Ireland vs Georgia match thread

Losty Dublin

Ireland vs Georgia. Aviva Stadium, Dublin Sunday, 14th November, 2014. Live TV on RTE 2/HD from 2:00PM and Sky Sports 2/HD. Please note that the game may be Geo Locked on RTE to the Republic of Ireland on cable, web stream and satellite.

Ireland:

15 Felix Jones
14 Craig Gilroy
13 Darren Cave
12 Gordon D'Arcy
11 Simon Zebo
10 Ian Madigan
9 Eoin Reddan
1 Dave Kilcoyne
2 Richardt Strauss
3 Mike Ross
4 Dave Foley
5 Mike McCarthy
6 Dominic Ryan
7 Tommy O'Donnell
8 Robbie Diack

Replacements

16 Sean Cronin
17 Jack McGrath
18 Rodney Ah You
19 Devin Toner
20 Robin Copeland
21 Kieran Marmion
22 Ian Keatley
23 Stuart Olding

Georgia:

15 Merab Kvirikashvili
14 Tamaz Mchedlidze
13 David Kacharava
12 Merab Sharikadze
11 Sandro Todua
10 Lasha Khmaladze
9 Giorgi Begadze
1 Mikheil Nariashvili
2 Shalva Mamukashvili
3 Davit Kubriashvili
4 Kote Mikautadze
5 Giorgi Nemsadze
6 Giorgi Tkhilaishvili
7 Vito Kolelishvili
8 Dimitri Basilaia

Replacements

16 Simon Maisuradze
17 Zurab Zhvania
18 Levan Chilachava
19 Levan Datunashvili
20 Giorgi Chkhaidze
21 Vazha Khutsishvili
22 Lasha Malaguradze
23 Muraz Giorgadze

Preview. Joe Schmidt is like a little like Ray Charles this weekend; he has Georgia on his Mind

While it may seem like we may have a poor game this weekend, it is anything but for a number of reasons. Firstly, Aviva welcomes the most promising of the so called emerging nations on Sunday in what is a welcome change to the average match goer. Secondly, the keenly priced and surplus tickets gives many new fans a chance to experience international rugby. Thirdly, the Ireland team get a chance to look at new and fringe players and to look at new tactics and set pieces in a match day setting.

But most of all, it is a very important day for international rugby and especially for the opposition. For them and for the IRB, it is a very big game as Georgia finally make their debut onto the international test rugby scene against a top ranking side; in other words the game is expanding and expanding for the better. In short, it's a win win for everybody concerned.

In relation to Georgia, the Lelo's have earned their call up and have grown their local game since the nations inception in 1991. A local game called Lelo Burti bears some resemblance to our illustrious sport and has helped give rugby a foot hole in the country. French coach Claude Saurel came to the country in 1997 and over time has taken the country literally to another level; a victory over Tonga in 1999, defeating Russia to make the 2003 RWC and their close loss to Ireland in RWC 2007 and victory against Namibia being a few of their highlights. Today, their international season revolves around the European Nation Cup, a competition that they currently dominate; derby games between them and Russia are bitterly fought as well. Their team is formed up of players who ply their trade in France and

Head to Head. Fight Fire with fire, so the saying goes and Georgia will do just that. The team is known to have an extremely powerful and rigid set scrum. Toulon tighthead Davit Kubriashvili is one of the best props in world rugby and will cause Kilcoyne misery so we may see a couple of penalties given away if he asserts his dominance early on. Mikheil Nariashvili will look forward to Ross and see how fit he is; Ah You will have his hands full if called in early. In the back row, ex Edinburgh flanker Dimitri Basilaia lines out at Number 8 (Below) and while he isn't the fastest, he sucks in tacklers almost as well as Heaslip. Line out wise, the return of the more accurate Strauss will be needed with debutants Dave Foley and Dominic Ryan and veteran of sortsm Mike McCarthy to aim at.



