Tonga vs Georgia: What time does it start and where can I watch it?
A look ahead to the Pool C fixture at Kingsholm
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Mamuka Gorgodze: With Tonga and Namibia joining them Pool C, two victories may not be out of the question for the ever-improving European side, and captain Gorgodze is a key reasons behind that development.
The Toulon back-row is a physical character who I just as intimidating carrying the ball as he is tackling those with it. Despite playing at either flanker, No 8 or in the second-row, Gorgodze has an impressive 24 tries to his name during his 61 appearances for his country, a record that only wing Irakli Machkhaneli can match.
Having won a single match in both 2007 and 2011, Georgia will be aiming for that elusive second win, and a victory over Tonga will be a must if they are to achieve that given games against New Zealand and Argentina follow.
Teams...
Tonga: Lilo; Veainu, Helu, Pitau, Vainikolo; Morath, Takulua; Mailau, Taione, Aulika; Lokotui, Mafi; Kalamafoni, Latu, Ma'afu.
Replacements: Ngauamo, Taumalolo, Puafisi, Pole, Ram, Fisilau, Fosita, Piukala.
Georgia: Kvirikashvili; Mchedlidze, Kacharava, Sharikadze, Aptsiauri; Malaguradze, Lobzhanidze; Nariashvili, Bregvadze, Zirakashvili; Nemsadze, Mikautadze; Tkhilaishvili, Kolelishvili, Gorgodze.
Replacements: Mamukashvili, Asieshvili, Chilachava, Datunashvili, Sutiashvili, Begadze, Pruidze, Giorgadze
Best stat…
Georgia have not beaten Tonga since 1999 in the build-up to the World Cup that year. Tonga took the spoils in their first encounter that month on the Pacific Island, before a return match in Tbilisi saw the Europeans come out on top. When the sides last met in 2014, Tonga claimed a 23-14 victory to take the lead in their overall record 2-1.
Player to watch…
Fetu’u Vainikolo: A familiar face for fans of Connacht and Exeter, 30-year-old Vainikolo will be Tonga’s leading try threat if he gets ball in hand. His record of 14 tries on his first 22 Tests helped him to cement his place in the side, and the former Highlander can be a real problem to stop once he’s up to speed.
Past three meetings…
Georgia 9 Tonga 23 (Moa 2, Lilo), International Test, November 2014.
Georgia 28 ( Tsabadze, Shvelidze, Kobakhidze, Khekhelashvili) Tonga 27 (Tiueti, Taumalolo 3, Lutui), Rugby World Cup qualifier, March 1999.
Tonga 37 (Vunipola 2, Mafi, Tiueta) Georgia 6, Rugby World Cup qualifier, March 1999.
Form guide…
Tonga: LWWWW
Georgia: WWWWW
Vital information…
Kick-off: Midday, Saturday 19 September.
TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV4.
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