Georgia could spring a surprise at their second successive World Cup claimed their assistant coach David Chavleishvili.

The rugby minnows exited in the first round at the previous edition in Australia in 2003 but Chavleishvili insisted that they could spring a surprise even though they are in the eponymous 'Group of Death' with hosts France, Six Nations Triple Crown winners Ireland and dark horses Argentina - Namibia make up the quintet.

"It is always more interesting to play against stronger rivals," said a defiant Chavleishvili.

"Almost all our players play in France (27 of the 30 man squad) in one of the strongest championships in the world.

"They know what it is like to play at the highest level and for most of them it is their second World Cup."

Chavleishvili said that his squad were not afraid of anyone despite a set of dire results in their warm-up matches losing to French club sides Auch and Albi.

"We respect our rivals but we are capable of springing a surprise, we are not afraid of anyone and we are going to try and produce the best rugby that we are capable of.

Georgian captain Ilia Zedginidze was similarly upbeat.

"We are the outsiders of the group, that is how it is, we will have nothing to lose and everything to gain," he said.

"In the scrum and with the lineouts we will let nothing go."

The Georgians have one serious injury concern ahead of their opening Group D match with Argentina next Tuesday in Lyon, three quarter Otar Eloshvili - who will play for French side St Nazaire after the tournament - having injured cruciate ligaments in his right knee in training.

"We performed some examinations on him and the doctors assured us that within two weeks he would be able to play," a Georgian official revealed at a press conference.

"However he will probably miss the first match.

"His injury is not that serious, he should be able to play against Ireland (September 15 in Bordeaux)."

The Georgians will announce their team for the match with the Pumas on Sunday evening.

AFP