By Matt Findlay

The best Georgian team to ever take the paddock in a Rugby World Cup (RWC) – that’s what Lelos head coach Milton Haig was aiming for.

If you ask him, he’s hit a home run with the 31-man squad he’s named.

“We certainly think that’s what we have achieved,” he explained.

“We’ve been building a competitive squad to compete at the RWC since 2012.

“The selection process has been ongoing for some months and we have finally come down to the 31 players that will take part.

“The team is a mix of very experienced players and young exciting talent.

“The squad was debated extensively by the selectors and due to the fact that we have built depth in positions over the last four years, some very good players missed the initial selection.”

Merab Kvirikashvili and Giorgi Chkhaidze are set for their fourth tournament, having been part of the first Georgian team to play on the RWC stage in Australia back in 2003.

The Lelos squad was put through an extensive two-phase preparation – a strength and conditiong camp in Tbilisi and fitness and crytherapy in Poland – leading into their tournament opener against Tonga.

While the Lelos are given almost no chance of progressing, signs are good for the nation with an increase in professionalism in recent times and their first World Rugby Under 20 Trophy to boot.

PLAYER TO WATCH: Merab Kvirikashvili (five-eighth/fullback) and Vasil Lobzhanidze (halfback)

The old bull and the young calf.

One 31 and the most experienced player in the Georgian squad, the other just 18 with only five caps to his name.

Kvirikashvili is the leading all-time points scorer for Georgia and is looking for a big tournament having disappointed somewhat during the 2011 RWC.

On the other hand,  Lobzhanidze is fresh off the Under 20 Trophy victory, and will become the first 18-year-old to play in a RWC if he takes to the field – whether he plays well or not, that’s worth watching.

SQUAD

Forwards: Mikheil Nariashvili, Kakha Asieshvili, Simon Maisuradze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Jaba Bregvadze, Davit Zirakashvili, Dudu Kubriashvili, Levan Chilachava, Giorgi Chkhaidze, Levan Datunashvili, Giorgi Nemsadze, Kote Mikautadze, Mamuka Gorgodze (captain), Shalva Sutiashvili, Vito Kolelishvili, Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, Lasha Lomidze.

Backs: Merab Kvirikashvili, Beka Tsiklauri, Giorgi Aptsiauri, Sandro Todua, Tamaz Mtchedlidze, Muraz Giorgadze, Giorgi Pruidze, Davit Katcharava, Merab Sharikadze, Lasha Malaghuradze, Lasha Khmaladze, Giorgi Begadze, Vazha Khutsishvili, Vasil Lobzhanidze.

FIXTUREs

Saturday, September 19: vs Tonga; Kingsholm, Gloucester; 12pm

Friday, September 15: vs Argentina; Kingsholm, Gloucester; 4.45pm

Friday, October 2: vs New Zealand; Millenium Stadium, Cardiff; 8pm

Wednesday, October 7: vs Namibia; Sandy Park, Exeter; 8pm