How one World Cup group stage match could change European rugby

With the biggest ever Rugby World Cup in 2027 on the horizon, one rivalry will come to a head in the group stages, and the outcome may not just decide who enters the knockout stage, but could end a debate that has split northern-hemisphere rugby for years.

Georgia have been knocking on the door of the Six Nations for a decade, desperately trying to prove they are worthy of a spot in ‘Rugby’s greatest championship‘.

Indeed, Georgia’s impressive record in the Rugby Europe International Championship is far too strong to ignore, having won 16 editions of the tournament since 2008 and the last eight titles in a row.

Name a record and Richard Cockerill’s men have almost certainly broken it, and it’s not like it’s come against easy opponents.

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Dethroned 

They dethroned Romania in the early 2000s, and in the modern day, emerging European powerhouses Portugal and Spain are kept at bay.

However, just as people were beginning to take the Lelos’ call to join the Men’s Six Nations seriously, the team touted to be dumped to make room for them launched into a golden generation.

Italy ended their 36-match losing streak in the tournament against Wales in 2022, which sparked an Italian renaissance.

Seven other victories against tier-one nations have followed, including a victory against Scotland in 2024 and two near misses against France in 22′ and 24′, all while producing elite world talents such as Paolo Garbisi and Ange Capuozzo.

This has seen Italy move above Georgia in the rankings, as well as tier-one nations Wales and Japan – surely proof enough that they belong among the north’s best.

So, it seems pretty certain that Georgia will have to wait, or even hope for a ‘Seven Nations’ rebrand, right?

Well, they may have one final shot.

Debate

The draw for next year’s World Cup has thrown up some tasty group stage games, including the age-old England vs Wales game and hosts Australia going to battle against neighbours New Zealand.

But arguably the most important matchup is the showdown between Italy and Georgia.

Previous games between these two have always been tight. Italy have won three out of the four games between them, but have never won by more than 11 points.

Georgia’s sole win came in 2022, even more impressive considering Italy’s performances that year, and were only three points away from a result in their most recent game in 2024, so there is no telling whatsoever who will come out on top.

The importance of this result cannot be understated. Italy win, and the debate is settled. Georgia win, and the can of worms flies open yet again.

Final chance

In the ever changing rugby climate on the international stage, with giants falling and new teams flourishing, the World Cup could very much be the final chance for Georgia to prove what they have believed for years, that they can be part of the rugby elite.

Who knows, a Georgian victory may even force Six Nations format changes, such as relegations, to coincide with the REIC formats, or even pre-tournament playoffs for the wooden spoon holder and the highest-ranked outsider.

Italy vs Georgia is more than just a pool match; it has the potential to cause a seismic shift in Europe’s rugby landscape from thousands of miles away, and it could be the final say in one of Rugby’s most fascinating rivalries.

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