Rugby: Georgia defeats Portugal in European Nations Cup match

Georgia’s national rugby team have defeated Portugal 20-15 in today's European Nations Cup (ENC) match in Tbilisi. 

This came after Georgia convincingly defeated Germany 64-8 in the German town of Heusenstamm on February 7.

Looking ahead, Georgia will travel to Spain on February 28 to challenge them in the next ENC match.

Today's only try was scored by the Georgian side. Photo by Giorgi Rajebashvili

If Georgia can exert their superiority in the upcoming match, as head coach Milton Haig is expecting, the side will go into their penultimate match against Russia in Tbilisi on March 14 with maximum points and bonuses.

The Georgian side, commonly known as the Lelos, will end their ENC competition with a trip to Romania on March 21. In recent years this match was the decider between the two strongest teams in the competition. 

Georgia and Romania are currently miles ahead of the rest of the teams however Russia appears to be slowly narrowing the gap.

Final score: Georgia 20 - Portugal 15. Photo by Giorgi Rajebashvili

Meanwhile 2015 will be a historic year for the Lelos as they will compete in the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time. However at this event, for the first time ever the Lelos will challenge current world champions, the all-conquering All Blacks from New Zealand in Cardiff in October.

Preparation for the World Cup have been underway for some time, starting with the autumn tests against Tonga, Ireland and Japan - furthering Georgia’s readiness for the finals in England and Wales later this year.