Georgian national rugby union team, winner of European “Nations Cup”, will hold a match against Russian team in Sochi on March 19. Georgians will try to continue tradition of beating them. In spite of that, “The Lelos” has already won the title one round earlier before the end of the tournament they are not going to relax. Georgians visited Russia with two goals - to make fans happy and to end up “Nations Cup” 2011 with “Grad Slam” (winning all matches).

Richard Dixon, head coach of the team, did not change the main staff. He substituted only one rugby player. Giorgi Chkhaidze will play instead of injured veteran Gia Labadze. There changed were made in reserve team. Vasil Kakovin will try to strengthen the attack line instead of Giorgi Jgenti. Vito Kolelishvili will have a chance to show himself in the third line and young Beka Urjukashvili will play instead of Irakli Chkhikvadze.

Georgian national rugby union team left for Sochi on Friday. Before that, the team and management of Georgian Rugby Union held a press conference at “Courtyard Marriott” hotel.

Richard Dixon (head coach of Georgian national rugby union team): “Before the start of “Nations Cup”, we had decided to win all matches of this year. As we have won all matches and this last one is left, our desire has strengthened more. We tested new players and they played perfectly. Everyone knows well what it means to play in the name of homeland. It is important to play well in the last match and to achieve success this way. We have watched videos of Russians’ matches. We know their advantages and disadvantages. Previous matches showed that Georgian team plays better in defense than in attack. We will try to balance playing in defense and in attack. After the match against Russians, Michael Bradley and I will arrive in England and will attend the match of Georgian A team. It is important for them to know that coaches of the national team are watching them. We should select 30 best rugby players for World Cup and everyone will have a chance. After Bucharest tournament, we will make the list of those players who will leave for New Zealand”.

Irakli Abuseridze (captain of Georgian national team): “We all know importance of this match and we will do our best on the field. A lot of fans attended the match against Romania and it helped us to achieve victory. Before that, stadium was crowded when we played against Russians and I am happy that the situation has changed. I hope that fans will support us again”.

Davit Zirakashvili (firstliner of Georgian team): “No one should think that we have already won the match against Russia. I hope that we will prove our strength on the field and will make fans happy”.

After the end of the press conference, “Sevens” Company sang anthem of rugby players. Georgian national rugby union team and “Sevens” started collaboration at World Cup 2007 in France and this tradition still works. Now, they signed memorandum. “Badagoni” Company supports “The Lelos”. The company made special wine for them. We hope that Georgian team will gain victory in Sochi and will celebrate it with “Badagoni” wine. Priest Ilia blessed Georgian team and wished all members health and success.

European “Nations Cup” 2011-2012. V round

March 19, Sochi

Russia– Georgia (16:00)

Georgia: 15. Besik Khamashuridze (“Aia”, Kutaisi, 57 caps, 70 points), 14. Irakli Machkhaneli (“Macon”, France, 47, 85), 13. Davit Kacharava (“Nice”, France, 42, 55), 12. Tedo Zibzibadze (“Perigueux”, France, 55, 75), 11. Lekso Gugava (“Lelo”, Tbilisi, 19, 20), Merab Kvirikashvili (“Figeac”, France, 51, 253), 9. Irakli Abuseridze (“Auxerre”, France, 71, 35), 1. Davit Khinchagishvili (“Brive”, France, 34, 15), 2. Jaba Bregvadze (“Army”, Gori, 11, 0), 3. Davit Zirakashvili (“Clermont”, France, 27, 35), 4. Levan Datunashvili (“Figeac”, France, 41, 10), 5. Vakhtang Maisuradze (“Saint Nazaire”, France, 4, 0), 6. Giorgi Chkhaidze (“Montpellier”, France, 47, 30), 7. Shalva Sutiashvili (“Massy”, France, 19, 5), 8. Mamuka Gorgodze (“Montpellier”, France, 36, 90).

Reserves: 16. Irakli Natriashvili (“Steaua”, Romania, 32, 20), 17. Vasil Kakovin (“Brive”, France, 11, 0), 18. Giorgi Nemsadze (“Montauban”, France, 18, 25), 19. Vito Kolelishvili (“Clermont”, France, 6, 5),  20. Bidzina Samkharadze (“Steaua”, Romania, 54, 25), 21. Beka Urjukashvili (“Figeac”, France, 3, 10), 22. Lasha Malaguradze (“Beziers”, France, 30, 100).

Head coach: Richard Dixon (Scotland)

Romania– Spain

Portugal- Ukraine

Ukraine - Romania (postponed)

 

Zura Ksovreli