2024 Australia v Georgia

[Burgs]

Georgia: Everything you need to know about the Wallabies' opposition on Saturday

Tue, Jul 16, 2024, 1:23 PM
Nathan Williamson

The Wallabies will make history as they face Georgia for the first time on Australian shores on Saturday at Allianz Stadium.

The two sides have found themselves bound together by the World Cup draw gods, playing against each other in two straight tournaments.

Despite the record, Georgia are a team on the rise as one of the best of the 'tier two nations.'

The Georgians are sitting just below their highest world ranking at 12th, reflective of their rise over the past couple of years.

They claimed their first two wins over Tier 1 nations in 2022 and are coming off their third last week after a narrow victory over Japan.

Here's everything you need to know about Wallabies opponent on Saturday.

Why are the Wallabies playing Georgia?
Let's start with how we got here because the inclusion of Georgia on the Test schedule raised plenty of eyebrows.

This reflects a push from World Rugby to create further opportunities for the tier two nations to play top-level opposition.

The San Francisco Agreement set out a series of frameworks to follow that included SANZAAR Unions committing to hosting tier-two nations in July window, creating a blend of opposition.

As a result, world champions South Africa will host breakout World Cup stars Portugal as New Zealand take their Test against Fiji to the USA.

Recent form
Georgia announced themselves in style with wins over Italy and Wales in 2022, leading to talks of joining the Six Nations.

However, they struggled at the 2023 World Cup, going winless whilst drawing a game with Portugal.

Since then, they have claimed their 16th Rugby Europe Championship with a 36-10 over the Portuguese.

A loss to Fiji was followed up by their upset victory over Japan, filling them with confidence.

Squad
The Georgian squad for their July Tests is filled with players from the French leagues.

There are 21 players currently in the top two tiers of France Rugby, including captain and Pau number eight Beka Gorgadze.

The rest are largely made up of players from Georgian club side Black Lion, who competed in the European Challenge Cup.

Forwards: Vano Karkadze, Luka Noirandze, Luka Petriashvili, Giorgi Akhaladze, Irakli Aptsiauri, Giorgi Dzmanashvili, Luka Goginava, Alexsandre Kuntelia, Giorgi Mamaiashvili, Mikheil Babunashvili, Lasha Jaiani, Giorgi Javakhia, Lado Chachanidze, Demur Epremidze, Beka Gorgadze (c), Ioane Iashaghashvili, Luka Ivanishvili, Tornike Jalaghonia, Beka Saghinadze, Giorgi Tsutskiridze

Backs: Milkheil Alania, Gela Aprasidze, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Tedo Abzhandaze, Luka Matkava, Tornike Kakhoidze, Giorgi Kveseladze, Giorgi Shvelidze, Demur Tapladze, Shalva Aptsiauri, Aka Tabutsandze, Amiran Shvangiradze, Alexander Todua.

The X-Factor
Davit Niniashvili has the potential to become a genuine superstar in World Rugby.

The 22-year-old is the shining star in a golden generation of Georgian talent coming through the ranks that have picked up wins in the U20s over Scotland, England and Italy.

He is currently plying his trade for Lyon in France’s Top 14 and showed he isn’t out of place on the big stage when playing for Barbarians against England in 2022.

Niniashvili scored nine tries in 2023-24 for Lyon, including doubles against Clermont and Oyonnax.

Check out the highlights reel on the original article! https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallab...-facts-2024716

The coach
Former English hooker Richard Cockerill has been charged with taking Georgia to the next level

The 27-Test Brit served as interim coach of England in 2022 after Eddie Jones' departure, elevated from forwards.

He took over as head coach of Georgia after the 2023 Rugby World Cup whilst simultaneously coaching Black Lion.

Georgia's recent history with the Wallabies
As mentioned, the two sides' history exists purely on the biggest stage of them all at the World Cup.

In 2019, the Wallabies ground their way to a 27-8 win in Fukuroi, with Force scrumhalf Nic White opening the scoring.

Further tries to Marika Koroibete, Jack Dempsey and Will Genia sealed the win.

Four years later, it was Ben Donaldson who proved the hero, contributing 25 points in the 35-15 win in Paris.

