PARIS—Georgia again served notice that they are an emerging force in international rugby by celebrating a first World Cup win on Wednesday.
After ruffling Ireland's feathers 11 days ago, the Georgians gave hapless Namibia a working over and powered to a 30-0 Pool D victory in Lens.
In the day's other game, eliminated Samoa picked up their first win in this tournament with a scrappy 25-21 success over the United States who go home winless in Pool A.
Georgia made an encouraging World Cup debut in 2003 when England and South Africa sampled the power of their forwards and their all-round game has improved in the intervening four years.
Argentina flanker Juan Fernandez Lobbe described them as a "really tough team" after the Pumas won 33-3 in Georgia's first game, then Ireland were pushed to the limit to scrape a 14-10 win.
Against Namibia, Georgia ran in three tries and racked up the most points they have scored in a World Cup game.
"This match was not just a victory it was of great importance to us," said Georgia coach Malkhaz Cheishvili.
"Everyone really invested in this game to attain this goal and I would like to congratulate everyone for their performance," he added.
"In Georgia we do as much as we can to move rugby forward. With financial assistance we could do far more than we do now."
Georgia face hosts France in their final Pool match on Sunday in Marseille.
They can still mathematically reach the quarter-finals, but would need to beat the French and pick up a bonus point for scoring four tries, while hoping Ireland lose to Argentina.
Winning note
Samoa ended a disappointing campaign on a winning note to cheer retiring coach Michael Jones.
The Pacific Islanders appeared on course for a resounding win after a three-try blitz in the first half but allowed the Americans back into the game in St Etienne.
"I'd like to thank Samoans around the world . I'm sorry we couldn't reach our full potential," said Jones.
Australia, assured of top spot in Pool B, are already looking towards the quarter-finals after naming a mainly second-string side to face Canada in Bordeaux on Saturday.
Coach John Connolly included four of his first-choice players -- flanker George Smith, lock Nathan Sharpe, wing Lote Tuqiri and utility back Adam Ashley-Cooper -- but the rest of the team were players on the fringe of selection.
"Having won the pool we have a great opportunity to rest a few players and give some of the other squad members some exposure to the World Cup ," Connolly said.
"We've already experienced injuries on this tour and providing some more game time for players outside of the regular 22 will stand us in good stead if we need to call on them later in the tournament."
Wales captain Gareth Thomas will reach a notable landmark on Saturday when he wins his 100th test cap against Fiji in their Pool B showdown in Nantes.
Thomas has regained full fitness after he damaged rib cartilage in coming off worse when forcefully tackled by Australia captain Stirling Mortlock in their 32-20 defeat in Cardiff on Sept. 15.
"This is a huge achievement for me and Saturday will be a very special moment. There have been many times throughout my career, and recently with the injury, when I never thought I would win another cap, let alone reach 100," said Thomas.
The winner of the Wales-Fiji clash will earn a quarter-final place against South Africa.
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