Rugby World Cup 2019: Georgia 33-7 Uruguay

Rugby World Cup 2019: Georgia 33-7 Uruguay

Georgia celebrated their first win at this year's Rugby World Cup with a dominant 33-7 bonus-point victory over Uruguay on Sunday.

Uruguay were flying high after stunning Fiji, but the South Americans wilted in the stifling Kumagaya humidity as Georgia scored five tries to one in the Pool D clash.

Tedo Abzhandadze added four conversions for Georgia in a one-sided contest.

Georgia made 12 changes to their starting XV after being routed by Wales in game one, but it did not hamper the team's rhythm as they outclassed Uruguay, especially in the pack.

Alexander Todua struck first for Georgia in the eighth minute. Two cut-out passes created space for Todua, who eased into the corner after Uruguay's scrum fell apart.


And although Abzhandadze was unable to add the extras, Georgia's energy and strength continued to prove too much for Uruguay, who struggled in the sweltering conditions.

Georgia's power and muscle saw them score their second try on the half hour mark, this time courtesy of Otari Giorgadze. Another dominant scrum paved the way for the flanker to smash his way over the line and Abzhandadze converted for a 12-0 lead.

For all of Georgia's dominance, Uruguay managed to keep themselves in the game with a try against the run of play three minutes later. Quick hands unravelled Georgia, who were helpless as Andres Vilaseca ran through, with Felipe Berchesi adding the extras.

Georgia reasserted their authority two minutes into the second half, restoring their 12-point lead courtesy of Levan Chilachava after strong work again near the try line, with Abzhandadze converting.

Georgia's relentless pressure yielded another five-pointer in the 51st minute – Jaba Bregvadze securing the bonus point, with Abzhandadze's conversion proving successful – and Giorgi Kveseladze got in on the action six minutes later.

Georgia giants dominate Uruguay

The imposing Georgians were simply too big and strong for Uruguay. Georgia's pack weighed a combined total of 917kg, almost 100kg heavier than their opponents and it showed as they beat Los Teros for the fourth consecutive time.

Uruguay hit with reality check

The talk of the tournament four days earlier after claiming their first World Cup win in 16 years, it was a game to forget for Uruguay. In what turned out to be a match between men and boys, Uruguay barely had time in possession as they chased shadows and succumbed to Georgia's power. Their woes were compounded by a late red card to Facundo Gattas for a shoulder charge.

Key Opta facts

- Georgia scored 33 points in this match - their most in a single Rugby World Cup game - eclipsing their 30-0 victory over Namibia in 2007.
- Uruguay managed a tally of just seven points by full-time, their fewest ever in a Rugby World Cup game against non-Tier 1 opposition.
- Georgia missed a total of just 10 tackles in this game after having missed an average of 21 tackles per game across their six most recent six Rugby World Cup games.
- Zura Dzneladze made a total of four clean breaks in this match; no Georgian in Rugby World Cup history has made more in a single game (also Merab Kvirikashvili, 4 v Namibia in 2015).
- Facundo Gattas became just the second Uruguayan ever to receive a red card in a Rugby World Cup game (Agustin Ormaechea vs Fiji in 2015).

What's next?

Georgia will turn their attention to Thursday's clash against Fiji in Higashiosaka, while Uruguay take on the might of Australia two days later in Oita.

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