Georgia
Rugby: Michael Leitch shifts to 2nd row for Japan clash with Georgia
![Rugby: Michael Leitch shifts to 2nd row for Japan clash with Georgia Rugby: Michael Leitch shifts to 2nd row for Japan clash with Georgia](https://img.kyodonews.net/english/public/images/posts/62d6de90177e67519c3ac6d3e3f41b97/cropped_image_l.jpg)
Captain Michael Leitch will make his anticipated switch to the second row and university student Yoshitaka Yazaki will earn his second cap at fullback when Japan host Georgia in an international rugby test Saturday.
The test at Yurtec Stadium Sendai in northeastern Japan is Eddie Jones’ second following his reappointment as Brave Blossoms head coach.
Leitch’s move away from the back row comes as Jones seeks to implement his “super-fast” vision of Japanese rugby. Speaking to reporters after his team announcement Thursday, Jones described the 35-year-old Leitch as the best option at lock.
Japan captain Michael Leitch (L) and head coach Eddie Jones appear at an online press conference in Tokyo on July 11, 2024. (Copyright JRFU) (Kyodo)
“I’m getting a feel for the role,” Leitch said. “The key will be how well we can contain their big forwards.”
The Australian coach has chosen a pair of quick flankers in Kubota Spears’ Faulua Makisi and Tokyo Sungoliath’s Kanji Shimokawa, with Bordeaux’s Tevita Tatafu starting at No. 8.
Naoto Saito, who has signed to play with French powerhouse Toulouse in the upcoming season, starts at scrumhalf.
Japan are currently No. 12 in the World Rugby rankings, two spots above Georgia. The Brave Blossoms have won five and lost one of their previous meetings.
Related coverage:
Rugby: Japan international Saito moves to French powerhouse Toulouse
Rugby: Japan XV beat Maori All Blacks in non-test match
Rugby: New Japan flanker Tiennan Costley shows value on big stage
Japan:
Takayoshi Mohara, Mamoru Harada, Shuhei Takeuchi; Michael Leitch, Warner Dearns; Faulua Makisi, Kanji Shimokawa, Tevita Tatafu; Naoto Saito, Lee Seung Sin; Tomoki Osada, Samisoni Tua, Dylan Riley, Jone Naikabula, Yoshitaka Yazaki.
Reserves:
Atsushi Sakate, Takato Okabe, Keijiro Tamefusa, Sanaila Waqa, Tiennan Costley, Taiki Koyama, Takuya Yamasawa, Koga Nezuka.
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
Georgia
Showers continue on Sunday across South Georgia
![Showers continue on Sunday across South Georgia Showers continue on Sunday across South Georgia](https://gray-walb-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VCKAM4BHI5H7ROICZSC6EMXAOA.png?auth=1f7017168da5d96286cb98f0590acdb544b84d7e9a5cd681fd76343505d63dd2&width=1200&height=600&smart=true)
ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Similar conditions from the last few days continue on Sunday as another round of showers and storms return by the late morning and early afternoon. Temperatures will rise toward the upper 80s and low 90s as afternoon heating primes the atmosphere for summertime storms.
No severe weather is expected besides gusty winds in a few storms and isolated flash flooding. More rainfall will be over by the late evening with lows back in the 70s Sunday night into Monday morning.
Our wet pattern will continue through the start of the week. Temperatures will remain hot and humid if you do not receive any rainfall. Rainfall is possible each day through next weekend.
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Copyright 2024 WALB. All rights reserved.
Georgia
6 things only Georgia locals know
![6 things only Georgia locals know 6 things only Georgia locals know](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2024-07/GettyImages-1675254148-1.jpg?w=600&h=400)
I can still hear my parent’s voices after we moved to the state of Georgia when I was a child. They couldn’t believe the way Southerners pronounced DeKalb County (the L is silent), and that was only the beginning of the way things sound different in the Peach State.
After spending most of my life living in and around different parts of the state, I now call myself a true Georgia peach. I’m astute in our cultural and conversational ways. I’ve helped colleagues from other parts of the country adjust to living in Atlanta, and given a few lighthearted pointers about our local words and phrases.
Here are the six most important things you should know before visiting Georgia, especially if it’s your first time in the state.
