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Fans delighted the legendary Gorgodze gets to retire at RWC on his terms
With another team playing their final game of the World Cup, another player has bowed out of international rugby as Georgia’s Mamuka Gorgodze has taken his leave.
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The former captain played his final game for his country on Friday in a heroic effort against the Wallabies, as his side made over 200 tackles in a 27-8 loss.
It was a performance from the 35-year-old that the rugby world has come to expect over the past decade, as he made 15 tackles, missing none.
The Toulon forward retired from international rugby in 2017 but rejoined the squad shortly before the RWC this year to make his fourth tournament and have the send-off that he deserves.
After his 75th and final game for Georgia – his 15th in the RWC – fans from all over the world have praised Gorgodze on social media for the impact he has had on the game.
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They recognised the immeasurable contribution he has given to Georgian rugby over the years and indeed to world rugby.
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During his prime – and even now – he was revered as one of the most brutally physical players going, which was shown in his man of the match performance against the All Blacks in the 2015 RWC. This is what has been said:
Respect to the big Man! I honestly fell in love with Rugby watching him against New Zealand 4 years Ago!! Good luck in the future!! 🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪🇬🇪
— Manu (@MBedinadze) October 11, 2019
I was in the crowd cheering loudly, at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff 2015, when he was declared Man Of The Match in the RWC pool game: Georgia vs New Zealand All Blacks. He looked so surprised, but he deserved it! He has been a great ambassador for the game. Go Well Gorgodze! 🙂
— Tracy Homer (@Trapac) October 11, 2019
Someone in Tbilisi better be building a huge statue of this man #LEGEND https://t.co/5LJN6bkiJ7
— Matt Saunders (@MSaunders317) October 11, 2019
— Ed (@Head_Langdon) October 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/DMWoodward17/status/1182652066361155589?s=20
Farewell,Mr Gorgodze. You have done a lot for Georgian rugby. #Gorgodzilla #RWC19 #AUSvGEO
— Rumple Spilskind (@justus_beets) October 11, 2019
Gorgodze’s contribution to Georgian rugby is comparable to that of Sergio Parisse’s to Italy, where both have been titans of their teams for over 15 years.
However, while Gorgodze was lucky enough to be given this send-off in his final game, Parisse was deprived of that pleasure, which many fans have also raised on Twitter.
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With Italy’s game against the All Blacks being cancelled because of Typhoon Hagibis, the Italian was not given a swansong like Gorgodze in what would have been his 143rd game. The Georgian is not to blame for that and should be able to celebrate the career he has had.
WATCH: Georgia, Rugby Next Superpower
Comments on RugbyPass
Sly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
13 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
13 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
13 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
13 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
13 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
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