Georgian Rugby

[Nielsch]

Georgia beat Ukraine 33-3

however reports suggest the performance was poor from Georgia, and considering last year the score was 62-3, that is a poor result for Georgia

there were quite a few weak players in the team, especially front five (Mirtskhulava), but that result does not look good for Georgia's chances in North America

I highly doubt the team Georgia sent out against the Ukraine is any similar to the team they will send out against the USA and Canada. Georgia will win comfortably in North America.

[welshglory]

I don't know US and Canada have much better backs than Georgia, in fact i'd go as far saying the Georgian backs are rubbish. If they can at least gain parity in the scrum and contest the breakdown well i'd fancy Georgia to lose to both of them

[psychic duck]

I highly doubt the team Georgia sent out against the Ukraine is any similar to the team they will send out against the USA and Canada. Georgia will win comfortably in North America.

I don't know about that Nielsch.

Whilst you are right that the team played was understrength, so will be the one to play USA and Canada.

There should be at least 7 to 9 changes from this team for USA I would think, but it still won't be full strength.

USA showed yesterday against Canada they are an plucky side who won't make it easy, just like they didn't in 2010 when they travelled to Georgia. Canada are roughly on a similar level to Georgia, and just have Cudmore missing, plus Kleeberger and Monro injured from their first choice side. Georgia have their talisman, best front row, best flanker and best lock unavailable. I think it would be close not comfortable even if Georgia had a full team.

I would take one win and one close loss with the players unavailable to be honest, not too optimistic about Georgia's chances.

I don't know US and Canada have much better backs than Georgia, in fact i'd go as far saying the Georgian backs are rubbish. If they can at least gain parity in the scrum and contest the breakdown well i'd fancy Georgia to lose to both of them

The wingers Todua and Machkhaneli have stood up well against Tier 1 nations in World Cups, and would fit in around better teams

the fly half Kvirikashvili is very inconsistent, and error prone, even though he can now and again pull out a superb kick, he doesn't tackle, and doesn't create, and is inconsistent kicking, Khmaladze is an alternative but is also inconsistent

the full back is another problem at the World Cup Georgia played a centre at 15 in Gigauri who was exposed as awful there, as he was too slow, couldn't kick and couldn't handle the high ball well and has now been dropped totally after a poor match earlier this year, none of the options at 15 are that good, but the first choice Shkinin is injured so Kiasashvili is there for the moment, the only other options is playing a fly half or winger at 15

in the centres, most of them can at least hold their own in defence, Kacharava had a good ENC, Sharikadze is just 18 and adds creativity to Zibzibadze, but is still a rookie

scrum half was okay, Abuseridze has had some good matches including at World Cups, but he is 34 and now on the decline, and hasn't looked the same this year for Georgia apart from the Russia match

Canada have some good backs, but last time Georgia played their 10 Braid had a nightmare and Georgia dominated possession so they didn't get much chances, I'm not so sure about the USA backs though, they weren't that good at the World Cup

[welshglory]

You're right the American backs weren't that good in the world cup but against other tier 2 sides i expect it will be different, Russia was a dogged game so it wasn't going to be high scoring. They have some pedigree there in Wyles, Ngwenya, Emerick, Paterson and Petri.

I'd say that Canada don't have as much quality as the US but i really rate van der Merwe, Phil McKenzie is good, Matt Evans is also pretty good and Pritchard is very solid, especially against tier 2 teams.

[Canadian_Rugger]

You're right the American backs weren't that good in the world cup but against other tier 2 sides i expect it will be different, Russia was a dogged game so it wasn't going to be high scoring. They have some pedigree there in Wyles, Ngwenya, Emerick, Paterson and Petri.

I'd say that Canada don't have as much quality as the US but i really rate van der Merwe, Phil McKenzie is good, Matt Evans is also pretty good and Pritchard is very solid, especially against tier 2 teams.

How can you say that everytime we play the States our backs are the reason we win. Van der Merwe is easily the best back out of all the American and Canadian backs and Mackenzie is no slouch either. Not to mention our flyhalfs are usually better than their American counterparts as well. The Americans have decent runners who can break the gain line but their distribution is poor and decision-making ability downright atrocious at times.

