Georgia’s apprenticeship continues
After playing in the world cup for the first time in 2003 the Lelos have another occasion to draw the public’s attention to Rugby and this time Georgia will aim to win their first match.
Georgia has only ever played four world cup matches which is a far cry from the 31 matches New Zealand have played since 1987 but there is a reason for this: Georgia only joined the world cup ‘clan’ in 2003 after an historical victory over their Russian neighbours. Despite losing all four of their RWC matches, the Georgian players have shown their solidarity and are proud of their good results against Uruguay (12-24) and South Africa (19-46) in particular.
Although this former communist block member that gained independence in 1991 has a severe lack of funds, Rugby in the Caucasus has continued to develop. Like their Romanian counterparts, against which they often play for the European Cup, a number of Georgian players are playing their Rugby in France in the Top 14, Pro D2 and regional clubs. Georgia was dominated by Romania in the RWC qualifying rounds but the Lelos then defeated Portugal to gain their ticket to France. Georgia will play in pool D where they will face Argentina, Ireland, Namibia and France, the Host Nation, in Marseille. Georgia would like to beat Namibia for their first ever RWC victory and to confirm that they are making constant progress.
Colours: |
Red jerseys, white shorts, white socks |
Nickname: |
The Lelos (traditional word for Rugby) |
Emblem: |
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National anthem: |
Tavisupleba (Freedom) |
IRB world ranking (2006/11): |
17th |
Rugby World Cup record: |
Did not compete in 1987, 1991, 1995 and 1999 Eliminated in the pool phase in 2003
Scored 46 points, conceded 200 |
Head coach: |
Malkhaz Tcheishvili |
Squad Member List: |
Forwards: Goderdzi Shvelidze, Avtandil Kopaliani, Mamuka Magrakvelidze, David Khinchaguishvili, David Zirakashvili, Akvsent Guiorgadze, Ilia Zedguinidze, Victor Didebulidze, Mamuka Gorgodze, Levan Datunashvili, Guia Labadze, Besso Udessiani, Rati Urushadze, George Chkhaidze, Zviad Maissuradze, Ilia Maissuradze, Malkhaz Tcheishvili, David Chavleishvili, Paata Narimanashvili Backs: Paliko Jimsheladze, Otar Barkalaia, Meko Kvirikashvili, Bessik Khamashuridze, Irakli Machkhaneli, George Shkinini, George Elizbarashvili, Otar Eloshvili, Makho Urjukashvili, Irakli Guiorgadze, David Katcharava, Rezo Guigauri, Irakli Abusseridze, Bidzina Samkharadze. |
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