Comments on: Georgia ready to compete with the ‘big’ boys http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/ Straightforward rugby commentary from a North American perspective Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:43:21 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2.1 By: AJ (same guy) http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-414 AJ (same guy) Sat, 13 Oct 2007 19:09:53 +0000 http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-414 Oh yeah! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the second half, shouting at the screen. And when it was over, I stormed around the place cursing up a blue streak. That was probably the most exciting game of the tournament, and it still bums me out that they lost. Oh yeah! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the second half, shouting at the screen. And when it was over, I stormed around the place cursing up a blue streak.

That was probably the most exciting game of the tournament, and it still bums me out that they lost.

]]> By: Vic http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-412 Vic Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:37:13 +0000 http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-412 I couldn't agree more. Just to note that 1-dimensional rugby that is effective can be very exciting when the score is tight. I couldn’t agree more. Just to note that 1-dimensional rugby that is effective can be very exciting when the score is tight.

]]> By: Alan http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-401 Alan Fri, 12 Oct 2007 22:32:10 +0000 http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-401 Despite the fact that they are the most one-dimensional team I have ever seen, I was thrilled with the heart that they showed, disappointed that they couldn't quite beat Ireland, and excited by the fact that a country has come out of nowhere to take a place among good rugby playing nations. Looking at their world cup history makes their ascent even more impressive. In 1995, they lost to Poland and Russia in their first round pool of qualifying (of 7 teams trying to qualify from the East division of Europe that year (Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania were the others) they were one of the worst.) In 1999, they entered directly into Round 2 (of 3) and advanced to Round 3. In this round they lost to Romania and Ireland (70-0!). In repechage, they lost to Tonga in a two games series, but narrowly won the home game in a huge shocker. In 2003, they qualified with no problem, but were outscored in 4 games by 154 points. This is one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of the sport. Despite the fact that they are the most one-dimensional team I have ever seen, I was thrilled with the heart that they showed, disappointed that they couldn’t quite beat Ireland, and excited by the fact that a country has come out of nowhere to take a place among good rugby playing nations.

Looking at their world cup history makes their ascent even more impressive. In 1995, they lost to Poland and Russia in their first round pool of qualifying (of 7 teams trying to qualify from the East division of Europe that year (Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, and Romania were the others) they were one of the worst.)

In 1999, they entered directly into Round 2 (of 3) and advanced to Round 3. In this round they lost to Romania and Ireland (70-0!). In repechage, they lost to Tonga in a two games series, but narrowly won the home game in a huge shocker.

In 2003, they qualified with no problem, but were outscored in 4 games by 154 points.

This is one of the most remarkable achievements in the history of the sport.

]]> By: Vic http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-179 Vic Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:51:18 +0000 http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-179 Agreed. Georgia is the jewel in the IRB crown. Agreed. Georgia is the jewel in the IRB crown.

]]> By: Josh http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-177 Josh Mon, 17 Sep 2007 14:01:01 +0000 http://www.whatisrugby.com/2007/09/16/georgia-ready-to-compete-with-the-big-boys/#comment-177 <p>While it was painful and frightening for me to see Georgia almost beat Ireland (my favorite team as most of you know), it's a wonderful thing to see a 3rd world country like Georgia do so well in the WC. This is exactly what rugby is all about, fostering new teams to rise into the ranks. My hats off to the Lelo's and their impressive efforts against Argentina and Ireland. I was truly impressed watching them live against Argentina. While it pains me to say this I've always been a realist first. Georgia deserved to beat Ireland and should have won.</p> While it was painful and frightening for me to see Georgia almost beat Ireland (my favorite team as most of you know), it’s a wonderful thing to see a 3rd world country like Georgia do so well in the WC. This is exactly what rugby is all about, fostering new teams to rise into the ranks. My hats off to the Lelo’s and their impressive efforts against Argentina and Ireland. I was truly impressed watching them live against Argentina. While it pains me to say this I’ve always been a realist first. Georgia deserved to beat Ireland and should have won.

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