I think our counter-attacking and solid defense is going to rip Georgia apart.

[psychic duck]

How can you say that everytime we play the States our backs are the reason we win. Van der Merwe is easily the best back out of all the American and Canadian backs and Mackenzie is no slouch either. Not to mention our flyhalfs are usually better than their American counterparts as well. The Americans have decent runners who can break the gain line but their distribution is poor and decision-making ability downright atrocious at times.

I think our counter-attacking and solid defense is going to rip Georgia apart.

yes Canada are favourites, in 2009 they easily beat a weakened Georgia team in the Churchill Cup

this Georgia team has stronger backs than that team, but the forwards are quite similar

Canada have better backs tan the USA, Ngwenya is only really useful in a team that can provide opportunities, he has little impact on the game at USA level often, Canada's backs pass better and get better ball for their good backs

[Toko_11]

Just as i feared. we have the same roster for the American tour that played Ukraine game. Which Is much closer to our A team than our regular team. Not even Basilaia will play instead they called Retired Gia Labadze back into the squad. Wow :|. That means only two players from our pack are actual first team forwards, Zirakashvili and chkaidze. Its basically the same lineup that lost to span this year

[psychic duck]

Just as i feared. we have the same roster for the American tour that played Ukraine game. Which Is much closer to our A team than our regular team. Not even Basilaia will play instead they called Retired Gia Labadze back into the squad. Wow :|. That means only two players from our pack are actual first team forwards, Zirakashvili and chkaidze. Its basically the same lineup that lost to span this year

so that's any hope of a win in these games pretty much gone then, Basilaia and Sutiashvili were the only decent back rowers left and now not in the squad

calling up a 38 year old out of retirement says it all, that pack is poor, and that would have been Georgia's advantage had it been full strength, some of those players (Nariashvili, Belkania, Z Maisuradze, Chitidze) would struggle to get into a Georgian 30 man World Cup squad if picked right now, never mind the first choice starting lineup

the difference between Kakovin to Nariashvili, Natriashvili to Belkania (who apparently was crap against Ukraine), Berishvili to Kolelishvili, Maisuradze to Gorgodze is too big to make up, Zirakashvili is the only regular Top 14 player left in the squad, I think this could be a similar game to the one in the Churchill Cup in 2009 where a poor Georgian side similar to this one lost 42-10

the fans on the Georgian forum are very pessimistic now

1: fourth choice (Mikheil Nariashvili)
2: fourth choice (Revaz Belkania)
3: first choice (Davit Zirakashvili)
4: second choice (Vakhtang Maisuradze)
5: third choice (Davit Chitidze)
6: first choice (Giorgi Chkhaidze)
7: second choice (Givi Berishvili)
8: third choice (Zviad Maisuradze)

Georgian revised squad for North American tour

Loosehead Prop: Mikheil Nariashvili, Irakli Mirtskhulava
Missing: Vasil Kakovin (Toulouse), Davit Khinchagishvili (Brive), Anton Peikrishvili (Castres), Goderdzi Shvelidze (Brive)

Hooker: Rezo Belkania, Shalva Mamukashvili
Missing: Jaba Bregvadze (Toulouse), Irakli Natriashvili (Brive), Akvsenti Giorgadze (Toulouse)

Tighthead Prop: Davit Zirakashvili, Levan Chilachava
Missing: Giorgi Jgenti (Montpellier), Davit Kubriashvili (Toulon), Beka Sheklashvili (Dax)

Lock: Vakhtang Maisuradze, Giorgi Chkhaidze, Davit Chitidze
Missing: Levan Datunashvili (Aurillac), Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes)

Flanker: Beka Bitsadze, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Givi Berishvili, Grigol Labadze
Missing: Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy), Vito Kolelishvili (Clermont)

Number 8: Zviad Maisuradze
Missing: Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier), Dimitri Basilaia (Edinburgh)

