Wales Rolls over Georgia in Aichi

Chris Wyatt, City of Toyota, September 23rd, 2019

Wales came out of the tunnel ready to play and never really looked back in a six try, 43-14 victory over Georgia at City of Toyota Stadium in Aichi Prefecture. It seemed everyone got into the mix with six different players scoring tries for the Welsh (Josh Adams, Liam Williams, Tomos Williams, George North, Jonathan Davies, Justin Tipuric). Levan Chilachava and Shalva Mamukashvili scored Georgia’s two second half tries.

Wales started strong and quickly had Georgia on their heels, notching four tries in the first half to none for the Georgians. Undaunted, Georgia regrouped and exited the locker room with renewed purpose and vigor, finally getting on the board shortly after the break when Shalva Mamukashvili crossed the try line. Tedo Abzhandadze converted the try to get Georgia to seven points early in the second half. Wales was not as polished in the second half as they had been in the first, but the contest was never in any doubt. Wales added two second half tries from Tomos Williams and George North to match Georgia’s two tries and maintain the space between the two squads.

The game, held at City of Toyota Stadium in Aichi Provence, was exciting to watch despite the scoring differential. Georgia was entertaining even in defeat. Regarding the venue, the stadium is simply amazing. The walk to the stadium affords excellent photo opportunities, security and entry were quick and there was plenty of space to move about the stadium. The stadium itself is quite fascinating with the seats rising in what appears to be a nearly vertical fashion. So even when one sits quite high up, no one is very far from the pitch. It makes for an interesting stadium experience with great views all around. Once again Japanese fans were delightful and contributed greatly to the fan experience. Several Japanese sought me out to take photos with them and were very friendly, curious about whom I support at the world cup and where I am from. Once again, the stars of this world cup so far are the home rugby supporters. I can only imagine how crazy it will be in Shinzouka Saturday when Ireland take on the home side.