Live Commentary: Namibia 16-17 Georgia - as it happened

Good evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for tonight's Rugby World Cup Pool C clash between Namibia and Georgia at Sandy Park in Exeter. Neither of these sides will be participating in the knockout rounds of the competition, but there is still history in the offing for both, and it could end up being the most famous night ever for rugby in these two nations. Let's start with a look at the teams...

NAMIBIA STARTING XV: Botha; Philander, D van Wyk, De la Harpe, R van Wyk; Kotze Jantjies; Redelinghuys, Van Jaarsveld, Larson, Van Lill, Uanivi, Burger, Du Plessis, Botha

NAMIBIA REPLACEMENTS: Van der Westhuizen, Engels, Coetzee, Conradie, Kitshoff, Tromp, Stevens, Smith

GEORGIA STARTING XV: Kvirikashvili; Mchedlidze, Kacharava, Sharikadze, Todua; Malaguradze, Lobzhanidze; Nariashvili, Bregvadze, Zirakashvili, Nemsadze, Mikautadze, Tkhilaishvili, Kolelishvili, Gorgodze

GEORGIA REPLACEMENTS: Mamukashvili, Asieshvili, Peikrishvili, Datunashvili, Lomidze, Begaze, Aptsiauri, Tsiklauri

For Namibia, it is a particularly special day for prop Johnny Redelinghuys, who will become the country's first 50-cap player when he trots out onto the field this evening. There is another record-breaker in the form of captain Jacques Burger, who makes his 11th World Cup appearance to equal Hugo Horn's tally for Namibia. Raoul Larson is amongst those to return to the side having returned from a hamstring injury, and that should really help the African side ahead of what is expected to be a titanic forward tussle.

As for Georgia, they make 10 changes from the side that fought admirably against New Zealand last time out, with an additional two positional switches among the five who keep their place. There are changes in every position in the forwards, with talismanic forward Mamuka Gorgodze the only player to retain his place in the starting lineup, although he moves back to number eight. Scrum-half Vasil Lobzhanidze, the youngest player in World Cup history, returns to the side as does full-back Kvirikashvili, who makes his 15th World Cup appearance - just the second player from a non-tier one nation to reach that tally after Brian Lima.

The key head to head in today's game will come between the two standout performers and captains of either side, though. Jacques Burger and Mamuka Gorgodze may not play for the biggest rugby nations on earth, but there is little doubt that they are both world class players and their back-row battle is a mouth-watering subplot to this already intriguing contest. Both have been in fine form this World Cup and already have tries to their name, and whoever comes out on top in that one could well determine which side wins this game.

It is Georgia who go into the match as favourites, though, and this is effectively their World Cup final this evening. Getting out of Pool C was always going to be a huge ask, even after their opening surprise win over Tonga, but coach Milton Haig has made no secret of his desire to clinch third spot, which would guarantee automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup in Japan. Georgia have never managed automatic qualification in their history, nor have they managed two wins in a World Cup group stage, so it could be a landmark evening for the Europeans here.

Indeed, Milton Haig has billed this game as the biggest in Georgia rugby history, and you can be sure that victory would draw even greater celebrations than the ones that greeted the final whistle of their win over Tonga in Gloucester. A victory tonight would lift them into third and, while Tonga do still have a game to play and could mathematically move back ahead of the Europeans, they would need to pull off a seismic shock and beat defending champions New Zealand in their final group game on Friday. It is safe to assume, then, that victory for Georgia tonight would see them achieve their goal of third place.

They have largely impressed at this World Cup so far, and now sit 14th in the World Rugby rankings - the highest-ranked European nation outside the Six Nations and just one spot behind Italy. There have been whisper of Georgia being in contention to join the Six Nations tournament in the future, and rugby in the country certainly looks like heading in the right direction to make them competitive. Automatic qualification for the World Cup in 2019 would only help the growth of the sport in the country.

