Georgia: Everything you need to know about the Wallabies' opposition on Saturday
Tue, Jul 16, 2024, 1:23 PM
Nathan Williamson
The Wallabies will make history as they face Georgia for the first time on Australian shores on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.
The two sides have found themselves bound together by the World Cup draw gods, playing against each other in two straight tournaments.
Despite the record, Georgia are a team on the rise as one of the best of the 'tier two nations.'
The Georgians are sitting just below their highest world ranking at 12th, reflective of their rise over the past couple of years.
They claimed their first two wins over Tier 1 nations in 2022 and are coming off their third last week after a narrow victory over Japan.
Here's everything you need to know about Wallabies opponent on Saturday.
Why are the Wallabies playing Georgia?
Let's start with how we got here because the inclusion of Georgia on the Test schedule raised plenty of eyebrows.
This reflects a push from World Rugby to create further opportunities for the tier two nations to play top-level opposition.
The San Francisco Agreement set out a series of frameworks to follow that included SANZAAR Unions committing to hosting tier-two nations in July window, creating a blend of opposition.
As a result, world champions South Africa will host breakout World Cup stars Portugal as New Zealand take their Test against Fiji to the USA.
Recent form
Georgia announced themselves in style with wins over Italy and Wales in 2022, leading to talks of joining the Six Nations.
However, they struggled at the 2023 World Cup, going winless whilst drawing a game with Portugal.
Since then, they have claimed their 16th Rugby Europe Championship with a 36-10 over the Portuguese.
A loss to Fiji was followed up by their upset victory over Japan, filling them with confidence.
Squad
The Georgian squad for their July Tests is filled with players from the French leagues.
There are 21 players currently in the top two tiers of France Rugby, including captain and Pau number eight Beka Gorgadze.
The rest are largely made up of players from Georgian club side Black Lion, who competed in the European Challenge Cup.
Forwards: Vano Karkadze, Luka Noirandze, Luka Petriashvili, Giorgi Akhaladze, Irakli Aptsiauri, Giorgi Dzmanashvili, Luka Goginava, Alexsandre Kuntelia, Giorgi Mamaiashvili, Mikheil Babunashvili, Lasha Jaiani, Giorgi Javakhia, Lado Chachanidze, Demur Epremidze, Beka Gorgadze (c), Ioane Iashaghashvili, Luka Ivanishvili, Tornike Jalaghonia, Beka Saghinadze, Giorgi Tsutskiridze
Backs: Milkheil Alania, Gela Aprasidze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Tedo Abzhandaze, Luka Matkava, Tornike Kakhoidze, Giorgi Kveseladze, Giorgi Shvelidze, Demur Tapladze, Shalva Aptsiauri, Aka Tabutsandze, Amiran Shvangiradze, Alexander Todua.
The X-Factor
Davit Niniashvili has the potential to become a genuine superstar in World Rugby.
The 22-year-old is the shining star in a golden generation of Georgian talent coming through the ranks that have picked up wins in the U20s over Scotland, England and Italy.
He is currently plying his trade for Lyon in Frances Top 14 and showed he isnt out of place on the big stage when playing for Barbarians against England in 2022.
Niniashvili scored nine tries in 2023-24 for Lyon, including doubles against Clermont and Oyonnax.
Check out the highlights reel on the original article! https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallab...-facts-2024716
The coach
Former English hooker Richard Cockerill has been charged with taking Georgia to the next level
The 27-Test Brit served as interim coach of England in 2022 after Eddie Jones' departure, elevated from forwards.
He took over as head coach of Georgia after the 2023 Rugby World Cup whilst simultaneously coaching Black Lion.
Georgia's recent history with the Wallabies
As mentioned, the two sides' history exists purely on the biggest stage of them all at the World Cup.
In 2019, the Wallabies ground their way to a 27-8 win in Fukuroi, with Force scrumhalf Nic White opening the scoring.
Further tries to Marika Koroibete, Jack Dempsey and Will Genia sealed the win.
Four years later, it was Ben Donaldson who proved the hero, contributing 25 points in the 35-15 win in Paris.
