The Georgian national rugby team has defeated Southern Kings in Tbilisi today ahead of the Rugby World Cup that will be held from September 20 to November 2 in Japan.
The Georgian Lelo’s handed a defeat to South African Southern Kings 24 to 20 at Mikheil Meskhi stadium.
FT at Meskhi Stadium ????????????
— Georgian Rugby Union (@GeorgianRugby) August 27, 2019
With #TheLelos wining #TBC Rugby Series match one against @SouthernKingsSA 24-20
Thanks to #Kings for this Great Game
Next Game Historic match against @Scotlandteam in #TBILISI
???????? Georgia v Scotland ???????????????????????????? | 31 Aug, 20:00, Dinamo
https://t.co/uDdpJJcyYJ pic.twitter.com/vaQCB8lnR8
Southern Kings wrote on their official Twitter account that it was "a very close game in the end". "Lots of lessons to take from this tough encounter, and plenty of positives to build on as well...Well done, Georgia!!" they said.
A big THANK YOU to @GeorgianRugby for the great hospitality, camaraderie and much-needed pre-season action.
— Isuzu Southern Kings (@SouthernKingsSA) August 27, 2019
The Isuzu Southern Kings wish you well for your remaining warm-up games & particularly for the World Cup. We will be following your progress closely.
გმადლობთ #KingsCare pic.twitter.com/nxZzeutzfr
The Southern Kings received an invitation from the Georgian Rugby Union to play in the friendly match earlier this month as Russia refused to come to Tbilisi amid anti-occupation demonsrtations.
On August 31 the Lelo's will host Scotland at 8 p.m. at Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi, while they will have the third "warm-up" against Scotland in Murrayfield, Edinburgh, on September 6 before departing to Japan.