Fiji respond to shock defeat with good win over Georgia

Fiji were victims to the first shock of the tournament losing to Uruguay in Kamaishi, meaning they were on the back in teams of automatic World Cup qualification. This is meant that they’re test versus Georgia was a key game. Following being outplayed by Los Teros, the Fijians didn’t make changes with their basic game plan remaining the same.

The Fijians looked to attack wide pick Georgia apart, who yet again struggled with set plays off the lineout. The Lelos had been picked apart off first phase against Wales and against Fiji it was the same.

One interesting tactic of the game was Fijian kicking. By the 19th minute they had regained 3 of their 7 kicks. In the kick Ben Volovola receives the ball close to the line and slides a kick in behind, which Georgia seemed hesitant to deal with.

The nature of kick being a stab rather than a low drive means that Fiji immediately have the advantage as they are running and accelerating while Georgia have to turn. As a result it becomes a direct threat.

The danger however is increased merely due to Georgia not having a sweeper. In most defensive structures there will be a sweeper sitting behind the ruck. However as you can see in the image, the closest player is a deep sat full back. This means that Fiji merely have to put pressure on the ball, so when the Georgia wing tries to leave it, it is handing Fiji an opportunity on a plate. Yes it takes a lot of skills to finish but allowing Fiji opportunities is an easy way to lose.

Georgia’s defence applied pressure on themselves. They appeared to approach the game similarly to Uruguay in terms of defence. Whether it failed because Fiji finally clicked or because Georgia were unable to execute.

Looking at this wide angle there is no Georgian defender in the 15m channel. However, fiji have got an additional back ready to attack. Fiji run a crash ball off the first phase and this enables them to run a 2 phase play. It also forces Georgia to respread their defence. However, whilst Uruguay were positive even when defending with a drift. However Georgia sat on their heels, looking hesitant and unwilling to take control of the game.

With the Georgian winger on his heels Tuisova only has to beat his opposite player. By getting on his outside Fiji are able to expose the width. This coupled with a good offload, allows Fiji to exert a poor Georgian defence. Whilst Uruguay had been confident and been aggressive, Georgia were on the back foot.

The radradda try in the 60th minute really summed up the Georgian defence. Fiji having placed the doubt in their minds in their first half, they continued to defend with their wing holding deep in the 15m channel, allowing Fiji to drift more when in attack. This is a poor startegey as it enables Fiji to use their speed and strength to really exploit outside shoulders.

As you seen in the above still, Georgia appear to have the Fijians contained. However Volovola passes wider and this enables Fiji to get to the edge. This is exactly the same style of attack as the one explained earlier. The worry still for Georgia being that undefended outside channel.

Even when it’s clear Fiji aren’t going to kick there is no positive movement by the Full back on the wing. Allowing Fiji to make ground easily, but more importantly allowing them to pick their own lines.  There is also no cover coming across deep with the majority of Georgia focussed on the first line defence and no defensive cover. So when Fiji make the break it means they can decide the passage rather than having to react to an even defence.

Yet again Fiji expose Georgia out wide. The Georgian full back kept has to make a decision with Fiji really pushing. With the speed of Tuisova beating the Georgian defence Fiji are really attacking individual bricks rather than the wall Georgia would have wanted to build.

The finish for Fiji is significantly easier than expected with Georgia being beaten by the change of line from Fiji.

Overall, Fiji should be pleased with their overall performance. They took their chances with almost 80% forward momentum.  This led to a 31% chance of scoring when in the Georgian half. This overall conversion paired with forward movement is something which Fiji can take into their crunch game against Wales. Georgia themselves showed some bright patches but struggled to control the game and make any real impact.