Georgian rugby - players

croket

OnTheCouch wrote: »

I always thought this myself. Obviously there are other issues to consider, but given there's the Six Nations B and other European leagues which have straight promotion/relegation, so one would think in the interests of fairness and the development of rugby as a whole, there should really be more of a reward for the Six Nations B winners.

In recent years, it's nearly always been Italy or Scotland that finishes bottom. Apart from the anomaly of two years ago when France did.

Now the play-off doesn't have to be a once-off game, it can be like they do for the last World Cup spot and play home and away, with the aggregate number of points over the two games deciding the winner. Which would reduce the likelihood of a shock upset. But still provide the possibility for Six Nations B teams to compete.

I think Georgia or whoever should definitely be given a chance to play Italy or Scotland. I doubt they would win (at the moment at least) but the opportunity should be there.

The idea of a home-away game between the bottom team of the 6 Nations and the top team of the 6 Nations B is good and I'm not sure Georgia will lose at home against Italy or Scotland. During the 2011 RWC, Georgia lost to first-string Scotland 15-6 and Scotland scored zero try. In 2011, Georgia had only 4 profesional players on the pitch. To date, the entire georgian pack plays for professional team, including the bench. Also 2 21-years old back are regular starters in ProD2.

OnTheCouch wrote: »

I suspect there are two main issues at stake here. Firstly, the IRB probably doesn't want too many mismatches in the Six Nations. Which, if say Romania or Georgia somehow got promoted, you'd likely see a lot, especially in the away games. We saw what a second-string Ireland did at home a few months back to Georgia. You generally don't see many absolute thrashings handed out (say over 50 points) in the Six Nations, even in games involving the weaker teams.

If 2007 Ireland-Georgia didn't show the real level of Ireland, 2014 Ireland-Georgia didn't show the real level of Georgia. Coaches Haig and Bradley chosen a unusual gameplan (défence-kick-defence-kick). It worked during the first half, but with a man down, Georgia conceded fastly a try in the second period. In fact, the georgian team conceded only 1 try with XV players of the field. Also, at min 60, fly half Malaguradze was injured and Georgia played last 20 minutes with a man down (2 men down when Basilaia receive a yellow card) and without fly half. Don't forget Georgia played without his 2 best players (Gorgodze, Zirakashvili) and without his best loosehead Kakovin and his captain, winger Machkhaneli.
The same 2014 year, Italy was trashed 46-9 by Ireland during the 6 Nations, even if the irish team who played against Georgia was weaker than the team who played against Italy few months ago. During the 2001 6 Nations, Italy lost 80-23 against England.

OnTheCouch wrote: »

The second problem is money. I'd imagine that one of the main reasons Italy was admitted back in 2000 was that its rugby federation has got quite a sizeable budget. Plus it's a very significant country internationally. And Rome is a great place to go for a weekend, imagine the mutual benefits of 10-15000 travelling fans going there. Same with Edinburgh. Now I know nothing about Tbilisi I must say, but I'd imagine there wouldn't be the same interest in going there for away fans. It's a lot further geographically for a start. Plus as we've already seen in this thread, their federation can't bring as much to the table in terms of finances. In addition, there's always the disastrous possibility (albeit extremely unlikely) of say a traditional power like France or Wales coming last and losing the play-off. Therefore not taking part for a year.

So I don't think the status quo is going to change for a while yet sadly.

It will don't change for a while because IRB (World Rugby now) don't care. Italy's IRB grants were 5 M€ in 2014, the entire budget of the romanian federation is 3 M€ which include 800 000€ from Ministry of Sports, sponsoring (CEC Bank as main sponsor and about 40 partners), tickets... so I guess the IRB grant for Romania is less than 1M€, maybe less than 500 000€. Considering Georgia is also a Tier2 european nation qualified for the RWC, I think the IRB grant to Georgia is about the same.
Same problem in European Cups. Do you think today was played the Day 1 of the Challenge Cup Qualifying Competition? Viadana won over the spanish side El Salvador 36-7 and Lisbon lost at home against the russian side Enisey-STM 6-28. I found these results on clubs website/facebook. There is nothing on the EPCR website and EPCR don't give any euro to these team.
I have to agree Rome is more attractive than Tbilisi.
Another example, in 2012, Georgia won to Italy during the U18 championship and finished 6th (8 teams in the U18 euro champs) while Italy finished 7th usually the 2 teams who finished on the bottom have to play in a qualifying tournament. The following year Italy was automatic qualified while Georgia had to play the qualifying tournament...

sydneybound

I see Zirakashvili is in Midi's team of the week again. He's certainly having a great season.

croket

sydneybound wrote: »

I see Zirakashvili is in Midi's team of the week again. He's certainly having a great season.

