Let's take Georgia seriously on Saturday
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians and our guests Georgia are in Pool D of the 2019 Rugby World Cup; a win now for the Flying Fijians will go a long way.
The Fiji Airways Flying Fijians need to lift their game against Georgia on Saturday if they are to keep next year’s Rugby World Cup (RWC) campaign on track.
This is an important Test match for the Akapusi Qera- captained side because both teams are together in Pool D of the 2019 RWC.
According to Georgian head coach Milton Haig this clash is a dress rehearsal of what is going to transpire on October 3, 2019 at the Hanazono Stadium, Higashiosaka City, in the Osaka Prefecture.
The Georgians are more focused on their game against the Flying Fijians because it will help them gauge where they stand come the RWC.
This was evident last Saturday after Georgia's 16-15 win over Tonga. Captain Giorgi Nemasdze, throughout his interview, spoke mostly about their next game against the Flying Fijians.
Also Mr Haig, who is a New Zealand national, has also put in his bit indicating that they are here to repeat the 2016 feat where they beat the Flying Fijians 14-3 in Suva. That was an embarrassment to coach John McKee and his team.
The Georgians are confident again, but this should motivate the Akapusi Qera-led side to rise to the occasion. Flying Fijians head coach McKee is expecting a much-improved performance as the players now have time to train together and perfect their moves. The arrival of burly wingers Nemani Nadolo, Timoci Nagusa and Semi Radradra will surely add strength to the side.
This is what they need as they gun for a comfortable win over Georgia on Saturday. A win will surely go a long way it will boost our chances of beating them (Georgia) again and Uruguay at the RWC. This is very important especially when we look at our chances of making it to the RWC quarterfinals. Already the two top teams in our pool, Australia and Wales, are currently on form during this June Test series.
The Australians, on Saturday night, ended Ireland’s 11-game winning streak after coming out victorious 18-9 while Wales had already beaten South Africa 22-20 in Washington DC, USA, last Sunday, and they took care of Argentina 23-10 yesterday.
They are on the roll at the moment, but that does not mean they cannot be beaten at the RWC. We’ve done it at the 1987 and 2007 Rugby World Cups and we can do it again. But first we’ve got to have that leverage to help us put our RWC campaign onto a higher platform. And for that to happen we must start by beating Georgia this Saturday.
I will have to concentrate on the next game and try to play well and stay fit not only in this tournament, but also when I return to my club. Api Ratuniyarawa Fiji Airways Flying Fijians