The Lelos coaching staff have named Georgia match day squad to face Spain on March 14th.
10 changes have been made to starting 15 after the round one match against Portugal. One of those was caused by an injury – Beka Saghinadze. As for the rest of the changes, the coaching staff decided to make rotation:
“As our extended squad consists of 32 players, we try to balance it so that everyone can get some game time. As I mentioned several times before, our goal is to test all players in different positions and roles while keeping the team balanced.” – Says the Head Coach, Levan Maisashvili.
Six changes in Forwards Pack
Due to rotation principle, the front-rowers, who were on the bench against Portugal last week, will start against Spain this Sunday – Beka Gigashvili, Shalva Mamukashvili and Gia Kharaishvili.
Lock Lasha Jaiani keeps his place in the second row; this time he will be joined by Davit Gigauri, while Nodar Cheishvili moves to bench.
Tornike Jalagonia, who recovered from minor injuries just in time, keeps his place in the third row at Number 8. Mikheil Gachechiladze and Irakli Tskhadadze, who had his senior international debut last week, will start as flankers.
With Four Changes in Backs
Centers Merab Sharikadze and Giorgi Kveseladze keep their place in mid-field. Gela Aprasidze at Number 9 will be paired with Tedo Abzhandadze as Fly Half.
Aka Tabutsadze and Deme Tapladze are at Wings, as Davit Niniashvili starts at Full Back instead of Soso Matiashvili.
Rugby Europe Championship 2021 | RWC 2023 Qualifier
Round Two
March 14, Madrid, KO 15:45 (GEO Time)
Spain vs Georgia
Georgia Lineup
Backs: 15. Davit Niniashvili (3 caps), 14. Aka Tabutsadze (8 caps, 30 points), 13. Giorgi Kveseladze (30 caps, 25 points), 12. Merab Sharikadze Captain (73 caps, 60 points), 11. Deme Tapladze (7 caps, 5 points), 10. Tedo Abzhandadze (21 caps, 129 points), 9. Gela Aprasidze (31 caps, 24 points).
Forwards: 1. Beka Gigashvili (20 caps, 5 points), 2. Shalva Mamukashvili (80 caps, 55 points), 3. Gia Kharaishvili (1 Cap), 4. Lasha Jaiani (8 caps), 5. Davit Gigauri (8 caps, 5 points), 6. Mikheil Gachechiladze (13 caps, 10 points), 7. Irakli Tskhadadze (1 Cap), 8. Tornike Jalaghonia (6 caps, 5 points).
Bench: 16. Jaba Bregvadze (63 caps, 20 points), 17. Gurma Gogichashvili (19 caps, 5 points), 18. Goirgi Melikidze (24caps, 15 points), 19. Nodar Cheishvili (28 caps), 20. Giorgi Tkilaishvili (62 caps, 60 points); 21. Mikheil Alania (2 caps), 22. Giorgi Babunashvili (uncapped), 23. Sandro Todua (90 caps, 65 points).