He is also named in the Planet Rugby team of the week.
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3551_9676182,00.html

3 Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont): While Thomas Domingo got penalised a couple of times, Zirakashvili was solid as a rock in the Clermont scrum, while playing his part around the park. A willing carrier at close quarters, the Georgian also got stuck in defensively as Saracens never really threatened to break down the Clermont defence.

Zirakashvili is a very important player for Clermont and of course for Georgia.
He is more than a great scrummager, but he has a leadership mind and is also fast and have good skills from a prop.
The georgian team is not the same when Zirakashvili and Gorgodze are out especially as most of the players from the forwards pack are under 25.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-n87pISsoM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soNSXkfPWEg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTfzUbgsWGA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-aExxuWABg

croket

20-years old winger Muraz Giorgadze is added in the georgian squad for the first two games of the ENC 1A. Giorgadze holds 3 caps for Georgia, including one cap against Ireland (he was on the bench)

Some interesting facts at Toulon :
- tighthead Levan Chilachava (Georgia third choice) played more than Castrogiovanni in Top14. Chilachava played 9 games (307 minutes), Castrogiovanni 4 games (138 minutes). If we add Champions Cup, Chilachava played 395 minutes while Castrogiovanni played 294 minutes.
- lock Konstantin Mikautadze played more in Top14 than Bakkies Botha (often injured) and has the same game time than Ali Williams. Mikautadze played 382 minutes (8 games), Ali Williams 384 (7 games), Bakkies Botha 177 (4 games). However, Mikautadze played only one Champions Cup game.
- flanker Mamuka Gorgodze still the georgian of Toulon with the biggest game time (389 min/6 games in Top14 and 117min/4 games in Champions Cup).
- Chilachava and Gorgodze will start the next Top14 game against Bayonne this weekend. Mikautadze is on the bench.

croket

Great performance for Toulon's tighthead Levan Chilachava. He was named 'Man Of The Match' and scored a try (video). He also destroyed his opponent in scrum.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57NnfuOhgZc

Mamuka Gorgodze was strong as often. 11 tackles (1 missed), 34m run ball in hand and 6 offloads. Unfortunately, he was injured, I hope it's not too serious

Lock Konstantin Mikautadze played about 30 minutes and did well with one clean break, one defender beaten and 5 tackles (0 missed).

In ProD2, young backs Tamaz Mchedlidze and Merab Sharikadze will be face to face tomorrow
Merab Sharikadze (21 years old) will start at inside centre for Aurillac while Tamaz Mchedlidze (also 21 years old) will start on the right wing for Agen.
They was teammates last year at Bourg-en-Bresse. Both started the game against Ireland last november.
Another georgian, Levan Datunashvili, will captain Aurillac.

croket

GRU president's Giorgi Nijaradze announced preparation plan for the RWC. An unprecedent cost for georgian rugby.

First, the team will have a training camp in Tbilisi at Shevardeni Camp. The material from the fitness room will be replaced by an ultramodern equipment. Some specialists will join the conditioning trainer, Calvin Morriss, who was the conditioning coach of England from 2002 to 2012, including RWC 2003, 2007 and 2011. A psychologyst and a kicking coach will also join the staff.
GRU will also buy an ultramodern cardiogram program and the ultimate video analysis equipment. World Rugby (IRB) will give an additional founding for this equipment.

Then the team will travel to Poland in the same base where Wales and New Zealand were to prepare 2011 RWC. The center, based in Gdansk, is specialized in cryotherapy
More infos : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-2228352/Wales-training-camp-Poland--chilling-route-supreme-fitness.html

Finally, the team will join England to play 3 warm up games, against Japan, Canada and an english club.

In other news
- Gorgodze is injured again and replaced in the georgian team by Perpignan's eightman Dimitri Basilaia. Brive prop Karlen Asieshvili also joined the team.
- The team had a training camp in Toulouse beford the travel to Germany.

sydneybound

Cheers Croket. Will Germany put up much of a fight this weekend?

