After playing both Argentina and Ireland, it seems that Georgia has returned to the 2007 RWC with the same vigor for the game, but with much improved skills, particularly in defense. Argentina struggled to crack the Georgians line – in large part due to their excellent sliding cover in the back line – and Argentina had only a 3-point lead at half-time. The 33-3 final score was more a tribute to the fitness and patience of the Pumas rather than a lack of skill or desire by the challengers.

One might argue that the home crowd support of the Lelos with chants like “allez les rouge” (which means “go red”, a reference to the color of the Georgian jerseys and the fact that French supporters need Argentina – who defeated France in the RWC opener – to lose a match to help France advance from the pool) gave Georgia an extra boost. However, the 14-10 loss to Ireland awards Georgia their first-ever point on the RWC standings table and proves that their tenacity and heart is not just a one-off.

Besides, any team that can push Ireland (who boast that their current squad is the best ever assembled based on the combined number of caps among the players) for a full 80 minutes and stay within a try of winning deserve an annual seat at a bigger table. Perhaps it’s time the 6 Nations made room for 7, and I don’t mean ‘make room for Argentina‘.