JWRT to leave a lasting legacy in Georgia

For players, International Rugby Board Age Grade tournaments are about what happens on the field, about their future, their career, their experiences. For the IRB it is as much a pathway as an educational opportunity not to be wasted.

Players are not only exposed to a higher standard of rugby than they may be used to, but also go through the Keep Rugby Clean Outreach Programme and have to participate in Legacy activities, some of which will become everlasting memories.

These Legacy activities have been part and parcel of tournaments for over a decade and one of the many goals is to leave something behind for the host country or city to build on.

At the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2011 in the Georgian capital Tbilisi, the Legacy programme has been varied; from a beach rugby event in a purpose built sand pitch outside the Tbilisi Sports Palace to a visit to a juvenile detention centre where a rugby programme is gaining momentum.

This year’s JWRT Legacy programme has had a deep impact in the local rugby scene, according to former international and Georgian Rugby Union Rugby Development Manager, Nodar Andguladze. “It has been an incredible way to ensure rugby will leave a lasting impression on both our younger generations, players and coaches.”

The programme also included coaching workshops by representatives from the eight participating teams with each country given an area which they made presentations on at the Shevardeni Stadium.

• Attacking space, evasion skills, footwork – presented by Japan and Samoa
• Tackle skills, different types of tackle – presented by Georgia and Russia
• Breakdown, ruck of players, tackler/supporting first, second and third player role – by Canada and Uruguay
• Decision making, 2 v 1, 3 v 2, 4 v 3, running lines and angles – by Zimbabwe and USA

“We had more than 35 local coaches in attendance in both clinics and they were all very impressed with the lessons taught,” said Andguladze.

The Beach Rugby element saw players from the eight nations playing with young local kids with Andguladze revealing “they loved it; our kids and the visiting players. This was an important way to raise awareness with the local public.”

One of the projects that is dearest to the former Test centre cum wing is that at the Avchala Juvenile Colony, where children from 14 to 18 years old are detained, mostly for petty crime. Rugby has been brought to them in a joint-venture between the GRU, the local Probation Ministry and Unicef.

“We started with the programme in April in which we give the kids a physical activity and through rugby teach them values in rugby and for life. Messages such as healthy lifestyle, personal hygiene or our published codes of conduct are an integral part of what we give them. They train twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday) and we already know it has been successful,” explained Andguladze.

Of the 160 kids detained from all over Georgia, 45 of them are now rugby players.

"Using rugby as an inspiration"
“The whole concept behind this project is to help kids reintegrate into society once they leave the Colony. When they finish their time, rather than going back to criminal life we want our local clubs to take them in.”

The first player will join Rustavi RC in August and will be followed in December but two more, who will join Kutaisi RC.

Representatives from Georgia, Zimbabwe, Japan and Canada ended this Legacy activity, along with Georgia national team coach Richie Dixon and Tournament Medical Officer and Lelos Doctor Peter Grimes who were accompanied by Project Coordinator Andguladze.

“We want to continue to establish rugby strongly in the juvenile detention centre. We want to make success story out of it; to get this guys out of criminal life. Use rugby as an inspiration,” admitted Andguladze.

The tournament itself draws to a climax on Sunday, but the memories will last long.

“The real Legacy will be rugby awareness in Georgia. Many more kids will join the game and this tournament will have inspired them, seeing they can represent their nation at a younger age. My son Luka (13) plays for the Chokosnebi Rugby Club; he and his team now know they have something to aspire to.”

International flavour to JWRT match officials

The most international of all teams at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2011 which draws to a climax on Sunday in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi is the match officials.

Five referees, four assistant referees, two performance reviewers, a game analyst and a Referee Manager who all come from different nations and regions around the world.

Led by Bernd Gabbei, the IRB Referee Development Consultant and Referee Manager for this Under 20 tournament, is German and has in former Test referee Carlos Molinari (Argentina) and former Welsh referee Dave Herbert his two performance reviewers.

Irish-born Phil Dunne is in charge of working his magic with all the videos of the games in order to get the best out of the match officials.

Joaquín Montes (Uruguay), Tui Komiti (Samoa), Taizo Hirabayashi (Japan), Tim Luscombe (USA) and Radu Petrescu (Romania) have been tasked with refereeing the 16 games in the tournament, with the assistance of Spaniard Jorge Molpeceres, Ken Lambrechts from Belgium, Portugal’s Afonso Nogueira and local referee Ucha Narimanidze.

