VIBE
Before the truly brilliant and surprising result of the match between the Brave Blossoms v Springboks, this was the first ‘surprise’ of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Most punters expected Tonga to take this match, but a massive effort from Georgia saw them making more than 210 tackles to the Tongans 48, and it was this defensive effort that saw them victorious. Tonga had two tries disallowed (one in the shadow of half time and another in the second half) that certainly impacted their psyche and the Georgians finished the match with only 14 men as full-back Merab Kvirikashvili was binned.
This was only the third win by Georgia at a World Cup (1 in 2007 and 1 in 2011), but it is on the back of five straight wins of the European Nations Cup (winning 7 years from 8). The deft hand of Kiwi coach Milton Haig has been guiding the Lelos for four years now, and their set piece has been a focus. The Georgian forwards should be bloody proud of themselves.
SCORE
10-17
(3-10 at half time)
INCIDENTS OF NOTE
Tonga’s two disallowed tries hurt them, but physically they couldn’t match it with the Georgian scrum.
FEAST YOUR EYES
A gorgeous forwards try by Man of the Match and Georgian captain Mamuka Gorgodze saw him crash over near the posts.
SHOULD I BOTHER WATCHING IT?
Pool C in the Rugby World Cup looks to be a lock for New Zealand and Argentina, but this match delivered some fantastic scrums, particularly from Georgia, so if watching two packs leaving nothing out there, make the time (after watching SA v JAP of course!). Georgia v Argentina will be an interesting match of the packs.
