To do ‘better’ than what was done against Wales (28-8 defeat) in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup is Portugal’s aim for today’s match (1 p.m., RTP2) against Georgia, the squad that in theory has the most accessible is in Group C. A European clash with a lot of history and rivalry, with Wolves looking for their first World Cup victory.
Coach Patrice Lagisquet admitted he was concerned the players thought they were “better than they actually are” because of the praise they received after the Welsh game. But he was happy with the team’s response in training during the week: ‘They showed they can immediately focus on the next game. And they already know, because they know Georgia well, that if we want to have even a small chance of winning, they still have to do better than against Wales.”
Geographically located at opposite ends of Europe, Portugal (16th in the World Rugby rankings) and Georgia (13th) are not that far apart when it comes to rugby. The two teams have already faced each other 24 times, with Os Lelos being undefeated 18 times (15 wins and three draws). The last of the six Portuguese victories came in the European Nations Cup, in 2005 (18-14), that is, 18 years ago.
For today’s clash, Georgia’s level should not be underestimated, said Lagisquet, who knows the opponent well and therefore dares to say that the competitive distance between the two teams is “short”. That’s why he expects “a big battle” at the Toulouse Stadium, led by New Zealander Paul Williams.
The French coach leading the corner team is confident and even announced the start 15 48 hours in advance. Lagisquet selected six forwards and only one midfielder and one three-quarter player on the bench: “We only did it once, against Georgia, and we will do it again because the last few games we lost to them in the league. ” The last 15 to 20 minutes. They are willing to maintain a high intensity for the 80 minutes and we have to be able to compete at that level as well.”
Regarding the previous match, Diogo Hasse Ferreira replaces Anthony Alves, while José Madeira returns from injury to Martim Belo’s position. Pedro Bettencourt replaces José Lima (one of the standouts against Wales). The only forced change is the arrival of Raffaele Storti to replace Vincent Pinto, who is suspended for two games after the red card against Wales.
Georgia’s DNA and the coach’s incredible story of overcoming
The game is a repeat of the 2023 European Championship, which brought together the main teams of the continent outside the 6 Nations Tournament, which the Caucasus team won (38-11), where Merab Sharikadze will complete 50 matches as captain of Georgia, who lost to Australia in his debut (35-15): “It’s true that we played a lot against Portugal, who have a similar style to us, but now it’s a much more balanced game.”
For Georgia coach Levan Maisashvili, ‘struggle, emotion and sacrifice’ are part of The Lelos’ DNA. The nickname is due to rugby’s similarity to the country’s traditional sport, Lelo burti, in which two teams compete to see who can be faster at transporting a 16-kilogram ball filled with sand, sawdust and wine , from one side to the other.
According to the technician, this reflects the challenging nature of the small country with 3.7 million inhabitants. And he is an example of that. In 2021, he had a 1% chance of survival after being infected with Covid-19: he was in a coma for a month and lost 25 kilos, but he made a full recovery and achieved a historic victory against a first-class team, Italy, and then against Wales.
After the meeting with Georgia, the Wolves still have matches scheduled with Australia (October 1) and Fiji (8). Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa will be in the stands for the match against the Australians. Yesterday, the Assembly of the Republic authorized the President of the Republic to travel to Saint-Étienne, France, to watch the national rugby team play against giants Australia.
Source: DN