With ages ranging 22 to 35, Gabbei is happy with the way his team has been working hard to ensure games are well controlled. “The bigger picture is that the IRB now knows what is happening with refereeing in every region and individual countries. We also provide a proper match officiating structure. This means we have in place education programmes for all levels of referees.

Identification pathway
Gabbei has been to all four of the Junior World Rugby Trophies to date.

“To select referees for this tournament we have had a much more robust selection process. The nine referees here in Tbilisi have all been through the IRB Education Programme.”

Bringing together education and competition, refereeing is also a pathway and a good example is that of Montes, who has been awarded the honour of controlling the final between Samoa and Japan.

He was first identified in his country, then promoted to games within the South American region. After being an assistant referee in last year’s IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina, he attended the TOP (Talent Optimisation Programme) which each year takes place in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Earlier this year, he attended the IRB Level 3 Refereeing Course.

“This JWRT is an important part of their pathway and the future is that hopefully they will become international referees one day.”

The big legacy is also for their nations and regions as all of them are given tools to be of service. “They become multiplying agents,” concluded Gabbei.

Japan beat Georgia to reach JWRT final

Samoa will face Japan for the right to play in next year’s IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa after topping their respective pools in what has turned out to be a tightly contested Junior World Rugby Trophy in the Georgian capital Tbilisi on Wednesday.

The Oceania champions were clear leaders in Pool A and completed their clean sweep with a 50-14 win over Russia, while Japan needed all the energy they had to beat their hosts 29-14 before a partisan crowd at the Avchala Stadium in the Pool B decider.

Georgia must now regroup to face Uruguay in the third place play-off on Saturday, while Russia tackle Canada for fifth spot and USA meet Africa champions Zimbabwe to avoid finishing bottom of the rankings.

POOL A
Uruguay 33-5 USA
Under a blazing Tbilisi sun, Uruguay bounced back from their defeat by Samoa to show why they are the second ranked Under 20 side in the Americas with a 33-5 victory over the USA at Avchala Stadium.

Los Teritos were stronger in almost every department and scored four tries as they showcased their ability to turn possession into points, their first coming when, following some quick recycling of the ball, USA could not stop full back Guillermo del Cerro from touching down.

Felipe Berchesi, who had taken over the captaincy from the injured Agustín Ormaechea, kicked a 45-metre penalty before adding a second, angled penalty just before the referee called a much-needed water break in the 20th minute.

The break  gave the Americans a lift and within five minutes they managed to score their only try. By slowing Uruguayan ball in a ruck and turning over ball in their own half, they spun the ball wide to wing Madison Hughes, who drew the last defender before sending captain Will Magie over the line.

Control and possession were the clues for the second Uruguayan try, centre Joaquín Prada crossing at the end of a passing movement. With this try, Uruguay went into the break leading 19-5.

The second half continued to see Uruguay in control, with second row Franco Lamanna and Francisco Benhayon, who had a good game, scoring the bonus-point try with a short run after number 8 Santiago Puppo’s straight running opened a wide gap.

“Samoa is in a higher plane, and we are happy to be in the second level where we feel comfortable. We studied what had gone wrong in our game against the Samoans and worked hard to put those wrongs right for the game against USA,” said Uruguay coach Fernando Silva.

“We wanted to finish higher than in Russia and we’ve already achieved that.”

USA captain Magie added: “During the game there were certain moments when we got the better of our opponent, [but] our mistake count was reflected on the score. We trained hard and tried to correct our flaws from the previous two games; we were partially successful in doing this.”

Samoa 50-14 Russia
Samoa confirmed their intentions to secure an immediate return to the Junior World Championship with their third conclusive victory in Georgia, downing a combative Russian side 50-14 with centre Robert Lilomaiava scoring four of their seven tries.

The 36-point difference was built on their ability to create space from broken play with an uncanny knowledge of how to break, even through the smallest of spaces, and it didn’t take long for their attacking intentions to show.

Without allowing Russia a sniff of the ball, Lilomaiava had touched down twice within seven minutes, but their opponents gradually found their feet through their own attacking weapons with full back Denis Simplikevich, hoping to make Russia’s RWC 2011 squad, running straight to generate sufficient momentum for wing Alexander Tolmachev to touch down.

Samoa captain Patrick Fa’apale kicked penalties either side of half time, but Russia refused to buckle and, with the advantage of an extra man after Samoa’s second yellow of the match, chose to attack from the base of a scrum.

Scrum half German Godlyuk combined with Simplikevich for the full back’s try and then managed to angle the conversion between the posts to cut the deficit to only seven points.

