Discussion
Kermit power said:
The Mad Monk said:
Wales are playing fine.
However, Georgia are outclassed, I can't see them as an alternative to Italy (or Scotland?) in the Six Nations.
You're comparing Georgia, who are better than their opponents in pretty much every single game they play outside World Cups with Italy, who have been given the opportunity to play tier 1 opposition time after time for the past two decades.However, Georgia are outclassed, I can't see them as an alternative to Italy (or Scotland?) in the Six Nations.
You're comparing Georgia, whose players have to go and play anywhere they can to advance their game with Italy, who have two teams playing in the Pro14.
Despite all of that, and the way the world rankings work meaning that it's incredibly hard for Georgia to move any higher, and almost as difficult for Italy to drop any lower, Georgia have been consistently above Italy in the rankings for years.
Italy have been handed one of the greatest prizes in World rugby with their ticket to the Six Nations, and they've completely and utterly squandered it. Do you honestly think Georgia would squander it in the same way?
Also worth asking yourself what you think Italy are likely to do over the next few seasons without Parisse....
Having said that, don't take anything away from the way Wales are playing either. They're the first Tier 1 team I've actually seen playing like a Tier 1 team so far this tournament. Before any of the Irish get the hump, though, please note that I didn't see the Ireland game!
There are no guarantees whatsoever that Georgia will somehow flower into a top tier rugby nation given admission to the 6N. It's just as likely they'll continue to churn out stodgy, massive forwards and limited backs for years to come, as well as be unable to get domestic teams into a competitive international league
Joey Ramone said:
Kermit power said:
The Mad Monk said:
Wales are playing fine.
However, Georgia are outclassed, I can't see them as an alternative to Italy (or Scotland?) in the Six Nations.
You're comparing Georgia, who are better than their opponents in pretty much every single game they play outside World Cups with Italy, who have been given the opportunity to play tier 1 opposition time after time for the past two decades.However, Georgia are outclassed, I can't see them as an alternative to Italy (or Scotland?) in the Six Nations.
You're comparing Georgia, whose players have to go and play anywhere they can to advance their game with Italy, who have two teams playing in the Pro14.
Despite all of that, and the way the world rankings work meaning that it's incredibly hard for Georgia to move any higher, and almost as difficult for Italy to drop any lower, Georgia have been consistently above Italy in the rankings for years.
Italy have been handed one of the greatest prizes in World rugby with their ticket to the Six Nations, and they've completely and utterly squandered it. Do you honestly think Georgia would squander it in the same way?
Also worth asking yourself what you think Italy are likely to do over the next few seasons without Parisse....
Having said that, don't take anything away from the way Wales are playing either. They're the first Tier 1 team I've actually seen playing like a Tier 1 team so far this tournament. Before any of the Irish get the hump, though, please note that I didn't see the Ireland game!
There are no guarantees whatsoever that Georgia will somehow flower into a top tier rugby nation given admission to the 6N. It's just as likely they'll continue to churn out stodgy, massive forwards and limited backs for years to come, as well as be unable to get domestic teams into a competitive international league
Kermit power said:
Indeed!
They didn't concede a single point during the yellow card, and where it not for an unnoticed knock on would've won the second half.
how good was their front row in the second half! I thought the Welsh scrum held up well for the first half then they pretty much got a lesson. Shame Georgia pack wasn't playing with the Welsh backs.They didn't concede a single point during the yellow card, and where it not for an unnoticed knock on would've won the second half.
t she's been resuscitated, get her off again for another HIA please!Kermit power said:
JustALooseScrew said:
Georgia are certainly playing some rugby in this half. Way better than the first half.
Indeed!They didn't concede a single point during the yellow card, and where it not for an unnoticed knock on would've won the second half.
He's aged 13 now and really feels he'll get a chance playing for Munster. He just thinks he's as good as any of the players coming out of Rockwell College, and his biggest concern is 'Dad - how do I get spotted?'.
I've been coaching youth and minor rugby for a few years now, and to be honest, I'm not very good at it. but you just spot one or two players who are a bit special.
The Mad Monk said:
Kermit power said:
Quite possibly so, but they should at least be given the chance. Either that or revert to the Five Nations, because there is absolutely no value to having Italy in there at the moment.
Or make it the Seven Nations?The Mad Monk said:
JustALooseScrew said:
Tipuric or North for man of the match? I'm going with Tipuric.
Georgia are certainly playing some rugby in this half. Way better than the first half.
The game was 14 all, in the second half.Georgia are certainly playing some rugby in this half. Way better than the first half.
The Mad Monk said:
Or make it the Seven Nations?
This is probably a topic for the general rugby thread rather than the RWC thread but I agree. The time has come (arguably long ago) where world rugby need to expand to allow the Tier-2 nations a fair crack. The current setup is designed to completely protect the top 10 and as such to prevent the others from advancing.
I think that the protectionist attitude of the top nations is ultimately preventing the expansion of the game globally and this should be considered a bad thing. What other global sport is dominated by New Zealand!
I for one would love to see a two tier 6 nations European tournament with promotion and relegation. Even if it was decided via a two legged playoff between the bottom of the 6N and the top of league 2.
The same could be done with the SH sides / USA / Canada.
It would be great to see the other nations get regular games against the top sides and long term would be good for the game even if it meant that the home nations had to suffer the ignominy of having to trek round some of the so-called lesser sides for a year.
Rather an away match in Tbilisi than Twickers any day for me.
The Mad Monk said:
Kermit power said:
Quite possibly so, but they should at least be given the chance. Either that or revert to the Five Nations, because there is absolutely no value to having Italy in there at the moment.
Or make it the Seven Nations?On a more subtle note. It's rugby, rugby is bloody great.
Rider007 said:
spikeyhead said:
We did ok, rusty in places, not all flowing as it should, but it's a decent starting place.
Considering New Zealand beat Tonga 92-7 a few weeks ago England were a bit average.Too many unforced errors.However, I do think that NZ, as always, are the team to beat.
France....where are you...;)
Fair to say Eng and Wales both played similar calibre sides and had an end points difference being very similar.
Wales won the game in 20mins and then moved to game control etc. Took England a bit longer but those Tongans love the big hits.
Neither side were great but 5 points and good goal difference
Wales need to beat Oz else it’s likely to be face Eng then NZ and then SA in 3 back to back weekends.... not that an appealing route TBF
Wales won the game in 20mins and then moved to game control etc. Took England a bit longer but those Tongans love the big hits.
Neither side were great but 5 points and good goal difference
Wales need to beat Oz else it’s likely to be face Eng then NZ and then SA in 3 back to back weekends.... not that an appealing route TBF
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