Rugby Match Result: Georgia 28, Romania 23

14.03.2009
Georgia 28, Romania 23 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1, Antim Cup)

Reviews
I predicted Georgia would win easily but Romania fought well and led for much of the first half before Georgia dominated the second half.

Georgia led 15-13 at halftime after Romania led for most of the first half. Four yellow cards dished out in that first half so it was obviously hard-fought and somewhat edgy. In the second half Georgia extended their lead to 22-13, then 28-16 with Romania scoring a converted try against a sleepy Georgian defense right on full time (Thanks to 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3040&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30)

From comments coming from FIRA-AER forum it looks like Georgia dominated scrums and lineouts and were able to gain territorial advantage especially in the second half. Romania on the other hand made too many errors and are missing many highly experienced France club-based players.

What do you think?

Preview
Georgia remains undefeated in this division as does Russia. The Georgians gave a most impressive display two weeks ago to defeat Spain 55-11 away. The pressure will be on them to repeat such a display in front of their home crowd.

Romania lost to Russia 19-28 two weeks ago and are still struggling to lift their game to pre 2007 Rugby World Cup standards. Romania has used a number of new home-based players since 2007 largely ignoring the large number of France-based players. The building process continues but today they must defeat Georgia or they face the possibility of an exit from the World Cup qualifying process.

Last Five Encounters
09.07.2008 Georgia 22-7 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
03.02.2007 Georgia 20-17 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
07.10.2006 Romania 20-8 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5, Pool B)
25.02.2006 Romania 35-10 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
12.03.2005 Georgia 20-13 in Tblissi (ENC 1)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Georgia 15th, Romania 18th
Europe Table- Georgia 7th, Romania 10th No Changes

Teams


Image thanks to irb.com

Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili (Massy, France)
14 Irakli Machkhaneli (Agen, France)
13 David Katcharava (Enisei STM, Russia)
12 Tedo Zibzibadze (Périgueux, France)
11 Malkhaz Urjukashvili (Aurillac, France)
10 Lasha Malaghuradze (Beziers, France)
9 Irakli Abusseridze, Capt. (Orléans, France)
8 Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier, France)
7 George Chkhaidze (Racing Metro, France)
6 Grigol Labadze (Toulon, France)
5 Rati Urushadze (Enisei STM, Russia)
4 Levan Datunashvili (Aurillac, France)
3 Goderdzi Shvelidze (Montauban, France)
2 Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
1 David Khinchaguishvili
Replacements
16 Anton Peikrishvili (Agen, France)
17 David Kubriashvili (Brive, France)
18 Kakha Uchava (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
19 Dimitri Bassilaia (Morlaàs, France)
20 Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
21 Sandro Todua (Lelo)
22 Otar Barkalaia (VPC Andorra, Andorra)
Head Coach: Tim Lane (Australia)

Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3040&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15
http://www.rugby.ge/EN_index.htm
and thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3040&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

Romania

Image thanks to irb.com

15 Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti)
14 Catalin Nicolae (Dinamo Bucuresti)
13 Adrian Barbuliceanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
12 Ionut Dimofte (Steaua Bucuresti)
11 Ionut Botezatu (Baia Mare)
10 Razvan Stanca (Dinamo Bucuresti)
9 Valentin Calafeteanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
8 Costica Mersoiu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
7 Alexandru Tudori (Dinamo Bucuresti)
6 Stelian Burcea, Capt (Dinamo Bucuresti)
5 Cosmin Ratiu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
4 Alin Coste (Narbonne, France)
3 Ion Paulica (Bath, England)
2 Florin Tasca (Dinamo Bucuresti)
1 Nicolae Nere (Steaua Bucuresti)
Replacements
16 Catalin Beca (Dinamo Bucuresti)
17 Mihaita Lazar (Poli Iasi)
18 Valentin Popirlan (Dinamo Bucuresti)
19 Mihai Macovei (Baia Mare)
20 Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanta)
21 Catalin Dascalu (Steaua Bucuresti)
22 Stefan Ciuntu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
Coaches: Ellis Meachen (NZL), Cristian Hildan

Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3040&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15