Wales 13 Georgia 6: Warren Gatland accused of 'pulling a fast one' to ensure uncontested scrums

Wales' wing Hallam Amos (R) on his way to scoring a try which was disallowed during the international rugby union test match between Wales and Georgia at Principality stadium in Cardiff, south Wales
Amos scores, but Wales supporters had an uncomfortable afternoon Credit: AFP/Getty Images

A win for Warren Gatland’s experimental Wales team, then, but not one of which to feel particularly proud. A stodgy performance, a terrible game and a controversial, farcical finish, which saw the New Zealander accused of manipulating the rules to ensure uncontested scrums as Georgia pushed for a late draw.

Martyn Williams, the former Wales flanker, was among those to question the ethics of Gatland’s decision not to send tighthead Leon Brown back into the fray after Tomas Francis was sent to the bin for rashly charging a ruck with a minute left on the clock and Georgia camped on Wales' line.

Adam Jones, the former Wales prop, did likewise, accusing Wales of "pulling a fast one".

Brown - the 21 year-old Dragon who had been handed his first start by Gatland - had been given a thorough working over by the Georgian forwards before making way for Francis after 56 minutes. It was a tactical substitution and he was spotted warming up on the touchline, presumably in readiness for a return if needed, only to be stood down again when Francis went off. Gatland later said he had suffered cramp in his calf. 

Nicky Smith, Wales’ other starting prop, had also been replaced in a tactical substitution. He too was seen warming up with Brown on the touchline. And he too was suddenly declared unfit, although had he come back on his reintroduction would not have meant contested scrums anyway as he would have come back at tighthead rather than loosehead.

“I can promise you there wasn’t anything from our point of view in terms of trying to manipulate the rules or anything,” Gatland insisted.

Williams, working at the match for the BBC, was less than convinced. “If they are injured I do apologise but it’s a bit of a coincidence that one for me,” he said.

Milton Haig, Georgia’s head coach, appeared inclined to agree with that assessment. Asked whether he was confident that Georgia would have scored a try had they been allowed to contest scrums at the end, the Kiwi replied: “Absolutely. They [Wales] were pretty confident of that too. That’s why they wanted to go to uncontested scrums.”

Haig added that he did not want to make a big deal of it. “It is what it is,” he said. “The correct procedure was followed. I’m not interested in taking it further. That’s not what I’m about. We’re obviously disappointed that we couldn’t scrum.”

Wales and Georgia in action in the Principality Stadium
Wales and Georgia in action in the Principality Stadium Credit:  REUTERS

It was all rather messy and confusing – in keeping with a game which had started brightly enough for Wales but descended into a painfully stodgy affair.

How Gatland must hate these ‘fourth’ autumn internationals. He has already experienced defeat against Samoa and a draw with Fiji during his reign, while it took a late Sam Davies drop-goal for Wales to edge past Japan 12 months ago. This time – having made 14 changes to the team which was narrowly beaten by Australia, in order to keep his stars fresh for New Zealand and South Africa in the next fortnight – he dodged a bullet against Georgia.

European rugby’s minnows were hopeful of making a statement to the Six Nations blazers by conjuring an unlikely win at the Principality Stadium. They certainly did that.

Wales began brightly, a break by Rhys Webb, who was allowed to meander sideways across the pitch before darting through the centres, almost led to a try inside three minutes, but Alex Cuthbert knocked on a metre short of the line.

The hosts were looking to attack at every opportunity in those early stages, spurning a handful of chances to go for goal in favour of attacking lineouts. Georgia were offering little in return.

After a dodgy knock-on decision, which denied Rhys Priestland what would almost certainly have been a try on his first start for his country since 2015, Wales got the score their efforts deserved. From a five metre line-out, Priestland passed to Scott Williams before looping around the back of him, taking the return pass and lofting the ball over to Hallam Amos in acres of space on the left wing.

