Uruguay celebrate victory. (Getty Images)

By Simon Stone, PA Sport, Sydney

Georgia captain Ilia Zedginidze admitted his side's failure to recover from their gruelling clash with South Africa four days ago was the major contributing factor in their defeat by Uruguay.

The crowd favourites bid farewell to the World Cup without collecting a point following their 24-12 reverse at Aussie Stadium.

It was a hugely disappointing way to depart given their outstanding display against South Africa last Friday, but Zedginidze claimed his team were still exhausted after such a mighty effort.

"We were desperate to win the game but we just didn't have enough time to recover," he said. "But when we look back on the whole experience, we will have only gained from it.

"We improved match after match and by the time we get to the 2007 World Cup we will be even better."

Although Georgia were never completely out of the game, they were outmuscled by the powerful Uruguayan pack which set up the first two of their three tries.

Winger Alfonso Cardoso crossed in the corner after one powerful drive, then hooker Diego Lamelas peeled off a maul to get a close-range second just after the break.

Steady goalkicking from young fly-half Merab Kvirikashvili dragged the Georgians back into the contest, although their fire had been extinguished by the time Nicolas Brignoni darted home two minutes from time.

"We are very happy," said captain Diego Aguirre. "We worked hard all week for this match. It was very physical but we were prepared for it."