Georgia making steady progress

London – Veteran hooker Shalva Mamukashvili believes Georgia will be ready to compete with the powerhouses of European rugby in the Six Nations in just two years.

The 30-year-old said their case had been strengthened by appearing in this year’s Autumn Nations Cup, which gives them a run of matches against top-tier outfits.

Georgia are caught in no man’s land. They have dominated the second-tier Rugby Europe Championship in recent years but fall short against the top sides.

Levan Maisashvili’s team play their final pool match of the Autumn Nations Cup against Ireland tomorrow and are yet to register a point – beaten 40-0 by England and then 18-0 by Wales.

Some have argued Georgia deserve a chance in the Six Nations at the expense of Italy, who almost always finish bottom of the pile. –