Fullback Ioseb Matiashvilli scored all of Georgia’s points as they claimed a 16-15 victory over Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup in Fiji on Saturday.
The 25-year old scored a self-converted try and kicked three penalties.
Tonga struggled against a strong Georgian pack for much of the game, but the introduction of big prop Ben Tameifuna added stability to their scrum and provided them with a strong attacking platform for the final 20 minutes of the match.
Tongan wings Viliami Lolohea and David Halaifonua both crossed in the last 10 minutes to give them hope of snatching a comeback win, but a final long-range attack ended in them handing possession back to the Georgians, who hacked the ball into touch.
Georgia – Try: Ioseb Matiashvilli. Conversion: Matiashvilli. Penalties: Matiashvilli (3).
Tonga – Tries: Viliami Lolohea, David Halaifonua. Conversion: Sonatane Takulua. Penalty: Takulua.
Tonga – 15 Sione Fifita, 14 David Halaifonua, 13 Nafi Tu’itavake, 12 Siale Piutau (c), 11 Penikolo Latu, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Nasi Manu, 7 Fotu Lokotui, 6 Dan Faleafa, 5 Joe Tu’ineau, 4 Leva Fifita, 3 David Lolohea, 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
Subs: 16 Sefo Sakalia, 17 David Feao, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Valentino Mapapalangi, 20 Mike Faleafa, 21 Suke Tuumotooa, 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 Viliami Lolohea.
Georgia – 15 Ioseb Matiashvili, 14 Anzor Sichinava, 13 David Kacharava, 12 Giorgi Kveseladze, 11 Sandro Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Mikheil Gachechiladze, 7 Otar Giorgadze, 6 Shalva Sutiashvili, 5 Nodar Cheishvili, 4 Giorgi Nemsadze (c), 3 Levan Chilachava, 2 Shalva Mamukashvili, 1 Kakha Asieshvili.
Subs: 16 Jaba Bregvadze, 17 Giorgi Tetrashvili, 18 Irakli Mirtskhulava, 19 Kote Mikautadze, 20 Saba Shubitidze, 21 Giorgi Begadze, 22 Lasha Malaghuradze, 23 Merab Kvirikashvili.
Photo: Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images
