Georgia are a couple of places behind Italy and Japan on the World Rankings and seem a bit stronger than Namibia. I think they could potentially be competitive in the first half of this match. Must admit, I know zero about them other than rankings, results and numbers. But the Tongans should have far too much slickness and prowess on attack. I think the important thing for Georgia is not to become too rattled by Tonga's physicality and big hits. I have no idea what Georgia's strengths are, but logic tells me they probably should just try to shift the ball quickly and not get into a wrestling/physical contest with Tonga.
Georgia should try and close down some of the main threats. Fetu'u Vainikolo - haven't seen him play in awhile, but he was lethal in speed when he played Super rugby a few years ago. Bagged 4 tries in the Pacific Nations Cup. Likewise, Sonatane Takulua at scrumhalf seems to have done well in recent tests for Tonga. Does anyone know if Sona Taumalolo is still at his best? He could potentially run riot.
I guess Tonga's challenge will be to not take their opposition too lightly, don't get lazy and play to their strengths/game plan. Make sure they play the way Tonga wants to play and utilize that talented backline. Tonga placed 3rd in the PC and struggled against Japan, so there is some hope for Georgia. But I think the men in red will run away with it in the second half.
The forwards pack is strong.
Both props are probably the best Top14 players at their spots and their backup are also strong. Asieshvili is a regular starter with Brive and Chilachava overtook Castrogiovanni at tighthead at Toulon
At hooker Bregvadze played for Toulouse between 2012 and 2014 but had a sick neck injured and was back to Georgia. After more than one year of recovery he is back. Mamukashvili on the bench played for Sale Sharks last season but was also injured in February and was just back for warm up games. I hope both will be in full fit.
Locks : At 24, Mikautadze (the tallest and heaviest player in the squad) is each year more important in the Toulon squad. Last season he played 12 Top14 games and 1 Champions Cup game and also played for Barbarians against Ireland. Nemsadze plays in ProD2, he is a strong ball carrier and very important player in rucks. Datunashvili, vice-captain of Aurillac (ProD2) is on the bench.
The backrow is very rough with Tkhilaishvili at blinside, Clermont's openside Viktor Kolelishvili, superstar Mamuka Gorgodze from Toulon at number8 and Shalva Sutiashvili on the bench. Tkhilaishvili is a very good defender despite his small size (1,79cm), he was on trial for Leicester last november and according to the national team coach, "they loved him, but his English just wasn’t quite there yet". Kolelishvili is a very robust both in attack and defense but he is very undisciplined (5 yellow cards and 2 red cards - more than any RWC player - in only 32 caps). Gorgodze is a HUGE ball carrier and the key player of the team while Sutiashvili is a leader (captained the team last 6 Nations B).
Scrumhalf Vasil Lobzhanidze is only 18 years old and is already the first choice in the team. He will become the younger RWC player ever. His backup, Begadze is more experienced (36 caps).
Flyhalf Lasha Malaguradze plays in french third division. Khmaladze, usual first choice, is injured. Malaguradze tactical kicks are accurate but he is not a great attacker.
At centre, Sharikadze (22) is the regular starter since he is 18. He played in England for Hartpury College and Gloucester U19 and now plays in ProD2 since 2 seasons. Probably the most talented georgian back ever, also a strong defender (22 tackles last november against Ireland). His teammate Davit Kacharava plays in Russia and will play the Challenge Cup next year with his side Enisey-STM. Experienced with 81 caps, he is a very good defender who won a lot of turnovers
Wingers are young. Giorgi Aptsiauri born 1994 is promising but unexperienced. Mchedlidze (can also plays centre) plays for Agen, promoted in Top14 this year. Born 1993, 1m95 for 110kg he is powerfull but he lacks skills. 2 wingers are on the bench. Muraz Giorgadze and Giorgi Pruidze, both born 1994.
Fullback Merab Kvirikashvili is the most experienced player of the team. With 85 caps he will play his 4th RWC. He is totally irregular, sometimes catastrophic, sometimes genius. He is the goalkicker of the team (and holds Georgian top pts scorer record) but he can in the same game score a 55m penalty and miss a 22m kick in front of the posts
do you think Georgia are capable of keeping the score within 12? (Assuming you don't think an upset will happen). I Must admit I haven't seen Tonga play in a long time but I'm not sure if they're at their best right now. They definitely have some individual fire power in the backs though. I predict that opportunities will pay dividends and things start going right for them in the 2nd half.
