2007 Georgian RWC Squad
Coach Malkhaz Tcheishvili has named an experienced 30-man squad for Rugby World Cup 2007 with 13 veterans of Georgia’s first ever appearance on the biggest stage of all in Australia four years ago.
Among those is captain Ilia Zedginidze, who retains the role he occupied at RWC 2003, with Pavle Jimsheladze, Malkhaz Urjukashvili, Akvsenti Giorgadze and Besiki Khamashuridze others that also boast more than 40 caps for Georgia.
The Lelos as they are known will be targeting their third match against Namibia in Lens on 26 September as their best chance for their first World Cup victory, Georgia having won the only previous meeting between the sides 26-18 at the IRB Nations Cup in Romania back in June.
Georgia squad:
Forwards: Goderdzi Shvelidze, Avtandil Kopaliani, Mamuka Magrakvelidze, David Khinchagashvili, David Zirakashvili, Akvsenti Giorgadze, Ilia Zedginidze (Captain), Victor Didebulidze, Mamuka Gorgodze, Levan Datunashvili, Grigol Labadze, Besarion Udesian, Rati Urushadze, Giorgi Chkhkaidze, Zviad Maisuradze and Ilia Maisuradze.
Backs: Pavle Jimsheladze, Otar Barkalaia, Merab Kvirikashvili, Besiki Khamashuridze, Irakli Machkhaneli, Giorgi Shkinin, Giorgi Elizbarashvili, Otar Eloshvili, Malkhaz Urjukashvili, Irakli Giorgadze, David Kacharava, Revaz Guigauri, Irakli Abuseridze and Bidzina Samkharadze.
This time around Georgia have been drawn in Pool D alongside host nation France, Argentina, Ireland and Namibia with their opening match being against the Pumas at the Gerland Stadium in Lyon on 11 September.