For anyone interested here is a link to the game:
http://sportdeutschland.tv/#/rugby/live-rugby-europe-championship-2015-deutschland-vs-georgien

Good luck to both sides. Hope the ENC 1A keeps on improving.

thebaz

croket wrote: »

Then the team will travel to Poland in the same base where Wales and New Zealand were to prepare 2011 RWC. The center, based in Gdansk, is specialized in cryotherapy
More infos : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-2228352/Wales-training-camp-Poland--chilling-route-supreme-fitness.html

or they could come down for a dip in 40 Foot, these days its as cold as you'd want, certainly healing my creaking body.

The Lost Sheep

sydneybound wrote: »

Cheers Croket. Will Germany put up much of a fight this weekend?

For anyone interested here is a link to the game:
http://sportdeutschland.tv/#/rugby/live-rugby-europe-championship-2015-deutschland-vs-georgien

Good luck to both sides. Hope the ENC 1A keeps on improving.

Don't see them putting up that much of a fight considering the majority of their squad played and were well beaten by Connacht Eagles the week before last

croket

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Don't see them putting up that much of a fight considering the majority of their squad played and were well beaten by Connacht Eagles the week before last

I agree with the Lost Sheep, I exptect an easy win for Georgia.

Thought, the german team will be a bit stronger than the one who were trashed by Connacht Eagles. Some players abroard joined the squad, including flankers Umberto Pilla (San Dona, italian first division) and Alan Kessen (former Argentina U20's captain), scrumhalf Tim Menzel (Perpignan academy).

croket

Georgia starting XV to face Germany

1- Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier - Top14, 21 caps)
2- Zurab Zhvania (Stade Français - Top14, 13 caps)
3- Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont - Top14, 44 caps)
4- Vakhtang Maisuradze (Albi - ProD2, 22 caps)
5- Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes - ProD2, 44 caps)
6- Giga Tkhilaishvili (Batumi RC - Georgia, 16 caps)
7- Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy - ProD2, 43 caps)
8- Beka Bitsadze (Locomotive Tbilisi - Georgia, 10 caps)
9- Vasil Lobjanidze (Armazi Tbilisi - Georgia, uncapped)
10- Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Saracens Tbilisi - Georgia, 34 caps)
11- Alexander Khutsishvili (Kochebi Bolnisi - Georgia, uncapped)
12- Merab Sharikadze (Aurillac - ProD2, 28 caps)
13- Davit Kacharava (Enisey-STM - Russia, 76 caps)
14- Sandro Todua (Lelo Saracens Tbilisi - Georgia, 44 caps)
15- Giorgi Aptsiauri (Aia Kutaisi - Georgia, 1 cap)

16- Shalva Mamukashvili (Sale Sharks - Premiership, 27 caps)
17- Levan Chilachava (Toulon - Top14, 18 caps)
18- Davit Kubriashvili (Stade Français - Top14, 38 caps)
19- Konstantin Mikautadze (Toulon - Top14, 26 caps)
20- Dimitri Basilaia (Perpignan - ProD2, 36 caps)
21- Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi Bolnisi - Georgia, 28 caps)
22- Lasha Malaguradze (Bagnères - Federale1, 51 caps)
23- Tamaz Mchedlidze (Agen - ProD2, 21 caps)

Zurab Zhvania will start for the first time at hooker for Georgia. Usually loosehead prop, he started 3 European Challenge Cup games at hooker for Stade Français this season. Kakovin is again injured and Chilachava, usually tighthead prop, is on the bench to cover the loosehead spot.
At lock, Vakhtang Maisuradze is called up to play his first game since june 2013. Usually starter, Toulon's lock Mikautadze is on the bench while Aurillac's captain Levan Datunashvili is not in the squad.
With injuries of Kolelishvili and Gorgodze, Tkhilaishvili and Sutiashvili will start at flanker. Bitsadze will play #8 despite he is usually 4th choice behing Lomidze (rested), Basilaia (on the bench) and Chkhaidze (rested).
As for the backs, Lobjanidze (18 years old) and Alexander Khutishvili (22 years old) will play their first game for Georgia while Aptsiauri (20 years old, 1 cap) is for the first time in the starting XV instead of Kvirikashvili (80 caps, rested). Agen's winger Mchedlidze is on the bench.

