MILLENNIUM STADIUM, Cardiff -- Georgia's encouraging performance in Friday's World Cup defeat to New Zealand has reignited debate on a potential inclusion in the 'Seven Nations'.
Milton Haig watched his players match the All Blacks for the best part of 70 minutes in the Welsh capital. With six minutes left on the clock, the deficit was only 19 points until two late tries added gloss to an eventual 43-10 win for the defending champions.
In similar fashion to their performances against Tonga and Argentina in their opening Pool C matches, Georgia gave Steve Hansen's side plenty to think about in south Wales. Afterwards, Haig pulled no punches in discussing his side's next level of development -- going toe-to-toe with Europe's elite.
"It's certainly something that I've been speaking publicly about every opportunity I get," Haig said in his post-match press conference at the Millennium Stadium.
"Something like that for our development is absolutely crucial for us because in the long run if we develop into a competitive national side consistently, that's the kind of competition we need to be in.
"You can see by Argentina's progress and inclusion in the Rugby Championship how far their team has come along, so again we'd love that opportunity.
"We understand it's a very difficult decision for the six partners to make, but I think it would grow the game globally and it would open up a big market in eastern Europe. It's something they should consider."
This was Georgia's first ever Test match against New Zealand and Haig believes playing the tier one nations more regularly is vital to Georgia's overall development.
He told ESPN: "It's absolutely crucial for development and moving forward. If we want to get better, these are the types of matches we have to play more regularly. How you do that and what kind of structure and format you do that in is the question."
Haig's assistant and former Ireland international Michael Bradley reiterated the Kiwi's views.
"The more times we play tier one nations, the more comfortable us tier two nations will get. Part of the process must now be developing that side of the rugby calendar for other countries, not just the tier one nations," Bradley said.
"It's a possibility and you also have the November window as well. You've got to be realistic -- the Six Nations is a serious money-spinner for all of the home nations. The competition side of it means teams like Georgia need to play teams like Ireland, England, Wales, France, Scotland and Italy more regularly. As to where it fits in the calendar, it's up to World Rugby to try and sort that out."