Milton Haig on Georgia's RWC

Georgia alongside Japan won our hearts. Out the blocks quickly; Georgia beat Tonga, frustrated giants New Zealand, Argentina and ground out a scrappy win over Namibia which allowed them to secure third.

A great feet for the Europeans which saw them qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Talk was rife to include the side into the Six Nations with nothing but praise for the Georgians and their New Zealand coach. Milton Haig took time out of his busy schedule to have a chat with Talking Rugby Union, on the Rugby World Cup, scheduling, officiating and his future.

What has been your take on the 2015 RWC?

It was a very well organised tournament that showcased to the world how the gap has closed between the tier 1 teams and the 'minnows'. Japan’s defeat of South Africa showed this clearly.

Georgia left a mark on the World Cup, what is your message to the world?

Hopefully we showed that Georgian rugby (along with Japan) has improved and that we are worthy of more matches against tier 1 opposition. We also hope that we gained more fans around the world that will follow Georgian rugby in the future.

Where does your future lie for the next few years?

Hopefully continuing the job I am doing here in Georgia. It’s certainly my aim to stay in this job and continue coaching Georgia.

Georgia have got four years to prepare for the 2019 show piece. What will you be looking to get out of it? More tier 1 fixtures? A high level competition?

Obviously automatic qualification allows us to plan ahead with a specific purpose of performance at the next World Cup in Japan and what realistic goals we will set for it. Having more games against Tier 1 nations will give our players the experience that will be needed if Georgia is to progress. If Georgia is given the opportunity to play in a competition regularly that helps progress our standard of play then this is certainly something we would welcome with 'open arms'.

How much of a contributing factor is the four or five day turnaround to a performance?

It can be very crucial to your outcomes in terms of performance. "Short turnarounds" have to be managed expertly and in terms of game to game, having depth in your squad is absolutely necessary if you are to be successful.

Would you say in terms of officiating, scheduling and perception; tier 2 sides get the short end of the straw?

I think it is far better than it used to be. It’s still not perfect in terms of scheduling and officiating but a lot better than it has been at previous tournaments. Certainly one of the keys for Tier 2 teams is to control what they can control and plan accordingly. That way you have a better chance of success regardless of what external factors are happening around you.

What is your message to the Rugby powers?

For Georgian Rugby to continue to grow and develop we need to have more games against Tier 1 teams annually and be involved in a high level competition like the 6 Nations.