However, this did not deter the attacking ambitions of Samoa, who found space through the backs for wing Saato Iosua to dive over in the corner. The 57th minute try opened the floodgates as from the restart centre Sagato Sua touched down and soon again, Lilomaiava scored back-to-back tries.

By now, Russia was unable to compete at the breakdown as they were always going backwards and Sua and flanker Oneone Fa’afou capitalised to score the last two tries.

Samoa coach John Schuster insisted his team “was missing a number of players through injury, but yet managed to play to our desired game plan. We were somewhat surprised by the positive attitude of the Russians and their attacking game. Still, once we adjusted to this, we were in control.”

“Early during the game we scored two very quick tries, afterwards our performance became too disorganised. But in the second half we managed to get on the move again and won the game – deservedly, I think.”

Russian head coach Andrey Cherevichny added: “This game showed that Samoans can be resisted. Yes, their class is much higher than that of other teams but we did the best and for 50 minutes we showed we had the capacity to play against them.”

Captain Stanislav Sel'skiy, hiding his tears, said: “We have one game left and we are going to fight till the end of the tournament. We want to finish in fifth place. The large score margin is probably due to fatigue, it was very hot during the game. At the next match we will stand our ground firmly and will fight for the victory.”

POOL B
Canada 49-23 Zimbabwe
Canada will play for the fifth place having beaten a good Zimbabwean side 49-23 in what was clearly a game of two halves. The first half was error-strewn and unattractive, the second a festival of attacking rugby in the only game played at the Shevardeni Stadium.

The first half, probably influenced by the sultry conditions, was played at a slow tempo and with many forced errors from both sides. Canada stuck, throughout the 80 minutes, to a strict pattern of attacking close to rucks and mauls.

In a game of 11 tries, only two were scored in the opening 45 minutes, Canadian wing Jeff Hassler and Zimbabwe flyer Justin Coles showed their speed to score them with Sean Linfield’s penalty to Andrew Ferguson’s conversion proving the difference in an 8-7 advantage to the African champions at half time.

Linfield would kick a second penalty in the 43rd minute and soon after Hassler got his brace, before one of the tournament’s best players, Zimbabwe scrum half Charles Jiji scored in the 48th minute as the game suddenly became interesting with scores coming thick and fast.

 As the lead changed hands and Canadian centre Michael Fualifeau scored a converted try, Zimbabwe lost their influential captain Marco Mana with a rib injury. Despite this, Jiji crossed for his second try, converted by Tommy Nelson, although this would prove to be their last points.

Leading by five points Canada took control of the game. From the back of a scrum, captain Tylor Ardron scored before tries from replacements Lucien Nel and Brendon Tennant closed out the game.

“The last game in our group was of enormous importance for us. We had lost the two previous games, so winning against Zimbabwe was crucial to us. Our first half performance was bad, but we closed the game in the second half and our boys were more accurate and as a result managed to score five more tries,” said Canada head coach Michael Shelley.

Zimbabwe assistant coach Godwin Murambiwa admitted that the “Canadians were more efficient both in physical and mental aspects. Their defence was very tough and we failed to overcome them. We couldn't take advantage of our territorial opportunities, there was a lot of silly handling errors.”

To this, captain Marco Mama added: “We are very disappointed. It was clear we were neither physically nor mentally prepared. Playing for seventh place is not a good result for us. I believe we can play better.”

Georgia 14-29 Japan
In what was in essence a semi final at this Junior World Rugby Trophy, both teams fought very hard in their eagerness to reach the coveted final. In the end it was Japan’s ability to convert into points their moments of dominance that put them through to a second consecutive final.

The first half of a highly contested game saw Japan being slightly more efficient, not only scoring the only try of the opening 40 minutes, but also taking all the scoring opportunities that came their way.

After Ryodo Nakamura had kicked two early penalties, a superb long pass from prop Mao Enoki to Masakatasu Hikosaka saw the wing run in for an unconverted try in the right corner.

Georgia full back Bakhva Kobakhidze kicked penalties from 35 and 45 metres before Nakamura stretched the lead. When Enoki was sin-binned right before half time, Kobakhidze kicked a penalty as the teams went into the break with Japan leading 14-9.

Georgia could not capitalise on the advantage as their goal kicker went on to miss two penalties. In fact, with Japan back up to 15 players they took advantage of a collision between the Georgian centres to find an extra man to score through Kazushi Hano.