1. Pack plenty of lightweight clothing
There’s a reason why those of us who live in Georgia prioritize linen, cotton and other lightweight fabrics, especially in the summer months. Average temperatures dance in the lower 90s (Fahrenheit), but locals are quick to tell you, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.” Around 70% humidity is the average for the state. If you’re not used to what that may feel like, “soupy” is a great adjective to describe the feeling of Georgia’s humid summer air. If you visit during the summer, plan to drink plenty of water – it’s necessary to fight heat exhaustion.
Outside of summer, temperatures and humidity levels are much more mild and pleasant.
2. Don’t forget your allergy medicine
If you’re planning to visit in spring, prepare for allergies, or at least the occasional sneeze. Cities throughout the state have landscaped public areas with too many male trees and not enough of their female counterparts, so many parts of Georgia get covered in pollen. If you see a yellow coating of dust, you’ll know it’s springtime in Georgia, when most locals hope for rain to wash it all away. Even if you’ve never really experienced allergies before, sometimes the intensity of the pollen here can affect you.
3. We love y’all and bless your heart
Travel across the state and you’re likely to come across a number of different southern accents, but there are a few phrases that are universal no matter where you visit. The most common colloquialism is the contraction of “you” and “all.” Use it and y’all will see how it comes in handy. (If I were talking to someone from Georgia, I’d combine “y’all” and “will” to say “y’all’ll,” but that’s an intermediate level of southern speak, so we’ll save more of that lesson for another day.)
Pay close attention if someone tells you, “bless your heart.” Depending on their tone and the context, this could mean they truly wish the best for you, or that they’re showing you sympathy. However, a slight change in tone changes the intent; it could also be used to say they think you’re stupid.
4. Some local name pronunciations are unexpected
I shared how my parents were surprised by the pronunciation of DeKalb County many years ago. There are many more counties, cities and street names with unexpected pronunciations. For example, Houston County in middle Georgia is not pronounced the same way as the city in Texas. The “Hou” is pronounced as “how,” so Houston sounds like “How-ston.”
Even the way locals pronounce the name of our capital city, Atlanta, is a little different than other parts of the country. Most people in metro Atlanta will drop the second t (some drop both), so the city is pronounced more like “Atlanna” or “Alanna.” Most people will know you’re a visitor by the way you pronounce these names. No one expects you to know these – just make sure you don’t say “Hotlanta.”
![A couple have their arms around each other while they stand and chat to a street performer next to a river](https://lp-cms-production.imgix.net/2024-07/GettyImages-484118726-2.jpg?w=1920&auto=format&q=75)
5. Acknowledging strangers is common
What do you do when you’re walking on a sidewalk and pass by someone walking in the other direction? In many parts of Georgia, the customary thing to do is to make eye contact with them and give a nod or smile. Some people will take the greeting a step further with a quick verbal greeting. None of this is intended to stop or even slow down your stride; it’s all done in passing.
This is one of the ways Georgia residents express southern hospitality, but there are many ways you could encounter this while visiting the state. A stranger could start a friendly conversation with you while waiting in line. Or if passersby perceive you need help, such as if you’re having car trouble or a flat bike tire, some people will stop to offer assistance.
None of these examples are universal, especially in the cities. But if you do run into a stranger who offers a friendly hello, don’t think it’s strange! It’s part of Georgia’s local culture.
6. You’ll never be too far from a Waffle House
My last tip won’t make or break your trip, but it is an observation many people who aren’t from Georgia find amusing. Georgia is the land of Waffle House. The first one opened in 1955 in Avondale Estates, Georgia, so we naturally embrace our home state’s diner. We also have more than 400 of the restaurants in the state. Get off any highway exit in Georgia, and you’ll probably spot a Waffle House, or even two.
Georgia
Groundbreaking ceremony cancelled by Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia
![Groundbreaking ceremony cancelled by Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia Groundbreaking ceremony cancelled by Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia](https://nowhabersham.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Foundation-8.jpg)
Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Georgia will cancel the Groundbreaking Ceremony for houses #79 and #80 due to the weather today, July 20th.
Now Habersham will update you on when the ceremony will be rescheduled as soon as the information is released. Please read below for more details about the event.
Habitat for Humanity unveils the Carpenter’s Club
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