Scrum Half: Irakli Abuseridze, Giorgi Begadze, Bidzina Samkharadze

Fly Half: Merab Kvirikashvili, Lasha Khmaladze, Lasha Malaghuradze

Centre: Davit Kacharava, Tedo Zibzibadze, Merab Sharikadze

Wing: Irakli Machkhaneli, Lexo Gugava, Sandro Todua

Full Back: Irakli Kiasashvili, Beka Tsiklauri
Missing: Giorgi Skhinin

Players withdrawn from original squad: Akvsenti Giorgadze, Beka Sheklashvili, Bachuki Gujaraidze, Shalva Sutiashvili, Dimitri Basilaia
Players added to the squad: Grigol Labadze (out of retirement)

[Toko_11]

I understand all the youth development and need for depth. but this is too much. GRU should also consider that rugby fans are waiting for these games whole year and maybe they should at least consider calling a stronger squad. I know for sure that at least several ProD2 and Top14 Players were available. they could have gathered at least 3rd choice team instead of this Z side. no disrespect to any of these players I know they will try their best to represent the country and as a fellow young rugger I'm happy for them, but seriously what are the odds of winning away with this kind of squad.

[psychic duck]

I understand all the youth development and need for depth. but this is too much. GRU should also consider that rugby fans are waiting for these games whole year and maybe they should at least consider calling a stronger squad. I know for sure that at least several ProD2 and Top14 Players were available. they could have gathered at least 3rd choice team instead of this Z side. no disrespect to any of these players I know they will try their best to represent the country and as a fellow young rugger I'm happy for them, but seriously what are the odds of winning away with this kind of squad.

yes, a squad like this is acceptable (although not preferable) against Ukraine, but will lose easily to USA or Canada away, I don't know what the GRU are thinking, they need wins in matches like this to help add to their cause for some Tier 1 matches, but losing by around 30 points to USA or Canada isn't going to help and the Tier 1 nations aren't going to be looking at the players missing when they see Georgia's results

Fiji, Samoa, Tonga all have the same problem for internationals against each other, and other Tier 2 nations

the ones who don't seem to suffer so much is Canada (only lose Cudmore), USA (seem to get Ngwenya, Wyles, Clever available) and Japan (all players Japanese based)

[Little Guy]

Even though this raises Canada's chances of winning, it dissapoints me that Georgia weren't able to bring over their first and second choice players in so many positions. I was hoping this game would be valuble to the Canadian forwards in learning how to handle themselves against an opponent that is superior in the set pieces. Now it looks like Canada will actually have a bit of an advantage up front, thankfully the Georgian backs are first choice which should keep Canada from running riot.

There could be the scenario that Canada might take this oppourtunity to put more of the younger guys out on the field though, which could keep this game close. Canada has a few people hurt which has meant some third choicers on the bench, if Crowley starts them it might not be a cake walk for Canada, especially for the first 40-60 minutes.

@Toko and Psychic, is this a case of the Top 14 not wanting to release players or was this the choice of the coach and selectors to field a younger side? As you said Psychic the only player that Canada consistently has trouble getting is Cudmore although Josh Jackson has been hard to access at times as well.

[ZeFrenchy]

20 year old Georgian prop Zurhab Zhvania was signed by Stade Français. Unlikely to get a lot of gametime this season, though. Have you guys seen him play?

[psychic duck]

20 year old Georgian prop Zurhab Zhvania was signed by Stade Français. Unlikely to get a lot of gametime this season, though. Have you guys seen him play?

he was the standout Georgian loosehead prop in the Georgian domestic league, and Junior U20 World Trophy for Georgia U20 in 2011

he has actually been in the Stade Espoirs squad over this past season, and has now been promoted to a full contract I believe

[Toko_11]

@Toko and Psychic, is this a case of the Top 14 not wanting to release players or was this the choice of the coach and selectors to field a younger side? As you said Psychic the only player that Canada consistently has trouble getting is Cudmore although Josh Jackson has been hard to access at times as well.

Little bit of both. several players were not released as usual. Gorgodze was picked up by barbarians. but there were few available players who usually would be 2nd choice for the team. coaches and GRU however decided that instead of calling those 2nd choice aged players(who have no chance of playing in the WC 2015) they should turn their focus on the players who have a chance of going to England. but we(me, psychic and the fans) are disappointed because we want to see good ruby more than once a year or every four years. I've been waiting for this tour since the world cup for gods sake!