Rhys Priestland starred for Wales
Rhys Priestland starred for Wales Credit: Action Images via Reuters

Things got very sloppy thereafter, though, as Georgia began to grow accustomed to the pace of the game.

Despite Wales' early dominance, it was only 10-3 at the interval. And when the two teams came back out – Wales without Sam Cross, the Olympic Sevens silver medallist who had been handed a first start for his country less than a month after turning pro, but who took an early knock – Georgia began to get the upper hand, particularly at scrum time.

One penalty apiece hardly told the story of a half which ended in huge controversy and no little confusion after nearly 89 minutes, and with Wales having to defend themselves against accusations of unsportsmanlike behaviour.

There was a certain irony in that, of course, given the complaints that Wales coach Rob Howley very publicly made about France’s controversial decision to send renowned scrummager Rabah Slimani on for Uini Atonio after the latter suffered a phantom head injury during Wales’ marathon Six Nations defeat by France earlier this year.

Howley had said then on that occasion that there was “evidence to suggest the integrity of the game has been brought into disrepute,” although after an investigation World Rugby found "no clear evidence" of wrongdoing.

This time it was Wales’ former players who were suggesting the wrongdoing - and it was their own country in the dock.

“A fast one?!” tweeted Jones in response to a suggestion that Wales might have pulled a fast one. “The fastest one ever!!! They [Brown and Smith] were warming up!!”

                                                                                                    

That was an ugly Test first encounter between Georgia and Wales

 

It is all over! Finally!

Priestland kicks the ball out and Wales get away with a 13-6 win. 

84 minutes

Just as the Georgians were pushing towards a try, Wales are awarded a penalty. 

83 minutes

Georgia got a good maul out of that line out due Wales having a seven man pack. The Georgians are three metres out and pressing and still patient. 

82 minutes

Georgia have opted for a line out - there is quite a bit of confusion over whether or not the decision from scrum to line out can be made. 

81 minutes

A possible reprieve for Wales, Raynal has decided on uncontested scrums are there are not enough fit props. 

80 minutes plus

Francis was just sent to the sin bin for coming in from the side. Both Wales and Georgia are re-arranging their front rows as it could potentially create history for Georgia. 

 

80 minutes 

A beautiful kick from the Georgians who are back in attack  in the dying moments. 

77 minutes

Another monster tackle from Watkin and Wales are now back on the attack, it isn't a pretty passage of play because the Georgians just won't let it be. 

76 minutes 

Some great work in the tackle from Watkin as the Georgians attempt to put phases together in attack, again playing with little width but I'll say it again, a lot of patience. 

74 minutes

The youthful Welsh pack do a great job in that last scrum, Francis and Dee looking to be great technicians of the front row. Faletau is on for Wales. 

73 minutes

Scrums are taking longer to set up as Raynal is having to speak in both French and English as Georgia's replacement props Kakha Asieshvili  and Soso Bekoshvili are both Brive based. 

72 minutes

Georgia win a scrum penalty as Tom Francis gets up to some dark arts with his elbow. Another five metre scrum. 

70 minutes 

Georgia camped on the Welsh line, Raynal awards a penalty and the Georgians opt for a scrum right in front of the posts. 

68 minutes

A special moment for Elliot Dee who runs on for his first Test cap as replacement hooker for Kristian Dacey. 

66 minutes

That Welsh line out was a bit of a disaster and Georgia's replacements are starting to gel. Will Wales rue not opting for another kick at goal?

64 minutes

Wyn Jones and Thomas Francis have really added to the Welsh scrum since coming on. Wales try to attack as Priestland's pass to Cuthbert has an illegal Georgian hand put to it and we have another scrum. Wales attempt to build more phases of play. Wales get a penalty but this time Priestland kicks to the corner. 

62 minutes

After opting to for goal, Priestland takes Wales' lead back to seven points. 

61 minutes

Wales go well again in the scrum and are building the phases. Replacement scrum-half Aled Davies is looking dangerous. And the Georgians think so, as Chilachava tackles the Scarlets man around the neck which, hands Wales a penalty. 

