Hi Guys its that time of year again and Georgia, sweet(ish) Georgia are on our minds.
Have you seen this report on the BBC, mooting the idea of Georgia – ranked above Italy in the World rankings – should be included in the Six Nations structure, with promotion and relegation each year?
http://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-union/38907843
John Feehan’s response is very negative and backward-facing in developing and growing the sport:
“I’m sure it would be interesting but we’ve got to look at it from the integrity of our competition and what’s good for us and not necessarily what’s good for Georgia.”
“And I don’t mean that in any nasty way – other than to say that my role is to make sure that the six unions which are involved in the Six Nations maintain the credibility of the tournament. And a game like that could involve all sorts of speculation that wouldn’t necessarily be helpful.”
His comments really would have foundation if Georgia were not showing signs of progression: they have sealed an automatic qualification berth for Japan 2019, their players are being picked up by a number of clubs across Europe, they regularly attract crowds of 50,000 for the 6 Nations B competition, they are currently ranked 2 places above Italy globally and having seen them in Rugby World Cup 2015, I have never seen a team of their standing play so well defensively for 80 minutes and strangle the life out of Tonga.
It was deemed for the game to grow globally to increase the World Cup to 20 teams so why not give Georgia a chance in the Six Nations?
By Dale Barwick
I have written in my word press blog a few years ago that there should be a promotion /;relegation in six nations.Another alternative I put forward was to use a similar method as used in Currie Cup in South Africa as follows.The team at bottom of the six nations would play against the top team of second tier
Competition home and away with the winner
Playing in the next season six nations.
Either way it should definitely happen and good to see it being brought up.again.
If the IRFU are serious about promoting the game there should definitely be promotion and relegation to and from the Six Nations. Italy have had a good crack of the whip and although they have improved there is little sign of a breakthrough. Georgia would improve even faster with exposure to top class opposition and it would give their fans a real boost. The premiership tried really hard to push through no promotion or relegation, but imv it is vital to offer teams the possibility of maximising their potential. Feehan is very wrong on this.
I am amazed Feehan was allowed to make such comments. To my mind they were highly negative towards Georgia and immensely patronising towards Italy (clearly). What about 2 groups of 4 (seeded) then 1st play 2nd in each group before a final. That way teams only play 3, 4 or 5 games (which will help reduce burn out and risk of injury)??
If teams or the powers that be want more games played the format can follow the u20 world cup where teams play to decide 3rd and 4th 5 and 6th 7th and 8th. Again this would still not increase the matches rather 4 teams would play 5 games and the others 4.
Perhaps the 7/8 place play off would serve as a relegation match where the 8th team is replaced by the winner of the 2nd tier Euro contest?
For example, let’s say Georgia and Italy finished bottom of their group and Georgia won the 7/8 place match Italy would be replaced by say Romania,Russia or Spain. The Final of the 2nd tier contest would be a promotion decider.
Italy would get their chance to win the 2nd tier contest and this return to the 8N the season after.