Georgia preview

Georgia will look to cement their claims for a regular crack at rugby's elite with another encouraging World Cup.

The Georgians are currently ranked as the top European side outside the RBS Six Nations - and they will look to cement their claims for a regular crack at rugby's elite with another encouraging World Cup. Having been the whipping boys on their debut in 2003, they won over a number of people four years later as they gave Ireland a massive scare before registering victory over Namibia. They will look to at least match that tally of one win this time, with the crunch game against Romania surely their target.

Strengths

Their giant pack will undoubtedly cause one or two sides some uncomfortable moments and they have the ability to bully sides upfront - with the likes of Davit Zirakashvili, Goderdzi Shvelidze and Akvsenti Giorgadze among those who have honed their skills in the Top 14. The Georgians will also arrive full of confidence after beating the likes Russia, USA, Canada and Romania during the past two years.

Weaknesses

They will run the risk of being exposed out wide, with the Georgians lacking any real quality in the backs. A lack of top-level experience will also count against them, particularly in their games against England, Argentina and Scotland.