Georgia’s Vasil Lobzhanidze to be youngest RWC player

“Yes I am very happy to be the youngest player in the history of the Rugby World Cup”, Lobzhanidze told reporters.

The 18-year-old Lobzhanidze will beat the record now held by American Thretton Palamo, who played his one and only World Cup match against South Africa in 2007 at age 19 years, 8 days.

The reigning world champions should be untroubled in overpowering Argentina, Tonga, Georgia and Namibia which would lift their record in pool play to 28-0.

“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that Tonga are in the same position as we are so it’s going to be a critical game”.

It would make Tonga the favourites but the Pacific islanders are wary of what lies in wait.

“I think we rocked up a little arrogant possibly, like previous All Blacks teams over the years may have, too comfortable having come off being the number one side for a long time and just expected it to happen”, he said.

With a powerful forward pack which includes Agustin Creevy and veteran Juan Manuel Leguizamon, they have registered wins over both the Springboks and Wallabies although they have never seriously threatened New Zealand.

“I was at school during the last World Cup, I was very young so I nearly don’t remember!” They had previously been badly beaten by the same team. “It’s going to be one of those games tomorrow, and hopefully our backs will finish off the game for us”.

“It’s pretty important we got to play at Kingsholm and understand the surroundings and the ground”.

Georgia may have lost all three of their warm-up matches against Falcons, Canada and Japan, but Haig is adamant that preparations have been ideal.

Telusa Veainu starts on the wing rather than full-back, with Vunga Lilo wearting the number 15 jersey.

Viliami Ma’afu will start at No 8, Sione Kalamafoni moves to blindside flanker and Steve Mafi switches into the second row following the 21-16 victory over Romania in Bucharest on September 5. He will also be the first player born in the professional era to appear in a World Cup.