thebaz

always amazed Germany never produced a competitive national team - thought the sport would suit them , with a strong football tradition , and always physically strong

croket

As expected, Georgia won easily in Germany (8-64, 10 tries scored by Georgia)
Despite the score, Georgia had a disastrous first 30 minutes (the score was 8-14 after 35 minutes)
And they were weak during last 20 minutes (only one try scored).
The german scrum was destroyed by the georgian one (no surprises here) and conceded 2 penalty tries.

gagnidze

Zhvania , who played as hooker, scored 3 tries >>> good boy

N9, Lobjanidze played first time ==> not bad, maybe better then Begadze/Khutsishvili

croket

Tries of the game

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYdrwtukCgQ

croket

Georgia's coach Milton Haig makes 11 changes (bold) in the starting XV to face Portugal !

1- Karlen Asieshvili (Brive, 6 caps)
2- Zurab Zhvania (Stade Français, 14 caps)
3- Levan Chilachava (Toulon, 19 caps)
4- Giorgi Chkhaidze (Lille, 77 caps)
5- Konstantin Mikautadze (Toulon, 27 caps)
6- Dimitri Basilaia (Perpignan, 37 caps)
7- Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy, 44 caps)
8- Lasha Lomidze (Béziers, 6 caps)
9- Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi Bolnisi, 29 caps)
10- Lasha Malaguradze (Bagnères, 52 caps)
11- Muraz Giorgadze (Armazi Tbilisi, 3 caps)
12- Merab Sharikadze (Aurillac, 29 caps)
13- Davit Kacharava (Enisey-STM, 77 caps)
14- Tamaz Mchedlidze (Agen, 22 caps)
15- Merab Kvirikashvili (Montluçon, 80 caps)

16- Shalva Mamukashvili (Sale Sharks, 28 caps)
17- Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier, 22 caps)
18- Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont, 45 caps)
19- Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes, 44 caps)
20- Giga Tkhilaishvili (RC Batumi, 17 caps)
21- Vasil Lobhzanidze (Armazi Tbilisi, 1 cap)
22- Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Saracens Tbilisi, 35 caps)
23- Giorgi Aptsiauri (Aia Kutaisi, 2 caps)

croket

Georgia - Portugal live now : http://1tv.ge/en/live.html

sydneybound

Another win for Georgia. From what I heard they seemed very uninspired against Portugal and played somewhat poorly in beating them.

I hear there's talk of Romania and Georgia wanting a new break away tournament for them as they feel this division isn't competitive enough for their liking. Can't say I blame them.

Bridge93

sydneybound wrote: »

Another win for Georgia. From what I heard they seemed very uninspired against Portugal and played somewhat poorly in beating them.

I hear there's talk of Romania and Georgia wanting a new break away tournament for them as they feel this division isn't competitive enough for their liking. Can't say I blame them.

Who else would be in it? Maybe they could join japan and the islanders in a competition? Or the North Americans. The islands may still be a bit too strong at the minute.
There's a lot of organisational issues regardless of what they do if they leave.

croket

sydneybound wrote: »

Another win for Georgia. From what I heard they seemed very uninspired against Portugal and played somewhat poorly in beating them.

Georgia played very poorly, but still a win.
A lot of knock-ons, including some close to the portuguese tryline. Also 2 unallowed tries, because the players was pushed in out.
I don't understood the ref during the scrums, portuguese collapsed each scrum and each time the ref said Georgia pushed before the ball was introduce. Most of the Portugal points came from these penalties and their goalkicker made a 100% in front of the posts
The bad news is the serious injury of Sale Sharks hooker Shalva Mamukashvili. I hope it's not a ACL otherwise he can say goodbye to the World Cup...

Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55-fAlDOMw0

sydneybound wrote: »

I hear there's talk of Romania and Georgia wanting a new break away tournament for them as they feel this division isn't competitive enough for their liking. Can't say I blame them.

Bridge93 wrote: »

Who else would be in it? Maybe they could join japan and the islanders in a competition? Or the North Americans. The islands may still be a bit too strong at the minute.
There's a lot of organisational issues regardless of what they do if they leave.

I don't think the islanders are too strong. A competition with the 8 Tier2 teams could be nice. I made rankings with all last games between Tier2 nations. I know the Romania-Samoa from 1989 doesn't make sense, but it's the last (and the only) game between these 2 teams.

