With the 2015 Rugby World Cup fast approaching, Last Word on Sports looks back at how the participating nations have fared in the previous seven tournaments from the inaugural in 1987 to the most recent in 2011. Today’s focus is Georgia, who have appeared at three of the seven previous Rugby World Cups.
Rugby World Cup History: Georgia
1987
In 1987 Georgia were still part of the Soviet Union, who were not invited to the 1987 Rugby World Cup.
1991
Despite gaining independence from the Soviet Union in April 1991, Georgia did not become an IRB member until 1992 and as such did not compete at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.
1995
In 1995 Georgia attempted to qualify for the Rugby World Cup for the first time. Drawn in The Eastern Group A of European qualifying they would face Russia and Poland. Up against Russia in their first game, Georgia lost a tight game with the Russians running out 15-9 winners. In their second game against Poland, Georgia were again defeated this time 23-6, eliminating them from qualifying.
1999
In 1999, Georgia were seeded into Round B of European qualifying and faced Italy, Croatia, Russia and Denmark. Georgia were victorious against Croatia in their first game and followed that up by beating Denmark. A 31-14 defeat to Italy was only a minor setback for Georgia as they finished the group with a 12-6 win over Russia to advance to Round C. Drawn with Romania and Ireland in Pool 1, Georgia were no match for Ireland losing 70-0. Georgia then lost a tight game to Romania leaving the Georgians bottom of the pool meaning they would enter the repechage tournament. Facing Tonga in the semi finals of the repechage Georgia lost heavily in the first leg and despite a 28-27 win in the second leg, an overall aggregate score of 64-34 saw Georgia eliminated.
2003
Drawn against Ireland and Russia in Pool B of European qualifying, Georgia started off with a heavy defeat to Ireland losing 63-14. Georgia bounced back in their second game to defeat Russia 17-13 to qualify for their first ever Rugby World Cup. At the World Cup in Australia, Georgia were drawn in Pool C with England, South Africa, Samoa and Uruguay, and were given a baptism of fire facing England in their first game and on the wrong end of an 84-6 scoreline. A 46-9 defeat to Samoa was followed up with a 46-19 defeat to South Africa, however David Dadunashvili did score Georgia’s first Rugby World Cup try. A final game defeat to Uruguay consigned Georgia to the bottom of the pool and a winless World Cup.
2007
Facing Romania and Spain in their qualifying pool for the 2007 Rugby World Cup, Georgia started poorly losing 20-8 to Romania. With Romania already securing top spot in the group and qualification, Georgia then beat Spain to set up a playoff with Portugal. Winning the home leg and getting a drawn in Lisbon, Georgia secured a 28-14 aggregate win to qualify for the finals. Drawn in Pool D with Argentina, France, Ireland and Namibia, Georgia did not get off to the best of starts losing their opening match 33-3 to Argentina. Georgia then almost provided one of the shocks of the tournament leading Ireland 10-7 in the second half before a Girvan Dempsey try rescued the game for Ireland. Georgia then secured their first ever Rugby World Cup victory beating Namibia 30-0. A 64-7 defeat to France left Georgia fourth in the pool and eliminated.
2011
Georgia qualified for the 2011 Rugby World Cup by winning the 2008/10 European Nations Cup. Drawn in Pool B with England, Scotland, Argentina and Romania, Georgia started well running Scotland close only losing 15-6, however the Georgians did not fare so well in their second game, losing 41-10 to England. Georgia then secured a comfortable 25-9 win against Romania, before going down 25-7 to Argentina in their final game leaving them fourth and out of the World Cup.
Georgia are an improving nation at the Rugby World Cup. Capable of giving even the top teams a scare, Georgia will be looking to add to their two Rugby World Cup wins in 2015. The Georgians have been developing between World Cups winning seven of the last eight European Nations Cups, and will be looking to translate that success into a step forward on the game’s biggest stage.
To read more Rugby World Cup History click here
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