Ryan Smith delighted to be off the nudie run after scoring in 50th cap for the Reds
It was a memorable night in more ways than one for the Queensland forward.
The Wallabies might have to keep an eye on Georgia at the Rugby World Cup, the latter having won the Rugby Europe championship.
The ‘Lelos’ were followed in order by Spain, Romania, Russia, Belgium and Germany.
For those who say Georgia should be in the Six Nations at the expense of Italy, there is still a big standard gap. Last November, Italy defeated Georgia 28-17 in Florence.
Maybe the World Cup will give the Georgians the impetus to raise a higher level.
Russia could have finished in second place, scoring two ties to one against Spain, but lost the match 16-14. They then scored four tries against Romania’s penalty try and five penalty goals to lose 22-20.
The Russians need a goal kicker and to stop giving away penalties to have any hope in Japan.
In the final round, Russia hosted Georgia but both teams blooded new players and Georgia won 22-6.
The big improvers over the course of the comp was Spain, and it’s unfortunate they’re not going to Japan. Their 21-18 win over Romania went right down to the wire.
Internal fighting between Germany’s controlling body and the clubs has rubbed off, the national team losing all games by big margins. Germany has always been regarded as a sleeping giant but there is no improvement on the horizon.
Romania has dropped a notch, the nation’s interest in rugby having waned, while Belgium continues to struggle.
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It was a memorable night in more ways than one for the Queensland forward.
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