2014 :
USA 38(b)-35(2b) Canada
Samoa 23-13 Canada
Canada 25-34 Japan
Romania 18-9 Canada
Fiji 20-14(b) USA
Tonga 40(b)-12 USA
Romania 17-27 USA
USA 19-37(b) Japan
Fiji 13(b)-18 Samoa
Fiji 45(b)-17 Tonga
Japan 33-14 Samoa
Georgia 9-23 Tonga
Georgia 22-9 Romania
Romania 13(b)-18 Japan
Georgia 35(b)-24 Japan

2013 :
Canada 36-27(b) Tonga
Canada 20-18(b) Fiji
Georgia 19-15(b) Canada
Georgia 23(b)-25 USA
Romania 7-26 Fiji
Fiji 22-8 Japan
Samoa 18-18 Tonga
Georgia 16-15(b) Samoa
Romania 19-18(b) Tonga
Japan 17-27(b) Tonga

2012 :
Georgia 19(b)-24 Fiji
2007 :
Samoa 25-21(b) USA
1989 :
Romania 32(b)-24 Samoa

Win=4pts, Draw=2pts, Lost=0pt
4 tries or more = 1 bonus point
lost by < 8 pts = 1 bonus point
-|Team|W|D|L|B|Diff|Pts
1|Fiji|5|0|2|3|+65|23
2|Georgia|4|0|3|3|+8|19
3|Tonga|3|1|3|4|+6|18
4|Japan|4|0|3|1|+27|17
5|Samoa|3|1|3|1|-9|15
6|USA|3|0|4|3|-41|15
7|Romania|3|0|4|2|-29|14
8|Canada|2|0|5|3|-24|11

sydneybound

I hear Georgia have another tight head prop coming through in Clermont called Giorgi Sharashidze playing for the junior team. Still only 21 so I suppose he'll probably break through in a year to 18 months or quicker if there's injuries and he's thrown in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5aeE-RTqDCc

Crazy how a country can produce so many props. Hope some more younger players are getting a chance in the backline.

thebaz

sydneybound wrote: »

Crazy how a country can produce so many props. Hope some more younger players are getting a chance in the backline.

and Japan can only produce backs , mix them with Georgia pack , then you'd have a serious team

Morf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6z1rwo1aP8

croket

Morf wrote: »

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6z1rwo1aP8

Georgian scrum v japanese scrum last november :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Og8EG_-cXs

sydneybound

Just came across this...

"If Georgia win their next ENC match v Spain by 15+ new ranking = 71.40 and therefore above Italy unless Italy win v Scotland at Murrayfield"

So looks likely Georgia will be ahead of Italy in the rankings before long. Pity how the six nations appears to be a shut shop to teams like Georgia considering they seem to have good young players coming through the ranks and a growing rugby audience in the country.

croket

sydneybound wrote: »

Just came across this...

"If Georgia win their next ENC match v Spain by 15+ new ranking = 71.40 and therefore above Italy unless Italy win v Scotland at Murrayfield"

So looks likely Georgia will be ahead of Italy in the rankings before long. Pity how the six nations appears to be a shut shop to teams like Georgia considering they seem to have good young players coming through the ranks and a growing rugby audience in the country.

Even if they win by less than 15pts, they will be above Italy (71.19 for a 1-15pts win, while Italy will have 71.08 if they lost by less than 15 pts)

But unfortunately I don't think Home Nations+France want a trip to Tbilisi, I don't think Italy want be relegated and I don't think financially, a game in Tbilisi will produce a lot of money to the 6 Nations Rugby Ltd.
I think Georga deserves at least a promotion-relegation play off but in this business, money is more important than meritocracy.

sydneybound wrote: »

I hear Georgia have another tight head prop coming through in Clermont called Giorgi Sharashidze playing for the junior team. Still only 21 so I suppose he'll probably break through in a year to 18 months or quicker if there's injuries and he's thrown in.
Crazy how a country can produce so many props. Hope some more younger players are getting a chance in the backline.

