Georgia coach warns charges ahead of Bok Test: ‘Get stuck in, we cannot be timid'
Georgia arrived in South Africa after suffering a 34-5 loss in Tbilisi to Ireland, who were lacking many stars on British & Irish Lions duty in Australia.
READ | Back in Bok country: Georgia's 2021 'prison' memories and near-death nightmare
The Lelos were also beaten 24-20 by the Cheetah s in a warm-up game in Bloemfontein last weekend.
Cockerill had a clear message to his charges: 'We cannot be timid. The only way for us to compete is to roll our sleeves up, stick our gumshields in and get stuck in.'
Cockerill has made one change to the team that started against Ireland with No 8 Ilia Spanderashvili replacing Tbilisi Test try scorer Tornike Jalagonia, who moves to the bench.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, meanwhile, said he was not underestimating the Georgians.
'We know how passionate this Georgian side is and we have chosen a blend of youth and experience to face them.
'Georgia are tough and proud of their physicality and brute force in the collisions. The set pieces, mauls and breakdowns will be key areas.
'They also have quality backline players so we must be sharp in all departments of our game to get the desired result and build momentum for the Rugby Championship,' said Erasmus.
Saturday's clash kicks off at 17:10.
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