While the performances have been good, particularly from Gorgodze, whose reaction to being named man of the match against New Zealand last time out was one of the tournament's most memorable moments, the statistics don't look as good for Georgia. Only Uruguay, in the 'Pool of Death' have a worse points difference after three games than the European side, while the South Americans are also the only team to have scored fewer tries than Georgia's three. Even so, victory tonight would make it comfortable their most successful tournament ever, and they have named their most experienced starting XV for a World Cup in a bid to make that happen.

I mentioned one highlight of the World Cup so far, and another came for Namibia - also against New Zealand - when they managed to score a try against the All Blacks. Namibia are another side who have impressed despite picking up no points so far in this tournament, and being the lowest-ranked team they are perhaps the biggest example of the gap between the tiers closing. Not long ago New Zealand would have been expecting to reach triple figures against Namibia, but the gap was just 44 in the end, before the African's gave Tonga a stringent examination in their last outing.

Phil Davies's side came agonisingly close to history in that Tonga game, but they fell short of the losing bonus point which leaves them still searching for their first point in World Cup history. Tonight is arguably their best chance yet of achieving that goal, despite Georgia's impressive performances so far, and they may even be dreaming of a first ever World Cup victory too. They have scored more tries and conceded fewer than the Georgians at this World Cup, while the points difference the last time these two played was just five.

Namibia can actually still mathematically qualify for the quarter-finals, but they would need bonus-point victories both tonight and in their final game against Argentina on Sunday, which simply isn't going to happen. Tonight's match is the more realistic one of those two by some distance, but Namibia will need to sort out issues in their scrum, which was a major weakness in their 35-21 defeat to Tonga last time out. They have drafted in former England prop Rob Cowling to help them in that regard this week, and it will be interesting to see whether that stands them in better stead this time around.

PREDICTION: It is a genuinely massive night in the history of both of these rugby nations, and there is a scenario where both will go home relatively happy. Georgia are rightly favourites, and it would be a surprise if they didn't come away with a win that should all but clinch their spot in Japan in four years time, but Namibia have shown enough signs so far that they can be competitive. I'm going to go for a Georgia win, but Namibia to pick up a losing bonus point for their first at a World Cup.

These two sides last played each other in 2011, when Georgia ran out 23-18 winners. Indeed the European side have won three of the previous four meetings between these two teams, with the only exception coming when Namibia ran out 21-16 victors in another IRB Nations Cup match in 2010. They have faced each other once in the a World Cup as well, although that is an occasion Namibia will want to forget having been hammered 30-0 in 2007.

These may not be the most fashionable rugby nations in this tournament, but the eyes of the world will be on Exeter tonight and it could be a night that both of these sides remember forever. We're closing in on kickoff ahead of what should be a fascinating spectacle. I just get the feeling we could be in for something special here.

KICKOFF: Here we go then! Namibia get this match underway as both sides look to break new ground in the sport on a wet and windy night in Exeter.

Not a bad start for Namibia! Georgia concede a penalty within seconds of the kickoff due to an offside, and Kotze edges ever closer to becoming his side's all-time top scorer by slotting his kick between the posts.

Not a bad response from Georgia, either. After a brief kicking battle, Georgia win the ball back and get themselves onto the edge of the Namibian 22. However, the Europeans are penalised for coming in from the side at a ruck and Namibia are able to clear their lines.

Namibia look keen to get points on the board nice and quickly and attempt a rare drop-goal effort once they get into Georgia's half, but it is never looking like going over the posts. It was an optimistic effort, and certainly not the smartest play in that position.

Namibia have made a good start to this match. They are winning the territorial battle so far, but now face their first scrum of the match - an area they were well beaten in against Tonga last time out.

Sure enough, a huge shove comes on for Georgia as they pulverise Namibia in the scrum. Lobzhanidze, the young scrum-half, makes a break up the right as a result but can't quite make it all the way to the tryline as Namibia mop up a kick and chase.

Big concern for Namibia here as Burger appears to have been knocked out cold. There is concern for him from the Georgian players after a tackle in which he appeared to catch a hip to his head, and the captain will require attention here. This would be an almighty blow.

NAMIBIA REPLACEMENT: Burger rather groggily walks off the field to be assessed, but I'm sure he will be back sooner rather than later. Kitshoff comes on in his place for now.

