‘A real challenge’ for Georgian coach Levan Maisashvili

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For Georgian rugby, this first match against the XV of France since 2007, Sunday November 14 in Bordeaux, is an important meeting. Used to meeting “secondary” nations (the Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Romania and Russia) within the framework of the Rugby Europe Championship, Georgia now faces the biggest selections in the test-match. Coach Levan Maisashvili, in office since 2019, returns for franceinfo: sport on the progress of his team.

Franceinfo: sport: Fourteen years after the last clash, what does this test match in France represent for Georgian rugby?

Levan Maisashvili: First of all, it is a great honor for us. We have a real common history and very good relations with French rugby. Many of our players (18 out of 33, Editor’s note) play in France. Sportingly, it will be a real challenge for us. We will test our power, our skills (individual technique) and show what you can do against a very good team.

For four years, you have played matches against leading nations. Is this the best way to progress for your players?

Yes, totally! You can only gain experience by playing against great teams. The level is higher there, and the intensity totally different. We need to play as much as possible against these nations.

Last year, you competed for a long time with Ireland and Wales, without succeeding in winning (defeats 23-10 and 18-0). What do you need to last for 80 minutes?

We lack experience, but also a real depth of bench. There has to be competition between the players. Currently, our replacements lack experience or technique, we are trying to remedy this. We also need more consistency and discipline throughout the game. Against this kind of team, the slightest mistake pays dearly.

You have dominated the Rugby Europe Championship for several years. Many observers speak of Georgia’s integration into the Sixth Nations Tournament. What is your position on the subject?

This is our greatest wish! But I understand that it is difficult. It’s not just rugby, it’s also a commercial tournament with nations with different histories and traditions. After that, the point is that we have to play in a sustainable way against high level opponents. Our recent history shows that the Rugby Europe Championship is not enough for us.

Your youth selections get interesting results at the U20 Worlds. You have included several young players in your selection: is this a sign that the Georgian pool is growing in strength?

We have good young players. Many play in France, by the way. They have had very good results in recent years (victories against Scotland, Ireland or Argentina). Afterwards, they have come to a halt in the past two years, with the cancellation of the U20 World Cup in 2020 because of the pandemic. It’s the same problem as for the national team, they don’t have enough long-term experience.

We talk a lot about Georgian forwards, a little less than three-quarters. Are they at the level of the best nations?

Most of our forwards play in good French clubs. Their experience will serve us well, because rucks are always an important part of a match. Our three-quarters may not be as good, but we still have some interesting young promises. They can also play a good rugby, it is a good opportunity for them to progress in selection.


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