THE BREAKDOWN | WORLD CUP BRIEFS
GEORGIA’S DERBY DELIGHT
MAMUKA GORGODZE’S solitary try enabled Georgia to celebrate a historic 25-9 win over Romania in the battle of the Pool B minnows. The open-side flanker went over 16 minutes into the second period, while fly-half Merab Kvirikashvili kicked 17 points and Malkhaz Urjukashvili three more. The result sees Georgia move up to four points with one game remaining, while Romania are remain bottom.
WALES WAIT ON WILLIAMS
SHANE WILLIAMS, Wales’ record try-scorer, is on course to be fit for Sunday’s vital Pool D showdown against Fiji.
The Ospreys star (inset) missed Monday’s 81-7 demolition of Namibia but has made a successful return to full training. “Shane is recovering well,” said Wales medical manager Prav Mathema. “He is back up and running and we are pleased with his progress. The next 48 hours will be essential in determining whether he may be available this weekend.”
MURPHY’S CHIPS ARE DOWN
IRELAND full-back Geordan Murphy is plotting a World Cup exit for his business partner, Italy prop Martin Castrogiovanni, on Sunday. The Leicester team-mates own a restaurant together but will suspend their friendship for 80 minutes of the winner-takes-all Pool C clash. “I’m thinking of leaving some baskets of chips in the corners of the changing room for him,” he said. “That should do it. The amount he eats, it should distract him quite nicely.” On the threat posed by Castrogiovanni, Murphy added: “They’ve improved massively, they’re a serious side. They’re very physical but playing some good football.”