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Los Pumas beat Springboks in Argentina for first time ever

Argentina is improving and South Africa is declining. I think these trends will continue.

Bottom line:the powers in charge of the Springboks do not want the Springboks to be successful.

It's really too bad. For the sake of test rugby we need somebody to challenge the All Blacks. It doesn't look like SA or Aus will be threatening NZ this year.

1 Month, 2 Days ago

Fred Tuilagi Junior yellow carded for high tackle just 7 seconds from kickoff

You're correct and it's not as bad as it was in the 90's. Did you know that there is an underground Polynesian league in Utah that has nothing to do with USA Rugby?

1 Month, 3 Weeks ago

TJ Perenara escapes ban after kicking Sam Cane in the face

Look, I don't think there should be any kind of post-match citing process at all. If a player can get avoid the attention of 4 (!) referees then let freedom ring...Still this citing process is incredibly subjective, especially in the Southern Hemisphere.

There is a spectrum as to the likelihood of players to be cited. On the hard end of things are Pacific Islanders and South African fwds with Dutch names, then Australians, then New Zealanders, with the light end falling on NZ backs that play for the AB's.

Retroactive citing is tricky and sets uneven precedents. If four refs miss something just get it next time.

1 Month, 4 Weeks ago

#Throwback Thursday: That time Sebastien Chabal knocked Marc Giraud out with a slap

No, it's cheap by Marc Giraud to hold a player and prevent them from playing rugby.

Chabal has a right to play rugby, Giraud has no right to prevent Chabal from doing so. If rugby wants to be 100% clean they need to ban the player that is cheating by holding the opposing player.

Actions like this by Chabal are (or used to be) the only thing that kept players honest. Refs will never pick up garbage like this and it's up to players to sort it out. What Would Colin Meads Do?

2 Months, 2 Days ago

Georgia: Are rugby's Tier 1.5 nation ready for another step up?

Undermining what success?

Quick, name three Italian clubs that have been around for more than 20 years.

2 Months, 2 Weeks ago

Georgia: Are rugby's Tier 1.5 nation ready for another step up?

@ DrG
Great pts!

1. Italy is NOT a home nation. They never should have been admitted into the 5N. The reason they should be relegated is their record on the field of play.

2. I see what you mean about "yo yo". The possible tragedy with promotion/relegation would be Scotland going down and the game losing what popularity it has left. But would the trade be worth it if the game explodes in Spain or Russia? The 6N is the de facto NH/European championship. The top countries should compete.

3. The reason that Georgia has not beaten any Tier 1 teams is because they don't have the opportunity. If the the Georgians got to play 2 6N teams a year regularly in any fashion I'd be happy.

4. Although the Pacific Islands have a legitimate claim to some kind of regular play they have such small populations and lack of infrastructure nobody wants to play them. Hotels, stadiums, tv's, and even fans are not plentiful. The entire combined population of Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji is less than the city of Glasgow. Unfortunately to play these nations is to lose money.

5. I'm not Georgian at all but we imported three of these guys at my club. They're a revelation, and all with less than 5 years of experience. Rugby is so stale with really only a handful of viable teams. When we have the opportunity to really grow the game we must. These guys are naturally born for our sport, much like Polynesians.

2 Months, 2 Weeks ago

Georgia: Are rugby's Tier 1.5 nation ready for another step up?

If by "yo-yo competition" you mean the best playing the best in the region then, yes that is the very point. I think that the 6N wooden spoon should be relegated and the European Nations Cup Champ should ascend.

Tradition in the 5N lost it's argument once they let the Italians in. There is no grand tradition of Italian rugby.

Letting the Argies into the Tri-Nations was the right move for similar reasons. Argentina has beaten Australia and (due to their inclusion) South Africa too.

The reason that Georgia is the focus (Romania was for a period too in the 80's) is because they have made some serious waves and produced outstanding players with very little money, infrastructure, or regular competition. Again, look at the results from the Pacific Tour. Georgia has won the 6N B or come in second every year for the past 10 years. They're knocking on the door. What do they have to do to be let in?

Levan below is 100% correct. Next time England or Ireland really want a warm up before they leave Europe come to Tblisi. See what happens.

2 Months, 3 Weeks ago

Georgia: Are rugby's Tier 1.5 nation ready for another step up?

Good points! I'd like to see Scotland or Italy tour the South Pacific undefeated.

What I'd really like is to see the Georgians get some warm up games with 6N sides before they tour. They might raise some eyebrows.

2 Months, 3 Weeks ago

Georgia: Are rugby's Tier 1.5 nation ready for another step up?

The French against Italian fascists? Right.

Italy has no business being in the 6N. Italy is a very recent and under-performing member of the 6 Nations. They joined an 106 year old tournament just 16 years ago and have never distinguished themselves. In 16 years Italy has taken the wooden spoon 11 times and never finished higher than 4th out of 6.

Italy does not have a history of strong rugby clubs or attendance at matches. Italy has suited up about 5 world class players ever and to my knowledge they all learned their rugby in Argentina.

If you want to talk the Euro vs the Lari, the nightlife culture of Rome vs Tblisi, or "brands" then that is one thing. If money and branding is the issue why not accept Germany into the 6N?

If you want the best countries in Europe to play against each other then goodbye Italy, hello Georgia. Is the 6N a closed off boys club or competition?

2 Months, 3 Weeks ago

Georgia: Are rugby's Tier 1.5 nation ready for another step up?

Georgia is really doing something and without much help monetarily.

As long as there are three Laris to the Euro I think that Italy will remain in the 6N. Georgia is better than Italy but it it's money that matters.

2 Months, 3 Weeks ago