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.
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Guest
Georgia did their best to lose in the first half, showing no patience whatsoever. It is rare you see a team so dominant in set piece, contact and running the ball and still be behind after 40 minutes. They fixed it at half time but Namibia were never going to lie down. All in all a successful campaign for Georgia - see them in 4 years.
Simon
Roar Pro
You really did!
Simon
Roar Pro
FULL TIME! Georgia hang on to gain automatic qualification for 2019! Namibia were absolutely determined to come away with a win today and were stoic in defeat. It was something of a sloppy match, with lots of dropped ball and discipline errors. Despite that, it was a thrilling game and neither team relented, with Namibia unlucky to lose. Three yellow cards for Namibia really cost them. They fought incredibly hard and at time looked likely to break their drought. 48 missed tackles cost them dearly and Georgia exploited their weakness in defense and the scrum to out-muscle them. Georgia should be proud of their efforts this World Cup, while Namibia will know they gave everything today and will have a short turnaround for Argentina in 4 days. Thanks for dropping in to follow the blog today - it was a cracking game and both teams gave it all. Have a good day!
Simon
Roar Pro
79' Georgia are marching downfield with a rolling maul, looking for a penalty. They're chewing up the metres. Georgia lead 17-16.
wardad
Guest
Looks like I missed a ferocious encounter !
Simon
Roar Pro
78' PENALTY. Georgia find some breathing space with a penalty. They kick for touch. Georgia lead 17-16.
Simon
Roar Pro
77' Both team are at each other's throats right now. There's serious intensity out on Sandy Park. Georgia hang on, 17-16.
Simon
Roar Pro
75' WHAT A KICK! Kotze converts his own try with an absolute beauty from the touch line. It's neck and neck now. Georgia lead 17-16.
Simon
Roar Pro
73' TRY!! Namibia get over the line through Kotze! He becomes Namibia's all time highest point scorer, but more importantly bring Namibia back into the game. Georgia lead 17-14. Kick to come.
Simon
Roar Pro
73' Namibia is surging forwards towards the try line. They're determined now. Georgia lead 17-9.
Simon
Roar Pro
70' GOAL. Namibia claw back into the game off Kotze's penalty kick. Georgia lead 17-9.
Simon
Roar Pro
69' PENALTY. Georgia gives away a penalty for hands in the ruck, and Namibia decide to kick for goal. They back themselves to get over the line. Georgia lead 17-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
67' GOAL! Kvirikashvili adds 3 points to extend Georgia's lead off a ruck penalty. Georgia lead 17-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
65' Namibia doing well to push back against a rapidly advancing Georgia. They've pushing them backwards at times. Georgia lead 14-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
59' PENALTY. Georgia push for yet another scrum penalty. They've really shown off their forward strength today. Also, Bothma comes back to the field of play. Georgia lead 14-6.
Simon
Roar Pro
55' TRY!! Malaguradze crosses the line off a great offload from Tkhilaishvili. Georgia have clicked into gear now - you can see them taking it slow and resisting the offloads that they don't need. They're sticking to their strengths in their huge, forwards runs. 54 missed tackles from Namibia speaks volumes about the nature of Georgian ball carrying. Georgia lead 14-6.
DaniE
Roar Guru
Yay another try!
Simon
Roar Pro
54' PENALTY. Namibia are penalised for not rolling away, and Georgia kick for the corner. Georgia lead 7-6.
DaniE
Roar Guru
Of course it's got to be Gorgodze to save the day
DaniE
Roar Guru
Argh, so confused between the teams, now that a try had been scored I'm going to bed (12.36am here in Dubai)