SYDNEY, 25 October 2003 — South Africa were far from impressive as they beat rugby minnows Georgia 46-19 in a Rugby World Cup Pool C match played in Sydney yesterday.
The 1995 world champions, who lost their previous match against England 25-6, ran in seven tries — only one more than Samoa scored against the Georgians — to ensure they receive a bonus point. Flyhalf Derick Hougaard topscored for the Springboks with four conversions, a penalty and a try for a total of 16 points. For Georgia Paliko Jimsheladze scored with three penalties. He also converted David Dadunashvili second half try to score a total of 11 points.
Dadunashvili’s try in the 55th minute drew the biggest cheer of the night as it was the first try scored by the gallant Georgians at the finals of the World Cup.
The youngest player at the tournament, 19-year-old scrumhalf Merab Kvirikashvili, who came on as a substitute, added a second half penalty to give his side an impressive 19 points — more than they had scored in both previous matches in the competition.
Earlier, New Zealand cruised to a comfortable 91-7 victory against Tonga in a Pool D match played in Brisbane, thereby becoming the first team to qualify for the quarterfinals. The All Blacks were in excellent kicking form as they converted all 13 tries to record the highest score achieved at this competition to date. New Zealand secured their bonus point for their fourth try as early as the 27th minute when Caleb Ralph went over. They added another try before half-time for a convincing 35-0 lead.
The romp continued in the second half as they added another eight tries, which were all converted by Leon MacDonald who top-scored with 29 points.
Ralph, Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina each scored two tries with Muliaina becoming the top try scorer of the competition with six.
The 23-year-old only needs one more try to equal the record held by fellow All Blacks Jonah Lomu and Marc Ellis who each scored seven tries in 1995.
