Georgia celebrate their try. (Getty Images)

By Simon Stone, PA Sport, Sydney

Georgia coach Claude Saurel has called on the World Cup organisers not to close the door on smaller nations.

Saurel's side lit up the tournament in Sydney on Friday with a magnificent battling display against South Africa.

Although the 'Lelos' eventually suffered a 46-19 defeat, they matched the mighty Springboks for long periods and at one stage deep into the second half trailed by only 13 points.

For a country of only three million, with a rugby playing population of just 300, just to be present at the World Cup is a huge achievement and performances like that can only generate more interest in the 15-man game.

And, rather than worry about what on paper at least looks to be another lopsided scoreline, Saurel believes the rugby world should try to ensure the lower-ranked teams are given more exposure to the biggest names.

"When we played Ireland four years ago and lost 70-12, I was asked if it was better for us to play smaller teams rather than the bigger ones," said Saurel.

"It's a silly question really. At that time, Ireland hadn't beaten France for about 25 years but I don't recall anyone asking them to stop because they weren't making any progress.

"We have to maintain a sense of democracy within the game. The only way we can improve is by playing better teams and to make that impossible would be a crime."

After successive defeats to England, Samoa and South Africa, Georgia are now preparing themselves for a match they can actually win - against Uruguay at Aussie Stadium next Tuesday.

Over 30,000 tickets have already been sold for the game, with most neutrals set to support Georgia given the phenomenal backing they received from the Australian public during Friday's encounter.

But Saurel is urging caution. Though his side will start favourites, it is Uruguay who have the previous World Cup experience and the Frenchman is expecting a tough encounter.

"We were proud of our efforts last night, if not totally satisfied," he said.

"Uruguay will be a different match altogether. They have more experience at this level than us, so we can be certain it will be a very hard game."