[Burgs]

Exclusive: Wallabies to name another skipper amid 10 changes for Georgia clash, Wright's TRC campaign in doubt

Christy Doran
Editor, The Roar

Another week, another captain.

The Roar understands Allan Alaalatoa – the experienced tight-head prop – will take over the captaincy almost 12 months after an Achilles injury robbed him of a place in last year’s World Cup squad. It comes as Liam Wright’s injury looks worse than first feared.

After Alaalatoa was promoted to the starting side in the absence of Taniela Tupou, The Roar can reveal that Joe Schmidt is planning as many as ten changes to the starting side for Saturday afternoon’s clash with Georgia at Allianz Stadium.

There will be a brand new tight-five, with Nick Frost to make his first appearance in gold this year alongside Angus Blyth, while the backline will be overhauled with Darby Lancaster coming in for Andrew Kellaway, who appears likely to return to the bench.

In total, there are just five players – Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright – from the same starting side that beat Wales for the second straight week 36-28 in Melbourne last week.

Continues- https://www.theroar.com.au/2024/07/1...zJeg-buDFOs-6w

[Sheikh]

We shouldn't underestimate Georgia, a lot of their squad play in France and I wouldn't be surprised if all of 1-10 on the run-on side are France-based. (The backs are more Georgia based, and mainly all from one side in Georgia!) So expect a French-style game in the forwards and a cohesive set of backs.

[Burgs]

We shouldn't underestimate Georgia, a lot of their squad play in France and I wouldn't be surprised if all of 1-10 on the run-on side are France-based. (The backs are more Georgia based, and mainly all from one side in Georgia!) So expect a French-style game in the forwards and a cohesive set of backs.

Forwards- 15 France 5 Georgia

Backs- 6 France 8 Georgia

Mind you, there is a fair spread in "France" with 9 in Top 14 and 12 in Pro D2.
It doesn't mean they are starting players for those teams either, most are likely to be fringe Bench.
The remainder based in Georgia are probably playing more minutes per year, but at a Japan Div 2 or Italy Top10 standard.

[Burgs]

Lancaster to debut as Schmidt names new look side to face Georgia

Thu, Jul 18, 2024, 8:58 AM
Nathan Williamson

Joe Schmidt has unveiled a new look Wallabies squad to take on Georgia for Saturday's Test at Allianz Stadium.

Schmidt has named his third different captain in three weeks with Allan Alaalatoa set to lead the side.

He starts in the front-row for the first time since last year’s Bledisloe Test alongside Isaac Kailea and Billy Pollard.

It’s one of ten changes to the starting side as Schmidt rotates his squad after a clean sweep over Wales.

Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini, Hunter Paisami, Filipo Daugunu and Tom Wright are the remaining faces in the starting 15 from last week’s win against Wales.

This allows a debut for Rebels winger Darby Lancaster, continuing his breakout year after moving from the Sevens program.

Lancaster is one of four on starting debut alongside Kailea, Pollard and Angus Blyth.

Nick Frost, Harry Wilson and Len Ikitau will play their first Tests of the year, with Frost partnering Blyth whilst Wilson joins McReight and Valetini in the back row.

Ikitau has recovered from a hamstring injury and partners Paisami in the centres.

Meanwhile, Ben Donaldson has been elevated to the starting side, linking with Tate McDermott in the halves.

Alex Hodgman is in line for his debut off the bench, set to become the fourth player to play for both New Zealand and Australia.

Hodgman’s Reds teammates Josh Nasser and Zane Nonggorr are the front-row replacements, with Tom Hooper set for his first game of the season.

"Georgia have proven to be a very tough team to play as demonstrated by their wins against Italy and Wales in recent years, as well as their victory last week in Japan," Schmidt said.

“They have added some very exciting backs to their traditional forward strength and challenge opponents across the park.”

