Georgia Upsets Canadian Visitors

Phil McKenzie grits against the Lelos.

The game report on this one can be read on Rugby Canada or BC Rugby News websites, where reporters viewed the contest.  One always knew this would be tough for Canada despite a stronger Canadian forward selection.  Georgia has six of its starting pack playing professionally in France with two of them playing Tier1 rugby.  No team from the Americas has ever won at this venue!  From all reports, the game outcome was predestined in a moment of madness as a result of a high Georgian tackle on Underwood and Canadian retaliation at the 37^th minute.  Without seeing the flow of the game or what may have led up to this event or what happened after it, one cannot cast valuation.

Two thirds of the Canadian FRF was decimated before the half and it seemed as if an inability to get any of the no doubt, hard won possession to the speed of the outside backs, was a downfall. For sure, there would be many more lessons from this one and next Saturday against Romania will not be any easier with more of the same aggressive forward style that is typical of club and International rugby in this neck of the woods.

It was a tough probable outcome to see the boys drop yet another place in International standings and more likely than not, Georgia hurdle over them.  That being said, one wonders if it is Rugby Canada or the IRB who schedules these “exhibitions”.  The Pacific Nations schedule was also misaligned with a short turnaround and trip to Japan.  It is essential to see where we stand against similarly ranked opponents however, unless RC is seeking to replicate RWC conditions, one wonders if not “more favorable” arrangements can be made?  So, it is a short turnaround and off to Bucharest.  We’re all still on the bandwagon boys, go for it!