Australia vs Georgia Prediction: Georgians to disrupt Wallaby flow

This fixture is a repeat of the World Cup pool clash from last year, which the Aussies won by 35-15. However since then, both sides have new coaches and are in a development phase. Schmidt got his reign as Wallaby coach off to a positive start after two victories over the Welsh and will be hoping to continue that momentum against the Georgians. In his way though, will be a determined Georgian side with a point to prove. Head Coach Cockerill has spoken ahead of this game about his teams desire to beat sides that are higher in the ranking for World Rugby to stand up and notice.

The Wallabies took their chances against the Welsh to get the victory and a few players certainly impressed including Daugunu out-wide. However they will be concerned by giving up 28 points to a Welsh side with an understrength attack. Their maul defence was poor in both Test matches and it gave the Welsh a platform in the game so there’s no doubt Cockerill was licking his lips when watching the tape back. Below you can find my Australia vs Georgia prediction.

The Georgians land in Sydney after making a pit-stop in Japan where they earnt a narrow victory against Eddie Jones’ side. Their set-piece was very dominant and they will take a lot of confidence from getting a win in tough conditions. The Georgians will target the Wallabies at scrum time and look to test their new front-row. I believe they’ll be able to get on top here and use that as a platform and foot-hold in the game.

Although the Wallabies should have enough to find a win here, I’ve not seen enough from the Australians that they can cover this handicap against a motivated, abrasive Georgian side.

Team News: 

Australia

Joe Schmidt has rung the changes for this clash, with 10 changes to the starting side that defeated Wales in Melbourne last week. It’s a new-look front-row with Kailea, Pollard and Alaalatoa given an opportunity against the formidable Georgian scrum, whilst Frost and Blyth are the Lock partnership this week. No change to the Flankers though with Valentini and McReight once again named to start, however Reds no.8 Wilson gets his first start of the Summer after coming back from an arm injury.

McDermott is given a chance in the 9 jersey this week and it will be Donaldson outside of him as playmaker. Paisami is retained in the midfield but Flook drops out to allow Ikitau to start this week – the latter also returning from injury. Daugunu will remain on one wing and Lancaster will earn his starting Wallaby debut after having a breakout season with the Rebels after progressing through the 7s program. Wright has been in great form and he remains at full-back.

Georgia

Head Coach Cockerill has named a strong side to face the Aussies. The front row will be Mamaiashvili, Karkadze and Kuntelia – who are all based in France. The lock pairing will be Chachanidze and Babunashvili, with a fierce back-row of Gorgadze, Saghinadze and Jalaghonia.

The Georgian backline is often undervalued however there is plenty of talent out-wide. Alania will be at scrum-half after a good season with Aurillac and he’ll be partnered by Matkava at fly-half. The midfield duo will be ex-Gloucester player Kveseladze and Tafladze, with Todua and Tabutsadze on the wings. Finally it will be the exciting Niniashvili at full-back, who is out of contract after his recent stint at Lyon but would be a brilliant signing for any European side.

Australia vs Georgia Odds

Australia are priced at 1/12 to win this game, with Georgia the rank outsiders at 15/2. A draw can be backed at 28/1.

Georgia +18 @ 20/21

With so many changes to the Wallabies, there are question marks as to the cohesion they’ll have. They are also still adapting to the new gameplan that Schmidt is trying to implement which will take time. The Georgians will be a threat both up-front and out-wide and I believe they will keep this game close.

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