The Autumn Nations Cup presents a “massive opportunity” for Georgia to show what they can do against some of the top nations, according to back rower Beka Gorgadze.
Georgia are one of eight teams who will be contesting the inaugural tournament, which will also feature England, Wales, Scotland, France, Ireland, Wales and Fiji.
The Lelos warmed up for the autumn schedule with a trip to BT Murrayfield, where they were beaten 48-7 by Scotland as Fraser Brown and Darcy Graham both bagged braces.
And Gorgadze cannot wait for Georgia to get their Autumn Nations Cup campaign underway against the reigning Six Nations champions England at Twickenham next weekend.
“This tournament is a massive opportunity for us, as even at the World Cups we don’t play against Tier 1 nations all the time,” said the 24-year-old Bordeaux Begles flanker.
“As for the first match, playing against England at Twickenham is a very special occasion for any rugby player. Unfortunately, there will be no fans at the stadium, which will make the match environment very unusual.
“We have to play without any pressure, which is what the fans are expecting from us. We have to be clinical and play better in the areas where we played poor against Scotland.
“If we can to do this then I am sure we will have a better result, even considering that our opponent is England.”
Following their tournament curtain-raiser against Eddie Jones’ men, Georgia will travel to Wales and Ireland before contesting a placing match with a Group B rival on Finals Weekend.
Gorgadze has urged his teammates to learn the lessons from their defeat in Edinburgh, insisting they need to have confidence in their own game – especially in the contact areas.
“The game against Scotland clearly showed what to expect at the Autumn Nations Cup and what we should focus on during the preparations,” he continued.
“Mostly we lacked confidence in contact area. Our attacking or defending maul performance was bad too. Thus, we have to improve this.
“This game also showed that we have to work on the areas which previously were considered as our strong side. This was obviously caused by the lack of game practice and we have to improve this.
“Of course, we are not satisfied with the score and the quality of the game, but this was the most important test match for our further progress.
“Compared to Georgia-based players, I was able to play a few games in my club, but that was not enough. There were some players who have not played since the Rugby World Cup.”
This will be the third encounter between England and Georgia and their first Test outside of Rugby World Cups but Gorgadze expects his side will grow into the tournament.
Gorgadze, who has 28 caps for his country, added: “Logically, we most likely will have our most important game in the final round, thus will be aiming toward this one, hoping for victory.”
