Rugby World Cup 2019 – Georgia vs Fiji: Result and reaction from Pool D fixture

Re-live all the action from the Hanazono Rugby Stadium

Rugby World Cup 2019 in numbers

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.

Key Points

• Georgia XV: Soso Matiashvili, Giorgi Kveseladze, David Kacharava, Merab Sharikadze (captain), Alexander Todua, Lasha Khmaladze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Beka Gorgadze, Mamuka Gorgodze, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Konstantine Mikautadze, Giorgi Nemsadze, Beka Gigashvili, Shalva Mamukashvili, Mikheil Nariashvili.
• Fiji XV: Kini Murimurivalu, Josua Tuisova, Waisea Nayacalevu, Lepani Botia, Semi Radradra, Ben Volavola, Frank Lomani, Peceli Yato, Semi Kunatani, Dominiko Waqaniburotu (captain), Leone Nakarawa, Tevita Cavubati, Manasa Saulo, Samuel Matavesi, Campese Ma’afu.

[3 October 2019 04:30 · Samuel Lovett]

Hello all and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of this morning's Rugby World Cup clash between Georgia and Fiji.

We'll be bringing you all the live action, reaction and analysis - so make sure to stay tuned!

[3 October 2019 05:44 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Morning all.

We are now halfway through the group stage of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and what better way to kick off the second half than with a clash between Fijian flair and Georgian grit, of free-running, offloading and broken field excellence against muscle and grunt up front.

Kick-off in this Pool D clash is half-an-hour away...

[3 October 2019 05:48 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Team News - Georgia

Georgia have brought back much of the side that lost their opening game to Wales. Impressive half-backs Gela Aprasidze and Tedo Abzhandadze drop out of the side, while Mamuka Gorgodze and Beka Gorgodze are in, Otari Giorgadze is not.

11 changes in all.

[3 October 2019 05:50 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Team News - Fiji

There are also eleven changes for Fiji after that shock defeat to Uruguay. Peceli Yato is fit after overcoming his concussion and returns to the back row, while Manasa Saulo gets the nod ahead of Peni Ravai at tighthead.

First-choice half-backs Frank Lomania and Ben Volavola will add a degree of control, and it is the same backline as the one that so nearly tore Australia apart. Viliame Mata is held in reserve after battling his own injury.

[3 October 2019 05:55 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

A reminder that third place in the group secures automatic qualification for the next World Cup, and that is effectively on the line today, with Fiji unlikely to beat Wales and Georgia likewise in their final pool game against Australia.

Fiji's defeat to Uruguay leaves them on the back foot, but a bonus point win would take them above their opponents even if the Lelos secure a bonus point of their own.

[3 October 2019 06:01 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Something to watch today is Georgia's defence at the back of the lineout. Both Wales and, more concerningly, Uruguay have exploited that area in attack, utilising the blindside wing on the inside and attacking a slower defender at the back of the line, particularly from throws on the left.

Fiji's left winger? Semi Radradra, who is hard enough to put down as is. Look for Fiji to at least test that area with a Radradra charge, probably with Levani Botia offering his compact power on a hard line to the outside.

[3 October 2019 06:10 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

I don't fully understand this Georgian selection. They've left out arguably their four best players from their win over Uruguay. It is still a strong team, but one would think that for a game of such importance they'd want to be as strong as possible.

How do they play this? Play territory and set-piece and deny Fiji ball?

[3 October 2019 06:14 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

The Georgians give their anthem a proper screaming, with plenty of passion powering the words from the gullet to the mouth and out in not-quite-dulcet tones. 

Fiji sing theirs more respectfully, as you would expect.

[3 October 2019 06:15 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

Time for the Cibi, the laying down of the challenge from Fiji with their spear-infused war dance.

Swiftly done. Into the rugby...

[3 October 2019 06:16 · Harry Latham-Coyle]

It's not the nicest day at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium, with rain in the air.