Serel (right) left out Zedguinideze (left)

Zedguinidze took a blow to his forehead against Italy recently, which required an operation.

After much deliberation between coach Claude Saurel and selectors it was agreed the skipper should be taken to Australia.

However, the Georgian Rugby Union told this website he would not play a part in the opening match against England, as he is still recouperating.

Another player who almost missed out on selection is flanker Gregoire Yachvili.

But the GRU confirmed that he too would be making the long trip east.

Georgia play England on 12 October, Samoa on 19 October, South Africa on 25 October and Uruguay on 28 October in Pool C.

Eight of the side play club rugby in Georgia, Akvsenti Giorgadze plays in Italy and the rest in France.

Forwards: David Bolghashvili, Georg Chkhaidze, David Dadunashvili, Victor Didebulidze, Gia Gigularashvili, Akvsenti Giorgadze, Irakli Gundishvili, Sergo Gujaraidze, Vassil Katsadze, Avtandil Kopaliani, Aleko Margvelashvili, Zurab Mtchedlishvili, Vano Nadiradze, Sosso Nikolaenko, Goderdzi Shvelidze, George Tsiklauri, Gregoire Yachvili, Ilia Zedguinidze

Backs: Irakli Abuseridze, Irakli Giorgadze, Pavle Jimsheladze, Archil Kavtarashvili, Bessik Khamashuridze, Badri Khekhelashvili, Gocha Khonelidze, David Kiknadze, Merab Kvirikashvili, Ikla Machkhaneli, Irakli Modebadze, Michael Sujashvili, Malkhaz Urjukashvili, Tedo Zibzibadze