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South Africa vs Georgia Preview & Tips - Springboks tipped to struggle in first game back

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 02 Jul 2021

Ralph Staniforth 02 Jul 2021

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South Africa vs Georgia predictions for Friday’s rugby international fixture
Match is being played at 18:00 BST at Loftus Versfeld
Georgia have won their last 6 matches
Preview, predictions, stats & team news

Expired

2019 Rugby World Cup final South Africa vs England

South Africa have not played rugby in 20 months since they beat England in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Georgia Preview & Tips

South Africa have not played in 20 months so a physical Georgia side should offer decent competition. I am tipping the Boks to win but by less than 37 points.

South Africa have not played international rugby for 20 months.
Georgia have won their last 6 matches.
Georgia have lost by less than 37 points in 5 of their last 7 matches against top tier opposition.

Head to Head

South Africa and Georgia have met on one previous occasion. That match ended 46-19 in favour of South Africa at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

South Africa Form

South Africa have not played an international rugby match since winning the Rugby World Cup in October 2019. The world champs are expected to be a bit rusty in this match.

Prior to COVID-19 all looked good for the Springboks as they claimed their third Rugby World Cup title. They beat England 32-12 in the final. The only defeat in the tournament for the Springboks came in their opening match against New Zealand.

This Test series against Georgia will act as a warm-up to the British & Irish Lions tour.

South Africa Team News

Jacques Nienaber took over as head coach from Rassie Erasmus following the World Cup triumph. He has selected two debutants in the starting lineup in the form of fullback Aphelele Fassi and wing Rosco Specman.

Jasper Wiese will make his debut from the bench while Siya Kolisi retains the captaincy.

Georgia Form

Georgia arrive in South Africa with some confidence. They have won their last six matches, albeit against far lesser opposition than the Springboks.

The Georgians were crowned as the 2020/21 European Rugby Championships champions. They beat Spain 25-19 away, Russia 23-6 away, Romania 28-17 at home and the Netherlands 48-15 at home in their last match.

Georgia participated in the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup where they did play top tier opposition. They were impressive in their 23-10 defeat in Ireland as well as their 38-24 loss to Fiji.

Georgia Team News

Head coach Levan Maisashvili has named debutant Luka Japaridze on the bench for this clash. The side will be captained by inside centre, Merab Sharikadze.

South Africa vs Georgia FAQ

Where can I watch the South Africa vs Georgia live stream?

Check our live streaming calendar to see where to watch the South Africa vs Georgia live stream.

Verdict

South Africa v Georgia

Georgia have played plenty of rugby and should be reasonably competitive against a South African side without game time in 20 months. I am backing Georgia to lose by less than 37 points.

There is value in Georgia losing by less than 25 points given that the Springboks could struggle in their first match back.

Georgia +37 Handicap

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Georgia +25 Handicap

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