Behind the scrum however, things are less promising for the visitors. Full back Kvirikashvili is their records point scorer and he can run while his two wingers, Tamaz Mchedlidze and Todua are useful with space and ball. Facing Zebo, Gilroy and Jones, they are unlikely to get space when their pack do win clean ball against an Ireland team that are already playing for RWC places. Add in returning Eoin Reddan and a hungry trio of Dorc, Cave and Madigan to the mix and you know that the tackle counters are going to be busy for the afternoon.



Verdict. Truth be known, it's always going to be a story of how many on Sunday and if they score one or two consolation tries as well. With 13 players starting who didn't begin against the Boks, the Irish team are almost exclusively playing for places and fitness; a dangerous combination to be lining out against. While we can look back to the near miss of 2007 to try add suspense to the game the reality of that game was that EOC's time was long up and has lost his team; today's Ireland are worlds away from the sad squad who played that day. I predict an Ireland win by 34 points, with two tries to the visitors and rightly so.

And as for Joe Schmidt...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Thls_tMuFkc

George Hook

If Joe is wearing the tracksuit and Murray isn't - does that mean he's picking himself to play?






Disclaimer:(should have gone into the build up thread, since now we have the teams - but didn't see that picture there)

aimee1

George Hook wrote: »

If Joe is wearing the tracksuit and Murray isn't - does that mean he's picking himself to play?






Disclaimer:(should have gone into the build up thread, since now we have the teams - but didn't see that picture there)

Zebo dropped, JS on the wing ...

twinytwo

gotta love them geogian second names...nugent is gonna have a field day on sunday:pac:

Neil3030

"Tamaz Mchedlidzeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!"

The Lost Sheep

Wouldn't exactly say Georgia are "making their debut onto the international test rugby scene against a top ranking side"
They did that years ago and announced their breakthrough as one of the top sides in the next tier around 2007....

I think one of the biggest things I want to see is both Dave Foley and Tommy O Donnell on the field together. Not often there is two players who began playing their club rugby in Clonmel and Clanwilliam respectively....
https://www.facebook.com/EastMunsterYouthsRugby

The Lost Sheep

Wouldn't exactly say Georgia are "making their debut onto the international test rugby scene against a top ranking side"
They did that years ago and announced their breakthrough as one of the top sides in the next tier around 2007....

I think one of the biggest things I want to see is both Dave Foley and Tommy O Donnell on the field together. Not often there is two players who began playing their club rugby in Clonmel and Clanwilliam respectively....
https://www.facebook.com/EastMunsterYouthsRugby

errlloyd

Hoping for a good game from Reddan and Madigan it'd be nice to know we're not goosed if sexton or Murray get injured

thebaz

given last week results expect an Irish victory.

Is Kilcoyne up to it ??? that would be my only concern , at least McGrath is on the bench, and cronin should be an impact sub.
looking forward to see how well are new look back row does.

The Lost Sheep

thebaz wrote: »

given last week results expect an Irish victory.

Is Kilcoyne up to it ??? that would be my only concern , at least McGrath is on the bench, and cronin should be an impact sub.
looking forward to see how well are new look back row does.

Even before last weeks victory I would have thought an irish victory was expected this weekend
Kilcoyne is certainly up for it. He was regularly in Irish squad in 12/13 and has been completely pushed down the order and has much greater competition in both Munster and with Ireland so of course he'll be up to it and for it. He has to be up for it if he wants to push for further inclusion in Irish squads and push for a world cup spot

Fireball07

thebaz wrote: »

given last week results expect an Irish victory.

Is Kilcoyne up to it ??? that would be my only concern , at least McGrath is on the bench, and cronin should be an impact sub.
looking forward to see how well are new look back row does.

Killer has been part of a strong Munster team for a couple of years now... I would say he's up to it. Kubriashvili is a top scrummager, but in terms of carrying, Killer is up there with the best and is a nuisance in all aspects of play. I wouldn't say he's as good as McGrath at the breakdown, but neither is Healy tbqh and he's destructive in the loose, he's definitely not the weak link in the side.

19543261

What do we reckon the score's going to be

sydthebeat

19543261 wrote: »

What do we reckon the score's going to be

45 - 18

bilston

19543261 wrote: »

What do we reckon the score's going to be

57-13

What do you think?!

awec

19543261 wrote: »

What do we reckon the score's going to be

2-1 to Ireland.

vienne86

thebaz wrote: »

given last week results expect an Irish victory.

