Stade Francais star Peniasi Dakuwaqa is one of the five debutants in the Flying Fijians side that will take on Georgia at the Adjarabet Arena, on Saturday.

Dakuwaqa dubbed as the Flash for his blistering pace has six tries under his belt in the French Top 14 competition this season; he teams up with Toulon speed merchant Jiuta Wainiqolo on the wings.

The other four debutants are Fijian Drua workhorse Kitione Salawa and Inia Tabuavou (Racing 92) at inside center position in the run on 15.

Fijian Drua duo Elia Canakaivata and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula are likely to run on from the bench.

The Fijian Drua players dominate the match 23 squad with 12 of them.

Waisea Nayacalevu retains his spot as captain while Vilimoni Botitu assumes the playmaker role.

Head coach Mick Bryne earlier in the week said their one week training was sufficient to build up the side to take on Georgia.

“The arrival of the Europe-based players gave us a full week preparation so most definitely; we got a lot more work done and more clarity into the sort of way we want to play,” Bryne said.

Yesterday the Fijian players attended the junior rugby festival in Batumi and met with young local buddying players.

The Flying Fijians last met Georgia in last year’s Rugby World Cup in State de Bordeaux, Fiji won 17 – 12.

The two sides have met six times, Fiji won four while Georgia won once; they drew once.

Saturday’s match kicks off at 4am (Fiji time); the match will be live on Sky Pacific.

Game Day team list: 

1. Eroni Mawi, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua, 6. Lekima Tagitagivalu, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Viliame Mata, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Vilimoni Botitu, 11. Peniasi Dakuwaqa, 12. Inia Tabuavou, 13. Waisea Nayacalevu (C), 14. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 15. Ilaisa Droasese

Impact: 

16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Albert Tuisue, 20. Ratu Meli Derenalagi, 21. Elia Canakaivata, 22. Simione Kuruvoli and 23. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.

Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj