URUGUAY TOO STRONG FOR WINLESS LELOS

AUSSIE STADIUM - Uruguay recorded its second Rugby World Cup win in its history and its first for the Tournament when it beat Georgia 24-12 in a thrilling Pool C match at Aussie Stadium Tuesday.

Despite scoring three tries to nil, the result was in doubt up to the 77th minute until replacement flanker Nicolas BRIGNONI (URU) scored after a decisive line break from captain and centre Diego AGUIRRE.

The match was the first international rugby encounter between the two teams, and being grouped in Pool C with heavyweight nations England, South Africa and renowned giant killers Samoa, it was the match that both teams had earmarked for a win.

Uruguay's tactics were apparent early in the match: secure possession in tight and attempt to dominate in the set piece, allowing its backline to kick for good field position. Every kick put into the air was high, allowing its chasers time to reach the catcher and wait for a Georgia mistake.

Both teams traded penalties in the first quarter of the match, the first try not coming until the 23rd minute when Uruguay winger Alfonso CARDOSA crossed out wide with an overlap, after a good six-phase buildup from his forwards.

Georgia headed into the break seven points in arrears, guilty at times of taking the wrong options, possibly wanting to entertain the crowd and shuffle the ball wide early before the necessary dominance up front had been established. Going wide too early only resulted in the team going sideways across the field and not breaching the advantage line.

Georgia coach Claude SAUREL made four changes at half time and his team responded by lifting their work rate and reverting back to their strengths - set piece 10-man rugby.

Two penalty goals to replacement flyhalf Merab KVIRIKASHVILI, the youngest player in the Tournament, reduced the margin to a point with 30 minutes to go.

The upset was a possibility but poor handling from the Georgia backline saw Uruguay capitalise when hooker Diego LAMELAS scored off the back of a rolling maul in the 56th minute.

A Georgia penalty goal saw the margin back to five with 13 minutes to go but BRIGNONI's try sealed the game to the delight of the strong Uruguay supporters in a crowd of 28,576.

Uruguay captain AGUIRRE, playing in his 50th Test, showed all his experience with a best-on-ground performance, he set up the winning try and his tactical kicking for space, cool head and straight running kept Georgia on the backfoot.

This match was Georgia's last for the Tournament. Although winless, it can be proud of its four performances, especially against the Springboks.

Uruguay now faces England in its final Pool C match of the Tournament in Brisbane on Sunday, 2 November.