Irish opponents Georgia reveal 30-man RWC squad

GEORGIA, one of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup Group D opponents, have named their squad.

Irish opponents Georgia reveal 30-man RWC squad

Coach Malkhaz Tcheishvili has chosen an experienced 30-man selection for the tournament, with 13 veterans of Georgia’s first appearance on the biggest stage of all in Australia four years ago.

Among these returnees is captain Ilia Zedginidze, who retains the role he occupied at RWC 2003, with Pavle Jimsheladze, Malkhaz Urjukashvili, Akvsenti Giorgadze and Besiki Khamashuridze others that also boast more than 40 caps for Georgia.

Georgia failed to record a victory on their World Cup debut, although they did win the hearts of the Australian public with their determination and their solitary try — against 1995 champions South Africa — produced one of the biggest cheers.

Their opening match is against Argentina in Lyon on September 11 and face Eddie O’Sullivan’s side four days later in Bordeaux.

The Lelos will be targeting their third match against Namibia in Lens on September 26 as their best chance for that first World Cup victory. Georgia won the only previous meeting between the sides 26-18 at the IRB Nations Cup in Romania back in June.

Georgia have again been preparing for the World Cup in France, where many of their squad play their rugby, and have played three friendly matches against clubs over the last 10 days, with defeats against RC Auch and Agen (twice).

GEORGIA SQUAD:

Forwards: G Shvelidze, A Kopaliani, M Magrakvelidze, D Khinchagashvili, D Zirakashvili, A Giorgadze, I Zedginidze (Captain), V Didebulidze, M Gorgodze, L Datunashvili, G Labadze, B Udesian, R Urushadze, G Chkhkaidze, Z Maisuradze, I Maisuradze.

Backs: P Jimsheladze, O Barkalaia, M Kvirikashvili, B Khamashuridze, I Machkhaneli, G Shkinin, G Elizbarashvili, O Eloshvili, M Urjukashvili, I Giorgadze, D Kacharava, R Guigauri, I Abuseridze, B Samkharadze.

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