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Namibia and Georgia will be keen to rise above their minnow tags when they clash in Exeter this morning. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 6.00am (AEDT).
Namibia come into the match underdogs, having never won a World Cup match. Adding to that their recent drubbing at the hands of Tonga and it seems destined to be an uphill battle for them to get on top today.
A win for Georgia will see them automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup by coming third in their pool – assuming Tonga do not find a way to topple New Zealand. Georgia‘s form this World Cup has been impressive so far – a shock win over Tonga before a hard-fought loss to Argentina and a relentless display to give World Champions New Zealand a scare.
Namibia have been unlucky in the side’s past four encounters, taking away just one win in 2010. However they came close the last time the two sides faced off, in 2011, going down to the Georgians just 23-18.
Namibian coach Phil Davies has made seven changes from the XV that took on Tonga, naming a side that boasts an impressive 398 Test caps. The side also holds an average age of 29 years and 13 days, shaping up to be the most experienced Namibian sides to ever take the field.
Namibia’s starting side overhaul is not to be outdone by Georgia’s, who make 10 changes to the team that went down 43-10 to New Zealand last week. Only captain and two-time Man of the Match Mamuka Gorgodze remains from last week’s forward pack.
Namibian captain Jacque Burger and Georgian general Mamuka Gordodze both make their 11th World Cup appearances, beating their respecting nations’ records. After a great competition so far, Gorgodze will likely have a massive impact on the outcome of this game.
Riding the momentum of their stellar World Cup so far, I think Georgia will ask a lot of questions, and Namibia won’t have the answers to end their World Cup losing streak. Expect a highly physical, massively passionate display from both sides.
Will Namibia finally be able to get a win on the board, or will Georgia nail down qualification for Japan’s World Cup? Join The Roar this morning from 6.00am (AEDT) for live scores and debate in our live blog.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.