Ireland just hold off Georgia

PARIS – Georgia threatened the biggest upset in the 20-year history of the World Cup on Saturday before succumbing 14-10 to Ireland in their Pool D clash in Bordeaux.

An intercept try to winger Giorgi Shkinin in the opening minutes of the second half put the Georgians ahead to the delight of the French crowd. The conversion gave Georgia a 10-7 lead and only a converted try from fullback Girvan Dempsey kept the Irish alive as they were forced to defend desperately in the closing stages.Saturday’s final match ended two days of unrelieved gloom for the Six Nations contenders.After England were humiliated 36-0 by South Africa in Friday’s sole match, Australia clinically disposed of Wales 32-20 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff after New Zealand had romped to a 108-13 win over part-timers Portugal in Lyon.Ireland followed up their unconvincing 32-17 win over Namibia last weekend with an equally stumbling performance against a Georgia side who are proving the revelation of the tournament.Georgia, who scored only one try in their first World Cup four years ago, denied Argentina a bonus point until the closing moments of their match on Tuesday and not even the Irish could have complained if they had snatched a win on Saturday.New Zealand enjoyed an extended training run at the expense of a Portugal team, who confirmed the fine impression they had made against Scotland last week.The All Blacks ran through their moves in preparation for the tougher challenges which are unlikely to come before the knockout stages while the spirited Portugal side found something to celebrate with a try against the tournament favourites.In Cardiff, Berrick Barnes slipped easily into the flyhalf role left vacant by the injured Stephen Larkham by creating a try for Matt Giteau and drop-kicking a goal.Captain Stirling Mortlock and fullback Chris Latham scored further tries before halftime for the twice champions, who relaxed their grip in the second half but never allowed the Welsh back into the game.Nampa-ReutersThe conversion gave Georgia a 10-7 lead and only a converted try from fullback Girvan Dempsey kept the Irish alive as they were forced to defend desperately in the closing stages.Saturday’s final match ended two days of unrelieved gloom for the Six Nations contenders.After England were humiliated 36-0 by South Africa in Friday’s sole match, Australia clinically disposed of Wales 32-20 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff after New Zealand had romped to a 108-13 win over part-timers Portugal in Lyon.Ireland followed up their unconvincing 32-17 win over Namibia last weekend with an equally stumbling performance against a Georgia side who are proving the revelation of the tournament.Georgia, who scored only one try in their first World Cup four years ago, denied Argentina a bonus point until the closing moments of their match on Tuesday and not even the Irish could have complained if they had snatched a win on Saturday.New Zealand enjoyed an extended training run at the expense of a Portugal team, who confirmed the fine impression they had made against Scotland last week.The All Blacks ran through their moves in preparation for the tougher challenges which are unlikely to come before the knockout stages while the spirited Portugal side found something to celebrate with a try against the tournament favourites.In Cardiff, Berrick Barnes slipped easily into the flyhalf role left vacant by the injured Stephen Larkham by creating a try for Matt Giteau and drop-kicking a goal.Captain Stirling Mortlock and fullback Chris Latham scored further tries before halftime for the twice champions, who relaxed their grip in the second half but never allowed the Welsh back into the game.Nampa-Reuters