** WATCH LIVE TBILISI CUP ACTION HERE FROM 3:30PM GEORGIA TIME / 12:30PM GMT **
The top two teams in the IRB Tbilisi Cup standings will go head to head today as Emerging Ireland take on South Africa President’s XV at the Avchala Stadium (17:00 local time).
Both sides come into the contest off the back of opening round victories. South Africa President’s XV scored six tries to see off a spirited Uruguayan outfit and top the standings with a try bonus point, while Emerging Ireland coming from behind to beat the Georgians in a hard fought contest.
Victory for either side will see them in pole position to win the inaugural IRB Tbilisi Cup with one round remaining.
Georgia and Uruguay will meet in the second match on Tuesday (19:00 local time) with both sides looking to improved performances to advance their ambitions of securing a runner-up place.
The Georgians impressively led 15-14 against Emerging Ireland with seven minutes left but were denied victory thanks to two late Irish penalties, but still manged to record a vital losing bonus point and victory this afternoon will place them back in contention.
The South Americans started very well against the South Africans, but could not sustain that intensity for the full 80 minutes, though victory will provide a big boost as Uruguay look ahead to Rugby World Cup 2015 qualifying.
Read the preview and team line-ups here>>
With the IRB Tbilisi Cup, IRB Nations Cup, IRB Pacific Nations Cup and a programme of Tier 1 test matches for Japan, USA, Canada and Samoa in the June window, there is an unprecedented volume of international matches for the world’s up-and-coming teams, underscoring the IRB’s commitment to close the competition gap between Tier One and Two Unions.
You can follow all the action at www.irb.com and via @IRBmedia on twitter.