The hosts now had to score next if they weren’t to lose touch of their very tidy and effective opponents. Georgia managed this through replacement prop Zaza Navrozashvili after a succession of attacking moves and playing an advantage. The much-needed conversion was missed and soon Nakamura made them pay by extending the advantage to 10 points with his fourth penalty of the afternoon.

Georgia failed to capitalise on a couple of scoring opportunities and Japan soon found themselves with a lineout close to their hosts’  try-line and attacked through the forwards with replacement hooker Yoshikatsu Hikosaka scoring to settle the game at 29-14.

“The Japanese attacked our scrummage which was one of our strongest platforms and that upset our game plan. Their forwards played very well and I must admit that the Japanese were much stronger than my team. We made many mistakes and our boys showed their nervousness. Our kicker missed a couple of crucial kicks which he would normally get,” said Georgia head coach Paata Narimanashvili.

“Japan beat us playing at our game.”

Captain David Losaberidze added: “We could have won had we taken advantage of our strengths.”

Japanese head coach Yukio Motoki was happy with the win. “We knew that the Georgian pack was big and powerful and that is why we had a pragmatic approach, taking little steps at a time. We achieved our goal that way. Our defence was very tight.”

Captain Keisuke Uchida added: “Our endurance was the difference in the game. We knew what their strengths were and managed to control them. We are proud of this win and we will take a lot from this very hard game. Now we must refocus for the final against Samoa."

JWRT players support Keep Rugby Clean Day

An important aspect of each and every International Rugby Board tournament is the Anti-Doping programme that includes testing, education and awareness.

Over the next month, players at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy in Georgia and Junior World Championship in Italy will take part in the Outreach Keep Rugby Clean Programme and each team will have players tested both In and Out of Competition.

At the Trophy in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi, the third match day on Wednesday has been designated Keep Rugby Clean Day, when tournament organisers, players, coaches and match officials will wear branded Keep Rugby Clean t-shirts pledging their support to the IRB’s Anti-Doping campaign.

“We are protecting and promoting the image of Rugby as a clean sport,” explained IRB Anti-Doping Officer David Ho, who is in Georgia for the Under 20 tournament.

“Players need to be aware of the dangers and by providing them with the right information and tools they can make the right choices. Education and awareness play an integral part.”

Players of the eight participating teams in the Trophy were all sent an individual education pack before heading to the tournament and had to complete the Real Winner programme, as a group at a training camp or individually.

The Real Winner resource is an online education programme – available at www.irbkeeprugbyclean.com – consists of interactive videos and provides an introduction to the testing procedures, the Prohibited List, the dangers of supplements and the effects prohibited substances can have on their health.

Every team in Georgia has attended an outreach session face to face with an IRB Anti-Doping representative who reiterates what the programme is all about, the dangers of taking shortcuts in their quest for sporting success, and common traps which as top level players they need to be aware of.  


Samoa's Under 20s show their support for the IRB's Anti-Doping campaign in Georgia

Players are advised that they can be asked to provide a Sample for doping control at anytime, anywhere during their career and they are provided with a comprehensive explanation on the principle of strict liability, which ultimately means each player is solely responsible for any Prohibited Substance that may be found in their body.

“Positive tests may also come from recreational drugs such as Marijuana, Ecstasy and Cocaine,” explained Ho. “As players they need to be aware that they have not just a responsibility on the field but also off the field.”

The Keep Rugby Clean website – www.irbkeeprugbyclean.com – is available in three languages (English, French and Spanish) and features all the latest Anti-Doping information, news and practical advice, video and interactive elements as well as information on the eight IRB Keep Rugby Clean Ambassadors – Bryan Habana, Vincent Clerc, Heather Moyse, Humphrey Kayange, James Hook, Felipe Contepomi, Carla Hohepa and George Smith.

Hosts maintain unbeaten record at JWRT

Japan beat Canada 30-15, Samoa were too strong for Uruguay beating them 37-6, Russia managed to withhold USA for a 42-36 win, and in front of a loud partisan crowd Georgia continued its unbeaten run, beating Zimbabwe 50-19 in the second round of matches at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy in Tbilisi, Georgia.

With three unbeaten sides left in the competition, there is a still lot to play for, next Wednesday 1 June when the pool stage reaches its climax.

Pool A

Samoa 37 – Uruguay 6

The intentions of the Samoans were clear from the moment they landed in Tbilisi. They are here to win the IRB JWRT and at the day’s only game at the Shevardeni Stadium they showed they have the capability to beat their opponents.

