“Though I am not Georgian, I understand perfectly well how the Georgians must feel now and share with them the excitement any local rugby supporter must experience now that the national team has won its third World Cup ticket in a row and that the word ‘Georgia’ will resound on the international stage once again,” said former Wallaby centre Tim Lane, who has seen been replaced by Richie Dixon as Georgia coach.
“It was our goal to bring Georgia to the Rugby World Cup again and I am really happy that this goal has been achieved. Now our goal as a team is to make a worthy appearance at the finals.”
The final day meeting between Georgia and Russia would not only decide the ENC champion, but also who qualified as Europe 1 and 2 for RWC 2011. Georgia claimed the title after triumphing 36-8 and, in the process, booked their place in Pool B at RWC 2011 with Argentina, England, Scotland and the Play-off Winner.
Georgia qualified as Europe 1 after beating Russia in Turkey - Photo: Tamar Kulumbegashvili
The title decider was played in the Akçabaat Fatih Stadium in Trabzon, Turkey, but some 6,000 Georgian fans were still in attendance to see their side run in five tries to one. The match, despite political tensions between the two countries following the brief war of 2008, was played in an excellent spirit.
“For Georgian rugby, another World Cup appearance means a big surge in popularity,” explained second row Ilia Zedginidze, who captained Georgia at RWC 2007 in France. “It will bring a fresh wave of children and teenagers into youth rugby teams, another boost for development, another chance to go forward. And as regards myself, I am happy to be a part of this process and grateful to everyone who supports us on our way.”
Away from Europe, Canada became the first of the eight teams who did not pre-qualify to confirm their place at RWC 2011 after beating old rivals USA in a home and away play-off in July 2009.
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