Georgia’s Coach Wary Of Tonga
The Georgia rugby side are expecting a tough game against Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup opener at the ANZ Stadium, Suva at 1pm today.
Speaking to SUNsports yesterday, Georgia head coach Milton Haig said their participation is one way of preparing for next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The Georgians are in the same pool with the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians at the 2019 RWC.
“We are looking forward to take on Tonga tomorrow and we know how hard Tonga will be,” he said.
“We have played them two years ago and also at the world cup. It will be a good battle because both teams are closely ranked to each other in the World Rugby rankings.
“It is going to be a tough game but it will only depend on who will get it at the end of the day.
“This is the best side that we can put in the field for Tonga. Next week it will be different we will be having three players coming back from injuries and we are pleased with their recovery.”
Haig pointed out the players that take on the field today have already represented Georgia.
“It’s going to be different side against Fiji but first we will be taking Tonga tomorrow and we are focusing on that.
“We always look at improving and making sure that we can make every little things right as we look forward to the world cup.”
Georgia- 15. Soso Matiashvili, 14. Anzor Sitchinaya, 13 Davit Katcharava, 12 Giorgi Kveseladze, 11 Sandro Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Mikheil Gachechiladze, 7 Otar Giorgadze, 6 Shalva Sutiashvili, 5 Nodar Tcheishvili, 4 Giorgi Nemsadze [c), 3 Levan Chilachava, 2 Shalva Mamukashvili, 1 Kakha Asieshvili
Bench: 16 Jaba Bregvadze, 17 Giorgi Tetrashvili, 18 Irakli Mirtskhulava, 19 Kote Mikautadze, 20 Saba Shubitidze, 21 Giorgi Begadze, 22 Lasha Malaghuradze, 23 Merab Kvirikashvili
Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Graham Cooper (Australia), Cam Stone (New Zealand)
Television match official: Ian Smith (Australia)
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
Feedback: nikolau.ravai@fijisun.com.fj
