Georgia’s confidence grows with Merab Sharikadze leading the way
Merab Sharikadze, the captain of Georgia’s Rugby World Cup 2023 team. Emphasized the significance of following up their historic victory against Wales with another victory in the Rugby Europe Championship. In a stunning turn of events, Georgia overcame a 12-3 deficit to secure a 13-12 win at Wales’ Principality Stadium, with Luka Matkava’s late penalty securing the memorable victory.
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Sharikadze believes that defeating Wales boosted the team’s belief in their capabilities. Speaking to World Rugby, he stated, “We are quite confident now. We were like this before as well, but now when you see and can touch the result and get this experience, you become more confident.”
However, Sharikadze acknowledges the importance of the team’s progress and development beyond the Wales triumph. Returning to Rugby Europe Championship action last month. Georgia Rugby World Cup side continued their winning streak by defeating Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain Rugby World Cup side in the pool stage of the revamped tournament. Earning them a spot in the semi-finals against Romania.
During the Rugby Europe Championship, Sharikadze. Who felt in excellent physical condition, contributed significantly to the team’s success. He scored a try in the victory over Spain in the pool stage and replicated the feat against Romania. Helping Georgia secure a convincing 31-7 win. In the grand final against Portugal in Badajoz, the match remained finely balanced at half-time, with Georgia holding a narrow 12-11 lead.
George Vs Portugal Tickets: The World Cup Is a Different Thing
The victory in the Rugby Europe Championship further solidified the dominance of Georgian teams in continental competitions. Not only has the national team, known as the Lelos, won 12 out of 13 Rugby Europe Championship titles, remaining unbeaten in 29 tournament matches. But the Tbilisi club, the Black Lion, has also triumphed in both editions of the Rugby Europe Super Cup.
Looking ahead, Sharikadze and his Georgia teammates will now shift their focus towards preparing for the upcoming France Rugby World Cup 2023. Which will be held in France. In Pool C, Georgia is set to face Wales, Portugal, Australia, and Fiji. Despite their recent victory against Portugal. The Georgia captain cautioned against reading too much into it when considering the teams’ meeting in Toulouse on 23 September. He acknowledged that the Rugby World Cup 2023 is a different challenge.
They cannot solely rely on their last result. This upcoming RWC 2023 will be Sharikadze’s third major tournament. He will undoubtedly strive to lead Georgia out of the pool phase and into the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. The team’s focus and determination remain strong. They set their sights on making a lasting impact on the global stage of rugby.
Reflecting on his experiences from the previous two Rugby World Cups. Merab Sharikadze emphasizes the unforgiving nature of the tournament. He underscores the importance of avoiding mistakes. As even a single error can cost a team valuable opportunities. In the Rugby World Cup 2023, every resource and capability must be utilized to the fullest extent. For more about Georgia Rugby World Cup Tickets.
France Rugby World Cup Tickets: Five young players who impressed at the weekend
When discussing the possibility of Georgia reaching the quarter-finals in France. Sharikadze acknowledges the potentially transformative impact it would have on their country. He recognizes that such an achievement could bring about positive changes and create numerous opportunities for the sport and its development within Georgia.
The Georgia captain’s understanding of the high-stakes nature of the World Cup and his aspirations for the team demonstrates his determination to make a significant impact and elevate the status of rugby in their nation.
Lorenzo Cannone (Italy):
Italy’s number eight, Lorenzo Cannone, made a remarkable impression in his fourth international appearance, particularly during Italy’s close battle against France in the Six Nations. Despite his youth and relative inexperience in the tournament. Cannone showcased immense potential as he made significant contributions on both attack and defence.
Formerly a centre, he displayed his ball-handling skills by gaining 46 meters from nine carries and demonstrated his defensive prowess with 12 tackles and a turnover. With such performances, the 22-year-old has solidified his chances of earning a spot in Italy’s Rugby World Cup 2023 squad, alongside his older brother Niccolò. For more about Rugby World Cup Tickets.
Luke Crosbie (Scotland):
In only his second test start, Edinburgh flanker Luke Crosbie made a significant impact for Scotland in their successful defence of the Calcutta Cup against England at Twickenham. Selected by coach Gregor Townsend as a replacement for Hamish Watson, Crosbie had previously impressed with his performances in the United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup.
Although Scotland struggled to establish attacking opportunities due to England’s dominance in possession and territory, the 25-year-old showcased his defensive prowess. In just 58 minutes on the field, Crosbie completed all 20 of his attempted tackles, with three of them being dominant. With promising performances from players like Crosbie. They plan for the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
These young players have undoubtedly caught the attention of selectors and fans alike, and their impressive performances in these early stages of the international rugby season will undoubtedly enhance their chances of representing their countries at the France Rugby World Cup 2023.
Rugby World Cup Final Tickets: Luka Matkava, Georgia
Luka Matkava etched his name in Georgian rugby history with his decisive late penalty kick that secured a memorable 13-12 victory for the Lelos against Wales in Cardiff. Following two appearances from the bench, Matkava earned his first start against Germany. He proved to be a more than capable replacement for Tedo Abzhandadze.
Georgia’s Rugby Europe Championshdefencense opener, Matkava made a significant impact, contributing a try and converting 10 kicks to guide Georgia to a resounding 75-12 win in Tbilisi. The highlight of his performance came. When he showcased his agility, sidestepping an attempted tackle and sprinting over the line to score. While Abzhandadze remains a talented option at just 24 years old for the Rugby World Cup 2023, Matkava’s impressive performances may challenge his claim to the Lelos’ number 10 jersey. For more about Rugby World Cup Final Tickets.
Joe Hawkins (Wales):
Despite Warren Gatland’s challenging return to the Six Nations. Wales had some standout performances from their younger players, with Joe Hawkins leading the way. The talented Ospreys centre, although lacking the physical size of Jamie Roberts, displayed his exceptional skills and natural leadership on the field.
Against Ireland, Hawkins made an impressive 75 meters with the ball in hand and his quick hands set up Dan Biggar to create a gap for Liam Williams to score Wales’ lone try. Gatland praised Hawkins for his positive moments in the match and acknowledged that he would learn from situations where turnovers occurred after his breaks. By giving Hawkins confidence. Gatland aims to nurture the 20-year-old’s potential.
Rugby World Cup 2023 Tickets: Nicolas Martins, Portugal
Portugal’s openside flanker, Nicolas Martins, seized his opportunity to shine in the Rugby Europe Championship, contributing to Os Lobos’ emphatic 54-17 victory over Belgium. Making his debut in the tournament, Martins showcased his attacking potential with a well-taken try, capitalizing on a loose ball after Belgium’s defensive breakdown.
In a highly anticipated clash between Georgia Vs Portugal during the Rugby Europe Championship. Both teams displayed their determination to secure a crucial victory. The match was fiercely contested from start to finish, with both sides showcasing their strengths and executing tactical plays. Georgia is the reigning champion. For more about Portugal Rugby World Cup Tickets.
Entered the game with confidence and looked to impose their physicality and structured gameplay. Led by their captain, Merab Sharikadze, the Lelos demonstrated their dominance in the set pieces, gaining an advantage in scrums and lineouts. Their disciplined defence stifled the Portugal Rugby World Cup side’s attacking opportunities and showcased the team’s ability to work cohesively as a unit.
