The REC got under way at the end of last month, Spain beating Portugal away from home 19-7.
On 6 April Las Leonas beat Sweden 69-0. There we see all too clearly the hard job Rugby Europe has finding the best way to organise its member teams. It wants to provide chances for everyone, but is anxious to avoid one-sided matches.
That is why the top end of the parade consists of four nations only. Spain win every game they play. The other three vary from year to year, depending on promotion and relegation. So there’s always the hope of getting into that top quartet, even if the winners are a foregone conclusion.
The only answer – far too simple to be brought to fruition – is for the Six Nations to become Seven. Once upon a time they were Four.
Here too we see the impasse Las Leonas find themselves in. The encouraging news is the narrowness of that first Iberian win. Like so many other European teams, the Portuguese (Las Lobas) need far more high-standard competition. They currently rank 25th, one place above Tonga. The basic talent is there, but not the finances nor the support systems leading nations enjoy. Despite the loss they can be pleased with their showing against their neighbours.
The following day Netherlands hosted Portugal. The result: a convincing win for the Oranjes, 40-5, so a big setback for the Las Lobas.
There in a nutshell we have the reason why RE limits its top competition to four nations: the gaps in attainment are so wide. The positive side of the argument is that NL had just been promoted to this top level. Their performance, once more led by Linde van der Velden (Exeter Chiefs), shows their right to be there. Their margin of victory was far wider than Spain’s. Home advantage may well have played its part.
Coming Fixtures
12 April Sweden v Portugal
12 April Spain v Netherlands
19 April Sweden v Netherlands
A Stage Further
When we consider that Portugal beat Brazil 13-5 last month, we can judge the distance the South Americans have to travel as they prepare to take part in their first World Cup.
The Trophy and the Conference
At the next level we have Rugby Europe’s Women’s Trophy. The competing nations are Belgium, Finland and Germany. Belgium won the brief tournament, thanks to a tight 23-19 away win against Germany; Finland lost both their games, conceding 44 points in each.
The third level, the Women’s Conference, involves Bulgaria, Croatia, Latvia, Norway and Romania. Most of the competition played out last autumn; one match remains, Norway v Latvia next month – no doubt because of local weather conditions in Norway.
Results: Romania 66 Bulgaria 12; Latvia 50 Norway 0; Bulgaria 10 Croatia 17.
Conclusion
These tournaments are a vital ingredient in helping the game to advance. The players themselves are in no doubt about their value.
