Georgia – Fiji

Georgia Fiji betting preview

Georgia will take on Fiji on Wednesday morning (European time) in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. The match will likely decide the team which will finish third in Pool D, a position which assures direct qualification for the next World Cup.

Georgia started off with a rather average performance in a 14-43 defeat against Wales, but that was always going to be a match Georgia would lose, and the score was pretty much what was expected from the game. The Georgians did well to bounce back in the next outing, handing Uruguay a clear 33-7 beating. It was a great, consistent performance from Georgia against the side which previously produced one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.

That shock which Uruguay produced happened to come against Fiji last week. The Fijians were coming after a very good showing against Australia, when they lost 21-39, but actually led until the 60th minute. Fiji was a 1.01 favorite in the next match against Uruguay, but suffered an incredible 27-30 loss in one of the biggest upsets ever seen in rugby. Fiji did outscore Uruguay 5 tries to 3, but they played very poorly overall and missed almost every conversion attempt. Uruguay, with determination and consistency from the tee, managed to do the unthinkable.

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Team news & lineups:

Both teams fielded a weakened lineup in their previous outing, both against Uruguay, and both will make 11 changes for this clash – bringing back their regular starters.

Georgia: 15 Soso Matiashvili, 14 Giorgi Kveseladze, 13 David Kacharava, 12 Merab Sharikadze (c), 11 Alexander Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Beka Gorgadze, 7 Mamuka Gorgodze, 6 Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 5 Konstantine Mikautadze, 4 Giorgi Nemsadze, 3 Beka Gigashvili, 2 Shalva Mamukashvili, 1 Mikheil Nariashvili

Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Josua Tuisova, 13 Waisea Nayacalevu, 12 Lepani Botia, 11 Semi Radradra, 10 Ben Volavola, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Peceli Yato, 7 Semi Kunatani, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu (c), 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 TevitaCavubati, 3 Manasa Saulo, 2 Samuel Matavesi, 1 Campese Ma’afu

The two teams met two times since the last World Cup, both times in Fiji. Georgia won 14-3 in 2016, while Fiji won 37-15 last year.

Georgia has a big disadvantage ahead of this match. They have just 4 days of rest since their last match, which is always a huge problem in rugby, especially when the opponent (Fiji) has four more rest days than you. However, the fact that the Georgians fielded many second stringers against Uruguay, and will make 11 changes to their lineup, will minimize the impact of this tough schedule. But it remains a disadvantage.

Fiji will be desperate to bounce back after the humiliation against Uruguay. With 8 days of rest and with the main guys coming back into the lineup, Fiji will be fired up and ready to go.

Fiji’s first string lineup is quite a bit better than their second string lineup, and we saw their usual starting XV performing brilliantly against Australia in the opening round. There`s no doubt that Fiji will look completely different than how they did last time out against Uruguay.

Look for Fiji to open up the game on the wings as often and as much as possible, as they have some of the best backs in the World, while Georgia suffers big time in that department. Fiji’s best weapon is Georgia’s biggest weakness.

If Fiji manages to hold the Georgian forwards under relative control, and not get murdered in the scrum (which they should be able to do), then chances are they will destroy Georgia on the wings.

I don`t think Georgia will be able to resist a hurt lion like Fiji, particularly having only four days of rest. Expect Fiji to come out firing, and they will try not only to win, but win by more than 7 to deny Georgia a bonus point in order to get a foothold on the very important third place in the group. This fits well with the handicap set by the bookies for this game. My tip will be Fiji to cover the 8,5 point handicap. Prediction: Georgia – Fiji 16 – 30.

Pick: Fiji -8,5
Odds: 1.90 @ 10Bet
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 9
Event date: 3 October

About Rostick

Born in '88. Running betting tips websites since 2007. Launched Betdistrict in 2013. Worked as a bookie for a year to spy on the other side. Rugby Union and NBA expert. Editor info & statistics.

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