They overpowered Uruguay in the backs where their speed, vision and precision saw them find spaces that were turned into points. Uruguay’s defence found it hard to cope with the Samoans but were good in their set pieces throughout the game. Their structured game plan could not cope with the unstructured style of the Samoans.

The Pacific Islanders were brilliant offloading the ball, a distinctive feature of the team coached by former internationals John Schuster and Peter Fatialofa.

The first of three tries, by Faavae Faavae, was simply executed; the second was a gem, with captain Patrick Fa’apale combining with centre Faavae for the try. Fa’apale scored his try and would finish the game with a 12 point contribution.

The game’s best try was in the 47th minute. From within their own five-metre line and after at least five Samoans handled the ball, they scored in the other corner through flanker Jordan Taufua.

This was to be the game-breaker, as after that, Uruguay were no longer in a position to win the game. By then, fly half Felipe Berchesi, with a drop goal, and captain Agustín Ormaechea, with a penalty, had scored the Uruguayan points.

Samoa continued to pound the Uruguayans, who were unable to stop them from scoring two more tries to complete the six-try victory.

Samoan captain Fa’apale said: “We knew the game would be very hard and we paid considerable attention to defence. We did make mistakes; Uruguay is a very good and well organized team.”

Uruguayan assistant coach Juan Baldomir added: “Samoa was much stronger and they were in much better shape. We tried our best but the backs failed to put up a good defensive screen, especially in the first half. We hope to perform better in the next two games.”

Russia 42 – USA 36

If the game between Russia and USA serves as preview of what the Bears and Eagles Rugby World Cup  match will be like in New Plymouth, New Zealand, on 15 September, then we can expect a thrilling game. USA always played from behind but never gave up, whilst Russia, more clinical, secured a much-celebrated 42-36 win, in a nine-try fest.

The first try came after sustained pressure from Russia, who overpowered the defence for a try by full back Denis Simplikevich, who would score a hat trick.

Five minutes later, it was USA’s turn. Several phases led to a sweet flat pass from captain Will Magie to half back Michael Oliver for a neat try.

Russia were not going to lie down and within three minutes they scored again. Scrum half German Godlyuk broke close to a ruck and after a long run passed inside to Simplikevick for a try under the posts.

Simplikevich would get his hat trick four minutes after the break, with incredible dexterity to generate space and score in the corner to take his team to a 17-point lead after Godluyk’s superb touchline conversion.

USA did not lie down and score twice in quick succession. After a superb offload to centre Bubba Jones, the score was reduced to 10 points. When it seemed that Godluyk had scored, USA pinched the ball from under his arms to score at the other end of the pitch; winger Madison Hughes touching down. Rather than securing the game, Russia were then defending a three-point lead.

The crowd did not have to wait long for another try. This time the Russia forwards did all the hard work – initially taking a scrum from a penalty and then turning a ruck to a try. Pride was crucial for both teams. USA full back Joe Cowley’s angled run ended in a great individual try, which he then converted.

With 18 minutes to play the game was open. Russia and USA scored a try each, leaving the score within six points. It was enough for Russia to defend their lead and earn a deserved win.

Russian vice-captain Yuri Vengerov said: “For the next game, we must try to cut the number of mistakes to a minimum. Though we had a hard time late in the match, we managed to win and this was really important for our team.”

USA captain Magie said: “The amount of mistakes we let slip was considerably big; this made us lose 25 points against a good opponent. Russian players were in a better physical shape which caused us many problems.”

Pool B

Japan 30 – Canada 15
With Georgian First Lady Sandra Roelof as an interested spectator amongst the 1,300 spectators who arrived early, Pool B action opened at the Avchala Stadium with Canada and Japan wanting to play an expansive game. Conditions were great for open rugby, a warm breeze in the face of the Japanese in the first half.

The game’s opening try did not take long to come. Canada executed a set move from a lineout that saw left-winger Jeff Hassler run through the centres to score almost unopposed in the fifth minute.

Japan never ceased to attack and despite a number of turnovers going against them, they finally managed to cross through prop Nao Enoki after a pick-and-go close to the try-line. Ryodo Nakamura added the goal.

The Japanese second try was more reflective of their style, with wing Masakatsu Hirosaka breaking directly from quick ball from a lineout.

With Japan trying to run from their own half, Hassler intercepted a two on one situation and rather than having Japan scoring fifty yards up-field, it was Canada that got the five pointer.

Fly half Nakamura redeemed himself in the last move of the half with a superbly timed flat pass for winger Hirosaka to score, again, in the corner for a 17-10 half time lead.

