Ravutaumada starts on the wing - Fiji name team to play Georgia
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Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has named his match-day 23 to play Georgia in Pool C on Saturday, 30 September, his one change to his starting 15 being Selesitino Ravutaumada in on the wing for Jiuta Wainiqolo.
1 Eroni Mawi
2 Samuel Matavesi
3 Luke Tagi
4 Isoa Nasilasila
5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
6 Lekima Tagitagivalu
7 Levani Botia
8 Viliame Mata
9 Simione Kuruvoli
10 Teti Tela
11 Semi Radradra
12 Josua Tuisova
13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)
14 Selesitino Ravutaumada
15 Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements:
16 Tevita Ikanivere
17 Peni Ravai
18 Samu Tawake
19 Temo Mayanavanua
20 Albert Tuisue
21 Frank Lomani
22 Vilimoni Botitu
23 Vinaya Habosi
- There are nine survivors in the match-day 23 from their 15-15 draw against Georgia in 2021: Eroni Mawi, Sam Matavesi, Peni Ravai, Viliame Mata, Frank Lomani, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Albert Tuisue and captain Waisea Nayacalevu. Viliame Mata was one of two try-scorers for Fiji that day.
- Josua Tuisova made a team-high 10 carries for 123 metres, and five defenders beaten against Australia.
- Semi Radradra scored two tries against Georgia at RWC 2019. He has made the second-most dominant carries (12) and beat the second-most defenders (8) for Fiji at RWC 2023. On defence he has forced a breakdown turnover from all four defensive rucks hit, winning two jackals and forcing two penalties.
- Levani Botia has not missed a tackle at RWC 2023, completing all 13 attempts. He has hit the most defensive rucks for Fiji (12), winning one jackal and one penalty at the breakdown.
- Vilimoni Botitu won Olympic gold with Fiji sevens team at Tokyo 2020, before making his test debut four months later against Spain.
- If used off the bench, Samu Tawake will make his Rugby World Cup debut in only his fourth test appearance.