The Georgian national rugby union team will start three-match test-matches at 16:30 Tbilisi time tomorrow. Canada is the first opponent of “The Lelos” – the team which gained a right to play at World Cup 2015.
The Canadians won the qualifying round of North America. They will play France, Ireland, Italy and the second-placed team of European “Nations Cup” in the group round in England. The Canadians may be our opponent at World Cup. Before that, we will hold the fourth match against No.1 team of America.
The first match between us and “Maple Leafs” was held at “Churchill Cup” in 2009. We lost that match 42:10. However, the Georgians took revenge when the Canadians visited us to hold a test-game in 2010. “The Lelos” defeated Canada 22:15 on the “National”. In 2012 Georgia visited Canada and lost 31:12.
The Georgian national team will not play tomorrow’s match with optimal staff. It is caused by injuries and the opponent team also has such problems. So, the both teams are in the same conditions.
There is some news in Georgian rugby. The first important news is that the Georgian national team will return to the “National” for the first time since 2010. Now this stadium is called “Dinamo” Arena”. It is worth mentioning that the last time the Georgian rugby players played on the “National” was three years ago, against Canada and the USA. We beat the both opponents then. Hopefully, a lot of spectators will come to the stadium. Ticket price is 3 and 1 GEL. The tickets have different design – 4-page and it includes the match program as well.
The second and important news is that the Georgian national team has new uniforms. British company ZAR-X became a technical sponsor of “The Lelos”. Hopefully, their uniform will bring us victory. New caps were also presented at the press conference. The caps are dark red, golden and white. They will be given to the rugby players according to their numbers of the held matches. The white cap will be given to that player who has held more than 100 matches. We do not have such player yet.
Merab Kvirikashvili will hold the 70th match in the national team. Tedo Zibzibadze who is a substitute will play for the 70th time in the national team. Irakli Machkhaneli, Davit Kacharava and Giorgi Chkhaidze have held more than 60 matches. Tamaz Mchedlidze has held 8 matches. Levan Chilachava, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili and Vazha Khutsishvili have not held even 10 matches yet.
One day before the match Milton Haig, head coach of the Georgian national team, and captain Irakli Machkhaneli answered the questions of journalists at the press conference.
Milton Haig: “It does not matter where the coach is from. The most important is that to have the same attitude toward rugby. Michael Bradley, Didier Bassy, two Ilos and I do not have problem. I know Michael Bradley well. I have played against him. We invited Didier Bassy by the recommendations of the experienced rugby players who play in France. He did a lot for the boys in this short period.
Before the match we had a short preparation period. The Canadians held a good match last Saturday. If we carry out instructions, we will have a good result. Our goal is to show good rugby in the next three matches”.
Irakli Machkhaneli: “I can say that we had a good preparation period. Canada is a quick team and this match will show our level. Besides that, the Canadians are physically strong. We found some weaknesses and let us see how we will use them”.
People started playing rugby in Canada in 1864. The national team held the first match in 1932. It became a member of International Rugby Board in 1987. The Canadians play at all World Cups. In 1991 “Maple Leafs” made through to ¼ final. It is in the 12th place among 25 countries. In 2006 Canada beat Barbados with the biggest difference (71:3). In 2004 the Canadians lost to England 0:70.
Nowadays, the Canadians are in the 14th place on world ranking. Captain Tyler Ardron and manager Gareth Rees made accent on the ranking importance before the upcoming match.
Gareth Rees: “We will face a very important match. The Georgian national team is physically strong. We are very close to each other in the world ranking. Unfortunately, captain Aaron Carpenter is injured and will not be able to help us. He is like Mamuka Gorgodze for us. We like the play of the Georgian national team but it does not matter if it will be our opponent at World Cup or not”.
Tyler Ardron: “Our tactic worked in the previous match but we made a lot of mistakes and that is why we lost. Hopefully, we will not make so many mistakes this time. We are expecting a very interesting and tough match”.
9 November. 16:30
Tbilisi. “Dinamo Arena”. Test-match
Georgia – Canada
Georgia: 15. Merab Kvirikashvili (“Vienne”, France), 14. Irakli Machkhaneli (“Armazi”, Tbilisi, cap.), 13. Davit Kacharava (“Yenisey”, Russia), 12. Merab Sharikadze (“Bourg-en-Bresse”, France), 11. Tamaz Mchedlidze (“Bourg-en-Bresse”, France), 10. Lasha Khmaladze (“Lelo”, Tbilisi), 9. Giorgi Begadze (“Kochebi”, Bolnisi); 1. Mikheil Nariashvili (“Montpellier”, France), 2. Shalva Mamukashvili (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 3. Davit Kubriashvili (“Stade Francais”, France), 4. Konstantine Mikautadze (“Toulonnais”, France), 5. Levan Datunashvili (“Aurillac”, France), 6. Viktor Kolelishvili (“Lyon”, France), 7. Mamuka Gorgodze (“Montpellier”, France), 8. Giorgi Chkhaidze (“Tarbes”, France).
Substitutes: 16. Simon Maisuradze (“Bagnerais”, France), 17. Davit Khinchigashvili (“Racing Metro”, France), 18. Levan Chilachava (“Toulonnais”, France), 19. Shalva Sutiashvili (“Massy”, France), 20. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 21. Vazha Khutsishvili (“Kharebi”, Rustavi), 22. Tedo Zibzibadze (“Perigueux”, France), 23. Beka Tsiklauri (“Lokomotiv”, Tbilisi).
Head coach: Milton Haig (New Zealand)
Coaches: Ilia Maisuradze, Ilia Zedginidze, Michael Bradley (Ireland), Didier Bassy (France)
Canada: 15. Matt Evans, 14. Jeff Hassler, 13. Conor Trainor, 12. Harry Jones, 11. Phil Mackenzie, 10. Liam Underwood, 9. Phil Mack; 1. Hubert Buydens, 2. Ray Barkwill, 3. Andrew Tiedemann, 4. Jon Phelan, 5. Brett Buekeboom, 6. Jebb Sinclair, 7. John Moonlight, 8. Tyler Ardron (cap.)
Substitutes: 16. Jake Illnicki, 17. Djustice Sears-Duru, 18. Benoit Piffero, 19. Tyler Hotson, 20. Adam Kleeberger, 21. Jamie Mackenzie, 22. Nick Blevins, 23. James Pritchard.
Head coach: Kieran Crowley (New Zealand)
Referee: Lawrence Van Der Merwe (South Africa)
Linesman: Dudley Phillips (Ireland), Vlad Iordacheschu (Romania)
Zura Ksovreli