59 minutes

A better scrum from Wales with front row replacements, and they have another chance after the Georgians knock on.

57 minutes

Dan Biggar is on and is playing a full-back, an interesting tactical move from Gatland. What can the British and Irish Lion add to Wales' game? Not too much at the moment as we are looking at another scrum. 

54 minutes

Amos makes a great tackle on Georgian wing Koshadze. Wales go on the attack with Webb looking sharp and Georgia's replacement fly half Jintchvelashvili seeming to have issues kicking with the ball at hand as Georgia attempted to clear their line. 

52 minutes 

I'll say it again, Georgia are being very patience as they win a scrum penalty. Chilachava, who plays his club rugby for Toulon, is instrumental again. Referees reward the dominant scrums and it would seem Mathieu Raynal is considering the visitors to have the dominant scrum and they do. 

50 minutes

This word has been used quite a bit to describe Georgia in this blog but their patience really is impressive... However, that penalty would seem to have given Wales a new lease of light but Chilachava is busy again at tackle time. 

48 minutes

Matiashvili nails his penalty to narrow the gap to four points. 

45 minutes

A key change for Georgia as veteran fly half Lasha Khmaladze limps off with Jintchvelashvili coming on. 

43 minutes 

Georgia are in the Welsh 22, prop Chilachava had a chance on the blindside but was pushed into touch. 

Second half under way

Amos, Cuthbert and Liam Williams all looked dangerous in the first half. Can Wales grind down Georgia and let their finishers shine?

 

A brief stat attack

The numbers  show that Georgia had a decent first half although defending (very well and patiently, mind) for much of the opening 40 minutes.

 

How will this 10-3 half time change in the second 40?

 

Where are the red shirts?

Wales celebrate after Amos's opening try - but why is neither team wearing red? Credit: Getty Images

 Both Wales and Georgia are normally clad in red but both are wearing their away kits. A slightly strange sight seeing charcoal and white in the Principality Stadium. 

Getting back to the real business, can Wales turn the screw in the second half? Some good work in the first half from Rhys Webb and Sam Cross is translating his skills as a sevens silver medalist in Rio with Team GB well. 

40 minutes

Wales were messy with that line out the score remains at 10-3 at half time. Georgia will be happy with that. 

39 minutes

Wales are awarded a penalty with 30 seconds of the half left after a deliberate Georgian knock-on. Wales are going for the corner. 

37 minutes

Wales are back in attack after Georgian tight head Chilachava gave away a penalty. Amos was looking dangerous again after a Watkin dummy run but Georgia's defence are well-drilled and tenacious. 

34 minutes

Georgia were playing patience game very well and had a good attacking opportunity with wing Modebadze breaking away but good work from Cuthbert scuppers the opportunity. 

28 minutes 

Georgia take it to a one score game after a penalty from full-back Matiashvili. Quite the reversal of fortunes when you consider it could have been 17-0 if the second Amos try had been allowed. 

26 minutes

No try. TMO  Colgan says the ball  went forward and there is booing and hissing from the Principality Stadium crowd. 

25 minutes

Try or is it? Hallam Amos again after the back of a Welsh counter attack but the Irish TMO Leo Colgan has been consulted by French referee Mathieu Raynal. 

24 minutes 

The Welsh issues at the restart have continued on from last week against Australia as a result Georgia are on the move, currently just outside the Welsh 22.  

19 minutes

TRY! Hallam Amos crosses the line after good decision making, sucking the Georgian defenders in from Priestland of the back of a line out drive. Preistland nails the conversion. 

17 minutes

Wales are back on the attack, Gerogia were defending very narrowly but are keeping calm as the likes of Owen Watkin and Liam Williams try to break through.

14 minutes

Georgia are playing the patience game but lose the ball and then Wales do the same. Priestland is tackling well. 

