Georgia claimed a comfortable victory in Pool B today, beating Romania 25-9 in Palmerston North in the Rugby World Cup.
Georgia clinched the lead against the run of play in the early stages of the match through a Merab Kvirikashvili penalty. Shortly after the Lelos' three points, Romania responded and drew level through Marin Danut Dumbrava.
Kvirikashvili tripled Georgia’s lead with a two comfortable penalties within eight minutes after an array of offside decisions. The Oaks pulled back three points through Dumbrava, while Kvirikashvili added to his points tally with another straightforward penalty for Georgia before the break.
Georgia’s number 10 had the chance to increase their lead in the second period but failed to convert a penalty for the Lelos, while Dumbrava went wide for Romania almost instantly.
The first try of the match came courtesy of Mamuka Gorgodze for Georgia in the 56th minute and Kvirikashvili managed to convert comfortably giving the Lelos a 13-point lead.
Kvirikashvili managed to cement an extra three points for his Georgian side within the final ten minutes, while Romania’s number 22 Florin Adrian Vlaicu converted a penalty to bring their score to nine.
Malkhaz Urjukashvili managed to extend Georgia’s lead with another successful penalty three minutes before the final whistle.
Danielle Joynson
