Georgia grouped with All Blacks at 2015 World Cup

PARIS: Georgia's reward for beating east European rivals Romania 22-9 on Saturday was to be drawn in Group C of the 2015 Rugby World Cup with title holders New Zealand.

The Romanians will go into Group D alongside France, who lost to the All Blacks in the 2011 final.

Valentin Calafeteanu of Romania in action against Georgia.Credit: Getty Images

The result ensured Georgia won top spot in the FIRA-AER European Nations Cup Division 1A.

Both teams went into the game in Tbilisi, attended by 50,000 spectators, already safe in the knowledge that their participation at the September 18-October 31, 2015, Rugby World Cup in England was guaranteed

Georgia led 16-9 at half-time thanks to a try by Clermont prop Davit Zirakashvili, and go into their fourth consecutive World Cup, having notched up two wins in 12 matches.

Aside from the All Blacks, Group C will also include Argentina, Tonga and an African qualifier.

The Romanians have taken part in every World Cup since its inception in 1987, and they will be pooled with France, Ireland, Italy and Canada.

Russia finished third in the European Nations Cup and will have a chance of making the World Cup through play-offs.

There remain five places to play for.

The African qualifier will be known by July 5 after a tournament between Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Kenya and Namibia.

Uruguay and the United States play home-and-away fixtures on March 22 and 29 for the American qualifying spot.

In Asia, Japan are favourites to win the April 26-May 25 Asian Five Nations tournament as top qualifier.

In Oceania, Fiji play the Cook Islands on June 28 to guarantee a berth in England.

Two play-off rounds will then be contested for the last remaining place at a date to be decided.

AFP