Georgia v Portugal preview

Georgia target first World Cup win against Portugal

Georgia and Portugal meet in the Rugby World Cup hoping to secure their first points of the tournament.

Both Os Lobos and the Lelos are winless so far in Japan and will be desperate to kick-start their campaigns.

Georgia have lost their opening two matches to Wales and Australia, while Portugal have suffered defeats to South Africa and New Zealand.

However, Milton Haig's Georgia side will be confident of victory against a Portugal team that has shipped 144 points in their two matches so far.

Portugal have never won a match at the Rugby World Cup, losing all 10 of their previous games.

They will be hoping to avoid another heavy defeat against Georgia, who have won four of their last five matches against Tier Two opposition.

Georgia v Portugal predictions

Georgia are clear favourites to win this match, and they should be able to secure a comfortable victory.

Portugal have struggled defensively in this tournament, and they are unlikely to be able to live with Georgia's physicality.

Team news

Georgia have made two changes to their team from the side that lost to Australia last time out.

Mikheil Nariashvili comes into the front row, while Giorgi Tkhilaishvili returns at lock.

Portugal have also made two changes to their team, with Joao Granate coming in at hooker and Tomas Appleton starting at centre.

Possible line-ups

Georgia: Nariashvili, Mamukashvili, Saginadze, Tkhilaishvili, Gorgodze, Lobzhanidze, Khmaladze, Todua, Gelaia, Matiashvili, Kveseladze, Sharikadze, Saghinadze, Nemsadze, Lobzhanidze.
Replacements: Jgenti, Melikidze, Gigashvili, Gigauri, Basilaia, Aprasidze, Sharikadze, Zhvania.

Portugal: Granate, Ferreira, Correia, Diniz, Ferreira, Botelho, Appleton, Lima, Leto, Antunes, Rodrigues, Ferreira, Pinto, Sousa, Appleton.
Replacements: Pinto, Uva, Pinto, Delgado, Sousa, Queiroz, Neves, Silva.

Conclusion

Georgia should be too strong for Portugal in this match. The Lelos have more experience at this level and they will be confident of securing their first win of the tournament.