He trained with the senior team during the pre-season. He is very promising but IMO the next georgian international tighthead is Lekso Kaulashvili (22 years old). He already plays in Top14 for La Rochelle, he is the backup of Uini Atonio (french international). He really impresses, powerfull, very strong scrummager, some La Rochelle fans rates him highly than Atonio. Now he starts some games at loosehead prop when Atonio starts at tightehad. Today La Rochelle extented his contract until 2018.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t98S3iYnQm0

sydneybound

A total of four Georgian props played tonight in the La Rochelle V Brive match. I find that nuts how a tier 2 side can produce so many!

croket

16 years old Georgian back Ardash Darboev (centre/winger/fullback)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixgHPSsWC64

Looks very promising

croket

Georgia to face Spain


1. Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier - FRA)
2. Zurab Zhvania (Stade Français - FRA)
3. Levan Chilachava (Toulon - FRA)
4. Georgi Nemsadze (Tarbes - FRA)
5. Kote Mikautadze (Toulon - FRA)
6. Georgi Tkhilaishvili (Batumi - GEO)
7. Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy - FRA)
8. Lasha Lomidze (Béziers - FRA)
9. Vaza Khutsishvili (Kharebi - GEO)
10. Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Saracens - GEO)
11. Sandro Todua (Lelo Saracens - GEO)
12. Merab Sharikadze (Aurillac - FRA)
13. Davit Kacharava (Enisey-STM - RUS)
14. Tamaz Mchedlidze (Agen - FRA)
15. Merab Kvirikashvili (Montluçon - FRA)

16. Simon Maisuradze (Valence d'Agen - FRA)
17. Kakha Asieshvili (Brive - FRA)
18. Anton Peikrishvili (Brive - FRA)
19 Levan Datunashvili (Aurillac - FRA)
20. Georgi Chkhaidze (Lille - FRA)
21. Vasil Lobjanidze (Armazi - GEO)
22. Alexandre Khutsishvili (Kochebi - GEO)
23. Georgi Aptsiauri (Aia Kutaisi - GEO)

croket

final : Spain 13-26 Georgia

sydneybound

croket wrote: »

final : Spain 13-26 Georgia

Tight game as it was level at half time. Spain are the most improved team in the tournament.

Big shock too as Russia beat Romania. 4 of the Romanian coaching staff didn't have the correct visa to enter Russia!!

croket

sydneybound wrote: »

Tight game as it was level at half time. Spain are the most improved team in the tournament.

Big shock too as Russia beat Romania. 4 of the Romanian coaching staff didn't have the correct visa to enter Russia!!

Spain is a good team. They improved a lot especially thanks to their foreign players.
Their axis 9-10-15 played very well. Bayonne's scrum half Guillaume Rouet was my MOTM and Spain used two kiwis, Dan Snee at fly half and Brad Linklater at fullback. Both wingers plays in ProD2 and one of their centres plays for Bayonne (the other in Federale1). The forwards pack was of course weaker than Georgia and was destroyed in each scrum. Georgia was catastrophic in lineout.
10 of the 15 spanish players in the starting XV plays or played in Top14 or ProD2.

Georgia scored 2 tries by Zhvania and Kacharava. Kvirikashvili added 2 conversions and 4 penalties
Spain scored 1 try by Goia. Linklater added 1 conversion and 2 penalties


Yeah, Russia-Romania's result is a shock, very unexpected result!
And yes, 4 of the Romanian coaching staff didn't have the correct visa to enter Russia...

croket

must watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imVnlBf8aeo

thebaz

enjoyed - but 2 questions :-

1. Why are Georgian forwards so good ? (is it the wrestling background )

2. who would be next best to you guys Russia, Spain or Romania ??

croket

thebaz wrote: »

enjoyed - but 2 questions :-

1. Why are Georgian forwards so good ? (is it the wrestling background )

2. who would be next best to you guys Russia, Spain or Romania ??

1. a lot of players had a wrestling background in the 90's but now, they are playing rugby since they are young. I don't know exactly why georgian forwards are so good but georgians have a fighting spirit.

2. Devinitively Romania. I was very surprised by their loss in Russia. Spain is actually very good thanks to their foreign players, especially the frenchs (called up thanks to a spanish grandparent, often spanish people who came in France to escape Franco). Russia made a lot of progress between 2008 and 2011 but since the 2011 RWC, they bow down strangely exactly like Portugal after 2007 RWC. Romania was pretty good in the 80's (they beat 4 times Italy, 2 times France, 1 time Scotland, 2 times Wales and loss 6-14 against New Zealand). After Ceaucescu's death, Romanian rugby has hard times but since the creation of the Super Liga (professional league) in 2011, the national team improved a lot.

---

Georgian staff called 29 players to prepare the game against Russia.
Gorgodze is back, he didn't played for Georgia since 15 March 2014.