Yes I saw Zurhab Zhvania on JWRT in Georgia. he looked really promising and was picked up by Stade Francis shortly after the tournament. Future Kubriashvili I hope

[psychic duck]

the GRU president has apparently said that boosting Georgia up the rankings isn't important and what is important is to test new players.

Which is okay against Ukraine, but against Canada and USA there should be the strongest.

How come Gorgodze plays Barbarians and misses Georgia?

not that I blame him though, as it will be a rare opportunity for him to play against the top level teams internationally

[Toko_11]

How come Gorgodze plays Barbarians and misses Georgia?

not that I blame him though, as it will be a rare opportunity for him to play against the top level teams internationally

I think right now Gorgodze playing for Barbarians is just as important for Georgian rugby as him playing against Canada and the US. Georgian barbarians are creating history which in rugby is also important.

[psychic duck]

Georgian team to play the USA

1. Mikheil Nariashvili
2. Revaz Belkania
3. Davit Zirakashvili
4. Beka Bitsadze
5. Vakhtang Maisuradze
6. Grigol Labadze
7. Givi Berishvili
8. Giorgi Chkhaidze
9. Irakli Abuseridze
10. Merab Kvirikashvili
11. Sandro Todua
12. Merab Sharikadze
13. Davit Kacharava
14. Irakli Machkhaneli
15. Lasha Khmaladze

16. Shalva Mamukashvili
17. Irakli Mirtskhulava
18. Zviad Maisuradze
19. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili
20. Giorgi Begadze
21. Lasha Malaghuradze
22. Irakli Kiasashvili

[Melhor Time]

Georgian team to play the USA

1. Mikheil Nariashvili
2. Revaz Belkania
3. Davit Zirakashvili
4. Beka Bitsadze
5. Vakhtang Maisuradze
6. Grigol Labadze
7. Givi Berishvili
8. Giorgi Chkhaidze
9. Irakli Abuseridze
10. Merab Kvirikashvili
11. Sandro Todua
12. Merab Sharikadze
13. Davit Kacharava
14. Irakli Machkhaneli
15. Lasha Khmaladze

16. Shalva Mamukashvili
17. Irakli Mirtskhulava
18. Zviad Maisuradze
19. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili
20. Giorgi Begadze
21. Lasha Malaghuradze
22. Irakli Kiasashvili

Could you name the clubs for each player by chance?

[Toko_11]

Dimitry Basilaia will make his debut for Edinburgh against Newcastle Falcons today....

[Fabrizio Borgione]

Hi to everybody.

I am the editor of www.rugbyarchive.net, a new site that shows every information about history, current season, honour list and so on of every professional and semipro competition and team in major rugby country.

I would like to show also data from georgian tournament, but i can't find much about it on the net.
Can anyone help me?

Thank You.

Ciao

[Toko_11]

Hi to everybody.

I am the editor of www.rugbyarchive.net, a new site that shows every information about history, current season, honour list and so on of every professional and semipro competition and team in major rugby country.

I would like to show also data from georgian tournament, but i can't find much about it on the net.
Can anyone help me?

Thank You.

Ciao

Rugby.ge there is a link that says history. that's the best i can get after 5 minutes of research if that's not enough i'll try to find something else later... or direct you to people who know

[Fabrizio Borgione]

Georgian Top League and Spring Tournament are on line.
Now I am working on Romania.

Ciao

[psychic duck]

Georgian Top League and Spring Tournament are on line.
Now I am working on Romania.

Ciao

Here are the resukts for this year's Romanian Super Liga, doesn't go any further back though.

http://www.scoresway.com/?sport=rugby&page=round&id=923

[Fabrizio Borgione]

Thank you anyway.

Ciao

[Jason_1977]

Georgia was the only team we beat this summer. Coming up in November the US plays Tonga, Russia, and Romania. We lost to Canada and Italy. LOL, We had 2 red cards in the game against Italy losing 30:10. In the meantime, I'll watch the Springboks play the All Blacks & whatever happens in the currie cup. Not much rugby in the United States unless you watch amateur or college rugby, lol.

