The Georgian national rugby union team showed a high level of rugby, beat strong Romania in a beautiful style by record blowout and made 50 000 Georgian fans who gathered in “Dinamo Arena” happy.
Our team played devotedly. The result of Milton Haig’s work was demonstrated. The boys made less mistakes than in the previous matches and the Romanians who were considered our only worthy opponent were left without any chance.
“The Lelos” have not lost in “Dinamo Arena” for 13 years. The last time the Georgian national team lost in this stadium was in 2003, against Romania. Several records were set after beat Romania 38:9. “The Lelos” won Nations Cup for the 9th time from 14 possibilities, won European Nations Cup for the 11th time in 17 seasons, earned Grand Slam for the 6th time and won Antimoz Iverieli Cup for the 10th time.
“The Lelos” defeated “The Oaks” for the 11th time in the 20th match and this time by a record blowout. In 2011 the Georgians won over the Romanians 25:9. For the first time we scored 6 tries against Romania in one match.
“The Lelos” had optimal composition at Nations Cup and showed the game which Milton Haig had promised us. The Georgians scored beautiful tries, beat opponent in scrums, lineouts and tackles. Romania did not have a single chance to score a try.
Anton Peikrishvili scored a try at the 3rd minute. Merab Kvirikashvili used conversion and the Georgians continued playing aggressively but due to this aggression Peikrishvili was sin-binned at the 7th minute.
Florin Vlaicu scored a penalty in 10 minutes. When the match resumed Sandro Todua scored a try – 12:3.
It was followed by some mistakes while playing with foot, the Romanians started controlling the ball and scored two penalties. But “The Lelos” who felt support from the tribunes did their best and Peikrishvili scored his second try. Kvirikashvili used conversion – 19:9.
In the second half “The Lelos” started playing even better and scored three beautiful tries. Kvirikashvili assisted Pruidze who scored a try and earned bonus point. At the end of the match Nemsadze and Asieshvili scored tries – 38:9.
Tbilisi. Dinamo Arena. 50 000 spectators
Georgia - Romania 38:9 (19:9) (VIDEO)
Georgia: 15. Merab Kvirikashvili (23. Giorgi Aptsiauri 57), 14. Giorgi Pruidze, 13. Davit Kacharava, 12. Tamaz Mchedlidze (22. Lasha Malaguradze 63), 11. Sandro Todua, 10. Lasha Khmaladze, 9. Vasil Lobzhanidze (21. Giorgi Begadze 51); 1. Mikheil Nariashvili (17. Karlen Asieshvili 55), 2. Jaba Bregvadze (16. Shalva Mamukashvili 55), 3. Anton Peikrishvili (18. Levan Chilachava 8-17; 50), 4. Giorgi Chkhaidze (19. Kote Mikautadze 46), 5. Giorgi Nemsadze, 6. Shalva Sutiashvili, 7. Mamuka Gorgodze, 8. Beka Gorgadze (20. Lasha Lomidze 50).
6 tries: Peikrishvili (1, 3), Todua, Pruidze, Nemsadze, Asieshvili
4 conversions: Kvirikashvili (3), Malaguradze
2 sin-bins: Peikrishvili, Kacharava
Head coach: Milton Haig (New Zealand)
Romania: 15. Ionut Botezatu, 14. Florin Ionita, 13. Paula Kinikinilau, 12. Florin Vlaicu, 11. Adrian Apostol, 10. Judy Rose, 9. Valentin Calafeteanu; 1. Constantin Pristavita, 2. Eugen Capatana, 3. Paul Rusu, 4. Valentin Poparlan, 5. Johannes van Heerden, 6. Stelian Burcea, 7. Viorel Lucaci, 8. Andrei Gorcioaia.
Substitutes: 16. Andrei Radoi, 17. Mihai Dico, 18. Cosmin Manole, 19. Marius Antonescu, 20. Vlad Nistor; 21. Tudorel Bratu, 22. Ovidiu Melniciuc, 23. Marian Ispir.
3 penalties: Vlaicu
2 sin-bins: Pristavita, Vlaicu
Head coach: Lynn Howells (Wales)