Is Kilcoyne up to it ??? that would be my only concern , at least McGrath is on the bench, and cronin should be an impact sub.
looking forward to see how well are new look back row does.

This will be a real test for him all right, but I think he should be OK - this is a great chance for him. Love his ball carrying and he's a good scrummager.

irishbucsfan

19543261 wrote: »

What do we reckon the score's going to be

I heard from a pretty reliable source that it's definitely going to be 66-7

accidentprone1

irishbucsfan wrote: »

I heard from a pretty reliable source that it's definitely going to be 66-7

Woh, how do you guys find your inside sources? Jelly.

former legend

I'd say anything less than a 40 point margin will be viewed as a failure

vienne86

Forecast looks OK, so at least it should be a fare contest. I don't care what the score is, so long as we win easily. But I'm really looking forward to seeing how some guys go - Foley, Madigan, Kilcoyne....to name a few.

thebaz

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Kilcoyne is certainly up for it. He was regularly in Irish squad in 12/13 and has been completely pushed down the order and has much greater competition in both Munster and with Ireland so of course he'll be up to it and for it. He has to be up for it if he wants to push for further inclusion in Irish squads and push for a world cup spot

I didn't say would he be up for it ?

I said was he up to it ?
which is completely differently, of course as you say he will be up for it, the question is will the scrum hold ?

bilston

former legend wrote: »

I'd say anything less than a 40 point margin will be viewed as a failure

Picking Reddan and Madigan together is important. To win by 40 points we need continuity so half backs that know each other helps.

That said the fact the rest of the team is a mix of combinations might be Ireland's toughest opponent tomorrow. But when the game breaks up you'd expect Madigan, Zebo, Gilroy and Olding from the bench to run riot.

Losty Dublin

The Lost Sheep wrote: »

Wouldn't exactly say Georgia are "making their debut onto the international test rugby scene against a top ranking side"
They did that years ago and announced their breakthrough as one of the top sides in the next tier around 2007....

They are though but I know what you are saying. Georgia have played in 3 RWC's but outside of this their game have been against fellow Tier 2 and Tier 3 nations, either in RWC qualifiers or Nations Cup or other IRB tournaments. Tomorrow is the first time that they will play a Tier 1 nations at test rugby level; hopefully it will be the first of many and that they become a regular host nation in years to come.

Losty Dublin

19543261 wrote: »

What do we reckon the score's going to be

Ireland by an innings, 12 wickets and 8 runs.

bilston

Losty Dublin wrote: »

They are though but I know what you are saying. Georgia have played in 3 RWC's but outside of this their game have been against fellow Tier 2 and Tier 3 nations, either in RWC qualifiers or Nations Cup or other IRB tournaments. Tomorrow is the first time that they will play a Tier 1 nations at test rugby level; hopefully it will be the first of many and that they become a regular host nation in years to come.

Either way it's good to see, I think the Six Nations should make a commitment to play these teams (namely Georgia and Romania) every November and ultimately it would be great to see a full strength Ireland or England playing in front of 50,000 passionate fans in Tblissi. I'm not sure some people realise how big Rugby actually is in Georgia

The Lost Sheep

Losty Dublin wrote: »

They are though but I know what you are saying. Georgia have played in 3 RWC's but outside of this their game have been against fellow Tier 2 and Tier 3 nations, either in RWC qualifiers or Nations Cup or other IRB tournaments. Tomorrow is the first time that they will play a Tier 1 nations at test rugby level; hopefully it will be the first of many and that they become a regular host nation in years to come.

They have played Argentina etc and no "hopefully" about it. It will be the first of many.

bilston wrote: »

Either way it's good to see, I think the Six Nations should make a commitment to play these teams (namely Georgia and Romania) every November and ultimately it would be great to see a full strength Ireland or England playing in front of 50,000 passionate fans in Tblissi. I'm not sure some people realise how big Rugby actually is in Georgia

Yes we need to play them more and actually travel there but for too many of the tier 1 nations they wont travel to Tbilisi as the money lost from hosting a game is too much.

