On November 8, 2014, Tonga was stronger than Georgia. The result was logical but 10 months are ahead and Milton Haig, head coach of “The Lelos”, must use this time properly.

You must attack in order to win the match. Yesterday we did not have a ball and could not attack. It is tough to recall a match where the Georgian national team was without a chance. On this day we did not have a player who could suggest the opponent something special.

“The Lelos” managed to repulse the attacks of Tonga and 18 000 spectators did not lose hope of winning the match till the end. However, there was not the rugby player who could change the game. The Tonga national team had such player and in the last 15 minutes they managed to break through the Georgian defense 3 times and the match finished – 9:23.

The match started with the Tonga offence but Merab Kvirikashvili managed to score penalty at the 12^th minute. Soon Tonga restored balance by penalty. At the end of the first half Kvirikashvili scored penalty and promoted his team – 6:3.

The second half started with the Tonga offence and restored balance. However, Kvirikashvili promoted the Georgians for the last time in this match. In the last 15 minutes Tonga scored 3 tries. The next match will take place in Gloucester on September 19.

On November 16 Georgia will play Ireland in “Aviva Stadium” in Dublin and on November 23 Georgia will host Japan.

Post-match press conference

Milton Haig (head coach of the Georgian national team): “The first half finished very well for us. In the second half we showed a very bad game, made a lot of mistakes. In the second half Tonga had such players who changed the game. In the first 20 minutes we played only in defense. In the second half we tried to play more open game but could not do it.

The reason of the failure is playing without ball and we could not show our possibilities. In the dressing room I asked the boys to keep the ball but today we could not do it. We were under pressure. We will hold the next match against Ireland and will try to improve our mistakes.

Our defense and scrum worked well against Tonga but lineout did not. Our team played with whole heart from start to finish. Like any team, we also have distinguished players and young ones have to work hard to become the best. We will forget this match and result and will start thinking about Ireland. This match will be important for the boys. They must prove what they can.

The Tonga national team always plays aggressively. I promise we will play must better in England”.

Mana Otai (head coach of the Tonga national team): “I want to thank Georgia for such warm greeting and good match. I can only praise the Georgian national team because it took us much time to find our game. Georgia played strong defense but in the second half we found out how to beat them.

We are fighters and we know people have reaction on “Sipi Tau”. The response we got from the Georgian fans was pleasant. We know the Georgians are also fighters. Test matches are also important and today we did not think about World Cup”.

Nili Latu (captain of the Tonga national team): “At World Cup these teams will hold a different match. We are preparing for 2015 and the November test matches will help us a lot. We received a great pleasure from today’s match. We were lucky to adapt quickly”.

Giorgi Nizharadze (president of the Georgian Rugby Union): “First of all, I want to congratulate Tonga on its victory. The head coach has already talked about the reasons of the failure. The boys fought till the end. We can also find positive in the failure. Motivation has increased and I believe the boys will play at World Cup with more energy. I believe we will beat Tonga there”.

November 8. Saturday. Test match

Tbilisi. “Mikheil Meskhi”. 18 000 spectators

Georgia – Tonga 9:23 (6:3)

Georgia: 15. Merab Kvirikashvili, 14. Irakli Machkhaneli (23. Sandro Todua 72), 13. Davit Kacharava, 12. Merab Sharikadze, 11. Tamaz Mchedlidze, 10. Lasha Khmaladze (22. Lasha Malaguradze 74), 9. Giorgi Begadze (21. Vazha Khutsishvili 75); 1. Mikheil Nariashvili (17. Zurab Zhvania 67), 2. Shalva Mamukashvili (16. Simon Maisuradze 70), 3. Davit Kubriashvili (18. Levan Chilachava 67), 4. Kote Mikautadze (19. Giorgi Nemsadze 74), 5. Levan Datunashvili, 6. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 7. Viktor Kolelishvili (20. Lasha Lomidze 29-40), 8. Giorgi Chkhaidze (20. Lasha Lomidze 67).

3 penalties: Kvirikashvili

1 sin-binned: Tkhilaishvili (74)

Head coach: Milton Haig

Tonga: 15. Vunga Lilo, 14. Tevita Halaifonua, 13. Siale Piutau, 12. Hemani Paea (23. Otulea Katoa 62), 11. Fetu’u Vainikolo, 10. Kurt Morath (22. Latiume Fosita 62), 9. Sonatane Takulua (21. Taniela Moa 61); 1. Tevita Mailau (17. Siua Halanukonuka 54), 2. Aleki Lutui (16. Elvis Taione 70), 3. Sila Puafisi (18. Paea Fa’anunu 54), 4. Tukulua Lokotui, 5. Joe Tuineau (19. Lisiate Fa’aoso 77), 6. Sione Kalamafoni, 7. Nili Latu (20. Hale T-Pole 77), 8. Viliami Ma’afu.

3 tries: Moa (1, 2), Lilo

1 conversion: Fosita

2 penalties: Morath

Head coach: Mana Otai

Referee: Pascal Gauzere (France)

Touch judges: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland), Vlad Iordachescu (Romania)

Television match official: Carlo Damasco (Italy)