Georgia think they have a try as Todua goes over in the corner following a pass from Gorgodze, but the TMO rules that Malaguradze knocked on when ripping the ball out of Namibian hands. That is a rather harsh one, it must be said.

A statement of intent for Georgia, who clearly feel that they have the edge in the forwards. They win a penalty inside the Namibia 22, and Gorgodze immediately points to the corner. It is cleared for a lineout, and a maul will surely follow.

That is exactly what Georgia do, but Namibia defend stoutly and win a penalty to get a chance to clear their lines. That was a risk worth taking from Gorgodze, but it didn't pay off on this occasion.

Georgia have been guilty of some ill-discipline in the opening quarter of an hour or so here, which is wasting some good positions for them. They have enjoyed most of the possession and territory, but are yet to register on the scoreboard.

It is Namibia who get the second score of the game, and again it is ill-discipline that costs Georgia. They are penalised for a high tackle this time, and Kotze proceeds to knock a penalty over from right in front of the posts.

Jacques Burger is back on the touchline wearing a bib, and it doesn't look like he will be returning here. Namibia appear to have lost their best player and their captain, and for the neutral it means that the much-anticipated meeting between him and Gorgodze was short lived.

Great break from Georgia as they burst into the Namibia 22 following good work from Nemsadze, Sharikadze and Kvirikashvili. The latter is hauled down just short of the line, and the final offload is knocked on just five metres away as the chance goes begging.

There are simply too many mistakes from Georgia at the moment. They have been the better team so far but they are still yet to get any points on the board. Namibia deserve praise for their performance so far, but this game is there for the taking is Georgia cut out the penalties and errors.

Brilliant last-gasp defending from Philander as Mchedlidze collects a kick on the right before Georgia work the ball all the way across the line. Kacharava looks destined to go over in the corner and is just two yards short when Philander bundles him into touch with a try-saving tackle. Again Namibia survive!

Georgia have been camped inside the Namibian half for substantial spells tonight and they will be wondering just how they haven't score yet. They have had some really good chances, but the final action has been lacking on a few occasions.

Referee George Clancy has a word with both captains to try to calm things down following a bit of handbags, and both are quick to apologise along with Kvirikashvili, whose strong words towards an opponent earn Namibia a penalty.

NAMIBIA REPLACEMENT: Another first-half change from Namibia as Van Wyk is replaced by Smit in the centres.

Namibia have never been leading a Rugby World Cup game at half time, but they are just 10 minutes away from that now. Georgia simply haven't made the most of some very promising positions and they are getting increasingly frustrated as a result.

Georgia, as expected, are enjoying pure dominance in the scrum at the moment. Unfortunately for the Europeans, they have all come deep inside their own half, so the penalties that result have not been within kicking range.

Namibia put in two big hits in quick succession, but Georgia keep hold of the ball and Gorgodze goes charging forward. Namibia turn it over at the next ruck, however, while Kvirikashvili's kick moments later goes straight out on the full.

Namibia have missed 25 tackles in this match so far - 10 more than Georgia have actually made - yet they remain six points to the good. Georgia only have themselves to blame for not leading this match at the moment.

Things go from bad to worse for Georgia on the discipline front as Bregvadze is sent to the bin after the TMO pulled him up for leading with his elbow when going to hand off Smit.

GEORGIA REPLACEMENT: Another blow for Georgia as Nariashvili limps off to be replaced by Karlen Asieshvili.

Georgia again get into the Namibian 22, but once more they come away with nothing due to an offside - the ninth penalty that they have given away in this first half. Can Namibia now make their man advantage count before half time?

Georgia are into Namibian territory again, but a lineout is not straight. Even so, the referee says that Namibia have to take their own lineout, so their work is not yet done in this first half.

Georgia steal the ball from the Namibian lineout and eventually drive it over the line, but the referee cannot see the ball down so pulls it back for another penalty around five metres from the line.

The pressure is intense on the Namibia line right now. They are just a metre out with an advantage for a high tackle on Gorgodze, but Namibia are defending for their lives at the moment.

