Rugby World Cup: Georgia shakes up team for Argentina match

Georgia's Lasha Khmaladze will move to flyhalf for the clash against Argentina. Photo / AP

Georgia has made six changes to its starting lineup for its last Rugby World Cup pool match on Sunday against Argentina.

Coach Richie Dixon has included two new starters and made one positional change in his backline, plus four personnel and a positional change to his forward pack, altering the team which beat Romania 25-9 on Wednesday.

Georgia can no longer reach the quarterfinals but its clash with Argentina, following Saturday's match between England and Scotland, may help decide which two teams progress from Pool B to the knockout rounds.

Malkhaz Urjukashvili will start at fullback on Sunday with Lasha Khmaladze moving to flyhalf to displace Merab Kvirikashvili, who kicked 17 points in the win over Romania. Kvirikashvili is named on the reserves bench.

Lesko Gugava rejoins the team on the right wing in place of Revaz Gigauri.

Giant backrower Mamuka Gorgodze, Georgia's tryscorer against Romania, moves from flanker to No. 8 and Viktor Kolelishvili joins the team on the openside flank.

Levan Datunashvili replaces Ilia Zedginidze at lock while Akvsenti Giorgadze replaces Jaba Bregvadze at hooker and Vasil Kakovin takes over from David Khinchagishvili at looshead prop.


Georgia: Malkhaz Urjukashvili, Lekso Gugava, David Kacharava, Tedo Zibzibadze, Alexander Todua, Lasha Khmaladze, Irakli Abuseridze (captain); Mamuka Gorgodze, Viktor Kolelishvili, Giorgi Chkhaidze, Vakhtang Maisuradze, Levan Datunashvili, David Zirakashvili, Akvsenti Giorgadze, Vasil Kakovin.

Reserves: Jaba Bregvadze, Goderdzi Shvelidze, Giorgi Nemsadze, Ilia Zedginidze, Bidzina Samkharadze, Merab Kvirikashvili, Lasha Malaguradze.