Things are really taking shape
There are play-offs taking place all around the world. It’s tough keeping up with all the news. As of 8 June, this is how the three levels look (teams already qualified in bold):
Tier One (three locations in New Zealand): England, France, Wales, plus three from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and USA; these four form the Pacific-4. The six gather in October (see Dates below).
Tier Two (location Cape Town, South Africa): Japan, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, plus the nation finishing fourth in the Pac-4, then the winner of Italy-Spain.
Tier Three (location to be decided later): Fiji, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Kenya, plus either Colombia or Brazil, and the loser of the Italy-Spain encounter.
As things stand, we already have nations representing seven continents. World Rugby is hoping long-term for a narrowing of standards within and between the three levels. That won’t come quickly.
Remember, when the Tucanes of Colombia flew out to Dubai in February to play Scotland, their biggest wish was to gain respect, to do their nation proud (Result: 3-59). They and Brazil have been warming up in the Americas Rugby Trophy, a three-way with USA’s Under 23s.
Some Dates
29 June, Australia v New Zealand, Brisbane (Pac-4)
8 July, Canada v New Zealand, Quebec
8 July Australia v USA, Quebec
14 July Canada v Australia, Quebec
22 July: Italy v Spain, Piacenza
Tier One: 21 and 28 October and 4 November
Tier Two and Tier Three: 14, 21 and 28 October
