Following on from Part 1 and Part 2, we’ll take a look at the minnows of Pool C – Georgia and Namibia – and shine a light on some of the stars of each team.
Georgia
Ranked 13th, which is above Italy, Georgia is still considered a second tier rugby union nation. A forward-led side, who like to win penalties from scrums. They are aiming to win two pool games in the tournament, which would gain them automatic selection for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.
Mamuka Gorgodze
Georgia’s enforcer. The flanker/lock/No.8 plays for French heavyweights Toulon and sports the nickname ‘Gorgodzilla’ for his imposing size and rampaging style of play. Gorgodze is a genuine threat at the breakdown and in defence, and there are few more terrifying sights in rugby than the big man in full flight.
Merab Kvirikashvili
Georgia’s all-time leading point scorer. The five-eighth is entering his fourth World Cup and is also capable of playing fullback and scrum half. Kvirikashvili’s experience, versatility and boot will play a big part in Georgia’s aim to win two games.
Davit Zirakashvili
A tight head prop with soft hands and a hard running game. Zirakashvili is one of the best scrimmaging props from the minnow nations, and can more than hold his own against the big boys. Seriously, his work in the scrum from Clermont in the Top 14 is a thing of beauty.
Namibia
Minnows in every sense of the word. Namibia have lost all 15 of their previous World Cup matches, conceding almost 1000 points in the process. This year they will be looking to secure their first World Cup victory against Tonga or fellow minnows Georgia. Their squad has a good combination of experience and youthful exuberance, with depth in the midfield and talent in the back three.
Jacques Burger
Has been selected to captain the team. The flanker is playing for the Saracens in the English Premiership, and has earned himself a reputation as one of the hardest tacklers in the competition. Burger was named one of the top five players of the 2011 World Cup, despite Namibia failing to win a game. The man has no respect for his body – he works tirelessly in defence and is always threatening to turn the ball over.
Renaldo Bothma
A skilful and explosiveness loose-forward, who has had an outstanding year with the Sharks in the Super Rugby. Can make an impact in both attack and defence. Bothma has a great strike rate for Namibia, with seven tries in seven matches.
Chrysander Botha
The exciting fullback is an integral part of the Namibia team and Botha has plenty of speed to burn. He was impressive in his time with the Lions in Super Rugby, and is now turning heads in the English Premiership with the Exeter Chiefs.
So, Roarers, are there are any Georgian or Namibian players you think we should look out for? In the final article, I’ll be looking at the minnows of Pool D – Romania and Canada.
Follow Jamieson on twitter – @jamiesonmurph
Jamieson Murphy
Roar Guru
In Soviet Russia, scrum machine push you
Up the Wahs
Roar Guru
Despite being minnows the Georgians have really taken to rugby and ever since their debut in 2003 they have had many players ply their trade in France. You know they used to do scrum practice against old soviet tractors? I think they can upset the Tongans and give Argentina a tough game
Tigranes
Guest
Georgia have improved out of sight since 2003, when they conceded over 80 points to England...in 2011, I think England won by maybe 40 points. (to be fair, England in 2003 were a much stronger side) This is going to be the first time Georgia has played New Zealand, I bet Georgia are looking forward to that. Georgia has it in them to beat Tonga and should comprehensively smash Namibia. Namibia have shown no improvement, they've probably gone backwards. If they're the best team in Africa outside of the Springboks, then World Rugby needs to do something drastic about it.
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Love Georgia, all their forwards play in French rugby and are some of the wildest beasts still around in rugby. My current favourite is Viktor Kolelishvili the Clermont flanker. He's just back from a lengthy injury but should hopefully be fit to play. Known as 'le yeti" he's a beast and one of the best fighter around. Shalva Sutiashivili another flanker (I think he can play 8 too?) is also a beast (plays for Massy in pro d2). Those 2, with Gorgodze, are the toughest rugby players that I know in this rwc. I think they will beat Tonga and hopefully can do well against the Pumas.