Larson is sent to the bin late in the half for cynical play during Namibia's frantic defence. There are three things for the TMP to look at, including a potential try at the foot of the post, but in the end it is a scrum for Georgia right on the line. It is 14 vs. 14 right now and we're finally ready to get play started again.

...but before that, Bregvadze comes back on from his sin bin! This has been one of the longest halves of rugby I can remember!

Georgia win another penalty at the scrum five metres from the line, and again Gorgodze goes for the scrum. It is almost 15 minutes since the half should have ended now...

Coetzee, who has just been brought on as a result of the yellow for Larson, also goes into the bin. That means we're going to uncontested scrums, which I suspect Namibia may be pretty happy with.

Georgia finally get over the line, but again we go to the TMO to check a potential forward pass in the build-up...

After all of that, it is ruled no try and we FINALLY go into the interval. That first half lasted about 68 minutes in real time - surely the longest in World Cup history. At the end of it all, though, it is Namibia who go in with a 6-0 lead courtesy of two penalties from the boot of Kotze. It is the first time that they have gone into the halfway stage of a Rugby World Cup game leading, but this one is far from over.

The scoreline only really tells half of the story, with Georgia spending much of the half on top and dominating both territory (77%) and possession (67%). Incidentally, both of those figures stand at 100% to Georgia in the last 10 minutes following that incredible end to the half.

If Georgia's territory and possession isn't surprising enough considering their lack of points on the board, then Namibia have also missed a whopping 33 tackles. It won't be often that a team find themselves leading on the wrong end of such statistics, but Namibia are on course for their first World Cup win and first World Cup points.

Georgia have only themselves to blame to not leading this match at the moment. They have got themselves into a number of really promising positions, but the final pass or finish has been lacking. That is down to individual errors and ill-discipline, with the European side having conceded nine penalties already.

The big question for Namibia now is whether they can keep this up for the next 40 minutes too. In all honesty, they simply shouldn't be winning this match at the moment. Their defence has been admirable at times, but that number of missed tackles is enough to prove that Georgia have had their chances. The African side must be exhausted after their efforts in that long half and, with inspirational skipper Jacques Burger being forced off early through injury, it remains to be seen just how long they can repel the relentless Georgian pressure.

Georgia have certainly made their job easier so far, though, and Milton Haig will have some choice words for his side at the break. They need to improve in the second half, despite quite clearly being the better side in the opening 40. History awaits if they can win this match, and should they miss out on automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup because they don't win this one then they will be kicking themselves.

Namibia will also start the second half with just 13 men on the field due to two yellow cards in first-half stoppage time. The scrums have gone to uncontested as a result, which is probably a good thing for Namibia, but whether they can repeat that first 40 minutes and pull off one of the most unlikely wins remains to be seen.

KICKOFF: Georgia get us back underway as they look to right the wrongs from that first half. Quite how they are not winning this match already is a head-scratcher, and automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup is hanging in the balance now.

Another chance for Georgia goes begging as the ball is knocked on with an overlap down the flank and a chance to get deep into Namibian territory. Milton Haig's side are repeatedly shooting themselves in the foot here.

It has been a bright start to the half from Namibia and they aren't quite under as much pressure now as they were in the closing stages of that first half. Georgia are still on top, though.

Good news for both Georgia and Namibia as Larson returns to the field from his sin bin, which means the scrums will be contested once again.

Incredible. Kvirikashvili steps his man and bursts through the line to make a brilliant break, and he looks destined to lead Georgia to their first points of the contest. He has a two-on-one situation, but Smit tracks it all the way and makes the interception on the final pass. It is amazing how often something like that has happened to Georgia tonight.

Georgia are finally over as after some more heavy pressure Gorgodze - who else? - crashes over from close range. Relief comes pouring out for Georgia and they should take the lead from the conversion...

They do indeed take the lead as Kvirikashvili maintains the Georgian record of having converted every single one of their Rugby World Cup tries. Bothma, meanwhile, goes into the bin for a high tackle in the build-up to that try, which makes Namibia just the second team in World Cup history to have three players yellow carded in one game.

