Fiji delighted with statement win over Georgia, says McKee

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fiji players celebrate after the match REUTERS/Matthew Childs

OSAKA (Reuters) - Fiji wanted to make a statement after losing to Australia and Uruguay in their opening two World Cup games, and a seven-try thrashing of Georgia was just the way to do it, coach John McKee said on Thursday.

The Pacific islanders had been heavily criticized after last week's shock loss to Uruguay. Defeat to the improving Georgians would have consigned them to yet another first round exit at the World Cup.

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fiji players bow to their fans fans the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

However, with their fleet-footed backs in full flight, the Fijians scythed through Georgia at will in a stunning second half performance at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

"Very pleased with the performance of the flying Fijians today, we really countered Georgia in their areas of strength, it was a long arm wrestle in the first half and into the second half" McKee told a news conference.

"Very pleasing to see us finally show some of our flair and talent at this World Cup. It was a great team performance to finish so strongly."

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fans celebrate after the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

Former Australia rugby league international Semi Radradra grabbed a brace and helped set up scores for centre Waisea Nayacalevu, scrumhalf Frank Lomani and his fellow winger Josua Tuisova.

"Semi is a world class player," McKee said. "Probably by his own standards he's been a bit quiet at this World Cup so far, but today he showed the quality he brings to the game."

And while McKee was delighted by the attacking play of his back line he also paid tribute to the forwards for matching Georgia in the trenches, particularly at the scrum.

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Georgia players applaud fans the match REUTERS/Matthew Childs

"Scrummaging doesn't just happen in a week or a month, we've been working on our scrum for a long time," he added.

"Our scrum matches anyone in the world and you saw today we've got good depth as well."

McKee said he was pleased to see Fiji show what they are truly capable of at the World Cup.

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Georgia players applaud fans the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

"The boys were really hurting after the Uruguay game. They really wanted to make a statement today," he added.

"They're very proud to represent their country and deep down they wanted to express themselves as rugby players today."

Fiji wrap up their group play against Wales on Oct. 9 in Oita.

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Georgia players look dejected after the match REUTERS/Matthew Childs

(Reporting by Peter Rutherford; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Georgia players look dejected after the match REUTERS/Matthew Childs

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fiji's Campese Ma'afu celebrates after the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fiji players celebrate after the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Georgia player looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fiji and Georgia players shake hands after the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fiji players celebrate after the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Georgia fan cheers during the match REUTERS/Matthew Childs

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fiji's Campese Ma'afu celebrates after the match REUTERS/Issei Kato

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fiji's Semi Radradra scores their seventh try REUTERS/Matthew Childs

Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2019 - Pool D - Georgia v Fiji - Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka, Japan - October 3, 2019 Fiji's Josua Tuisova in action with Georgia's Lasha Khmaladze REUTERS/Matthew Childs