Rugby: Ukrainian flags fly as Georgia defeats Russia
Georgia crushed Russia 36 points to 10 in a rugby match in Tbilisi on February 22, 2014. The win, in-front on a 50,000 home crowd, guaranteed Georgia the top spot in the 2015 European Nations Cup. Photo by N. Alavidze
When these two teams meet it is always tense and politically-charged, especially after the August War in 2008, when the two countries battled. Photo by N. Alavidze
The match began with a moment of silence for the victims who recently died in Ukraine. Photo by N. Alavidze
In support of Euromaidan, Georgian fans went to the stadium armed with Georgian and Ukrainian flags. Photo by N. Alavidze
Supporters waved blue and yellow flags as the Russian anthem played. Photo by N. Alavidze
“Glory to Ukraine, glory to heroes!” reads a banner in Ukrainian. Photo by N. Alavidze
The Russian team dominated the beginning of the game and scored the first try. Photo by N. Alavidze
A small group of Russian fans attended the match at Dinamo Arena. After the game, the group said the Georgian team played better and deserved to win. Photo by N. Alavidze
The Georgian’s dominated the second half of the match, which was filled with tries and successfully executed conversions by the Georgian side. Photo by N. Alavidze
This amused the fans a lot. Photo by N. Alavidze
Rugby is considered a prospective sport in Georgia, which was why the Government decided to increase funding to the sport. Photo by N. Alavidze
The Georgian rugby team, commonly known as the Lelos to home fans, defeated Russia 46-0 last time the teams played each other. Photo by N. Alavidze
This was the 13th victory in a row for the Georgians against Russia. Photo by. N Alavidze
The 2015 Rugby World Cup in England will be the fourth time the Georgian team will compete in the prestigious event. Photo by N. Alavidze
Since matches against Russia are always tense, the Lelos asked fans before the game to be polite to the Russian players and respect their opposition.
Even though the Russian’s took the defeat hard,...
...both teams were friendly and congratulated each other after the game. Photos by N. Alavidze
Then came the time for players to give autographs to faithful supporters. Photo by N. Alavidze
After the match, the Lelos thanked their fans for such strong support. Photo by N. Alavidze
Once the game was over, the Georgian players ran around the stadium with a banner stating the breakaway regions Abkhazia and Samachablo were a part of Georgia. Photo by N. Alavidze
On March 15, the Georgian team will challenge Romania in a match that will determine what pool the teams will compete in at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Photo by N. Alavidze