Micky Dolenz

I was all set to hit the pub for this than realised, it's tomorrow it's on. Crap

MattD

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

I was all set to hit the pub for this than realised, it's tomorrow it's on. Crap

Well... didn't realise that either... That's my afternoon ruined.

vienne86

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

I was all set to hit the pub for this than realised, it's tomorrow it's on. Crap

You might see England v SA in the pub though.....should be a cracker.

accidentprone1

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

I was all set to hit the pub for this than realised, it's tomorrow it's on. Crap

MattD wrote: »

Well... didn't realise that either... That's my afternoon ruined.

I spent the morning getting college work done so I could watch it with a clear conscience. Just realised also.


Feck.

George Hook

Actually, why is it on on Sunday?

former legend

George Hook wrote: »

Actually, why is it on on Sunday?

TV I presume.

Hagz

George Hook wrote: »

Actually, why is it on on Sunday?

I was wondering that myself. Maybe they wanted an 8 day turn around after the South Africa game to alleviate the physical toll on the players, and were able to negotiate that with the Georgian Union.

kboc

I am driving to game and parking in Ilac car park as missus is going shopping.

What is the handiest way from O'Connell Street to Aviva?

thanks
K

former legend

kboc wrote: »

I am driving to game and parking in Ilac car park as missus is going shopping.

What is the handiest way from O'Connell Street to Aviva?

thanks
K

Walk up Abbey Street to Connolly and get the dart out.

kboc

former legend wrote: »

Walk up Abbey Street to Connolly and get the dart out.

Never thought of that option, I had bus on the brain.

How much is the fare?

Will there be huge queues for the dart after the game?

Losty Dublin

kboc wrote: »

Never thought of that option, I had bus on the brain.

How much is the fare?

Will there be huge queues for the dart after the game?

Less than €5 return. Waiting on the Dart takes a while after the game and there will be queues; if you are in a rush home afterwards it may not be ideal.

.ak

kboc wrote: »

Never thought of that option, I had bus on the brain.

How much is the fare?

Will there be huge queues for the dart after the game?

Going back into town is usually okay. They put on plenty of trains

Bridge93

Zebo in the squad photo for the game looks like a child on his first day of junior infants.

croket

If you want know more the georgian players :

1. Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier)
24 years old, a product from Montpellier academy, he is the first choice on his position at Montpellier. Good scrummager and good tackler

2. Shalva Mamukashvili (Sale Sharks)
24 years old. He moved from Armia Tbilisi to Sale Sharks this season. His debut in Premership was a little difficult for him but it seems to take his cues now

3. Davit Kubriashvili (Stade Français)
28 years old. A strong played who played 8 seasons in Top14, including 5 for Toulon. An experienced player to replace Zirakashvili, injured.

4. Kote Mikautadze (RC Toulon)
23 years old. He moved to France at 18 and played one year for Agen. Then, he moved to Toulon academy. Last year, this giant (2m, 115kg) played 10 Top14 games and 5 Heineken Cup games including the semi final against Munster. This season he already played 7 Top14 games, including 4 starts

5. Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes Pyrénées)
30 years old. He plays his 3d season for Tarbes in ProD2. He is strong (1,96m - 120 kg), powerfull and can also play flanker or number 8

6. Giga Tkhilaishvili (Batumi RC)
23 years old. The only home-based forward. During last October the little flanker (1,75m) had a 1 month trial for Leicester and played some games for the "A" team in A-League. Some Leicester fans called him 'the tackling'' machine but he didn't get a contract.

7. Vito Kolelishvili (ASM Clermont-Auvergne)
25 years old. He is fast, and very strong defender (less than 5% missed tackles since the begin of the season with Clermont). Chosen best Lyon's player last year, he is back with Clermont and played 8 Top14 games (4 starts) this season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPKVniYvyoE

8. Dimitri Basilaia (Perpignan)
29 years old. Known during the last RWC, Basilaia, he get a 2 years contract for Edinburgh. Unfortunately he was often injured and played only 4 Heineken Cup games and 14 Pro12 games in 2 seasons. This year he left Scotland and signed for Perpignan in ProD2.

9. Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi Bolnisi)
28 years old. scrum half is a weak position for Georgia since Abuseridze retired. Begadze is not a class player but he do the job... His team, Kochebi, is the current leader of the georgian championship.

10. Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Saracens)
26 years old. Khmaladze is an underrated player. Strong defender, good skills in attack, he setup all georgian tries against Rovigo in the European Challenge Cup - qualifying competition and scored great 2 tries against the italian side (video below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSbOx8cASDM

11. Sandro Todua (Lelo Saracens)
27 years old. The teammate of Khmaladze played past 2 seasons for Albi in ProD2 (36 games, 32 starts). He replaces the captain Machkhaneli, injured.

12. Merab Sharikadze (Aurillac)
21 years old, capped since he is 18. He played for Hartpury College and Gloucester U19 in his youth career. Then he signed for Bourg in ProD2 and now Aurillac in the same division. He is probably the most skilful georgian player. Impressive in attack, strong in defence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnN36qH0fas

13. Davit Kacharava (Enisey-STM)
29 years old, he is the captain. He plays for Enisey in Russia after a career in France. Average in attack, he is a very strong defender and can win a lot of turnover. A very important player in this squad

14. Tamaz Mchedlidze (Agen)
21 years old. The big winger (1,95m - 110kg) moved to France at 18. He played his first Top14 game at 19 years old with Stade Montois. Now he plays for Agen in ProD2. Fast and powerfull, he is also a good defender.

15. Merab Kvirikashvili (Montluçon)
30 years old. Fullback is the another weak position for Georgia. Kvirikashvili who plays in french federale1 can have some moments of genius but he is also a poor defender. He is the goalkicker of the team. He can succeed a 55m penalty and miss a penalty in front of the post.

Bench
16. Simon Maisuradze (28 years old - Avenir Valencien)
17. Zurab Zhvania (23 years old - Stade Français)
18. Levan Chilachava (23 years old - RC Toulon)
19. Levan Datunashvili (31 years old - Aurillac)
20. Giorgi Chkhaidze (33 years old - Lille)
21. Vazha Khutsishvili (21 years old - Kharebi Rustavi)
22. Lasha Malaguradze (28 years old - Stade Bagnérais)
23. Muraz Giorgadze (20 years old - Armazi Tbilisi)

former legend

That's an AWESOME post

thomond2006

Great read croket, thanks!

aimee1

wales doing everything ireland need to avoid tomorrow, they look like they are trying to force things and making so many basic errors. If they cut the mistakes they will rack up a score.

durkadurka

The rate of scariness drops almost linearly as you go back from the front row. Great post croket

Fireball07

On paper, Georgia do really have an impressive pack. I know we all know this, but maybe they should be doing better than they are with that kind of quality up front. I know they are missing arguably their two best player in Zirakashvili and Gorgodze, but do have some real quality.


I know they don't have much in the backs in comparison to top nations, but still.

stephen_n

As Italy found for years, no matter how good your pack is, you still need a good 10 to put you in decent field positions and a goal kicker to capitalise on the work of the pack too.

Teferi

Forgot to print out my tickets, can I just pick them up in the Aviva?

Pudsy33

Teferi wrote: »

Forgot to print out my tickets, can I just pick them up in the Aviva?

Would not think so tbh.

Hagz

I am so unenthused about this game looking at our team. Only excitement coming from Gilroy and Olding on the bench.

Someone raise my spirits.

Tox56

Hagz wrote: »

I am so unenthused about this game looking at our team. Only excitement coming from Gilroy and Olding on the bench.

Someone raise my spirits.

Pretty difficult to be honest, it's a nothing team. If we sent out the second choice player in every position 1-15 it would be comfortably better than what is playing tomorrow

vienne86

Tox56 wrote: »

Pretty difficult to be honest, it's a nothing team. If we sent out the second choice player in every position 1-15 it would be comfortably better than what is playing tomorrow

Given the injuries we have, a lot of our second choice players are now first choice players.