Props
Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier - Top14)
Karlen Asieshvili (Brive - Top14)
Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont - Top14)
Levan Chilachava (Toulon - Top14)
Anton Peikrishvili (Brive - Top14)

Hookers
Zurab Zhvania (Stade Français - Top14)
Simon Maisuradze (Valence d'Agen - Federale1)

Locks
Kote Mikautadze (Toulon - Top14)
Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes - ProD2)
Levan Datunashvili (Aurillac - ProD2)
Vakhtang Maisuradze (Albi - ProD2)

Backrow
Mamuka Gorgodze (Toulon - Top14)
Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy - ProD2)
Lasha Lomidze (Béziers - ProD2)
Giga Tkhilaishvili (Batumi - Georgia)
Beka Bitsadze (Locomotive Tbilisi - Georgia)

Scrumhalves
Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi Bolnisi - Georgia)
Vazha Khutsisvhili (Kharebi Rustavi - Georgia)
Vasil Lobjanidze (Armazi Tbilisi - Georgia)

Flyhalves
Lasha Malaguradze (Bagnères - Federale1)
Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Saracens - Georgia)

Centres
Merab Sharikadze (Aurillac - ProD2)
Davit Kacharava (Enisey-STM - Russia)

Wingers
Tamaz Mchedlidze (Agen - ProD2)
Sandro Todua (Lelo Saracens - Georgia)
Muraz Giorgadze (Armazi Tbilisi - Georgia)
Alexander Khutsishvili (Kochebi Bolnisi - Georgia)

Fullbacks
Merab Kvirikashvili (Montluçon - Federale1)
Giorgi Aptsiauri (Aia Kutaisi - Georgia)

thomond2006

Rumour is Gorgodze might be let go by Toulon at the end of the season.

sydneybound

thomond2006 wrote: »

Rumour is Gorgodze might be let go by Toulon at the end of the season.

Bath are in for him but by all accounts he's very difficult to deal with.

He's been injured a far bit but has played very well when called upon. I reckon Toulon will keep him in the end but given he will be away for the WC they may want him off the books.

croket

Line up to face Russia


1- Mikheil Nariashvili
2- Simon Maisuradze
3- Davit Zirakashvili
4- Giorgi Nemsadze
5- Vakhtang Maisuradze
6- Shalva Sutiashvili (cap)
7- Mamuka Gorgodze
8- Beka Bitsadze
9- Vasil Lobzhanidze
10- Lasha Khmaladze
11- Alexander Khutsishvili
12- Merab Sharikadze
13- Davit Kacharava
14- Giorgi Aptsiauri
15- Merab Kvirikashvili

16- Zurab Zhvania
17- Karlen Asieshvili
18- Levan Chilachava
19- Konstantin Mikautadze
20- Lasha Lomidze
21- Vazha Khutsishvili
22- Tamaz Mchedlidze
23- Muraz Giorgadze

The bench is pretty young (on average : 22 years old)
Gorgodze is back one year later
Lobzhanidze (18 years old), A.Khutsishvili (22) and Aptsiauri (21) will start their second game for Georgia

sydneybound

Massive game for Georgia.

Big too in the sense that the game sold out days in advance, the Georgian public really seem to have bought into this fixture. I suppose it's like us playing England.

Great to see their leader and top ever try scorer Gorgodze is back. I reckon he could have come back sooner but they didn't think it was worth risking him against Germany or Spain. The youthful looking team is encouraging too for Georgia moving forward.

sydneybound

Zurab Zhvania must be carrying a knock for him not to be starting.

sydneybound

Great win for Georgia over Russia 33-0.

The Georgian must be the most enthusiastic rugby supporters of the weekend, they go nuts at the late trys scored.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcG8zTuSx9Q

The packed out stadium looks immense.

thebaz

sydneybound wrote: »

Great win for Georgia over Russia 33-0.

The Georgian must be the most enthusiastic rugby supporters of the weekend, they go nuts at the late trys scored.

The packed out stadium looks immense.

Be great to see them added to 6 Nations - even every other year or something , they'd be a great addition.

timaru89

thebaz wrote: »

Be great to see them added to 6 Nations - even every other year or something , they'd be a great addition.

