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Georgia outmuscle Tonga after first-half stalemate in Tbilisi
Georgia claimed a 22-07 win against Tonga in both nations’ final 2024 Autumn Internationals match, played at the Tbilisi Mikheil Meskhi Stadium. The hosts came out on top after a pointless first half, with Davit Niniashvili, Luka Matkava and Vasil Lobzhanidze playing a decisive role in Georgia’s only win in the Autumn.
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As stated, no point was scored in the opening half, mostly due to the inefficiency of the Georgian attack who spoiled at least a handful of critical opportunities. Not even the trustworthy Lelos maul lived up to its reputation, with the visiting side brilliantly breaking it apart.
Tonga’s Ben Tameifuna and Fetuli Paea made a couple of try-saving tackles, stopping Niniashvili on his tracks in the 16th minute of the game.
Oddly enough, it seemed like both teams decided not to go for the goal-kicking option, with neither Luka Matkava nor William Havili taking the points.
Thankfully for the fans in the stands, the scoreboard would finally come alive in the second half. Georgia capitalized from a Tongan handling mistake to dot down their first five-pointer, scored by veteran wing Alexander Todua.
Not long after, replacement prop Giorgi Mamaiashvili was yellow-carded for a high tackle, leaving his team down to 14 players at a crucial moment of the match. However, the ?Ikale Tahi didn’t make the best out of it, as they would concede a penalty try and a yellow card to playmaker William Havili.
In the final ten minutes, Georgia added a penalty kick and a third try, with the inevitable Akaki Tabutsadze successfully chasing down a kick to reach the whitewash, while Tevita Ahokovi scored Tonga’s only five-pointer. Luka Nioradze was ejected from the game for a croc roll.
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Georgia concludes a mildly positive Autumn Test Match window, having come close to stunning Italy in last week’s 20-17.
For Tonga, the loss against Georgia meant a winless Autumn Internationals campaign, having previously conceded defeats against Romania (15-25) and the United States of America (17-36).
Go behind the scenes of both camps during the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 2021. Binge watch exclusively on RugbyPass TV now
