Preview: Namibia v Georgia
Georgia, coming off a gutsy defeat to New Zealand with a couple of their second stringers getting a run, the 'A-Team' are now back in business for Georgia's must win match.
Georgia have made 10 changes to their starting line-up from the defeat to the All Blacks in their last match.
Georgia coach Milton Haig has selected the most experienced Georgia line-up ever at the World Cup for this match.
Haig has made seven changes to his forward pack and a positional change, with captain Mamuka Gorgodze keeping his place in the starting side but moving back to No.8.
Vasil Lobzhanidze, the World Cup's youngest player at just 18 years old returns to the starting team at scrumhalf along with inside centre Merab Sharikadze and fullback Merab Kvirikashvili.
"We made a lot of new fans because of the heart we showed against New Zealand. But I said to the boys all the hard work, all the blood, sweat and tears that they've shed these past four months in training and playing, will be worth nothing if we don't finish the job," said Haig.
"My focus the last four years has been to create history for Georgia, all my thoughts and energy have been going into this moment."
Georgia are currently in fourth place in Pool C, but are just two points behind Tonga – who have to play New Zealand in their last pool match.
If Tonga lose and Georgia win, the Georgians will automatically qualify for the 2019 World Cup in Japan, furthermore concluding a extremely successful World Cup campaign.
Namibia go into this match coming off a 21-35 defeat to Tonga. The Namibians will be playing for pride in this match as they currently are placed in fifth position in Pool C.
A win against Georgia by 14 points (and not allowing Georgia to score four tries) will see them finish in fourth position and Georgia would then finish in fifth.
Coach Phil Davies has made seven changes to the starting side that lost to Tonga – with Johnny Redelinghuys replacing Casper Viviers at loosehead prop, while PJ Van Lill comes into the second row in place of Jaco Venter. Amongst the other changes Tinus du Plessis starting on the flank, with Rohan Kitshoff dropping to the bench.
Eugene Jantjies also comes in for Eneill Buitendag at scrumhalf, Darryl De La Harpe has been named in the centres and David Philander comes in for try scoring Johan Tromp on the wing, who drops to the bench for this clash.
If Namibia are to win this match they are going to need inspirational captain and flank Jacques Burger to play out of his skin once again , as he did against Tonga.
Players to watch
For Namibia: Captain Jacques Burger has played his heart out the entire World Cup. His high work rate and "never say die" attitude is always evident as he gives 100 percent each and every time he plays. No.8 Renaldo Bothma the "smasher" will have to be top of his game as he takes on opposite eighthman and Georgian star Mamuka Gorgodze.
For Georgia: Once again it will be Mamuka Gorgodze who has had an absolutely phenomenal World Cup so far. Fullback Merab Kvirikashvili is also one to watch.
Head to Head: Battle of the forwards if you asking me . We have a mega clash between Jacques Burger and Renaldo Bothma, both very physical players up against the Georgian talisman Mamuka Gorgotze. The battle of the kickers should also prove to be a massive battle as Namibian Theuns Kotze is a sharpshooter and Georgian Merab Kvirikashvili is a bit suspect at times, which ultimately could be a decisive part of this match.
Previous result:
2007: Georgia won 30-0, Lens
Prediction: Georgia to be to strong upfront and should dominate at the collision area. I predict that Georgia they will win by 12 points on the back of a dominant scrum and line-out.
Teams:
Namibia: 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 David Philander, 13 Danie Van Wyk, 12 Darryl De La Harpe, 11 Russel Van Wyk, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjes, 8 Renaldo Bothma, 7 Tinus Du Plessis, 6 Jacques Burger (captain) 5 Tijuee Uanivi, 4 PJ Van Lill, 3 Raoul Larson, 2 Torsten Van Jaarsveld, 1 Johnny Redelinghuys
Replacements: 16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Jaco Engels, 18 Johannes Coetzee, 19 Wian Conradie, 20 Rohan Kitsoff, 21 Johan Tromp, 22 Damian Stevens, 23 Heinrich Smit
Georgia: 15 Merab Kvirikashvili, 14 Tamaz Mchedlidze, 13 Davit Kacharava, 12 Merab Sharikadze, 11 Alexander Todua, 10 Lasha Malaguradze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Mamuka Gorgodze(captain), 7 Viktor Kolelishvili, 6 Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 5 Konstantine Mikautadze, 4 Giorgi Nemsadze, 3 Davit Zirakashvili, 2 Jaba Bregvadze, 1 Mikheil Nariashvili
Replacements: 16 Shalva Mamukashvili, 17 Karlen Asieshvili, 18 Anton Peikrishvili, 19 Levan Datunashvili, 20 Lasha Lomidze, 21 Giorgi Begadze, 22 Giorgi Aptsiauri, 23 Beka Tsiklauri.
Date: Wedensday, October 7
Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter
Kick-off: 20:00 (19:00 GMT, 23.00 Georgia time)
Expected weather: Partly cloudy with a wind speed of 24km/h
Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France) , Stuart Berry (South Africa)
TMO: Shaun Veldsman (South Africa)
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