Haig hoping to usher in new Georgian era
DUBLIN (AFP) - Georgian rugby is moving in the right direction and coach Milton Haig told AFP he hopes that is confirmed at next year's World Cup in achieving his target of qualifying automatically for the 2019 edition.
The affable New Zealander, who was speaking ahead of his side's intimidating one-off test with Six Nations champions Ireland on Sunday, admitted the team still needed to refine aspects of their play but the target of two pool wins in England next year to qualify for the 2019 finals was possible.
"It was realistic to put that goal before us," said Haig, who took on the role of head coach after the 2011 World Cup and guided Georgia to next year's finals after victory over perennial rivals Romania.
"I have been public about our aspirations with regard to the World Cup next year and saying automatic qualification for the 2019 edition is it.
"These types of games (against Ireland) are a very good reference point for us."
Haig, whose side come into the game after a 23-9 defeat by Tonga, said that progress had been made since he agreed to move him and his family after the New Zealand Rugby Union were approached by the Georgians to recommend a coach.
"The popularity of the game has exploded partly because the football side aren't doing too good at the moment," said Haig.
"The better the results are the more young players will come through, and there are already some really promising ones emerging.
"However, the game when I arrived was rather one dimensional. It was very forward oriented, and I recognised straight away we needed more width in our game.
"That is what we focussed on the last three years. It suits the forwards too as they like the ball in hand."
However, Haig acknowledges that there are still areas to be improved upon.
"We have zeroed in on skill sets, catch and pass and thirdly decision making," said Haig.
"In terms of decision making we have to work on that because players aren't used to performing that task. Once we get that in order we will be that much better."
Haig, who says life in Georgia suits him and his family and that the wine is 'excellent', the food 'very good' but the 'crazy drivers' are the only concern, says the facilities he has to work with are second to none.
"We have a 27-room hotel, two pitches and a gym, provided by funding from a benefactor," said Haig, who coached the Maori XV and the New Zealand Under-21 side.
"It is better than even anything you would find in New Zealand."
Haig, whose wife has now become head mistress of one of the international schools in Tiblisi, and his eldest daughter Molly is already fluent in Georgian, said rugby as a sport had been embraced by the Georgians.
"Georgians love rugby because it is very like 'lelo' their old traditional sport," said Haig, whose words are supported by 30,000 turning up to watch them beat Romania and 60,000 to see them beat the historical enemy Russia.
"Rugby is very like that in terms of it being physical contact oriented. Also the rugby theme of family values resonates with them."
Ironically Haig, who has also guided the Georgians to a memorable victory over Samoa last year, played a role in pitting his own wits against compatriot and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt on Sunday.
"I was also working in advertising and design in newspapers as well as being backs coach for Bay of Plenty," said Haig, who hopes to be able to give his team talks in Georgian by the 2015 World Cup.
"I was hired to work for another newspaper and it meant having to move away so I called up Joe, who was still teaching but had paid us a visit to watch us train, and he was ready and willing to step into the role and come and work under Vern Cotter at Bay of Plenty."
