Georgian national rugby team hosts Japan on November 23, Saint George’s day, at “Mikheil Meskhi” stadium.
Milton Haig: “Some players missed the November test-series, some of them injured at the games, but I will say once again that this is a chance for others. They have to show themselves and prove that they are worthy of going to the World Cup. Japan is a strong competitor and playing against them is a great honor for us.
A week ago, in the first half of the match against Ireland, we showed a very good defense, but in the second half, we have made mistakes. As for the referee, he missed many things and the number of tries was due to this fact.
In order to win the tomorrow’s match, we have to follow discipline, right tactic and speed. We have everything to leave the field as winners. As for physical training and endurance, in the match against Tonga and Ireland, the opponent had the ball more, we had to play in defense. I have said many times before that many players have to improve physical conditions.
In comparison with the previous match, there are some changes in the composition. In the last two meetings, Begadze played good under No.9, but now we have to give a chance to Khutsishvili. Lasha Lomidze starts playing under No.8. Now, he has to prove that he is worthy of being among those players who will go at World Cup.
It will be difficult to beat Japan. They are good at fastness, mauls, rucks and in short, in all components.
Winning the last meeting of the year is very important and we will do our best “.
November 23. Sunday
Tbilisi. “Mikheil Meskhi”. 17:00
Georgia - Japan
Georgia: 15. Merab Kvirikashvili, 14. Sandro Todua, 13. Davit Kacharava, 12. Merab Sharikadze, 11. Tamaz Mchedlidze, 10. Lasha Khmaladze, 9. Vazha Khutsishvili, 1. Mikheil Nariashvili, 2. Shalva Mamukashvili, 3. Davit Kubriashvili, 4. Giorgi Nemsadze, 5. Levan Datunashvili, 6. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 7. Vito Kolelishvili, 8. Lasha Lomidze.
Substitutes: 16. Simon Maisuradze, 17. Zurab Zhvania, 18. Levan Chilachava, 19. Kote Mikautadze, 20. Giorgi Chkhaidze, 21. Giorgi Begadze, 22. Beka Tsiklauri, 23. Giorgi Aptsiauri.
Head coach: Milton Haig
