Rugby World Cup

Fiji scored six of their seven tries after half-time to secure a vital bonus point win, with man of the match Semi Radradra scoring twice and setting up three other tries.

Coach John McKee said the whole squad was determined to make amends after last week's defeat against Uruguay.

"Our boys were bitterly disappointed and they really wanted to make a statement today," McKee said.

Just four players have been retained from the starting line-up that suffered a shock 30-27 defeat by Uruguay last week, with prop Manasa Saulo joined by captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Leone Nakarawa and Semi Radradra, who have started all three games.

"This match against Georgia was always going to be a key match in this pool and nothing has changed," said head coach John McKee.

"There is plenty at stake in this game as a top three finish in our pool means automatic qualification for Rugby World Cup 2023."

The move comes after Savea discovered that the vision had deteriorated in his left eye and he realised he had to protect his eyesight.

"A couple of years ago I realised I had bad vision in my left eye. Everything's kind of blurry," Savea said. 

"I told All Blacks doctor Tony Page that it was getting worse and now we're doing something about it. Doc notified me that World Rugby had some goggles that were approved and everyone has been really supportive. In terms of vision and seeing, it's pretty sweet, and it's now just a matter of getting used to them."

French referee Romain Poite and the television match official punished Kerevi after a first-half collision with Wales replacement Rhys Patchell, who appeared to catch Kerevi high.

A lengthy television match official review followed and it was decided that Kerevi had made contact with Patchell’s throat with his elbow, although it seemed unintentional.

Cheika could not mask his frustration at events after a game that was stopped several times to check the legality of tackles.

Among the legions of supporters to descend on Japan are a host of proud parents, partners, siblings and cousins following the fortunes of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa.

Saki Waikere made the trip from Suva to Sapporo with some friends to watch his cousin Leone Nakarawa play in Fiji's World Cup opener against Australia.

"We're here to support him and definitely we're coming for a win so we're looking forward to that and I know it's going to be a good game," he said.

"Even though (against) Australia we are playing as underdogs today so definitely we will catch up to them."

A four-day turnaround between games has confronted the Webb Ellis Trophy hopefuls with the most hectic period of their Pool C campaign as victory over Tonga in Sapporo is followed by a clash at the Kobe Misaki Stadium 96 hours later.

In a dry-run for the occasion, Jones planned the build-up to last autumn’s 35-15 victory over Japan to mirror the lack of preparation time he must negotiate now.

After losing to Australia last Saturday, Fiji were shocked by an impassioned Uruguay side, who took a 24-12 half-time lead and managed to hold onto a 30-27 win. 

Boasting some world-class players, Fiji were tipped by many to cause some upsets at this year’s RWC with the Wallabies and Wales also in their pool. However, their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals now look very slim. 

The no-arms tackle caught the Fijian flanker in the head in the 26th minute of the Pool D opener in Sapporo on Saturday but the Wallabies utility back was cleared of an offence by the matchday officials, despite the protestations of the Fijian players.

Yato was unable to return to the field after failing a head injury assessment and was also forced to miss Fiji's shock defeat by Uruguay in Kamaishi last night, in line with concussion protocols.

The South Americans, mostly amateurs, led 21-12 at halftime on the back of converted tries from halfback Santiago Arata, number eight Manuel Diana and centre Juan Manuel Cat as well as a penalty from Felipe Berchesi.

First five Berchesi kicked two more penalties in the second half to keep the scoreboard ticking over as the Fijians fought to get back in the game and Los Teros held on to claim their third victory in 12 World Cup matches.

The late All Blacks great is a World Cup icon, the dominant figure from his two appearances in 1995 and 1999 where he scored what remains a record haul of 15 tries.

Lomu, who battled major kidney problems, passed away at the age of 40 soon after returning from the 2015 tournament in England where he had been heavily involved in promotional work.