Japan scored their third try in the 47th minute and pushed Canada hard, almost scoring twice. A clean break from Clayton Meeres and quick passing allowed captain Tylor Ardron to show his speed, scoring after a 30-yard run for an unconverted try.

Japan got their bonus point try in the 80th minute; replacement back Kodi Noda closing the scoreline at 30-15.

“Despite the win,” Japanese captain Keisuke Uchida said. “We are not happy. We want to play better against Georgia, which will be a crucial game.”

Canadian captain Tyler Ardron thought the scrums were the main problem for his side. “We started well and managed to score an early try, but as the game progressed we let it slip out of hand. Our scrums were especially faulty, and all this reflected on the final score.”

Georgia 50 – Zimbabwe 19
By the end of the day, the Avchala ground was sold-out with 2,000 loud spectators. They were not to be disappointed when in the initial minutes, captain David Losaberidze scored a try after sustained pressure, which began with a great run by prop Levan Chilachava.

Zimbabwe replied with the day’s only drop-goal and a penalty by Tommy Nelson

It took the Georgians a lot of effort to work their way back to a try-scoring position; peeling from the back of a line, and after a ruck, Chilachava dived over for a much applauded try.

Right after the half hour mark, Zimbabwe’s attacking capabilities were seen in full; breaking from their own 25 metres and after captain Marco Mana got into the opposition defence, winger Justin Coles three times stepped inside before connecting with fellow winger Kuda Chiwanza, who showed his incredible speed for Zimbabwe’s try.

A late charge gave Zimbabwe the chance to draw the game with a 40-metre penalty by Nelson. But Georgia would go to the changing room with a seven-point lead as lock Beka Bitsadze scored from the back of a ruck.

From the kick-off Zimbabwe were back in the game. A loose kicked was not gathered by the Georgians and Chiwanza was at the end of a passing sequence for an unconverted try.

The brute strength of the Georgians was crucial and they overpowered the Zimbabweans for another try. But it was flanker Giorgi Tkeshaliadze who broke Zimbabwe’s hearts when he charged down a kick and ran 50 metres to score under the posts. That was the end of the game for the Africans, as the home side went on to score two more tries to close the game.

“We tried to play wide in the first half and score some good tries; a couple of things didn’t fall our way in the second half and that was what killed us in the end,” said losing captain Marco Mama.

“The score did not reflect the differences. They were probably cleverer than us in many ways. We are very disappointed but must work on our positives for our next game against Canada,” said Zimbabwe head coach Bright Chivandire.

Georgian head coach Paata Marimanashvili concluded: “We knew the speed of the Zimbabweans, they exposed us initially but in the second half we changed our tactics, played tighter and managed to take a wonderful win. We had to throw all our efforts in defence and close the spaces into which they could attack us.” 

18-წლამდელთა ნაკრები ევროპის ჩემპიონატის დაწყებამდე შეკრებას საფრანგეთში გაივლის

18-წლამდელთა ნაკრები ევროპის ჩემპიონატის დაწყებამდე შეკრებას საფრანგეთში გაივლის. საქართველოს 18-წლამდელთა ნაკრები ევროპის ჩემპიონატის წინასატურნირო შეკრებას საფრანგეთის ქალაქ ლურდში გამართავს. ტურნირის დაწყებამდე დაგეგმილია საკონტროლო მატჩები ტარბელ თანატოლებთან.

ლევან მგელაძისა და დავით კაკაბაძის ხელმძღვანელობით თვრამეტწლამდელთა ნაკრები გასული წლის დეკემბრიდან ემზადება ამ მეტად საპასუხისმგებლო შეჯიბრებისთვის. ინტენსიური წვრთნის პროგრამის ფარგლებში, თვრამეტწლამდელბმა შეხვედრები გამართეს კაცთა გუნდებთან და ასაკობრივ ნაკრებებთან. თვრამეტწლამდელები თებერვლის ბოლოს შეკრებაზე იმყოფებოდნენ საფრანგეთში, სადაც სამი სპარინგ მატჩი გამართეს. 

