RUGBY TEST: GERMANY WILL STRUGGLE

06.02.2010
Germany v Georgia in Tblissi (WCQ Europe, Round 5; ENC 1)

Referee: Pechambert (France)

Venue: National Stadium

Preview
Playing a rugby test against Georgia on their home turf is a daunting prospect. For Germany, struggling at this level of international rugby competition, it could become a matter of survival on the rugby ground.

This will a particularly difficult match for Germany as they are missing a number of regulars from last season. They would appear to be in a rebuilding phase, especially up front. To have to rebuild half way through a competition is not an easy task. The Germans did not play a test during the November window and their only warm up game, v British Army, was cancelled due to the bad weather.

Georgia played two matches in November( v Argentina 'A' and v Italy 'A') plus played three matches in the USA in June(Churchill Cup). They are well ahead of their rivals as far as preparation goes. Georgia has at their disposal a very strong line up with most regulars available. They will just have too much experience and strength up front for the visitors.

Georgia were too physical for the Germans when they last met.
Image thanks to 'FLIDTA RISXVA' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3341

Previous Encounters
07.02.2009 Georgia 38-5 in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
15.10.1995 Georgia 14-3 in Tblissi (FIRA B1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Georgia 17th, Germany 25th
Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Germany 12th

Prediction: Georgia by 40 points

Teams

Germany
15 Raphael Hackl (Berliner RC)
14 Mark Sztyndera (SC Frankfurt 1880)
13 Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Prato, Italy)
12 Edmoore Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg)
11 Benjamin Simm (DSV 78 Hannover)
10 Kieron Davies (Ampthill RUFC)
9 Mustafa Güngör, Capt. (RG Heidelberg)
8 Alexander Hauck (SC Frankfurt 1880)
7 Shalva Didebashvili (SC Neuenheim)
6 James Ben Houston (SC Frankfurt 1880)
5 Daniel Preussner (SC Frankfurt 1880)
4 Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg)
3 Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg)
2 Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans, France)
1 Benjamin Krause (DSV 78 Hannover)
Replacements
16 Patrick Schliwa (Heidelberger RK)
17 Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1880)
18 Lukas Hinds-Johnson (RK 03 Berlin)
19 Lukas Rosenthal (RK 03 Berlin)
20 Rafael Pyrasch (DSV 78 Hannover)
21 Steffen Liebig (Heidelberger RK)
22 Matthieu Franke (RC Orléans, France)

Head Coach: Rudolph Finsterer

Adapted from http://www.totalrugby.de/content/view/2494/37/
And..http://www.rugby-journal.de/index.php/basis/meldung/kader_fuer_spiel_gegen_georgien/

Missing regulars from 2008-09
Benjamin Brierley (wing), Bodo Sieber (lock), Timothy Kasten (flank), Jens Schmidt (lock and captain), Kehoma Brenner (flank) and Pierre Faber (prop).

Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili
14 Malkhaz Urjukashvili
13 Davit Katcharava
12 Irakli Giorgadze
11 Irakli Machkhaneli
10 Lasha Malaghuradze
9 Irakli Abuseridze
8 Besarion Udesiani
7 Giorgi Chkhaidze
6 Grigol Labadze
5 Ilia Zedginidze
4 Giorgi Nemsadze
3 Davit Zirakashvili
2 Akvsent Giorgadze
1 Davit Khinchagishvili
Replacements
16 Iuri Natriashvili
17 Kubriashvili
18 Levan Datunashvili
19 Lasha Tavartkiladze
20 Bidzina Samkharadze
21 Tedo Zibzibadze
22 Alexandre Todua

Head Coach:

Adapted from http://www.rugby.ge/2010_mokled/0205_GEO4GER-XV.htm
And.. http://www.rugby.ge/2010_mokled/0125_GEO4GER.htm
with help from ‘Oliver’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3341

Missing
Gorgodze out with a ban, Prop Kubriashvli from Toulon, Rati Urushadze and Goderzi Shvelidze.

For a complete list of all international test rugby results for both Germany and Georgia, go to www.rugbyinternational.net