LELOS made history by qualifying 
to the RWC Finals

GEORGIA 17, RUSSIA 13

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For the first time in a decade-long history of independent 
Georgian sport, our national team earned a right to play in 
the World Cup Finals (of course, if one discounts Lelos 
appearance at 7s World Cup in Argentina back in 2001)

The success came at the time when the whole Georgian Nation 
needed victory in any scope of human activity. This fact 
surely will catapult rugby as number one sport among the 
once strong and vibrant Caucasians who struggled very much 
in recent times, and make the Lelos role-models for local 
youth 

On the other hand, Lelos joining the Rugby World Cup fold 
should inject a little bit of fresh blood in a stagnant and 
divided world of international rugby, mishandled by its 
rulers and sacrificed at the altar of extreme greed

Albeit the game was not as pretty to watch as Super 12 
action, the victory still counted and caused wide-spread, 
late-night celebrations throughout the Capital, Tbilissi. 
It also turned to be the thanksgiving to generations of 
Georgian rugby folks who tried their best despite society's 
indifference to the 'crazy oval-ball pastime'

Lelos, ably guided by their new skipper, eightman 
Zedguinidze, played very disciplined, percentage football, 
to their strenghts and opposition weaknesses. Sound 
scrumming, decent line-out, masterly clearance at tackle 
and wise tactical kicking finally delivered the cherished 
result

Russia were not duds at all but once again visit to 
Tbilissi became a 'deja vu' for them. For most of the game, 
they were deprived of quality ball, and once again heavily 
pinged at breakdown, for the Lelos who play their club 
rugby in France were more familiar with ref's 
interpretaions than home-based Siberians

The opening quarter belonged to the hosts. Jimsheladze 
wasted two attacking opportunities thru unnecessary drops, 
and Urjukashvili hit a goalpost once and the ball fell just 
short another time, both from 40+ metres

Russia started well from the outset and countered well 
around half-hour mark when they ran-out Lelos long 
drop-out, Grachov made good ground, Rachkov cut thru, 
evaded Jimshelade and Katsadze and scored in the right corner, 
with Simonov converting from a difficult angle

Georgia responded soon thru another PG and pushover try 
from a maul developped after 5m lineout. Nadiradze won the 
ball two-handed and the pack drove on, with prop Tsabadze 
at the bottom of the heap for his 10th international try

In the second half Jimsheladze resorted to tactical kicks 
that kept Russia pinned to their half and under persistent 
pressure. They tried to run the ball from deep in but to 
no avail. Then Lelos got five 5m scrums in succession and 
eventually kicked PG from in front

Labadze stole two Russian lineouts at cricial times, and 
the guests were not hepled by introduction of old war-horse 
Zakarliuk at pivot as he normally plays fullback

With 15 minutes left Russia ran FK after lineout within 
Georgian 22 and stringed up nine good phases. At the 
end Dymchenko attempted kick-out and Zibzibadze saved the 
day with strong mark 'a la' Aussie Rules

Four minutes later Urjukashvili missed by a whisker 
Alania's timely up-and-under. With 5 to go and 4 point 
deficit Simonov could not goal from 40m thus dropping his 
record to 2/5 

Into the injury time Russia had last roll of dice after an 
attacking line-out from 30m out. They went wide and 
recycled the ball five times but Didebuldze and Ratianidze 
combined for the crucial tackle on sub Azarenko, who 
spilled the ball and it was full-time

So, Georgia became 18th particapant of the Finals. As for 
Russia, they possess everything to dispose of Spain, 
Tunisia and the USA in succession and get to the Aussieland 
like their former yeomen have done already