Tier 1 vs Tier 2

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

This is apparently going to be the first year of a 39% increase in Tier1 vs Tier2 tests, with the Tier2 fixtures being largely based on ranking. This thread is intended to keep an eye on whether or not this actually materialises.

So far we have:

Scotland vs Japan (Nov)
Japan vs England x2 (June)

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

This is apparently going to be the first year of a 39% increase in Tier1 vs Tier2 tests, with the Tier2 fixtures being largely based on ranking. This thread is intended to keep an eye on whether or not this actually materialises.

So far we have:

Scotland vs Japan (Nov)
Japan vs England x2 (June)

Ireland v Japan (Nov)

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Ireland v Japan (Nov)

Cheers. I'm sensing a recurring theme here. Dudes, give the girl some room to breathe! : p

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

Cheers. I'm sensing a recurring theme here. Dudes, give the girl some room to breathe! : p

Help tier 2 rugby. But only in a way that will fill your own stadiums!

 

[ncurd]

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Georgia playing the Boks in South Africa next June is definitely a sign of change. Not the best fixture perhaps particularly as the agreement was that Georgia would host Tier1 sides in the June window.

BBC talking of potential for a triangular tournament in summer 2021 in Georgia and Romania, involving the host and Japan. That is a bit more like it in terms of a well judged competitive fixture.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/50262731

 

[unrated]

Is it really good for tier two rugby if The Boks smash Georgia?

I am not dissatisfied with this because:

• Boks are geting a new coach so we can start of on a winning record against Scotland and Georgia
• We can blood new youngsters without fear of losing
• we can cap young players who are in danger of getting capped by other countries, still without fear of losing
• can try out new tactics
• good to ease into our first matches as World champions with easy opposition

So its not bad for the Boks, but the question stands. Is it good for Georgia?

 

[powerfulduck]

Is it really good for tier two rugby if The Boks smash Georgia?

I am not dissatisfied with this because:

• Boks are geting a new coach so we can start of on a winning record against Scotland and Georgia
• We can blood new youngsters without fear of losing
• we can cap young players who are in danger of getting capped by other countries, still without fear of losing
• can try out new tactics
• good to ease into our first matches as World champions with easy opposition

So its not bad for the Boks, but the question stands. Is it good for Georgia?

Think it's going to be a case of chuck them in at the deep end and see how they get on. They may get smashed but the media and attention not to mention money should help them develop long term.

On a side note I'd like to see a tour of Argentina by one of the T1 nations include a test match vs Uruguay. Italy could give them a game this summer and tbh it would be quite competitive. Likewise Georgia v Namibia wouldn't be a bad shout while in South Africa

 

[Leonormous Boozer]

France v Georgia

 

[Bruce_ma gooshvili]

Seems England vs an unannounced Tier2 in November, presumably Pacific Islanders or North America as they seem to be missing out compared to historically. Overall, it does seem to be sticking to the commitment to 39% more inter-Tier tests based largely on the Tier2 ranking, but the Georgia fixtures really arent getting the juices flowing. The set up is crying out for an Italian fixture in terms of a competitive contest.

 

[Brigantine]

the Georgia fixtures really arent getting the juices flowing. The set up is crying out for an Italian fixture in terms of a competitive contest.

With the possible exceptions of Japan and Fiji, that is true of *every* T2 country. Unfortunately there's only one Italy!

Will be interesting to see which T2 teams Italy does play.

 

[Stefan Alexandru Petrescu]

With the possible exceptions of Japan and Fiji, that is true of *every* T2 country. Unfortunately there's only one Italy!

Will be interesting to see which T2 teams Italy does play.

Hopefully Romania