Can you imagine a Six Nations without Italy or France? Former
England International David Flatman considers the prospect of a relegation
playoff.
The Five Nations became six when Italy joined at the turn of the
century. Since then the Azzuri have claimed the wooden spoon 10 times from a
possible 16 at the titular event.
ITV pundit and former Bath prop David Flatman believes that a
more meritocratic tournament should be considered, with the likes of Georgia,
who briefly usurped Italy in the world rankings last spring, deserving that
chance.
“I certainly think it is conceivable to have a sixth placed
two-legged play-off,” he said. “Look at how Georgia and Japan have improved
with little to no exposure of playing tier one nations.
“Italy have had that ultimate exposure for years and years and
frankly have done nothing. It doesn’t mean we drop them away, but we should
incentivise those nations and give them something to strive for.
“Without regular exposure against the tier-one nations it is
hard to kick on but when you run Ireland very close back in the 2007 World Cup
and beat Tonga last year, they deserve a shot.”
In recent years, Scotland, Wales and France have all finished
bottom, but whilst an Italian demotion is cogitable, is the same to be said for
these three nations?
“The flip side is, if a Scotland or France finish last,
for them getting dumped out is inconceivable to me. What if England got dumped
out? That cannot happen,” he said.
“You absolutely cannot have relegation just for Italy. There
needs to be a mechanism worked out somewhere, but there is a crescendo of
thinking in regards to including Georgia.
“If they replaced France one year, you lose something huge from
the tournament. I would love to see Georgia play at Twickenham soon for an
Autumn international like Japan are in Wales.”
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen believes the gap is closing
between the top and tier-two sides, with the Lelos, who won their fifth Nations
Cup in a row last year and are currently ranked at 14th in the world, being a prime example of
that.
World Rugby Officials awarded Georgia the right to host the U20
championship next year, recognising how they have shown outstanding progress in
recent years. Whether or not their tremendous progress can be rewarded with a
chance to play at the Six Nations remains to be seen. 