Get Newsletter

VIDEO: Borjgalosnebi won't be cannon fodder for Boks

Nikoloz Khatiashvili on playing in South Africa

Georgia is determined to make a statement against South Africa and Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

ADVERTISEMENT

It is the first of two Tests between the countries, with the second Test at Ellis Park a week later.

Ranked 12th in the world and on the fringes of the Six Nations, their performance against the Springboks will strengthen their argument that they deserve to replace the 15th-ranked Italy in Europe’s international championship.

Veteran prop Nikoloz Khatiashvili, who played most of his rugby in France, admitted it is going to be a “big challenge” on Friday.

However, he believes that “surprises” do happen in the game.

“I am sure they chose us [Georgia] as opposition because we have a powerful forward pack,” the 29-year-old prop told @rugby365com.

He added that the contest between the two sets of forwards should be “good entertainment” for the fans.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We acknowledge their power and qualities [as World Champions], but we will be focussed more on our own game.

“We can’t afford to focus too much on what type of game they are going to play.”

The Borjgalosnebi, or Lelos as they are affectionately known, are renowned for their forward power and believe they have the tools to cause an upset.

(Article continues below …)

Video Spacer

“If you are a professional player and you don’t think like – you don’t believe you can beat anyone – then there is no place for you in this game,” Khatiashvili said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“We are looking forward to proving to the world that we are one of the best – particularly when it comes to scrums, mauls, as well as pick-and-gos.

“It is going to be a massive challenge and we respect the Boks, but we will do our best [to cause an upset].

“We will give 100 percent effort in every aspect of the game.

“The coaching staff have done a great job in preparing us for this task.”

Georgia had a game against the Netherlands last week, when they beat the Dutch team 48-15 in a Rugby Europe Championship fixture at the Kavkasioni Arena, in Telavi.

Some of the Georgian players have played in South Africa before, including a number of Under-20 players who featured in Junior tournaments.

Veteran hooker Jaba Bregvadze also travelled to the Republic with the Sunwolves Super Rugby team.

However, for a number of the squad, this will be their first outing on South African soil.

“We have the utmost respect and love for South Africa,” he told @rugby365com, adding: “We will introduce ourselves to the South African people and this great country.”

Having played for Aurilliac and Soyaux Angoulême in the French PriD2 league, who also had a stint with the Sunwolves and recently signed for the Houston SaberCats in America’s Major League Rugby competition.

@king365ed
@rugby365com

Video Spacer

Join free

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Edinburgh vs Glasgow | Celtic Challenge 2024/25 | Match Highlights

Boks Office | Episode 31 | Investec Champions Cup Review

Global Schools Challenge | Day 2 Replay

The Backyard Bunch | The USA's Belmont Shore

AUSTRALIA vs USA behind the scenes | HSBC SVNS Embedded | E04

South Africa v France | HSBC SVNS Cape Town 2024 | Men's Final Match Highlights

Two Sides - Behind the scenes with the British & Irish Lions in South Africa | E01

Write A Comment