სWith the initiative of Georgian Rugby Union, Malkhaz Cheishvili, former head coach of “The Lelos”, and Levan Maisashvili, head coach of Georgian A team, met journalist at the “Shevardeni” base and talked about World Cup which is underway in New Zealand.

They talked about their opinions about the first two matches (Scotland and England) of Georgian team. They said what they would have done in the place of Richie Dixon and saw positive and negative sides in our team’s playing.

Levan Maisashvili: “The fact that we did not let Scotland score try means a lot. We played well in defence but made many mistakes in offence. We could have done more. In the second match, our attack line played well. Besides that, there was another referee and he let us play. I am sure mistakes will be improved in the match against Romania though coaches have a lot of work to do.

It was 6:9 when referee appointed a false penalty. We could not have lost this match. Georgian team made many mistakes in the match against Scotland. In spite of that, Georgian defence has never played so well. England used our mistakes and that is why we were scored so many tries. They were prepared better than us.

I know Rezo Gigauri well. He played in youth and A team. He is professional. Though, playing on the position of No.15 is very specific and dangerous. I would have let Malkhaz Urjukashvili play on this position. When Merab Kvirikashvili could not score penalties in the match against England there was no one who could do this. Malkhaz could have done it.

It can be said that two test matches were not enough. The staff which played in the first two matches will play against Romania. In my opinion, not changing the staff is dangerous. I would have done it and I would let everyone play but it is decision of coach. I want to mention that Romanian team is stronger now that it was”.

Malkhaz Cheishvili: “The team held both matches differently. Unlike the match against Scotland, we played better against England. Besides that, referee let us play against England.

It is not right to compare the team which was 4 years ago and the current team. It is two different periods with their minuses and pluses. This year, the team had good conditions for the preparation and I am sure they will end up World Cup suitably. Unfortunately, there are not so many high level rugby players in Georgia that you could make choice freely. The team has one work for preparation before matches. Some rugby players arrive late and cannot train. I was surprised to see Revaz Gigauri on the position of No.15. Rezo did not disgrace himself but it was risk and I would not have done it. It is good to hold many test matches but risk of injuries is high.

Scotlandis not on form this year and perhaps, we could have won over it”.

 

Zura Ksovreli