Georgia ready to compete with the ‘big’ boys
Always the underdog at the big show, Georgia (formerly of the USSR) is currently defending their reputation - earned at the 2003 Rugby World Cup - as a determined and spirited side. Despite almost missing the 2003 RWC (the IRB had to step in to finance Georgia’s RWC kit and traveling expenses), the Lelos played like tigers and won the hearts of spectators world wide with an impressive 19-46 loss to South Africa.
After playing both Argentina and Ireland, it seems that Georgia has returned to the 2007 RWC with the same vigor for the game, but with much improved skills, particularly in defense. Argentina struggled to crack the Georgians line - in large part due to their excellent sliding cover in the back line - and Argentina had only a 3-point lead at half-time. The 33-3 final score was more a tribute to the fitness and patience of the Pumas rather than a lack of skill or desire by the challengers.
One might argue that the home crowd support of the Lelos with chants like “allez les rouge” (which means “go red”, a reference to the color of the Georgian jerseys and the fact that French supporters need Argentina - who defeated France in the RWC opener - to lose a match to help France advance from the pool) gave Georgia an extra boost. However, the 14-10 loss to Ireland awards Georgia their first-ever point on the RWC standings table and proves that their tenacity and heart is not just a one-off.
Besides, any team that can push Ireland (who boast that their current squad is the best ever assembled based on the combined number of caps among the players) for a full 80 minutes and stay within a try of winning deserve an annual seat at a bigger table. Perhaps it’s time the 6 Nations made room for 7, and I don’t mean ‘make room for Argentina‘.
(On Sep 17th, 2007 at 10:01 am)
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.
(On Sep 17th, 2007 at 10:51 am)
Agreed. Georgia is the jewel in the IRB crown.
(On Oct 12th, 2007 at 6:32 pm)
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.
(On Oct 13th, 2007 at 1:37 pm)
I couldn’t agree more. Just to note that 1-dimensional rugby that is effective can be very exciting when the score is tight.
(On Oct 13th, 2007 at 3:09 pm)
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.