პირველ მატჩში ჩვენი მოწინააღმდეგე "ალბის" 21-წლამდელთა გუნდი იყო. ეს მეტად საინტერესო შეხვედრა ფრედ - 10:10 დამთავრდა. ამის შემდეგ, ჩვენმა ნაკრებმა ალბის რეგიონის 21წლმადელები დაამარცხა ანგარიშით 50:0

ბოლო მატჩში ქართველთა მეტოქე საფრანგეთის სამი რეგიონის 21წლამდელთა ნაკრები იყო. მატჩი დასრულდა ანგარიშით 29:0 ქართველი მორაგბეების სასარგებლოდ. ჯასტინ ბრიდუს სახელობის ევროპის 18-წლამდელთა ჩემპიონატი 16 აპრილს დაიწყება. აღსანიშნავია, რომ ევროპის ეს ჩემპიონატი წლეულს ახალი ფორმატით ჩატარდება: ევროპის ჩემპიონატში მონაწილეობას მიიღებს თვრამეტწლამდელთა ექვსი ერის გათამაშების ბოლო ორ ადგილზე გასული გუნდი. მათ გარდა, ევროპის ჩემპიონატზე იასპარეზებენ საქართველოს, რუსეთი, ბელგიის, პორტუგალიის, გერმანიისა და რუმინეთის ნაკრებები. 

ამგვარი რამ პირველად ხდება, ერთგვარი ექსპერიმენტია და სარაგბო ელიტასთან მიახლოებული ქვეყნების ნაკრებებსგრანდებთან ძალების მოსინჯვის შანსს აძლევს. ექვსი ერის გათამაშების პირველი ოთხეული ევროპის ჩემპიონის ტიტულისთვის იბრძოლებს. ბოლოდგილოსნები კი "ა" ჯგუფში, ექვსი ერის მიღმა მყოფ გუნდებთან იასპარეზებენ. 

ეს,მსოფლიო სარაგბო საბჭოს საშუალებას მისცემს დააკვირდეს დონეთა სხვაობას ელიტურ და მისგან ერთი საფეხურით დაბლა მდგომ (ა ჯგუფი) გუნდებს შორის. ეს ექსპერიმენტი 2013 წლამდე გაგრძელდება. თვრამეტწლამდელთა ჯასთინ ბრიდუს სახელობის ევროპის ჩემპიონატი 16 აპრილს დაიწყება.

ფინალური შეხვედრები 23 აპრილს გაიმართება და მასში 4 ჯგუფში გადანაწილებული 28 ევროპული გუნდი მიიღებს მონაწილეობას. ელიტურ ჯგუფში, ანუ ექვსი ერის პირველ ოთხეულში გამარჯვებული, ბრიდუს პირველობის ჩემპიონი ხდება. ა ჯგუფიდან გამარჯვებული ექვსი ერის გათამაშებაზე არ გადადის. სხვა ჯგუფებში გამარჯვებულთა და ბოლოადგილოსნებისთვის კი მოქმედებს ზედა ჯგუფში ასვლისა და ქვედა ჯგუფში დაქვეითების პრინციპი.

 ევროპის 18-წლამდელთა ჩემპიონატი 

 ელიტარული დივიზიონი

6 ერის I ადგილოსანი

6 ერის II

6 ერის III

6 ერის IV

A დივიზიონი

B დივიზიონი

C დივიზიონი

6 ერის V (შოტლანდია)

ესპანეთი

უნგრეთი

6ერის VI (იტალია)

