Georgia get the better of Fiji

Georgia finished their tour of the Pacific Islands on a high when they claimed a hard-fought 14-3 victory over Fiji in Suva on Friday.

In a tightly contested clash, Georgia did well to keep the home side's dangerous back-line in check thanks to a heroic defensive effort.

The visitors opened the scoring via a Merab Kvirikashvili penalty early in the first half, but Fiji struck back with a three-pointer off the kicking tee from Ben Volavola which meant the teams were deadlocked at 3-3 at half-time.

Georgia gained the upper hand shortly after the restart when Lasha Khmaladze crossed for the game's only try and although Kvirikashvili failed to convert the visitors continued to dominate.

Kvirikashvili added two further penalties with his second one, shortly before full-time, sealing a memorable victory.

The result means Georgia have completed their tour to the Pacific Islands with an unbeaten record after they drew their opening Test with Samoa before beating Tonga last weekend.

The scorers:

For Fiji:
Pen:  Volavola

For Georgia:
Try:  Khmaladze
Pens:  Kvirikashvili 3

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
Replacements:  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
Replacements:  16 Shalva Mamukashvili, 17 Zurab Zhvania, 18 Nikoloz Khatiashvili, 19 Nodar Cheishvili, 20 Lasha Lomidze, 21 Vazha Khutsishvili, 22 Lasha Malaghuradze, 23 Saba Shubitidze

Referee:  JP Doyle (England)