RUGBY WORLD CUP: Romania v Georgia

28.09.2011
Romania v Georgia in Palmerston North (World Cup, Pool B)

Venue: Arena Manawatu Stadium

Referee: David Pearson (England)

Preview
For these two teams this is their Rugby World Cup highlight match. Georgia has diminated Romania in recent years during the European Nations Cup Tournament, virtually Division 2 of European Rugby.

What is on the line regarding this test match? For both teams this is their final. Gaining third place in each pool means you automatically qualify for the next Rugby World Cup in 2015. For Romania, this is their last match so a win is crucial to gain this placing. For Georgia a win today, and a win over Argentina Sunday could well nail that third placing.

It's going to be a ding-dong Eastern European encounter. Tough up front and not much in it.

Marius Tincu, Georgia's captain, will play his fiftieth test cap for Georgia.

Last Five Encounters
12.03.2011 Georgia 18-11 in Tblisi (ENC 1A, Antim Cup)
13.03.2010 Romania 22-10 in Bucharest (ENC 1, Antim Cup)
14.03.2009 Georgia 28-22 in Tblisi (WCQ Euro.R5, ENC 1, Antim Cup)
09.02.2008 Georgia 22-7 in Tblisi (ENC 1, Antim Cup)
03.02.2007 Georgia 20-17 in Bucharest (ENC 1, Antim Cup)

The Antim Cup is played for annually between Georgia and Romania. It was first contested in 2007. This Rugby World Cupo test match is not for the Antim Cup.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Georgia 16th, Romania 18th
Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Romania 8th

IRB Ranking PointsGeorgia 70.00, Romania 65.69

Prediction: Georgia by 7 points

Teams

Georgia15 Revaz Gigauri, 14 Revaz Gigauri, 13 David Kacharava, 12 Tedo Zibzibadze, 11 Alexander Todua, 10 Merab Kvirikashvili, 9 Irakli Abuseridze, Capt. 8 Dimitri Basilaia, 7 Mamuka Gorgodze, 6 Giorgi Chkhaidze, 5 Vakhtang Maisuradze, 4 Ilia Zedginidze, 3 David Zirakashvili, 2 Jaba Bregvadze, 1 David Kinchagishvili.

Replacements
16 Goderzi Shvelidze, 17 Vasil Kakovin, 18 Levan Datunashvili, 19 Givi Berishvili, 20 Bidzina Samkharadze, 21 Irakli Chkhikvadze, 22 Malkhaz Urjukashvili.
Head Coach: Richard Dixon

Romania15 Iulian Dumitras, 14 Stefan Ciuntu, 13 Csaba Gal, 12 Tiberius Dimofte, 11 Madalin Lemnaru, 10 Danut Dumbrava, 9 Florin Surugiu, 8 Daniel Carpo, 7 Ovidiu Tonita, 6 Mihai Macovei, 5 Cristian Petre, 4 Valentin Ursache, 3 Paulica Ion, 2 Marius Tincu, Capt. 1 Mihaita Lazar.

Replacements
16 Bogdan Suman, 17 Silviu Florea, 18 Valentin Poparlan, 19 Daniel Ianus, 20 Valentin Calafeteanu, 21 Constantin Gheara, 22 Florin Vlaicu.
Head Coach: Romeo Gontineac