Georgia stun Fiji

Flyhalf Lasha Khmaladze scored the only try as Georgia defeated Fiji 14-3 in Suva on Friday.

The victory means Georgia end their three-Test tour of the Pacific Islands unbeaten after their 19-19 draw with Samoa and 23-20 win over Tonga.

A penalty either way by Fiji flyhalf Ben Volavola and Georgia fullback Merab Kvirikashvili sent the teams into the interval deadlocked at 3-3.

Georgia, however, came out firing in the second half with Khmaladze crossing soon after the restart to hand the Lelos an unassailable lead. Kvirikashvili skewed the conversion but made up for his miss with two further penalties to clinch the win for Georgia.

Georgia – Try: Lasha Khmaladze. Conversions: Merab Kvirikashvili (3).
Fiji – Penalty: Ben Volavola.

Fiji – 15 Benito Masilevu, 14 Savenaca Rawaca, 13 Adriu Delai, 12 Eroni Vasiteri, 11 Patrick Osborne, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Nemia Kenatale, 8 Eremasi Radrodro, 7 Mosese Voka, 6 Naulia Dawai, 5 Tevita Cavubati, 4 Savenaca Tabakanalagi, 3 Taniela Koroi, 2 Sunia Koto (c), 1 Peni Ravai.
Subs: 16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Campese Maáfu, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Nemia Soqeta, 20 Malakai Ravulo, 21 Henry Seniloli, 22 Seremaia Bai, 23 Vereniki Goneva.

Georgia – 15 Merab Kvirikashvili, 14 Giorgi Pruidze, 13 David Kacharava, 12 Merab Sharikadze, 11 Sandro Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Giorgi Begadze, 8 Beka Bitsadze, 7 Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 6 Shalva Sutiashvili (c), 5 Giorgi Nemsadze, 4 Giorgi Chkhaidze, 3 Irakli Mirtskhulava, 2 Jaba Bregvadze, 1 Karlen Asieshvili.
Subs: 16 Shalva Mamukashvili, 17 Zurab Zhvania, 18 Nikoloz Khatiashvili, 19 Nodar Cheishvili, 20 Lasha Lomidze, 21 Vazha Khutsishvili, 22 Lasha Malaghuradze, 23 Saba Shubitidze.

Photo: Fiji Rugby

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