Georgia hold on to overcome Italy
9TH PLACE PLAY-OFF
Georgia……….. 24 Italy……………… 13
GEORGIA beat Italy in difficult conditions for a second time at this year's U20 Championship to claim ninth place. The Junior Lelos won the previous encounter 28-17 at a rain-sodden Danie Craven Stadium and conditions in Cape Town were not much easier.
This time, however, Italy's pack achieved parity and, more than once, had the upper hand.
Georgia lived on scraps in the first half as Italy dominated both territory and possession, but only had two successful penalties from Martino Pucciariello to show for their near-total control. Georgia, meanwhile, scored two tries in the closing 10 minutes as they demonstrated the science of efficiency from scraps.
Flanker Giorgi Gergedava had the ball in his hands as a lineout maul powered over and Temur Tsulukidze was at the back of a second unstoppable maul after Italy loosehead Federico Pisani paid the price for repeated infringements just before the break.
Outside centre Nugzari Kevkhishvili picked up a delightful inside ball to crash through Italy's defensive line to extend their lead. Luka Keshelava touched down before Italy scored a consolation through Valerio Siciliano.
