New Zealand vs Georgia match preview - RWC 2015: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?
A look ahead to the Pool C fixture at the Millennium Stadium
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Your support makes all the difference.The men of Georgia take on their biggest rivals and square up to the Haka for the first time.
It’s a big game for…
Waisake Naholo: The miracle player of world rugby at the moment. In the Rugby Championship game against Argentina, he fractured his leg in the 51st minute. 10 weeks later, he has returned after a healing trip to Fiji where his uncle used some more traditional methods to heal the fracture. Now the top try-scorer in the Super 15 gets to test himself in the Welsh cauldron.
Teams...
New Zealand: Ben Smith; Waisake Naholo, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea; Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino; Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retalick; Charlie Faumuina, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, Malakai Kekitoa.
Georgia: Beka Tsiklauri; Giorgi Aptsiauri, Davit Kacharava, Tamaz Mchedlidze, Alexander Todua; Lasha Malaguradze, Giorgi Begadze; Lasha Lomidze, Mamuka Gorgodze, Shalva Sutiashvili; Giorgi Chkhaidze, Levan Datunashavili; Levan Chilachava, Shalva Mamukashvili, Karlen Asieshvili.
Replacements: Simon Maisurdze, Mikheil Nariashvili, Anton Peikrishvili, Konstantine Mikautadze, Viktor Kolelishvili, Vasil Lobzhanidze, Merab Sharikadze, Muraz, Giorgadze.
Best stats…
328. Georgia have had to make 328 tackles in the tournament so far, more than any other team in the opening two fixtures. For a New Zealand stat, the Kiwi’s have won all 26 of their pool fixtures across the eight tournaments.
Remember when…
Georgia beat Tonga? Georgia are a team on the rise. Despite losing to Argentina this week, Georgia have been proving they are getting better when they beat Tonga in the opening weekend. Take a look at their battle against the Tongans, punching five places above their weight.
Player to watch…
Julian Savea: Scorer of two tries against Namibia, he makes so many metres in a game and is a major thorn in the side of all the opposition who come up against him. Keep an eye on his footwork on the left wing.
Past three-meetings…
New Zealand and Georgia have never played against each other.
Form guide…
New Zealand: WWLWWW
Georgia: LLLLWL
Vital information…
KICK-OFF TIME: 20.00 Friday 2nd October.
TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV.
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