Rugby World Cup: Fiji combat again to win in opposition to Georgia and shut in on quarter-final place | Rugby Union Information

Fiji are on the point of the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals after getting back from 9-0 half-time deficit, Australia nonetheless have hope of reaching final eight; Georgia are eradicated however will face Wales on Saturday earlier than bowing out of the event

Fiji’s Levani Botia, middle proper, celebrates with team-mates after serving to his aspect beat Georgia

Fiji recovered from a nine-point half-time deficit to beat Georgia 17-12 in Bordeaux to edge nearer to the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

The Flying Fijians are hoping to make it to the ultimate eight for the primary time in 16 years, however had been behind after two penalties by Georgia’s Luka Matvaka and one other from Davit Niniashvili.

Vern Cotter’s aspect fought again within the second half with tries from Waisea Nayacalevu and Vinaya Habosi, transformed by Frank Lomani, to earn their second win of the event.

Nevertheless, Fiji had been unable to say a bonus level which leaves the door barely ajar for Australia to succeed in the knock-out phases themselves.

For the primary time in six years, they failed to attain some extent within the first half of a Check match.

Fiji received on the board, nonetheless, within the 51st minute after captain Nayacalevu snuck over within the nook with Lomani kicking a troublesome conversion to make the rating 9-7.

Semi Radradra’s return from the sin bin added stress on the Georgians and Fiji had the prospect to take the lead after profitable a penalty for an offside. Lomani break up the posts to offer Fiji the lead for the primary time with quarter-hour of recreation time remaining.

Habosi then burst away from the Georgian defence to increase that lead, with Lomani changing once more, however they completed the match with 14 gamers after Josua Tuisova was despatched to the sin bin for making head contact on Miriani Modebadze.

Matkava kicked the ensuing penalty to offer Georgia hope, however they in the end needed to accept a dropping bonus level after Niniashvili’s kick forward off the ultimate play was unable to discover a team-mate.

Fiji’s Teti Tela, comforts Georgia’s Luka Matkava after the ultimate whistle

After the ultimate whistle, a dispatched Georgians aspect collapsed to the bottom because the defeat confirmed their exit from the World Cup with one match, in opposition to Wales, remaining.

Fiji moved second in Pool C on 10 factors behind Wales and wish only a bonus level in opposition to Portugal of their remaining recreation to advance to the quarter-finals, the place they’re prone to face England, and condemn Australia to their first ever pool-stage exit.

What’s subsequent?

Georgia face Wales on Saturday, October 7 with kick off at 2pm whereas Fiji come up in opposition to Portugal on Sunday. October 8 at 8pm.