Georgia Coach Confident of Success

Coach Richie Dixon believes his Georgia squad are more than capable of holding their own during the Rugby World Cup.

The minnows, not known for their Rugby Union skills, are gearing up for their first game of the tournament against Scotland in Invercargill on Wednesday.

Those in Georgian 2011 Rugby Shirts vowed to improve four years on after they ran Ireland close in the 2007 competition and Dixon’s side shouldn’t be underestimated by any nation as they try to cause a major shock in New Zealand.

Georgia will take heart from Romania, another minnow nation, who ran the Scots close in their opening match, eventually losing 34-24. However, Scotland will be in no mood to repeat that performance and a backlash could be on the cards.

 Former Scotland coach Dixon, who was at the helm in the mid-1990’s, insists his side are built to compete at the highest level and are strong enough to put up a fierce fight against Andy Robinson’s men.

“Genetically, I think they are made for rugby,” he told Sporting Life.

“They are warrior-type players. The people are fully behind this team. They realise that rugby has become a window to the world for Georgia."

Scotsman Dixon insists, despite playing his homeland, the game has no added significance and is solely focussing on his own team’s approach.

“Obviously, I'm a Scottish boy but, when I'm with the Georgian boys, I'm 100% with them. It will be another international game,” he added.

Georgia, who has won eight successive matches heading into the World Cup, have star performer Mamuka Gorgodze in their ranks, the nicknamed Gorgodzilla starting at flanker, with Dimitri Basilaia occupying the number eight shirt.

Irakli Abuseridze of Auxerre will skipper the side at scrum-half

Georgia are no pushovers and have an experienced squad with most players plying their trade in France.