Georgia’s coach rings 11 changes

GEORGIA head coach Malkhaz Cheishvili has made 11 changes to the side that bravely went down to Argentina for tomorrow’s Pool D game against Ireland at Stade Chaban-Delmas Stadium in Bordeaux.

Second-rowers Ilia Zedginidze and Mamuka Gorgodze are retained as well as number eight Giorgi Chkhaidze and out-half Merab Kvirikashvili.

Georgia, who tired towards the end of their 33-3 defeat to Los Pumas, will certainly be fresher when they face Eddie O’Sullivan’s side, and look set to mix it in the physical stakes with Ireland’s pack.

Cheishvili’s decision to name a much-changed side appears sensible and tactical, and there’s every chance the Georgians will want to play a physical, up-front game against the Irish.

It was thought that fielding the same XV in two matches in a five-day period would be asking too much of the side that matched the Pumas up front for long periods on Tuesday night.

Georgia stunned the pool leaders with a show of brute physical force and raw aggression and only trailed the South Americans 6-3 at half-time.

The Lelos will prove a handful for the Irish pack, with their strength lying in their tight five and in Chkhaidze. Kvirikashvili prefers to play a kicking game and will aim to pin the Irish inside their own half.

Another great strength they possess is team spirit, according to hooker Goderdzi Shvelidze.

“Our biggest strength is our friendship. We are one family, we have played together for years — that’s our greatest strength.”

Georgia have yet to record a Rugby World Cup victory.