I think there should be a two leg home and away play off between the ENC winner and Six Nations last place. That would ensure that a 'weak' team doesn't automatically get promoted but would have to prove that they could beat a current six nations member on aggregate. It would give the teams at the bottom of the Six Nations something other than pride to play for as they would want to avoid finishing last and might mean an away trip to Tbilisi in a few years time!

thebaz

timaru89 wrote: »

I think there should be a two leg home and away play off between the ENC winner and Six Nations last place. That would ensure that a 'weak' team doesn't automatically get promoted but would have to prove that they could beat a current six nations member on aggregate. It would give the teams at the bottom of the Six Nations something other than pride to play for as they would want to avoid finishing last and might mean an away trip to Tbilisi in a few years time!

I agree, but bit like the stranglehold the old powers hold in cricket, i can't see Scotland or Italy agreeing - for the benefit of the game it would be the right thing though.

timaru89

thebaz wrote: »

I agree, but bit like the stranglehold the old powers hold in cricket, i can't see Scotland or Italy agreeing - for the benefit of the game it would be the right thing though.

Ye tradition over progress unfortunately:rolleyes:

OnTheCouch

timaru89 wrote: »

I think there should be a two leg home and away play off between the ENC winner and Six Nations last place. That would ensure that a 'weak' team doesn't automatically get promoted but would have to prove that they could beat a current six nations member on aggregate. It would give the teams at the bottom of the Six Nations something other than pride to play for as they would want to avoid finishing last and might mean an away trip to Tbilisi in a few years time!

Been saying this for ages...the lower-ranked teams need something to aim and push for.

If they lose on aggregate than they aren't good enough to be in the Six Nations yet.

But after some of the Italy and Scotland displays in recent times, they must fancy their chances.

timaru89

Is there any chance of this happening in the next 10 years?

boardieboardie

Team for Saturday, away to Romania. Irakli Natriashvili (formerly of Brive), who was pretty much first choice hooker about 4 years ago, is back after a year out injured and now on the comeback with a lower level club in France.
More or less the strongest team available, prop Kakovin (Toulouse), hooker Mamukashvili (Sale) and back row Kolelishvili (Clermont) are injured, along with first choice ouhalf Khmaladze. This team should be good enough to win - if so, and if Parisse-less Italy lose to Wales, Georigia overtake Italy in IRB/WR world rankings.

1 - Mikheil Nariashvili - Montpellier [FRA Top 14]
2 - Irakli Natriashvili - Tulle [FRA Fed 1]
3 - David Zirakashvili - Clermont [FRA Top 14]
4 - Giorgi Nemsadze - Tarbes [FRA Pro D2]
5 - Kote Mikautadze - Toulon [FRA Top 14]
6 - Shalva Sutiashvili^Capt - Massy [FRA Pro D2]
7 - Giorgi Tkhilaishvili - Batumi [GEO Prem]
8 - Mamuka Gorgodze - Toulon [FRA Top 14]
9 - Vasil Lobzhanidze - Armazi Tbilisi [GEO Prem]
10 - Lasha Malaghuradze - Bagneres [FRA Fed 1]
11 - Sandro Todua - Lelo Saracens [GEO Prem]
12 - Merab Sharikadze - Aurillac [FRA Pro D2]
13 - Davit Katcharava - Enisey STM [RUS SL]
14 - Tamaz Mtchedlidze - Agen [FRA Pro D2]
15 - Merab Kvirikashvili - Montlucon [FRA Fed 1]
16 - Zurab Zhvania - Stade Francais [FRA Top 14]
17 - Kakha Asieshvili - Brive [FRA Top 14]
18 - Levan Chilachava - Toulon [FRA Top 14]
19 - Levan Datunashvili - Aurillac [FRA Pro D2]
20 - Lasha Lomidze - Beziers [FRA Pro D2]
21 - Giorgi Begadze - Qochebi Bolnisi [GEO Prem]
22 - Giorgi Aptsiauri - Aia Kutaisi [GEO Prem]
23 - Beka Bitsadze - Lokomotivi Tbilisi [GEO Prem]

timaru89

boardieboardie wrote: »

This team should be good enough to win - if so, and if Parisse-less Italy lose to Wales, Georgia overtake Italy in IRB/WR world rankings.

Think this would have happened the week of the Italy Scotland match if Italy lost. Unfortunately (for Ireland) I think Italy are definitely gonna lose this weekend and so they will more than likely be overtaken on Saturday.

sydneybound

I thought Zurab Zhvania had been playing great for Stade. I'm surprised he isn't starting.