The Albany Gazette - Flying Fiji refuse to look past Georgia

Fiji are trying to build on the euphoria of a first World-Cup win over Australia and ensure a last-eight place does not slip from their grasp.

Georgia coach Levan Maisashvili said on Thursday that their draw with Portugal "wasn't pleasant".

Fiji's victory left them second in Group C ahead of Australia on points differential and with a game in hand, against Georgia.

After that, the Wallabies and Fiji both end their group games against Portugal: Australia on Sunday and Fiji in the last game of the first phase a week later.

Under the less frantic schedule at this World Cup, the Flying Fijians have had almost two weeks to come back to earth after beating Australia.

"Previously you would have a short turnaround between games," said Nacanieli Cawanibuka, Fiji's strength and conditioning coach, during the gap.

"We have a week off, it's been really good after they've come off such a high against Australia, and they've got this week to just recharge."

The break did not give winger Jiuta Wainiqolo, who limped off with an ankle problem just after half time against Australia, time to recover. He was replaced by Selestino Ravutaumada in the only change to a winning starting XV that Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui made on Thursday.

On the bench, prop Samu Tawake replaced Mesake Doge who suffered a concussion shortly after coming on against Australia.

Maisashvili agan made a host of changes. After Georgia lost their group opener to Australia, Maisashvili made eight changes to face Portugal. That game ended in an 18-18 draw. This time he made seven changes.

"Obviously any result other than winning against Portugal would be the same as a defeat. It had an impact on the players, on myself. It wasn't pleasant," said Maisashvili.

Raiwalui was not interested in looking back to the victory over Australia as he unveiled his team.

"We take one match at a time and we respect each team that we play," he said.

"There's no harder or easier games and Georgia are a very tough team. We've had that mindset since we started, just taking one task at a time."

Raiwalui and his players said they were looking forward to a muscular battle.

"They love to play with that physicality. Something we like to do as well."

Flanker Lekima Tagitagivalu said he knew how he wanted to win.

"They are very physical team, very tough. We need to match that physicality and play well like Fijiana, and try to beat them on the outside," he said.

Fiji's extended break coincided with a visit by King Charles III to Bordeaux where he met the squad.

"We actually formed a walkway for him and we escorted him out and the boys sang a prayer song for him," said Cawanibuka.

"What the boys did is what the warriors back home in their villages back home would do to protect their chief."

On Saturday, Fiji's warriors have a pace in the top two in the group to protect.

(P.Werner--BBZ)