Georgia prop Davit Zirakashvili insists his team-mates will go toe-to-toe with New Zealand in their bid to make history at the World Cup.

Head coach Milton Haig has set a goal of winning two Pool C matches to finish third in the group, and with it achieving automatic qualification for the next World Cup -- something which Georgia have never previously done.

The Lelos enjoyed a great start to their campaign with a shock victory over Tonga, but were brought crashing back to earth with a seven-try defeat to Argentina. They face the All Blacks in Wales on Friday -- the first time the two nations will fight out a Test -- before a final group clash against Namibia in Exeter.

"Of course we can match them," Clermont star Zirakashvili told ESPN when asked about the defending champions. "We've come here to perform. We'll stand up to the challenge and I think we'll do well in the scrum against New Zealand.

"We're here to play four matches -- it's not over for us after the first win or loss. We're going to give it a go."

"The history of Georgian rugby is very young. The ultimate goal for us was to come here and win two matches, which would be history for Georgia to qualify automatically for Japan. Everyone will strive for this goal. It would make history for Georgia and also be a good handicap for us. We will fight to the end."

Georgia have been one of the surprise packages in England and, even in the likely event of a defeat to New Zealand, Haig's side will be confident of beating Namibia to realise their dream of reaching Japan 2019 without the need for extra qualifying games.

Their opening win against Tonga, while somewhat overshadowed by Japan's historic victory over South Africa, was impressive. Vasil Lobzhanidze, who became the youngest player in World Cup history, stole the show in Gloucester and sparked wild celebrations back home.

And with Georgia winning the World Rugby U20 trophy for the first time last May -- plus their hosting of the same tournament in 2017 -- Zirakashvili is excited by the nation's bright rugby future.

"Vasil and the youngsters coming through will raise the class of Georgian rugby," he added. "In the future they will play at the top level. Before it was difficult to find a guy Vasil's age to play at this level -- now we have a good team and it is a good sign when an 18-year-old plays for you at a World Cup. It is great for the future of Georgian rugby."