ADVERTISEMENT

Georgia heap pressure on favourites Argentina

Georgia coach Milton Haig believes his team can build on their opening triumph by exploiting their underdog status against Argentina.

___4197496___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4197496___2015___9___24___15___daniel-hourcade-cropped_j6kuw60ngppy16tk95rmikkd9

Fresh from recording a handsome victory over Tonga, Rugby World Cup underdogs Georgia claim they have nothing to lose against South American powerhouse Argentina in their Pool C showdown on Friday.

Georgia recorded a landmark 17-10 victory over Tonga in their opening game of the 2015 tournament on Saturday, the best result they have recorded in what is a fourth consecutive appearance at the competition, having made their debut at the 2003 edition of the event in Australia.

It leaves the minnows in elite company, rubbing shoulders with holders New Zealand on four points at the top of the group from one match played apiece.

The All Blacks opened their title defence with a gritty 26-16 victory over Argentina on Sunday.

ADVERTISEMENT

Even at their most optimistic, the Pumas would not have expected to upset their Southern Hemisphere rivals at Wembley Stadium.

They remain favourites to finish second behind Steve Hansen's men though and advance to the quarter-finals.

But Georgia's coach Milton Haig knows Argentina will be desperate to put points on the board in their second outing, leaving his own side free to try and exploit any nerves at Gloucester's Kingsholm Stadium.

"It's a nice opportunity for us this time because there's no pressure on Georgia, all the pressure is on Argentina," the New Zealander said.

"We know that if we're going to have a chance at winning we're going to have to attack more, so you will see that, and you will see us using the ball a bit more.

ADVERTISEMENT

"If we can defend like we did against Tonga and create a few more opportunities, we'll create some pressure. If Japan can beat South Africa, why can't we beat Argentina?"

The Pumas will be without second row Mariano Galarza, who has been suspended for nine weeks after being found guilty of eye-gouging during the loss to the 2011 winners, costing the Gloucester player the chance to represent his country in familiar club surrounds.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT