RWC Preview: Georgia v Uruguay

Uruguay coach Esteban Meneses declared his side "shocked the world" in beating Fiji and his aim is to do the same again against Georgia on Sunday.

Los Teros claimed their first Rugby World Cup win in 16 years as a trio of first-half tries set up a stunning 30-27 victory.

But Uruguay are not done yet and Meneses has identified their second clash with Georgia as another game in which they can pick up a result.

The coach had said they worked for four years towards the Fiji result but insists this second match was also always in their thinking.

"The game against Georgia is part of this shock to the world that we set out to achieve," he told El Observador.

"The Fiji game, which really was a shock and a huge joy, is something that we will use as encouragement and inspiration.

"Against Georgia, we will arrive with the same preparation of these past four years that supports us for these hard 80 minutes."

Despite their strong start, Uruguay would have to produce a far greater upset to reach the knock-out stages, with Australia and Wales also in Pool D.

Meneses is instead focused on beating Georgia to secure a third-placed finish, which would ensure they return to the world stage in four years' time.

"We have 80 minutes left [to qualify]," he added. "It is a final that sends us directly to the World Cup.

"We stand with this level of preparation and conviction for these remaining 80 minutes."

Uruguay have made just two changes from their opening win, but Georgia have taken an alternative approach, switching 12 men following their big defeat to Wales.

Jaba Bregvadze has been brought in to captain Georgia in a game they too will expect to win.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Georgia - Jaba Bregvadze

Bregvadze was sent to the sin bin as a replacement against Wales, but he gets his chance to start here. A popular Sunwolves star, the veteran hooker should have no difficulty adapting to the conditions and has a key role as skipper.

Uruguay - Felipe Berchesi

While three first-half tries put Uruguay in contention against Fiji, it was the boot of Berchesi, supplying 15 points, that really made the difference when it mattered most. He will likely need to deliver again if they are to add a second win.

KEY FACTS

- Georgia and Uruguay have faced each other on five previous occasions in Test rugby. Uruguay won their first two meetings, but Georgia's Lelos have won the past three.
- Uruguay won their only prior Rugby World Cup clash with Georgia, 24-12 in Sydney in 2003.
- The South American side will be aiming to win two matches in a World Cup campaign for the first time. Before beating Fiji, they had only won against Spain in 1999 and Georgia in 2003.
- Georgia have won each of their past four matches against non-tier one opposition at the World Cup since that defeat to Uruguay 16 years ago.
- Berchesi's 15 points against Fiji was the highest tally scored by a Uruguay player in a World Cup match. He became the first Teros player to post double figures.