What's happening
Georgia - Uruguay

October 28 Match

WHAT'S HAPPENING? (posted 29th October 2003)
In Sydney last night two of the minnows from RWC 2003 battled it out - and they really did battle it out - to go home from the tournament with a win. Georgia had been tipped to win the match, but it was the Uruguay team finishing up on top 24-12

It took thirteen minutes for the first points which came when Uruguay fullback Juan Menchaca slotted a penalty goal. His effort was matched by Georgia's Malkhaz Urjukashvili several minutes later. Alfonso Cardoso went over for a Uruguay try in the twenty third minute to put his team in front. When the players came out for the second half the Georgian coach had replaced Jimsheladze for Merab Kvirikashvili. A couple of swift penalty kicks from Kvirikashvili brought the Georgian team back to within a point of Uruguay. Sadly Kvirikashvili (wonder how long it took him to learn to write his name as a kid?) dropped the ball though a short time later and Diego Lamelas was awarded a penalty push over try as a result of the ball bungle.

Kvirikashvili was able to redeem himself a bit by kicking another penalty goal, bringing the score to 17-12 in Uruguay's favour, but the Georgian hopes were finally dashed when, with two minutes of the game remaining Nicolas Brignoni went over for Uruguay.

The post match scenes saw the Uruguay team, managers, and coaching staff unbelievably jubiliant and delighted! The Georgians were devastated. Uruguay go on to play England at Suncorp Stadium this weekend.