[Croket66]

Pro georgians players (Top14/ProD2/RaboDirectPro12) this season :

Loosehead props

• Vasil Kakovin (Stade Toulousain, Top14, France)
• Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier HRC, Top14, France)
• Zurab Zhvania (Stade Français, Top14, France)
• Anton Peikrisvhili (Castres Olympique, Top14, France)
• Davit Khinchagishvili (CA Brive, ProD2, France)
• Goderzi Svhelidze (CA Brive, ProD2, France)
• Karlen Asieshvili (Stade Aurillacois, ProD2, France)

• Guram Kavtidze (Lyon OU, ProD2, France)
• David Dadunashvili (Tarbes PR, ProD2, France)
• Giorgi Tetrasvhili (SC Albi, ProD2, France)

Hookers

• Irakli Natriashvili (CA Brive, ProD2, France)
• Vakhtang Akhobadze (SC Albi, ProD2, France)

Tighthead props

• Davit Zirakashvili (ASM Clermont, Top14, France)
• Davit Kubriashvili (RC Toulon, Top14, France)
• Giorgi Jgenti (Montpellier HRC, Top14, France)
• Levan Chilachava (RC Toulon, Top14, France)
• Beka Sheklashvili (AS Béziers, ProD2, France)
• Giorgi Natsarashvili (Stade Aurillacois, ProD2, France)
• David Ashvetia (RC Massy, ProD2, France)
• Tariel Ratianidze (US Dax, ProD2, France)
• Irakli Mirtsukulava (Tarbes PR, ProD2, France)
• Kakhaber Koberidze (SC Albi, ProD2, France)

Locks

• Konstantin Mikautadze (RC Toulon, Top14, France)
• Levan Datunashvili (Stade Aurillacois, ProD2, France)
• Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes PR, ProD2, France)
• Vakhtang Maisuradze (SC Albi, ProD2, France)

Back row

• Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier HRC, Top14, France)
• Dimitri Basiliaia (Edinburgh Rugby, RaboPro12, Scotland)
• Vito Kolelishvili (ASM Clermont, Top14, France)
• Giorgi Chkhaidze (Tarbes PR, ProD2, France)
• Shalva Sutiashvili (RC Massy, ProD2, France)

Scrum-halves

Fly-halves

Centres

Wings

• Sandro Todua (SC Albi, ProD2, France)

Fullbacks

[Croket66]

Tamaz Mchedlidze (Mont-de-Marsan, centre, born in 1993) played his first Amlin Cup game yesterday against Gloucester

[Croket66]

A message from Fira Forum

Everybody WILL come,
players do NOT care any more for clubs shenanigans


Otherwise their test careers will be put to an END,
as they were told by the Union


+ Tana Umaga will act as backline adviser

[psychic duck]

Big name signing for the coaching team as he was a great player. But is he a great coach?

Can any New Zealanders comment on the work Tana Umaga has done with Counties Manukau these last couple of years, and whether he's rated highly as a coach in New Zealand.

I expect with his reputation as a player he will be asking for a decent wage for this little advisory role with the side, hopefully his coaching ability can match his playing ability.

[Croket66]

A possible team to face Fiji and Japan :
1.Vasil Kakovin (Stade Toulousain)
2.Irakli Natriashvili (CA Brive)
3.Giorgi Jgenti (Montpellier HRC)
4.Konstantin Mikautadze (RC Toulon)
5.Levan Datunashvili (Stade Aurillacois)
6.Vito Kolelishvili (ASM Clermont)
7.Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier HRC)
8.Dimitri Basilaia (Edinburgh Rugby)
9.Merab Kvirikashvili (AS St Junien)
10.Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Tbilissi)
11.Merab Sharikadze (Hartpury College RFC)
12.Tamaz Mchedlidze (Stade Montois)
13.Tedo Zibzibadze (CA Périgueux)
14.Sandro Todua (SC Albi)
15.Beka Urjukashvili (SC Aubenas)

6 Top14 players, 1 RaboDirectPro12 player, 3 ProD2 players, 3 Federale1 players, 1 BUCS player, 1 georgian championship player