By Kath 7/10/03
October 7 2003

Clive Woodward, England's Head Coach has announced the team to meet Georgia in the opening match of Pool C - Rugby World Cup. England's quest now begins to win that elusive prize.

But what do we know of Georgia, I admit to not knowing much about Georgia apart from the country being a former Soviet Republic. However, having said that I can fully understand and appreciate the sweetness of Georgia's win over Russia to qualify for the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Georgia's Captain Ilia Zeioguinidze 26 years old, 6'5", 17st. 9lbs plays No8, but could play in the back or second row if needed. Due to injury now looks unlikely to play against England on the 12th October. Ilia a former student of Tbilisi University has played professional rugby in France for Beziers and Toulon. Last season he also played in Italy for Rouigo Super Ten side. Ilia is hoping to secure another club contract after the World Cup, let us hope that he recovers quickly to show what he can do.

Many of Georgia's players play for French Rugby clubs, so we can expect that Georgia will be well versed in the professional rough and tumble of play! Looking at some of their recent scores tells us that they are a team with a vast amount of potential. Scores like Portugal 30 v Georgia 34, Georgia 34 v Spain 3 and the match that sent them to the World Cup Georgia 23 v Russia 17.

When you consider that Georgia have overcome all manner of difficulties not least financial. Money being promised by their government, never materialise and now Georgia's home Union is left with debts of over £22,000. So to make it to the World Cup is a huge achievement and shows a team with true survival instincts and determination.

Georgia will be relishing the thoughts of their opening match against England, as this match will no doubt take on a World Cup Final feel for them. After all they will be taking on the World's No:1 Team. Georgia's pride will shine that day and all of their players will demonstrate how good they are and why they are rightfully at Rugby's greatest event. The Rugby World Cup!

England Team v Georgia, Sunday

J Lewsey (London Wasps), J Robinson (Sale), W Greenwood (Harlequins), M Tindall (Bath), B Cohen (Northampton), J Wilkinson (Newcastle), M Dawson (Northampton), T Woodman (Gloucester),              S Thompson (Northampton), P Vickery (Gloucester), M Johnson (Leicester, Capt.), B Kay (Leicester),     R Hill (Saracens), N Back (Leicester), L Dallaglio (London Wasps).

Replacements: K Bracken (Saracens), P Grayson (Northampton), I Balshaw (Bath), M Regan (Leeds), J Leonard (Harlequins), D Grewcock (Bath), L Moody (Leicester)

 

Just leaves me to sound my familiar cry:-

The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit; and, upon this charge
Cry "God for Harry! England and Saint George!"

Shakespeare, Henry V (1599) act 3, sc. 1, l. 31