The Georgian national rugby union team held the first test match against Southern Kings at Mikheil Meskhi stadium. The Lelos beat Pro 14 member team 24:20. Everything was decided in the last 15 minutes when the hosts scored 19 points.

As it was a test match, the both sides agreed on having 26-26 rugby players on the team.

The first half was unsuccessful for the Georgians. It finished 5:17 in favor of South Africa. Besides that, Giorgi Tsutskiridze and Merab Sharikadze left pitch due to injuries.

In the second half Gela Aprasidze, Lasha Malaguradze, Davit Kacharava and Sandro Todua showed up on the pitch. However, South Africa scored the first points in the second half – 5:20.

The Georgians were trying to do something but in vain.

Finally, Giorgi Melikidze scored a try but conversion was missed. The Georgians started playing more actively and referee awarded them a penalty try – 17:20.

In the end, Shalva Sutiashvili scored a try and Malaguradze used conversion – 24:20.

On August 31 The Lelos will hold the second test match against Scotland at Dinamo Arena. It will be the first time when top team will play in Tbilisi. Georgia and Scotland will play another test match in Edinburgh on September 6.

Georgia – Southern Kings 24:20 (5:17)

Georgia: 15. Ioseb Matiashvili, 14. Mirian Modebadze, 13. Zurab Dzneladze, 12. Merab Sharikadze (cap.), 11. Giorgi Aptsiauri, 10. Lasha Khmaladze, 9. Giorgi Begadze; 1. Guram Gogichaishvili, 2. Vano Karkadze, 3. Giorgi Melikidze, 4. Lasha Lomidze, 5. Giorgi Nemsadze, 6. Beka Saginadze, 7. Giorgi Tsutskiridze, 8. Otar Giorgadze.

Substitutes: 16. Giorgi Chkoidze, 17. Karlen Aseishvili, 18. Levan Chilachava, 19. Kote Mikautadze, 20. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 21. Shalva Sutiashvili, 22. Gela Aprasidze, 23. Lasha Malaguradze, 24. Aleksandre Todua, 25. Tamaz Mchedlidze, 26. Davit Kacharava.