ნიდერლანდები

სერბეთი

საქართველო

პოლონეთი

ლატვია

ბელგია

ჩეხეთის რესპუბლიკა

ლუქსემბურგი

გერმანია

შვეიცარია

დანია

რუსეთი

ლიტვა

ავსტრია

პორტუგალია

შვედეთი

მოლდოვა

რუმინეთი

უკრაინა

ბულგარეთი

ელიტარული ჯგუფი16.04

M1 6 ერის I - 6 ერის IV

M2 6 ერის II - 6 ერის III

23.04

M1 გამარჯვებული - M2 გამარჯვებული

M1 დამარცხებული _ M2 დამარცხებული

A ჯგუფი16.04 

M1 შოტლანდია - რუმინეთი

M2 იტალია - პორტუგალია

M3 საქართველო - რუსეთი

M4 ბელგია - გერმანია

19.04 

M5 

M1 გამარჯვებული - M4 გამარჯვებული

M2 გამარჯვებული - M3 გამარჯვებული

M1 დამარცხებული - M4 დამარცხებული

M2 დამარცებული - M3 დამარცებული

23.04 

M9: M5 გამარჯვებული - M6 გამარჯვებული

M10: M5 დამარცხებული - M6 დამარცხებული

M11: M7 გამარჯვებული - M8 გამარჯვებული

M12: M7 დამარცხებული - M8 დამარცხებული

საქართველოს 18-წლამდელთა ნაკრები 

საბა ნიკოლავა, ნიკოლოზ სუხაშვილი, გიორგი სორდია, თამაზ მჭედლიძე, დავით ხიდეშელი, მერაბ შარიქაძე, ვაჟა ხუციშვილი, გიორგი აფციაური, გიორგი მჭედლიშვილი, გიორგი ტალახაძე, ლაშა მოსეშვილი, საბა შუბითიძე, ზურაბ თუთბერიძე, თორნიკე ჯიბლაძე, გიორგი ლომთაძე, გიორგი თეთრაშვილი, ნოდარ მარდალეიშვილი, ვახტანგ ახობაძე, ნიკოლოზ პინაიშვილი, მურთაზ გიორგაძე, გიორგი ბასილაია, ბესარიონ შენგელია, რატი ასათიანი, გიორგი ნათელაშვილი, გიორგი ფრუიძე, თამაზ ოლხიაშვილი.

მთავარი მწვრთნელი: ლევან მგელაძე

მენეჯერი: ჭყონია ირაკლი

მწვრთნელი: დავით  კაკაბაძე  

ქართველებმა ბრიტანული სტუდენტობა დაალელოვეს

ბრიტანულ ტურნეზე მყოფი საქართველოს სარაგბო ნაკრების მორიგი წარმატების შესახებ უკვე გაცნობეთ, ახლა კი, ოქსფორდ-კემბრიჯის (როგორც ირკვევა, ქართველებს სწორედ გაერთიანებულ ნაკრებთან უთამაშიათ და არა მხოლოდ ოქსფორდელებთან) გუნდთან მატჩის ახალი დეტალები გახდა ცნობილი.

როგორც უკვე იცით, ფაქტობრივად ქვეყნის მე-3 ნაკრების რანგში წასულმა “საქართველო XV”-მა ოქსფორდში გამართული შეხვედრა 38:13 მოიგო. პირველ ტაიმში ქართველებმა 4 ლელო მიითვალეს. აქედან სამი ფრანგულ “ორტეზში” მოთამაშე პირველხაზელის კარლენ ასიეშვილის ანგარიშზეა (ასიეშვილმა ბრიტანეთის არმიელებს 2 ლელო დაუდო, ამდენად ჯამში, 5 (!) ლელო მოუგროვდა), ერთხელ კი თავი “ლელოს” უკანახაზელმა ლაშა ხმალაძემ გამოიჩინა, რომელიც ამჟამად, სარაგბო ოსტატობას ჰართლპულის კოლეჯში იმაღლებს.

ლელოებს ირაკლი ყიასაშვილის ზუსტად შესრულებული სამი გარდასახვა მოჰყვა. პირველივე ტაიმში ოქსფორდ-კემბრიჯელებმა ქულების მოპოვება მხოლოდ ჯარიმების ხარჯზე შეძლეს და საწყისი ნახევარი 6:26 დასრულდა.

მეორე ტაიმში ლელოები ვიტო კოლელიშვილმა (“კლერმონი”) და გიორგი მენაბდიშვილმა (“გრენობლი”) გაიტანეს, ხოლო გარდასახვა გოდერძი ჯოგლიძემ (“ლელო”) გამოიყენა. მასპინძლებმა პირველი და ერთადერთი ლელო მეორე ტაიმში დადეს და ანგარიშის შელამაზება შეძლეს – 13:38.

გასულ მატჩში საქართველოს ნაკრების სასტარტო შემადგენლობა ასეთი გახლდათ: ყიასაშვილი, გიგაური, ჯიმშელაძე, ჩხიკვაძე, ნიჟარაძე, ხმალაძე, ღვინჯილია, ასიეშვილი, ბელქანია, ყუფარაძე, გუჯარაიძე, აზალაძე, კოლელიშვილი, დაუშვილი, მაისურაძე (კაპ.).

“საქართველო XV” სანაკრებო რეზერვების ახლადშექმნილი სასელექციო გუნდია, რომელსაც ინგლისური ტურნესთვის Emerging Lelos ეწოდა. ნაკრებმა გასვლითი შეკრება ქალაქ ჩელტენჰემთან მდებარე ჰართლპულის კოლეჯის ბაზაზე 19 მარტს დაიწყო და საქართველოში 30 მარტს, გამთენიისას დაბრუნდება.

გუნდს ინგლისურ ტურნეზე ეროვნული ნაკრების სამწვრთნელო შტაბი – რიჩარდ დიქსონი, დონ კასკი, მაიკლ ბრედლი, ილია მაისურაძე აკვირდებოდა.