Mamuka Gorgodze © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Dan Carter 'pretty keen to get back into it' after sitting out Namibia Test

News: Go for goal or kick for the corner and go for a drive? Craig Dowd answers the question

Reaction: Seven-try Argentina rout Georgia

The All Blacks are relishing the prospect of a tough battle up front against Georgia in their Rugby World Cup Pool C match in Cardiff on Friday.

Georgia represent something of an unknown quantity, but the All Blacks know all about their captain, Mamuka Gorgodze, who stands 196cm, weighs 118kg, and spearheads a pack certain to offer an uncompromising test for the defending champions.

Gorgodze's potential impact has the All Blacks wary - with both Jerome Kaino and Sam Whitelock pointing out his influence at Top 14 French club Toulon - and he has scored 24 tries in 63 Tests.

Gorgodze apart, Whitelock said the Georgians - coached by New Zealander Milton Haig - weren't hugely well known.

"I know a little bit about them, but I wouldn't say I know them really well," he said. "I know their No.8 - I think he's their highest try-scorer. And I know they love driving off the lineouts, I think that's where a few of his tries have come from."

Whitelock said the All Blacks were focused on their own game after victories over Argentina and Namibia in their opening two matches.

"Making sure we get our own stuff right is critical, we always start with that," he said. "It's an awesome opportunity for us, especially the tight five and the forwards, to go out there and really test ourselves."

Wyatt Crockett, meanwhile, said the All Blacks forwards were relishing the opportunity to test themselves against the physical challenge that Georgia would offer up front.

"Every team has their different strengths, and certainly Georgia are hugely clinical, big, strong men," Crockett said. "Just watching the game the other day against Argentina, some of the physical exchanges looked huge."