Rugby World Cup 2019, Georgia vs Fiji: live score and latest updates from Higashiosaka
Georgia vs Fiji, 2019 Rugby World Cup Pool D clash, kicks off at 6.15am BST on ITV 4
Game likely to decide third place and automatic qualification for 2023
Rugby World Cup 2019 predictor: Pick your winner | Our experts make their predictions
Sub-plot
Even though these two are probably sunk with regard to the quarter-finals, this is a game that will probably decide third place in Pool D...and that means automatic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2023.
Word from Wig
Here's Graham Rowntree, stalking the pitch during the warm-ups.
Read about how he and Joe Worsley have found life as part of Georgia's coaching team in this feature.
The stadium
It's the same venue that hosted Argentina's win over Tonga. And it has received some praise from travelling supporters and journalists alike:
Love this stadium. The Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka - I’m thinking an odd cross between a modern Rec and San Juan in Argentina with the mountains behind?!
Match I’ve looked forward to the most upcoming too - #GEOvFIJ#RWC2019 �������� pic.twitter.com/eJLiCVCrn6— Will Kelleher (@willgkelleher) October 3, 2019
Good morning!
Hello there and welcome to the Telegraph's live text commentary of this Pool D game between Fiji and Georgia at Higashiosaka.
Both teams will be fairly frustrated with their tournament so far, the Pacific Islanders especially. They started wonderfully against Australia before succumbing in the second period.
Then, of course, they went down to Uruguay in Kamaishi. Read Dan Schofield's report of that extraordinary game right here.
Georgia, on the other hand, began awfully. Wales tore them to shreds in the first half of their opener in Toyota a fortnight ago. Their first-phase defence was particularly poor.
However, they rallied and then fought past determined Uruguay to register a comprehensive 33-7 victory. The big news is that Georgia head coach Milton Haig has opted for a white shirt today...
...after a bad experience in light blue last time out:
It's 28 degrees in Kumagaya but it appears Georgia Coach Milton Haig was caught in a rainstorm ⛈����#ITVRugby#RWC2019#GEOvURUpic.twitter.com/xc84tqquS9
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) September 29, 2019
Here is a check on the conditions we can expect. There seems to be a little rain on the way.
Dry right now for #GEOvFIJ but the usual dense humidity & threat of a shower. Georgians no doubt performing a rain dance. Fiji promising to do their best to cut loose, & entertain as only they can �� pic.twitter.com/RRPYQ1z2LA
— Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn) October 3, 2019
As for the table and knockout qualification, John McKee's Fiji absolutely need a bonus-point victory to maintain any chance of reaching the quarter-finals.
They also require other results to go their way following such a poor start. A win for Georgia over the Wallabies or for Uruguay over Wales would be handy.
Of course, given the quality of Sunday's encounter between the top two in Tokyo on Sunday, that appears fairly unlikely.
These teams have met three times in Test matches over the years. Fiji have won twice, most recently recording a 37-15 victory in Suva last year. They also prevailed 24-19 in 2012. Georgia did beat them in 14-3 away from home in June 2016, though.
We are just under half an hour away from kick-off. Stay with us for live updates throughout what should be an intriguing clash of styles.
