Rugby: Georgia defeats high-ranking Japan

Georgia 35 - Japan 24; Photo by T. Kulumbegashvili
Agenda.ge, 23 Nov 2014 - 20:38, Tbilisi,Georgia

Georgia’s national rugby team have ended their November test series on a high and defeated Japan 35-24 in their final match at a crowded stadium in Tbilisi today.

The Lelos started strong and dominated both halves against the Cherry Blossoms, who are ranked 10th in the world. Georgia is ranked 15th, according to global IRB rankings.

After the match at Mikheil Stadium in Vake, head coach of the Georgian national rugby team Milton Haig said the victory was gained thanks to his team's strong discipline and their fast and aggressive playing style. 

He added this style of play and strong discipline helped Georgia only concede seven penalties during the whole match, while against Ireland earlier this month the Lelos conceded 12 penalties in the first half.

Meanwhile in today's game budding Georgian player Giorgi Aptsiauri made his debut in the national team.

Georgia and Japan last played each other in Tbilisi in November 2012. In this game, the Japanese team beat their hosts.

In the earlier two games of the Lelos three-game November series, Georgia lost to Tonga 23-9 on November 8 and were defeated by Ireland 49-7 in Dublin last weekend.