Wallabies team to play Georgia at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Saturday 20 July at 3:45pm AEST

1. Isaac Kailea (2 Tests) - Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
2. Billy Pollard (2 Tests)– Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
3. Allan Alaalatoa (c) (69 Tests) – West Harbour Juniors
4. Nick Frost (15 Tests) – Hornsby Lions
5. Angus Blyth (2 Tests) - Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
6. Rob Valetini (41 Tests) – Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (19 Tests) – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (12 Tests) – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott (30 Tests) – Flinders Rugby Club
10. Ben Donaldson (8 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles
11. Darby Lancaster* – Kempsey Cannonballs
12. Hunter Paisami (26 Tests) - Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
13. Len Ikitau (28 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
14. Filipo Daugunu (9 Tests) – Wests Bulldogs
15. Tom Wright (27 Tests) – Clovelly Eagles

16. Josh Nasser (1 Test)- Easts Tigers
17. Alex Hodgman** - Sunnybank Dragons
18. Zane Nonggorr (5 Tests) – Gold Coast Eagles
19. Tom Hooper (8 Tests) – Bathurst Bulldogs
20. Jeremy Williams (2 Tests) – Wahroonga Tigers
21. Nic White (67 Tests) – Maitland Blacks
22. Noah Lolesio (19 Tests) – Tuggeranong Vikings
23. Andrew Kellaway (28 Tests) – Hunters Hill Rugby

*denotes debut

**denotes potential debut

[Burgs]

'Short term focus, long term view': Schmidt backs fresh side to deliver against Georgia

Thu, Jul 18, 2024, 12:01 PM
Nathan Williamson

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is confident the refreshed side can deliver success as he tests his depth against Georgia.

Schmidt has made ten changes to the starting side that defeated Wales last week for Saturday's clash at Allianz Stadium.

Schmidt concedes it's an 'impossible balance' to strike as he tries to expose his squad to further action before the Rugby Championship.

However, he backs his squad to deliver, with Test returns for the likes of Harry Wilson, Len Ikitau, and Nick Frost in key positions.

"It's an impossible balance to get dead right because you're not sure until the team goes out there that you've done the right thing," Schmidt explained to reporters. "We have huge respect for Georgia. We'd predict that they won't have anything like as many changes (as us), and they will see an opportunity...people just have to have faith in the changes and we've got faith in the changes.

"We do believe that we're putting a good side out and they'll demonstrate that, but I'm sure the Georgians will have something to say about that.

"...When you do make those many changes, you lose a bit of your rhythm and that's a risk for us. But if we don't do it, then we're not quite sure where we sit with some of the guys in the squad.

"We've got a very short-term focus, long-term view, and I know that's a paradox, but it's a paradox that you almost have to employ so that you best vaccinate against future injury or future changes or form.

"At the same time, you offer opportunities to players who a number of them have been in the Test arena before like Harry Wilson and Len Ikitau so it's not like the seven debutants from the first Test."

Rebels flyer Darby Lancaster headlines the changes, set to make his Wallabies debut just nine games into his Super Rugby career.

Lancaster has had an incredible 18 months that includes featuring at the U20s World Championships and on the Sevens world series for Australia, slated for a potential Olympic appearance before his selection by Joe Schmidt in the July squad.

"He's fast and he's very quick," Schmidt noted to reporters.

"He's a young player that is at the start of his career and we want to try to kick-start the career because the only way you can try to kick-start a career is to put them in the cauldron and best prepare them.

"We'll see how they measure up."

Allan Alaalatoa will lead the side, with Liam Wright's shoulder injury still causing the backrower problems.

"His shoulder's just taken a bit longer than we would have liked," Schmidt notes. "So, I don't know if he'll make it for the Reds-Tonga game (next week), but he just wasn't in time for us this week and we'll just see how that pans out over the next few weeks.

"We obviously have to name another squad in maybe two and a half weeks and that'll give us time to just have a look at what this squad has achieved and then build on whatever we feel we need to have for the TRC."

NSW Waratahs number eight Langi Gleeson joins him on the sidelines for the short term, rolling his ankle in the win.

[Burgs]

Wallabies survive red card, hungry Georgia for victory

Sat, Jul 20, 2024, 3:31 PM
Nathan Williamson

The Wallabies have survived a major scare to take a 40-29 win over Georgia in Sydney.

At moments, it looked like Australia would run away with the contest as their forwards dominated the contest.

However, Georgia kept fighting and found themselves down by two points heading into the final 20 minutes.

It presented the opportunity for the back row to close out the game as Fraser McReight and Rob Valetini crossed for doubles.

