Historic Victory - Georgian Rugby Team Defeats the Tier1 Representative, Italy
By Natalia Kochiashvili
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
The Georgian rugby team hosted the Italian national team for the first time in history, at the Batumi Arena and won the most important victory over the principle rival - 28:19. The hosts took an early lead scoring two tries and a conversion without reply. Italy responded before Georgia scored another try at the end of the first half. The second half was dominated by penalty kicks as Georgia secured victory/
Having lost all 4 out of 4 meetings held against the Italians, this meeting was of great importance - the Georgian national team needed a strong argument to enter the 6 nations tournament, and victory against Italy was necessary in this regard.
Before this win, there was constant talk about the fact that the hosts of the 6 Nations tournament should open the door to Georgia, and after this win, this issue is expected to become even more urgent.
The British publication ‘Daily Mail’ responded to this important victory of the Georgian national team.
“This was an open door for Georgian rugby, a chance to make a statement to the rugby world. How The Lelos took their opportunity… Georgia is a true rugby nation and needs more games like these to show their worth and aid their development as a tier-two country.”
It was also emphasized that calls for them to join the Six Nations will now only grow louder on the back of this result. Many believe there should be a promotion and relegation clash to join the Championship each year.
Similar a scenario would primarily affect Italy, a team with just one Six Nations victory since 2015, while the Georgian national team is constantly winning the European Rugby Championship.
“That was the contest here and how Georgia proved a point.”
The Georgian national team will hold its next match against the Portuguese national team on July 16.
