Sharikadze captains Georgia in Canada

Georgia have named their side for Saturday's clash with Canada in Calgary, with centre Merab Sharikadze named as captain.

The fixture is the first for the Lelos since the international retirement of iconic back-row and captain Mamuka Gorgodze.

Changes to the backs see Soso Matiashvili win his second cap on the wing, with David Kacharava at outside centre. Lasha Khmaladze gets the nod at fly-half.

In the back row Giorgi Tkhilaishvili and Lasha Lomidze both start, while Anton Peikrishvili of Cardiff Blues is in at tighthead.

Coach Milton Haig has opted for a six-two split on the bench, where four players – Badri Alkhazashvili, Soso Bekoshvili, Nodar Cheishvili and Otar Giorgadze – all have six caps or less.

Toulon prop Levan Chilachava and Clermont back-row Vito Kolelishvili have not been considered, following last Sunday's Top 14 final.

Georgia: 15 Merab Kvirikashvili, 14 Soso Matiashvili, 13 David Kacharava, 12 Merab Sharikadze (c), 11 Sandro Todua, 10 Lasha Khmaladze, 9 Vasil Lobzhanidze, 8 Beka Bitsadze, 7 Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 6 Lasha Lomidze, 5 Kote Mikautadze, 4 Giorgi Nemsadze, 3 Anton Peikrishvili, 2 Jaba Bregvadze, 1 Mikheil Nariashvili
Replacements: 16 Badri Alkhazashvili, 17 Kakha Asieshvili, 18 Soso Bekoshvili, 19 Nodar Cheishvili, 20 Otar Giorgadze, 21 Giorgi Begadze, 22 Lasha Malaghiradze, 23 Giorgi Chkhaidze

Date: Saturday, June 10
Venue: Calgary Rugby Park
Kick-off: 15:00 local (21:00 GMT)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Shuhei Kubo (Japan), Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

Photo credit: Georgia Rugby