Pool C kicks off with a matchup between Tonga and Georgia. This match will be crucial for both teams as they look to start off their campaign with a bang. The two would struggle against the pool’s top teams in Argentina and New Zealand, so grabbing a big win right out of the gates is of utmost importance.
Don’t miss out on this year’s explosive Rugby World Cup. Check out the complete previews for New Zealand vs. Argentina and South Africa vs. Japan.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]Tonga vs. Georgia Preview
Where: Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester
When: Saturday, September 19, 4:00 AM ET
Line: Tonga (-11.5) vs. Georgia (+11.5) – view all 2015 Rugby World Cup lines
Betting on Tonga
Intense speed and physicality defines Tonga’s style of rugby. But they may not be able to play much to their strengths considering the Tongans are fielding an aging squad into the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The average age of Tonga’s forwards is 31 with only a handful of young, inexperienced players. They should struggle late into games, thus allowing their opponents to come back should they take an early lead.
[sc:Other240banner ]Discipline has also been a problem for the Tonga side; Tonga and Canada are the only sides to pick up three red cards in the history of the World Cup. Considering they keep their heads cool, the Tongans should be able to get themselves to score with Soane Tonga’uiha leading the way.
Tonga’uiha hasn’t been very prominent in international competition, but has 75 career points on 15 tries in eight years of play in the English Premiership. Captain Nili Latu could also impress at this year’s World Cup after starring in the 2007 campaign.
Latu may face some decline though as he’s already 33 years of age. He’s spend the past eight years in the uncompetitive Japanese Top League.
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Betting on Georgia
Georgia is the best rugby team in Europe outside the Six Nations. The Georgians do not lose competitive matches outside the World Cup. They impressed in qualifying, winning nine of 10 and drawing one in Romania.
It all changes when it comes to the World Cup. Georgia has won just two of 12 matches on the sport’s grandest stage. Georgia has lost all three of its warm up matches. But Georgia should still be well taken care of with veterans in their squad.
Merab Kvirikashvili is the record points-scorer with 63 points through the past three World Cups. He’s also scored 646 points in all Tests from 2003. Having a scoring threat like Kvirikashvili should be able to help young players such as Vasil Lobzhanidze and Merab Sharikadze. Of the two, Sharikadze is a great prospect as an impressive all-around forward who has 35 points on seven tries in all Tests since 2012.
Skipper Mamuka Gorgodze leads this team. Gorgodze has 125 career points in international competition and should provide Georgia with another scoring threat.
Writer’s Prediction
Georgia (+11.5) wins a tight game against Tonga.
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