VIDEO: Borjgalosnebi won't be cannon fodder for Boks
Georgia is determined to make a statement against South Africa and Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
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.
“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.
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“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.
“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.
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