Rugby World Cup 2019 – Georgia vs Fiji: Result and reaction from Pool D fixture
Re-live all the action from the Hanazono Rugby Stadium
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fiji finally found their flair as they bounced back from their shock World Cup defeat by Uruguay with a resounding 45-10 win over Georgia that sent a warning to their next opponents Wales.
Back-to-back defeats at the hands of Australia and Uruguay had left Fiji bottom of Pool D but a bonus-point victory over Georgia boosted their hopes of a top-three finish that would guarantee automatic qualification for the 2023 World Cup.
Winger Semi Radradra was the star of the show, helping create his side's first three tries before going on to claim two of his own as Fiji cut loose with 28 points in the last 20 minutes of the match at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashiosaka. Re-live the action below:
What time is it?
Georgia vs Fiji kicks off at 2.15pm Japan Standard Time, which is 6.15am BST, on Thursday 3 October.
Where can I watch it?
ITV4 will be broadcasting the clash. Alternatively, you can live stream the match via the ITV Hub on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
28 minutes
But Fiji counter, and that should have been the try of the tournament!
Ben Volavola whips the ball out to Semi Radradra, who offloads delightfully to Levani Botia, whose swift one-two with Waisea Nayacalevu frees him down the left.
Botia pops it back inside for Waisea, but the outside centre drops it! Superb rugby, and a chance gone. Waisea was away...
30 minutes
Fiji are confident now, and it is lifting the whole team. Campese Ma'afu gets the nudge on at scrum time and wins a penalty inside the Georgia 22. Prodded into the left corner. Can Sam Matavesi hit this lineout?
31 minutes
He can, but there's a handling error as they set the maul and Georgia have it.
They waste the chance to counter with a forward pass but will have the scrum.
32 minutes
Georgia! Brilliant break from the base by Vasil Lobzhanidze, and onwards they go.
Sharp handling to the left, Alexander Todua taken high, advantage coming. Here come the pick and gos from the forwards, Mamuka Gorgodze prominent...
34 minutes
What has happened here? The ball has tumbled away from Giorgi Nemsadze as he reaches for the line and the big lock is not celebrating, but Paul Williams wants to check it anyway.
Knocked on. Georgia will have a penalty. In fact they have their choice of penalties - an offside closer to the posts or the high tackle wide on the right. Josua Tuisova apologises for catching Alexander Todua high.
PENALTY!
Soso Matiashvili makes no mistake from ten metres right in front of the posts. Georgia are on board.
Georgia 3-7 Fiji
37 minutes
Lovely stuff from Semi Radradra, popping up in the 13 channel he is rather familiar with and flinging a beautifully precise long pass for former Toulon team mate Josua Tuisova.
Tuisova looks to take contact but has the ball headed out of his grasp by the tackler. Literally headed away.
38 minutes
Levani Botia is so good over the ball. He has played a lot of back row for La Rochelle in the last few years, and I think he's a better player on the flank than in the centres, and this is partially why. Perfect jackal, penalty for holding on.
Fiji make a hash of the lineout, though, and Georgia are able to clear to beyond halfway.
40 minutes
Campese Ma'afu lets a pass through his hands in his own 22 and Waisea Nayacalevu does superbly to slide onto the bobbling ball and ensure Fiji get a chance to clear, and Ben Volavola does, to near halfway.
The gong sounds as Georgia prepare to throw the lineout, and a knock-on will send them all down the tunnel.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments