When we all looked at the team sheet I am sure we thought of the 110 points that were scored against Switzerland last year. What we didn’t think about was the hard work and determination that had bound the team in the week. All of whom had something to prove.
With the crowd firmly behind the Suisse team cheering every metre gained and ball dropped by Georgia, this game had a real buzz about it.
Yes Georgia did strike first, with a try from the full back Otari Metreveli (15) but not until the 16th minute of the game. That didn’t stop Switzerland coming back and challenging Georgia in their own half.
This finally paid off with the pressure resulting in a Georgian yellow card 7 minutes later. With the choice of penalty position captain Jules Porcher opted for the penalty kick.
With a large cheer from the crowd you didn’t have to look at the referees, it was over! Switzerland 3 – 7 Georgia.
With Hoppe Suisse ringing around the stadium from over 2500 fans. The defence of Switzerland stood firm and turned over ball close to their line holding the score at 3 – 7 at half time.
I am not sure what Marco Bortolami said at half time to the Goergian team but it seemed to work as they came out with a different level after half time dominating the scrum. With a yellow card handed to Switzerland the Georgian team capitalised. First with Wing Akaki Tabutsadze in the corner.
Then with a forward dominated try from Georgi Javakhia which was converted to take the score to 3 – 19 against a 14 man Suisse side at 49 minutes.
It wasn’t until the 62nd minute that the Georgian score progressed further.
It was the forward domination in the scrum that finally started to open the gates. With the Georgian front row all changed by the 60th minute, the next score came 2 minutes later.
People ask what the difference is between the two sides? Other than 15 world ranking places?
When you can bring on substitutions the size of man of the match Alekandre Kuntelia, who can play either side of the front row you have part of your answer.
More images from the week here.
Copyright:- Neil Dodd 2026