This is a new proof of confidence for the club of five. Luka Japaridze, Vano Karkadze, Otar Giorgadze, Vasil Lobzhanidze and Tedo Abzhandadze have been called up by their selector Levan Maisashvili to participate in the Six Nations “B” Tournament, formerly Rugby Europe Championship.
A direct ticket to the 2023 World Cup at stake
This competition is very important for the Georgians, since they can obtain their direct ticket for the next World Cup which will take place in France. For this, they must finish in the first places of their group. The two tickets will actually be given to the teams that finish first or second in the 2021 and 2022 championships combined. Last year, Georgia finished first in the group with 24 points.
No derby for the five Georgians
To try to qualify, the coach therefore uses his usual hinge Lozhanidze-Abzhandadze, and trusts Luka Japaridze in the front line. These three are therefore likely to miss the Brive clashes against Clermont and Racing. Giorgadze and Karkadze are also in the group.
Georgia will face Portugal on Saturday February 6 (11 a.m.), the Netherlands on Saturday February 12 (12:15 p.m.).