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World Cup Daily - October 2 Preview
To mark the rugby World Cup coming to the end of its second week, Total Sport looks at the only game to be played today on Friday, October 2, as reigning world champions New Zealand face Georgia at Cardiff’s Millennium stadium...
Today at the World Cup
It’s David versus Goliath, there is no other way of billing it.
New Zealand enter this evening’s clash having already beaten Argentina 26-16 and Namibia 58-14 in the tournament so far.
Georgia on the other hand are still smarting after a dominant Argentina side put them to the sword. Largely expected to be the whipping boys of the tournament however, Georgia showed in their opening game they having winning capability, overcoming a strong Tonga side 10-17 and surprising many a critic enroute in doing so.
Of their fixture run in, New Zealand got their toughest encounter, Argentina, out of the way first, and are now expected to coast into the next round without so much as a niggle.
Richie McCaw and Dan Carter return for the All Blacks, but the New Zealanders are unable to call upon 99-cap centre Ma’a Nonu due to a shoulder problem. Sonny Bill-Williams, starting his second consecutive game, is likely to replace. Elsewhere in the New Zealand side Wyatt Crockett and Charlie Faumuina start ahead of Tony Woodcock and Owen Franks in the front row, but the headline selection involves a second international start for Waisake Naholo.
Georgia’s Kiwi head coach Milton Haig has chosen to rest several experienced players for this one as he targets a victory over Jacques Burger and Namibia on 7 October. He makes 10 changes in all, with only Gorgodze remaining in the pack from the team that lost to Argentina at Kingsholm, switching to openside flanker. Lasha Lomidze comes in at number eight and Beka Tsiklauri features at full-back in the absence of Merab Kvirikashvili.
Who to watch
Sonny Bill Williams. The All Blacks have an embarrassing amount of talent in their ranks, with Sonny Bill Williams one of the most athletic of the bunch. The all action centre is likely to seize control of the game at every opportunity and, when on top form, is a joy to observe.
When to watch
The tie kicks off at 8pm, broadcast live on ITV from Cardiff’s Millennium stadium.
Where to watch
Hilton, Bath City, Walcot Street, BA1 5BJ.
Hilton Bath City have created a specially themed menu of internationally-inspired food in honour of the Rugby World Cup. The menu reflects the variety of nations competing in the tournament with some exciting and enticing offers.
For a full run-down of where to watch the rugby World Cup in Bath, click here.
World Cup meal
Fancy an evening meal with a combination of delicacies from the two nations? Give this a bash…
Starter – Georgian spinach pkhali. Now, this is a leafy one, so may suit vegetarians down to the ground. Others, perhaps not so much. But spinach gives you strength and rugby requires plenty of that, right?…
Main – New Zealand mince stew. Mince stew, everyone loves it and the All Blacks are much the same. Including a few twists of beef stock, ketchup and teriyaki sauce, this one is sure to pack flavour in abundance.
Dessert - Pavlova. It just has to be, it has New Zealand written all over it. Children’s birthday cakes are often pavlovas in New Zealand and may be decorated with candy. As with all meringues, this is best made on a dry day as high humidity can affect the end result. If you want a larger pavlova, just keep adding layers…
Prediction
It would take the very bold of gamblers to bet against an All Blacks win. If Georgia were to triumph, the rugby world would go into meltdown, it really is that improbable. Want to make a quick few quid? Get it stuck on New Zealand. We’re going for the All Blacks to win by at least 30 points.
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