Wales 12-13 Georgia – World Rugby can’t ignore this result, claim victors

Georgia celebrate beating Wales
Georgia wins against Wales for the First Time

Georgia is convinced that their claim to be part of European rugby's elite is not negligible after defeating Wales.

Alexander Todua's attempt, the coolness of Luka Matkava, and a dominant scrum secured a win in Cardiff 13-12

Georgia believes it is high time that they are granted entry into the Six Nations after beating Italy in July, and pushing Samoa to the limit.

Merab Sharikadze, Georgia's captain, stated that it would be unfair for World Rugby to pretend that this never happened.

He stated, “It says quite a lot that we have defeated two top-tier teams this year. They should. [World Rugby] We are being watched.

“I don't think they are arrogant but I hope that they don't ignore what's happening.” It is impossible to ignore something so obvious.

The result plunged Welsh rugby into defeat, but it was history for a proud nation that can trace its roots back to Lelo-burti (from which the national team gets its nickname Los Lelos).

Georgia has qualified six times for the World Cup and they have won the second-tier Rugby Europe Championship 11 times in the past 12 years.

Their claims to be part a tier one annual competition like the Six Nations have not been heard.

The most powerful European countries have resisted the temptation to divide the pot further.

Even if things don't change soon, Georgia will have more opportunities to make their case. Not least when they play Wales in the final pool match of next year's World Cup.

This result is theirs for the moment.

Sharikadze stated, “It is amazing. It was incredible to beat Italy, but it is amazing that Wales beat Wales in Wales. It speaks volumes, doesn't?

“We have proven many wrong. It's the best feeling for a sportsman to prove people wrong. It is what drives you.

“It's great feeling. While we may not be world champions but we have made historical strides. “Now people need to be open to change.”

Few people at the Principality Stadium would begrudge Georgia their time.

This venue is turning into a stage for hope for the hopeless.

After an incredible display of courage and determination, players hugged and kissed each other and wept at the end. In March, there were similar scenes in Cardiff as Italy won the Six Nations.

Vasil Lobzhanidze (Georgian scrum-half) was named man of the match. He said, “We are so proud. I'm proud of the team, and all the Georgian rugby players.

“We believed we could win from the beginning to the end. We've made history. We are proud of who we are.”

This was particularly poignant for Levan Maisashvili as he had to deal with his own mortality last summer after he contracted Covid-19 and spent two months in hospital.

He was able to enjoy his recovery and all the work he's done since then.

He said, “Maybe our skills aren't as strong or as skilled as others, but we have a greater fight in our hearts that anyone else,”

“We had self-belief, were patient, and most importantly we played for each others.

“We are small and need examples like these boys who created history.

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