The Georgian national rugby union team guaranteed playing at World Cup by beating Russia (36:10). At the press conference Milton Haig, head coach of “The Lelos”, mentioned the final goal is not completed yet and it is important to depart for England as the first-placed team of the qualifying round.

Post-match press conference

Kingsley Jones (head coach of the Russian national team): “The experienced rugby players of the Georgian team played well. We made many mistakes while one on one tackles and the worthy team won. Georgia has world class first liners and substitutes as well. I expected such pressure and it was not a surprise.

Now we think about the match against Portugal. I congratulate Georgia on making through to World Cup. You have such team that Scotland, Italy and others must be afraid to play you. I am sure you will win at least two matches at World Cup”.

Alexander Voytov: “Your team is not ideal one and we had a chance to gain point. In the second half our coach changed tactic and we lost duet to our own mistakes. I am happy that we held the first half well”.

Milton Haig (head coach of the Georgian national team): “The weather caused us problems. Our opponent chose right tactic and we made mistakes. I have stated before and I repeat again, Russia does not have a bad team. While the break I told the boys the opponent used high balls and we changed our play. The first try at the beginning of the second half was very important.

We have been preparing in dry weather for the whole week and the rain cause us problem. Now we will watch this match and analyze it. There is a big competition in our team and it is good. Everybody who will work hard will have a chance. I can say nobody has a guaranteed place in lineup.

Our goal is not only playing at World Cup but also taking the first place in the qualifying round. So, the matches against Spain and Romania are very important. I want to ask people to crowd the stadium in the match against Romania. We need their help”.

Irakli Machkhaneli: “I congratulate you all on making through to World Cup four times in a row. Unfortunately, we had problems in this match. But we changed situation in the second half. We were not focused on Russia at the Nations Cup. Romania is the main opponent. Hopefully, we will improve a lot before the last match”.

Zura Ksovreli