Italy in the 6 Nations

[Pegojack]

One for all you egg officionados to discuss. Has the participation of Italy in what used to be the 5 Nations been a good or bad thing? I assume it was meant to help rugby development in the country, but has it actually set it back? Has their status as tournament whipping boys made the Italian sporting public antipathetic towards the game?
What do you think?

 

[PSumbler]

One for all you egg officionados to discuss. Has the participation of Italy in what used to be the 5 Nations been a good or bad thing? I assume it was meant to help rugby development in the country, but has it actually set it back? Has their status as tournament whipping boys made the Italian sporting public antipathetic towards the game?
What do you think?

Did I hear right the other day that they have lost 31 straight Six Nations games?

Seriously, what's the point

 

[Best_loser]

I never bother watching the games involving Italy, I hope they stay in it and improve

 

[J_B]

There should be relegation and the next highest ranked European team should have a go. Georgia are three places higher than Italy in the world rankings.

 

[Swanjaxs]

There should be relegation and the next highest ranked European team should have a go. Georgia are three places higher than Italy in the world rankings.

Dunvant are six places higher than Italy

 

[Pegojack]

Another pasting today and their worst ever 6 Nations points wise. Ouch.

 

[dickythorpe]

I haven't bothered watching their game today.
It doesn't do anyone any good seeing these hammerings.
You want a contest not a mismatch.

 

[JustJack]

Somewhat ironically, considering it's roots, Rugby is horribly elitist at the International Level.

Their track record, and even willingness to develop the game in most countries is terrible.

 

[JackSomething]

There should be a second level 6 nations tournament with promotion to the top tournament for the winner and relegation for the loser of the existing tournament. The fact that there's barely 10 competitive teams in the world is part of reason rugby union is at best a second-class sport.

It's not going to happen though, especially with the recent deal that's been signed. Italy aren't going anywhere for the length of the deal as they're one of the stakeholders.

 

[dickythorpe]

Some countries just have no tradition in it and get frustrated by the rules....see USA, Canada.....all the athletes but no brain to play it.

 

[MrSwerve]

There should be a 'six nations B' where there are another 6 teams. Top of that one swaps with bottom of this one.

I understand that it would wind up some traditionalists though...but it's changed from 5 to 6 nations so I don't see why not.

The Italy game is just a game to achieve a bonus point and that's it. Very rarely do they offer any threat. The game against England a few years back with the 'contesting the ruck' thing was hilarious though.

 

[JackSomething]

Some countries just have no tradition in it and get frustrated by the rules....see USA, Canada.....all the athletes but no brain to play it.

No tradition I agree with, not sure I buy your second part. Compared to some of the traditional sports over there, rugby is a pretty simple sport.

 

[Cooperman]

If it was down to me I would also advocate the two tier system. Georgia have been pushing for the step up for some time however there are firm roadblocks in their way.

 

[monmouth]

Did I hear right the other day that they have lost 31 straight Six Nations games?

Seriously, what's the point

They are there to stop England finishing bottom.

 

[Blackpooljack]

One for all you egg officionados to discuss. Has the participation of Italy in what used to be the 5 Nations been a good or bad thing? I assume it was meant to help rugby development in the country, but has it actually set it back? Has their status as tournament whipping boys made the Italian sporting public antipathetic towards the game?
What do you think?

Did I hear right the other day that they have lost 31 straight Six Nations games?

Seriously, what's the point

i'm sure i heard somewhere that france lost their first 24 games in the old 5 nations but thats probably BS