Georgia "needs a little more time before entering the Six Nations Tournament"

On Sunday, the XV of France will face Georgia for the second time, only, in its history (64-7 victory in Marseille during the 2007 World Cup).

A meeting eagerly awaited by coach Levan Maisashvili and his captain, Merab Sharikadze.

Who underlined the importance of this test match in their progress.

They took the opportunity to (r) establish some truths.

A historic clash against France

Merab Sharikadze: “It means a lot for us to play against the XV of France.

It's a chance to prove that we are a good team, good players.

It won't be easy, but it's an opportunity to show what we are capable of, to do our best.

This match will also allow us to gain experience.

And to give pleasure to our supporters.

It's a big challenge but we are delighted.

Levan Maisashvili: “It's a great opportunity for us to face a great rugby nation like France.

We know that if we are not very aggressive, if we do not put a lot of defensive pressure and that we give them space, it will be complicated.

We have to be inspired by what the Argentines have done… ”

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Their reputation as physical players

Merab Sharikadze: “World rugby sees us only as a physical team, which plays in front.

We are known for that.

But we don't just play in front!

We also have three-quarters who know how to play.

It won't happen overnight, but looks are slowly changing in the right direction. "

“We lack experience because we have very few opportunities to face the best teams.

"

Levan Maisashvili, Georgia coach

The contribution of the Georgians of the Top 14

Levan Maisashvili: “It's good for the development of our players, good for the selection. But what we need most of all is to play more matches together. If we often struggle after the 60th minute, it's not just a physical problem. This is due to our lack of experience in these high level matches. The difference between the nations of Tier 1 (

) and those, like us, of Tier 2, is that we have very few opportunities to face the best teams. Once in the summer, once in the fall, and not always. With periods of seven, eight months without a big game. We need to play against big opponents more often to get used to the intensity of these encounters. "

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Join the Six Nations Tournament

Levan Maisashvili: “Why not yes.

But we need a little more time.

We need, before, to face more major nations to then show what we are capable of.

Maybe one day we will have this opportunity… ”

Finally receive the major nations in Tbilisi

Merab Sharikadze: “Great nations don't need this extra advantage of receiving us.

We would have more chances at home, pushed by our public, to achieve the feat of beating them (

).

To face them at home would balance the odds… ”