A late Georgia try gave the visitors hope but Australia hung on to secure the win.

“I don’t think I’m ever happy with a performance completely but I’m certainly happy with some of the elements of the performance,” Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said.

“I thought the way we built we built to a nice lead was pretty dominant and I was really happy with the way we were dictating the game but it’s been a bit of a recurrent theme over these three games.

“We started to lose a bit of penalties and stacked a few penalties and put ourselves under pressure,”

The Wallabies were out to start fast in the perfect afternoon conditions and got the chance to as the centres combined for the opening try, allowing Hunter Paisami to cross in the fifth minute.

Joe Schmidt’s side was intent on playing with pace as their forwards started to bash the ball over the advantage line.

It allows Valetini to charge over for a 12-3 lead after the first 12 minutes.

Fellow Melbourne-born forward Isaac Kailea followed him over as the Wallabies pack powered the prop over for his debut Test try.

Georgia kept fighting and were twice certain to score, only for a forward pass and knock on to halt their moment.

The third time proved the charm as lock Mikheil Babunashvili powered over in the 33rd minute.

The Wallabies were dealt a massive blow when Filipo Daugunu was yellow-carded for a high shot.

Daugunu left his feet to try and charge down a kick, only to collect the chasing Demur Tapladze in the head.

The play was eventually upgraded to a red at half time.

It didn’t halt the Wallabies' momentum heading into the half as the decision to turn down an easy three points delivered a McReight try and a 26-10 lead at the break.

However, the Georgians weren’t about to go away as the bounce of the ball delivered two stunning tries.

It started with Davit Niniashvili’s grubber landing straight in his hands to race away two minutes after the half followed by Aka Tabutsandze winning the race to his kick from the 22 to suddenly reduce the margin to two.

The Wallabies refused to panic and their brilliant back row stood up to make the difference as Niniashvili went to the bin for a cynical foul.

It started with a break from player of the match McReight, combining with Harry Wilson and Nick Frost to put themselves within metres of the line.

It set up Valetini to barge over for his second from the next phase.

McReight got his second after diving over from the rolling maul, denied minutes earlier for obstruction.

Tabutsandze gave Georgia hope late with a great finish in the corner but Australia held tough to secure the win.

WALLABIES 40
Tries: Paisami, Valetini 2, Kailea, McReight 2

Cons: Donaldson 4/6

GEORGIA 29
Tries: Babunashvili, Niniashvili, Tabutsandze 2

Cons: Matkava 3/4

Pens: Matkava 1/2

Five things we learnt from Wallabies - Georgia

Sat, Jul 20, 2024, 3:49 PM
Nathan Williamson

The Wallabies took another step forward but were pushed all the way by a Georgian side that refused to go away.

Ultimately, the class of the side shone through to secure the 11-point win and their undefeated start to the season.

Tickets for the 2024 Wallabies home Test season are available here.

So what did we learn?

1. Step forward but jump needed for Springboks
Joe Schmidt will be pleased to end the July series undefeated but needs the Wallabies to find another gear to take on the Rugby Championship.

There were moments of brilliance but self-enforced errors that allowed Georgia back into the match.

Tate McDermott admitted it was a step back in defence as they let in a trio of second-half tries.

They need to find a way to play at that high level consistently as they prepare for the Springboks next month.

But the signs are there of a team on the rise.

2. Respect Georgia
Georgia doesn’t have a name to be feared but they leave Sydney with respect.

They took their chances when presented and didn’t stop pressing when they went down players or points.

Their pathways are starting to deliver talented players that can match it with the best as shown in the 20s.

Performances like this show they’re on the right path and why they deserve more games like this.

3. All about the power
Rob Valetini and Fraser McReight have to be in contention for two of the best backrowers in the world.

Valetini is a physical monster and bashed the Georgian pack all night in attack and defence.

Meanwhile, McReight was everywhere, whether it was getting turnovers or making the critical break to flip momentum.

Both crossed for doubles in a night to celebrate the forward pack

They were joined in kind by Isaac Kailea, who was great, whilst the lock duo of Angus Blyth and Nick Frost shored up the rolling maul.

It will face a greater test against the Springboks but another positive step forward.

