In a thrilling men’s rugby showdown in Batumi, Georgia, Wing Shalva Aptsiauri’s impressive hat-trick led Georgia to a 38-17 victory over Canada. Despite an early setback, the resilient Canadian team put up a tough fight against the physical Georgian side. However, Georgia’s dominant scrum and agile backs secured a commanding 17-3 lead by halftime.
The contest saw Canada making a comeback with two tries in the second half, but Georgia maintained their momentum with three additional tries post-break. Alongside Aptsiauri, Demur Tapladze, Giorgi Kveseladze, and Tornike Jalagonia also found the try line for Georgia, with Tedo Abzhandadze adding four conversions.
Canada’s efforts were reflected in tries by Brock Gallagher and Sion Parry, supported by Peter Nelson’s penalty and two conversions. Both teams have secured spots in the upcoming 2027 World Cup in Australia.
The clash, officiated by New Zealand’s Paul Williams, witnessed a high number of penalties resulting in yellow cards. Georgia faced three yellow cards, temporarily playing with 13 men, while Canada had one player sent to the sin bin.
With this victory, Georgia extended its winning streak against Canada to three matches, with their last win over Georgia dating back to 2015. The physical encounter saw players from both sides sustaining injuries, impacting the game dynamics.
Following their fifth consecutive loss, the Canadian team, now with a 1-7-0 record this year, will conclude their November tour against Portugal next Saturday. The match was held at Batumi’s Adjarabet Arena, home to FC Dinamo Batumi, with Canada facing travel complications due to a canceled flight.
Notable debuts were seen as lock Barnaby Waddell and prop Emerson Prior earned their first starts for Canada. Despite a strong start by Canada, Georgia quickly took the lead with Aptsiauri’s early try. The game also witnessed standout performances by players like Matt Owuru, who impressed with his defensive prowess.
The Canadian team showcased a mix of experienced and newer players, emphasizing their growing depth and talent. With a blend of promising prospects and seasoned veterans, Canada aims to bounce back stronger in their upcoming fixtures.