Italy in the 6 nations is time for a rethink

Jedi boro

Jedi boro

Well-known member
does being the annual whipping boys really benefit them as they have games where they are close for as little while but invariably get blown away towards the end ( as we saw today).

there really isn’t any point watching them play england for instance s as we all know the inevitable result. Often it’sa cricket score as well.

Are they just there to even out the fixtures or is there an outside chance that they are improving. As 24 loses in a row suggests not.

As for me they have been in the big time for some time now and they gap is as big as ever, compared to say the Japanese.
 
But would they though, as I now think teams almost see the Italy game as a bye so they aren’t really up for it. As everyone knows that they will win the game in the end.

again today a brave effort but they still lost.
 
France joined the old 5 nations in 1910 and didn’t win the championship until 1959.

I think the big teams have had a serious step up in fitness and quality in recent years, Italy only joined in 2000 or roundabout then, I think they jumped on board at a bad time, I think it would be a backward step to ‘relegate’ them, isn’t Rugby Union trying to broaden its appeal rather than reduce it, it’s already a bit if a niche sport anyway outside it’s heartlands.
 
The Scots have lost 6 games in a row. Do you threaten them with demotion too? The point is we want them to improve and the only way to do it is to continue to play at the top level. Anyway rugby’s echelons want a **** up in Rome every two years.
 
If it wasn't for the revolution in Romania and the collapse of funding, it might well have been Romania in the 6 Nations and not Italy.
 
zorro_mfc said:
Btw no one is saying reverting back to 5 nations but bringing in relegation demotion to make games matter and give others a chance at the table.
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Yes I agree that would be a good idea, but I’m not sure the rugby fraternity would go for it, too much money out of the home nations playing each other to risk it.
 
zorro_mfc said:
does being the annual whipping boys really benefit them as they have games where they are close for as little while but invariably get blown away towards the end ( as we saw today).

there really isn’t any point watching them play england for instance s as we all know the inevitable result. Often it’sa cricket score as well.

Are they just there to even out the fixtures or is there an outside chance that they are improving. As 24 loses in a row suggests not.

As for me they have been in the big time for some time now and they gap is as big as ever, compared to say the Japanese.
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Well interesting you compare them to Japan. Perhaps it’s time the Italian rugby fraternity start investing in their league structure. That way they can attract Kiwis, Saffers, Aussies and Pacific Islanders to represent the azzuri as they do the Japanese.
 
Well that’s true Cardiff.

Players like Thompson, Moore, Horie, Leitch, Labuschagne, Lafaele all boosted Japan as a powerhouse in the World Cup.
 
It must be demoralising for the players, knowing that they're going to get hammered nearly every game. We've all played in football teams like that haven't we?
 
Maybe a good time to introduce another division to the 6 nations.

The winners of the new division could play the bottom side in the 6 nations in a play off.

Regular competition would be good for these emerging countries like Holland,Russia and Romania.
 
You have to have competition in order to improve as well as sufficient investment to encourage athletes to play the sport in the first place.

The Italian RFU have the most power over this.
 
Seen reports over the weekend that the 6 Nations could become the 7 Nations, with the addition of South Africa, but not until after the next World Cup in 2013. Would certainly make it tougher for the big boys and even more demoralising for Italy (and Scotland!).
 
Need to start promotion and relegation. Georgia and Spain could do with getting top tier competition
 
I'd sooner they expanded it a bit, bring in Georgia and it gives Italy an opponent they can beat and expands rugby further.

With bonus points, and only 5 games, you can be out of the running by the second game if you mess up.
 
ReggieHoldsworth said:
Seen reports over the weekend that the 6 Nations could become the 7 Nations, with the addition of South Africa, but not until after the next World Cup in 2013. Would certainly make it tougher for the big boys and even more demoralising for Italy (and Scotland!).
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South Africa take on Australia,New Zealand and Argentina in their own competition so I cant see the joining 6 nations.
 
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