4. The bounce of the ball
The bounce of the Rugby ball is cruel at times, with the Wallabies feeling its wrath twice in multiple minutes.

Davit Niniashvili was gifted a perfect bounce that somehow landed right in the fullback's hands to race away and score.

Aka Tabutsandze then marched his effort with an incredible solo try, kicking from his own 22 to regather and sprint from Darby Lancaster and Tom Wright.

In past times, these moments have haunted the Wallabies so credit to their mentality to stay patient and come away with the win.

5. Mixed nights for halves
With positions up for grabs in the halves, Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson had opposite performances.

McDermott brought real pace around the ruck as he wore out the Georgians close to the ruck.

He’ll press Jake Gordon to start after the Waratahs’ scrumhhalf strong opening two Tests.

Meanwhile, Donaldson was far from his player-of-the-match performance at the World Cup.

His kicking game struggled in general play with a number of misdirected efforts, including missing touch early on.

Noah Lolesio missed a similar kick late to give Joe Schmidt plenty to ponder.


Wallabies brace for top ranked Springboks after July sweep

Sun, Jul 21, 2024, 8:31 AM
AAP

Joe Schmidt admits the Wallabies must rise to another level to compete with the Springboks after surviving a scare to keep their unbeaten run under the new coach alive with a hard-earned 40-29 victory over Georgia.

The 12th-ranked Georgians threatened a boilover after closing to within two points of the hosts early in the second half before the Wallabies kicked away late at Allianz Stadium on Saturday.

Schmidt made 10 changes to the side that beat Wales 36-28 last Saturday in Melbourne and some seized the opportunity while others didn't.

New flyhalf Ben Donaldson didn't look the answer to Australia's playmaking dilemma, his kicking and decision-making too often poor.

The Wallabies had the tireless backrow of Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini and Harry Wilson largely to thank for helping secure a fourth-straight win for the national side for the first time since 2021 when under Dave Rennie.

Lock Nick Frost and first-time starting prop Isaac Kailea were also strong but the first-half dismissal of winger Filipo Daugunu for a dangerous tackle made life difficult for the home side.

Schmidt, conceding it's difficult to strike a balance between building depth and winning, will take the victory.

But after Eddie Jones' side downed Georgia by 20 points during last year's ill-fated World Cup campaign, his successor also recognises the Wallabies need to improve markedly for their Rugby Championship opener against the world champion Springboks in Brisbane on August 10.

"It's certainly the audition over because I don't think we can afford to probably be as loose with the ball to get it ripped off us and probably give up some tries that we're disappointed with," Schmidt said.

"Going forward to the Rugby Championship, we've learned a little bit more about the players.

"But I'm also realistic. I've been doing jobs similar to this for a long time and the thing that you realise is that things do take time and building combinations takes time.

"Building a game model that people become familiar with and automate the actions that are required for that, that does take time.

"But we're out of time. We've got to be able to deliver against South Africa, which is a whole different level."

[Burgs]

I feel a bit of Donaldson scapegoating coming on and can't help but think if he was a Waratah everyone would be looking at the positives in his match.
And they were there. Yes, he was a bit shaky in the first 10 minutes or so and made errors that were uncharacteristic of his SR Season, however, there was also some very sharp passing and better running than the other options in the Wales matches.
The reality is none of our Flyhalves would start (or perhaps even bench) for the top four nations, but my Force blue tinted view is Donaldson wasn't as bad as being made out to be.

[palitu]

I feel a bit of Donaldson scapegoating coming on and can't help but think if he was a Waratah everyone would be looking at the positives in his match.
And they were there. Yes, he was a bit shaky in the first 10 minutes or so and made errors that were uncharacteristic of his SR Season, however, there was also some very sharp passing and better running than the other options in the Wales matches.
The reality is none of our Flyhalves would start (or perhaps even bench) for the top four nations, but my Force blue tinted view is Donaldson wasn't as bad as being made out to be.

i respectfully disagree i thought he had his worst match of the year. Poor bastard, he just wasn't on. Last week when he came on, he looked really good, but didn't get a lot of minutes. For someone with such a good boot, he butchered many kicks! Off the back of that performance, i dont think he will get the start, though i think on the whole he is better than Lolesio.