Postponed match in Tblissi

Portugal play Georgia in Tblissi in a match twice postponed in the European Nations Cup.

Portugal play Georgia in Tblissi in a match twice postponed in the European Nations Cup.

The postponements were due to political unrest in Georgia.

The Lobos fly via Istanbul to Tblissi for a match vital to their chances.

The Six Nations B is not as smooth as the Six Nations in its workings because of the climatic problems in two of the four countries. Spain and Portugal manage but the other four have winter extremes. To avoid this the championship is now played over two seasons and at different times. As a result, Spain and Czech Republic have each played six matches, Russia and Romania five each and the Lobos and the Lelos four each. This match does something to restore the difference.

It is actually a match which should have been played last year, which means it is the first meeting between the two. The later meeting will be in Lisbon.

Present Standing

1 Russia 13
2 Spain 12
3 Romania 11
4 Georgia 10
5 Portugal 8
6 Czech Republic 6

There are three points for a win, two for a draw and one for pitching up, which is why the Czechs have six points.

So far the Lelos have lost once (to Spain in Madrid), Portugal twice (to Romania and Russia).

This match in Tblissi is one the Lelos would be expected to win. At the World Cup the teams were in different pools and each had creditable moments. But neither side will be at full strength. It is a re-arranged match and clubs in France are reluctant to release their players.

Portugal will be without the impressive Uvas and Georgia will be without Davit Zirakashvili, Irakli Giorgadze, Akventsi Giorgadze, Irakli Machkhaneli, Mamuka Gorgodze and Davit Kinchaguishvili.

This will be a new experience for newly arrive new Georgian coach. Tim Lane.

Squads

Backs: Otar Barkalaia, Bessik Khamashuridze, George Shkinini, George Elizbarashvili, Irakli Qiassashvili, Sandro Nijharadze, Irakli Gueguenava, Rezo Guigauri, David Katcharava, Irakli Chkhikvadze, Sandro Todua; Meko Kvirikashvili, Temur Sokhadze, Lasha Malaghuradze, Lasha Khmaladze, Irakli Abusseridze, Bidzina Samkharadze, George Katcharava

Forwards: Goderdzi Shvelidze, Anton Peikrishvili, David Kubriashvili; David Dadunashvili, Irakli Natriashvili, Levan Datunashvili, Shalva Sutiashvili, Kakha Uchava, George Chkheidze, Rati Urushadze, Zviad Maissuradze, Dimitri Bassilaia

Coaches: Tim Lane, Levan Tsabadze

Portugal: Juan Murré, Rodrigo Aguiar, Diogo Fialho, Bernardo Duarte, João Correia, Eduardo Acosta, Manuel Sommer Ribeiro, Francisco Fragateiro, Juan Severino, Sebastião Cunha, Antonio Duarte, Tiago Girão, Lourenço Kadosh, Francisco P.Magalhães, Pedro Cabral, Francisco Mira, Pedro Almas Silva, Hugo Melo, Gonçalo Foro, Aderito Esteves, Vasco Gaspar, Diogo Miranda

Coach: Tomaz Morais
and kicked-off at ] >>>

Date: 2 February 2008
Kick-off: 16.00 (12.00 GMT)
Venue: Mikheil Meskhi Stadium in Vake
Expected weather conditions: Cold with a maximum of 3°C, dropping to -7°C and a light wind.
Referee: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
Touch judges: Roberto Orlandini (Italy), Gianluca Bonacci (Italy)