KEY POINTS:
PARIS - Four years ago in their World Cup debut in Australia, plucky Georgia won over the Australian fans but they came away empty-handed after losing to Uruguay 24-12 in Sydney in their final game.
This time around, the Lelos are determined to go one better and win at least one game in their group, a tough one which also includes hosts France, Argentina, Ireland and Namibia.
Realistically, that will have to be Namibia, the southwest African country that Georgia defeated 26-18 in their only previous meeting at the IRB Nations Cup in Romania in June.
Coach Malkhaz Tcheishvili took over the reigns from Frenchman Claude Saurel after Australia, but he has nevertheless largely drawn on the squad of four years ago with 13 players coming back for their second World Cup.
Among those is skipper Ilia Zedginidze along with Pavle Jimsheladze, Malkhaz Urjukashvili, Akvsenti Giorgadze and Besiki Khamashuridze.
Once again the French connection is strong with many in the squad currently on the books of French clubs albeit from the lower divisions.
Tcheishvili, who played as a scrum-half in the Soviet championship before Georgia became independent in 1989, has accumulated an impressive record as coach winning 16 of 28 Tests against 10 losses and two draws.
That included leading his country to success in the second-tier 2006 European Nations Cup which doubled as a qualifier for this year's World Cup before they were pipped to the title on points difference by Romania.
The Georgians then beat Portugal 28-14 over two legs in a playoff tie to clinch their qualification and Tcheishvili has Namibia firmly in his sights.
Preparations for the World Cup switched into top gear last month as the Georgian squad took part in an intensive three-week strength and conditioning training camp at Tbilissi.
They then then left for France on August 3 and since then have played twice and lost twice to Agen, a club side relegated from the French top flight last season as well as losing to Auch.
COACH
Malkhaz Tcheishvili
The 48-year-old Tcheishvili took over as coach from Frenchman Claude Saurel immediately after the 2003 World Cup and since then he has compiled a winning record in Test matches and qualified his country once again. A former scrum-half in the Soviet championship, Tcheishvili won four caps for his country after independence. He spent his school years at the Georgia National Dance studios learning the intricate footwork needed for the Georgian folk dance.
KEY PLAYER
Rati Urushadze, flanker
Determined to make up for having missed the 2003 World Cup through injury, the 32-year-old Urushadze has won 22 caps for his country having made his debut against Poland in 1997. He is able to play on either side of the scrum and can backup at No.8 if necessary. A key element in what is a tough Georgian defensive line, Urushadze played last season for Nice in France although he is looking for a new club after the World Cup.
- AFP