11 minutes 

Georgia look solid at line out time, setting up a passage of attacking play for the visitors but are playing for territory and have another line out now in the Welsh half. 

9 minutes

No try. Bitzadze's fabulous tackle prevented Cuthbert from grounding the ball. 

8 minutes

After some composed kicking from Priestland to get Wales territory, Alex Cuthbert has gone over the line but is it a try as the Georgian No 8 put in a terrific cover tackle. The TMO has been consulted. 

Penalty take first blood via Penalty

Rhys Priestland gets Wales off the mark

Georgia defending well close to own line

The Georgian scrum is staying steady but Wales keep on trying to counter account. Liam Williams playing at full-back is looking bright. 

1 minute

Wales are on the attack, drving towards the Georgian 22 with Captain Dan Lydiate looking influential. 

Anthem time 

The singing of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (or Land of My Fathers if your Welsh is rusty) is always close to a spiritual experience in the Principality Stadium.

Anthem Time Credit: PA

 

Behind enemy lines

With minutes before kick-off, here is a sneak peek into the Geogian dressing room.

 

One former Welsh rugby international is predicting a "brutal" encounter

 

Georgia more than just big boys in the scrum

Here is a reminder of Georgian full-back Soso Matiashvili's wonder try from last weekend against Canada.

 

How this Test is more than a game for Georgia 

Georgia have repeatedly won the second tier version of the Six Nations and after a strong Rugby World Cup in 2015 where they finished third in their group behind  New Zealand and Argentina automatically qualifying for the 2019 tournament. Georgia's desire would for the Six Nations to develop a relegation and promotion structure. 

Our very own Tom Cary looked at Georgia's ambitions and how this Test against Wales gives them the opportunity to send a message to rugby's decision makers. 

Currently ahead of Italy in the World Rugby rankings, Georgia need to put in a strong showing today to further their Six Nations debate. 

All Blacks, Wallabies, Springboks and Georgia's Lelos!

Fun fact: Georgia are known as the 'Lelos' after lelo, a vaguely rugby like game played in Georgia in for the past 300 years. Whole villages tear lumps out of each other in a full contact game unique to the Eastern European country.

A reminder of the teams 

Warren Gatland has made 14 changes from the team that lost to Australia last week. Despite the likes of exciting young players such as inside centre Owen Watkin. openside Sam Cross and No8 Seb Davies starting, Georgia believe that this Test represents a major chance for them.

While Georgia head coach Milton Haig has kept his side unchanged from the tam that beat Canada 54-22 last week. 

 

Wales arrive at the Principality Stadium

Match preview

Sam Cross' whirlwind rugby journey will continue on Saturday when he starts his first Wales Test just 15 months after winning an Olympic medal.

And given that the 25-year-old has shared a breakfast room with sporting superstars like Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps, it is unlikely to faze him.

This weekend's Principality Stadium appointment with Georgia is, remarkably, just his fourth game of professional 15-a-side rugby. Match three was an international debut off the bench against Australia six days ago.

But the Ospreys flanker has now progressed to senior international status following more than 100 appearances for Wales' sevens team and helping Great Britain win rugby silver at the Rio Games last year.

"My path is probably a bit different from the normal route, but I have played a lot of international rugby on the sevens circuit against top international players," he said.

"If you look at what the likes of Rieko Ioane (New Zealand wing) have done - he was a regular on the sevens circuit, but has come in and was one of the top players on the British and Irish Lions tour this year.

"That is a credit to the strength of the sevens circuit at the moment. Quade Cooper, Bryan Habana, Sonny Bill Williams - they have all played sevens in the last 12 months, so you can transfer those skills over.

"Rugby is rugby. There are a lot of similar things in the games. Maybe it is a bit more open in sevens, but fitness comes into it.

"Fitness is a big strength of my game. I am a bit different from your normal seven. I like to get my hands on the ball. Ball skills are one of my main strengths, running and off-loading."

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