That Georgia score will surely settle a few nerves now. It was billed as their biggest ever game and many of the players were playing with that pressure on their shoulders. They are looking much better since scoring, though, and it surely won't be too long before they add to their lead at this rate.

Has the Namibian resistance been broken? Georgia get a quickfire second converted try through Malaguradze goes over having given Tkhilaishvili good support. The flanker collected the ball from the lineout before offloading to his fly-half, who did the rest. Automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup is suddenly looking an awful lot closer.

Georgia look like a completely different team in this second half. They were comfortably the best in the first 40, but they have since cut out the majority of their mistakes and almost all of their ill-discipline.

As expected, Namibia are looking increasingly tired now. On come a trio of replacements in an attempt to offset that problem, but they are out on their feet now after being on the back foot for so long. That 68-minute first half wouldn't have helped either!

Namibia are back up to 15 as Bothma returns to the field from the bin, although the number eight has been responsible for five missed tackles in this match - no player has been responsible for more.

This is so much better from Georgia. They trundle up the field with a driving maul, and their forwards are simply dominating the set pieces now. Namibia's resistance was admirable, but it looks to be well and truly broken now.

There is still history to play for from a Namibian point of view if they can find a second wind. One more point would put them in the losing bonus point bracket, which would be their first point in World Cup history. They haven't looked like adding to Kotze's two penalties for some time now, though.

Georgia extend their lead to 11 points as Kvirikashvili knocks over his penalty from right in front of the posts. That has been coming, and it is unlikely that we have seen the last of the scoring in this game.

On a side note, Namibia have now missed 48 tackles in this match, which is the most by any side in a World Cup game this year. By contrast, Georgia have missed just seven.

Perhaps Namibia aren't quite done after all? They close the gap back to eight points courtesy of Kotze's third penalty of the match, and their sights will once again be set on that losing bonus point now. They did get a try against New Zealand, remember, so even a win is still not out of the question for the African side.

We're back to uncontested scrums as Namibia now have two hookers and a prop in the front row. Again, Namibia will be pretty happy with that on their own put-in.

Well, well, well - we have a game on our hands again with five minutes left! Namibia get their second wind as Kotze becomes his country's record points scorer with their first try of the night. Bothma contributed two bruising runs in the build-up to that before they worked it out wide left for Kotze, who sends a dummy pass before going in. He subsequently makes a brilliant kick from the touchline to bring Namibia within one point! A historic five minutes awaits for both sides!

I'm not quite sure where this second wind is coming from for Namibia, but they are on the brink of their first ever World Cup point and just a penalty or drop goal away from their maiden World Cup win! These will be nervy times for Georgia, meanwhile, who could be seeing that automatic qualification for Japan slipping from their grasp.

Namibia have possession, but Bothma concedes a penalty to hand the ball back to Georgia. The European side have a chance to relieve the pressure now and, if they can keep possession for this final two minutes or so, then they will have a second World Cup win in the same tournament for the first time in their history.

Well, it promised to be a fascinating and bruising affair, and it didn't disappoint. Georgia overcome a six-point half-time deficit and then hold off a late fightback from Namibia to win their second match in Pool C, putting them on the brink of qualification for the 2019 World Cup in Japan. Their place in that tournament will be confirmed should Tonga fail to beat New Zealand on Friday. Namibia, meanwhile, pick up their first ever World Cup point by virtue of losing by less than seven.

A historic night for both teams, then, although Georgia would have been worried for much of it. They failed to make the most of huge territory and possession in an energy-sapping 68-minute first half, going into the break 6-0 down despite spending almost 10 minutes camped on the Namibian tryline at the end of the half. They cut out the errors and much of the ill-discipline in the second half, however, and eventually squeezed past a Namibia side who missed 48 tackles over the course of the match.

That is all we have time for this evening! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole on another memorable night at the Rugby World Cup as Namibia and Georgia both make history, despite the latter running out narrow 17-16 winners. I will leave you with our match report, and be sure to check back in for live coverage of every other match at the World Cup. Until then, it is goodbye from me!