.
"Our performance was not quite enough and we also had a couple of young, inexperienced players on the bench. They worked hard and gave everything but unfortunately it wasn't enough to win.
"I am very proud of my boys. Of course we are disappointed we didn't win but the next job is to prepare for the Welsh. We will try our best because it is our last game of this World Cup."