‘Georgia deserve to have a pop at this’ – Wales legend insists Six Nations relegation play-off the ‘right thing to do’ as Warren Gatland’s men on brink of unwanted record
Wales legend Jonathan Davies calls for Six Nations to introduce a promotion-relegation play-off.
Jonathan Davies has joined Sam Warburton in calling for the Six Nations to introduce a promotion-relegation play-off ahead of a weekend which could see Wales drop below Georgia in the world rankings for the first time.
The Dragons legend also says England, who have lost seven in a row against Six Nations and Rugby Championship opposition, should reconsider their non-selection of players in France as a matter of necessity.
History will be made on the playing fields of Rome and Tbilisi tomorrow if Wales fail to end a record run of 13 consecutive defeats and Georgia beat Netherlands in the secondary Rugby Europe competition.
That would mean Wales falling to an all-time low position of 12th in the global order and the Lelos, coached by Richard Cockerill, leapfrogging them into 11th.
Such a turn of events would supercharge the clamour for Six Nations bosses to bring in a play-off between Wooden Spoonists and Tier 2 winners.
Possible play-off
With Wales having lost seven straight in the championship and Georgia, winners in Cardiff in 2022, last losing a Rugby Europe fixture back in 2017, the case for change is already strong.
Neither Warburton nor Davies want anything but the best for the national team they graced with such distinction. But they find it impossible to argue with Cockerill’s claim, made exclusively to Planet Rugby last week, that Georgia have “earned” their shot at the big time.
“Back when Italy were always finishing last I felt a play-off was the right thing to do, so I can’t change my mind now because Wales are bottom,” says Davies, playmaker turned BBC pundit.
“I agree with Sam. Georgia deserve to have a pop at this. If top of Tier 2 goes to whoever finishes bottom of the Six Nations and wins they should get in. That’s only fair.”
Since the Six Nations began in 2000 France and Ireland, the tournament’s standout teams, have each won three Grand Slams. Only one country can better that number, Wales.
That shows how far they have fallen in two years and Davies is not alone in seeing root and branch change as the only answer, no matter the outcome at Stadio Olimpico.
“I desperately want Wales to win, for the players and for the supporters,” he says. “I really feel for the players. Everything is doom and gloom. It seems it’s going to be a long time before we become really competitive again on the world scene.
“People say ‘change the coach’ but what difference would that make now? Our next three games are Ireland, Scotland and England. It’s going to be difficult to win any of those, whoever is in charge.
“We must have a long-term plan. Total reform of the game in Wales, from the schools up to the national side. A restart. Everyone in Welsh rugby to come together on this.”
Davies argues the need is all the more pressing given how the Wales football team is flourishing under head coach Craig Bellamy.
“Craig is unbeaten in six,” says Davies. “Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and the boys showed how damaging football success could be for rugby a few years back, with rugby losing youngsters in schools and villages.
“Now Craig has the bit between his teeth and a crop of youngsters with the potential to develop into a very good side.”
Ahead of Welsh rugby’s Italian job, Davies points to how Italy have invested in, developed and nurtured their age-groups in comparison to Wales, who closed their national academy due to cost cutting.
“Italy have put money into their system and you’ve seen how their sides have grown in the URC,” he says. “That’s been underpinned by good development at U18 and U20. They’re starting to reap the reward now.”
Wales U20s lost 63-19 to France a week ago and have won the Six Nations at that level only once since 2005.
“I think a lot of people have offered their services,” Davies adds. “I offered mentoring to U10s years ago and was told it would threaten the academy managers.
“I said I had no desire to do that, I just wanted to pass on advice to youngsters. In the old days I could sit down with Benny [Phil Bennett] and Barry [John] and have a pint. I could speak to them.
“Yeah, they were sometimes critical of me when I played but I knew it was constructive criticism. If the WRU asked for help I think people would step up.”
Davies has found some respite from Wales’ travails with his new podcast Who Gives A Ruck in which he swaps stories of rugby’s less serious moments with England greats Will Carling and Dean Richards.
Rome tomorrow is unlikely to feature as Wales look to avoid another Wooden Spoon a week after being crushed 43-0 by France is no laughing matter.
“When you kick aimlessly, don’t challenge the gain line and haven’t got any game management, it makes life very difficult,” Davies says of the Paris performance.
“We hear so much talk about data these days but, for me, rugby comes down to what you do with the ball.
Tough loss in Paris
“Against France the percentage possession split was 50-50. But when they had it they scored, when Wales had it they did not.
“You can go through phases until you’re blue in the face, unless you do something with it you achieve nothing.
“I find this with England. They should have won all their games in the autumn. But I look at the Gallagher Premiership and I don’t think it toughens you up to actually have a dogfight and scrap to a win.
“It’s a brilliant product which everyone loves, including me. But 40-30 scorelines, ‘you score, we score’ rugby, sometimes takes you away from actually winning tough matches.”
Last time at Twickenham France won 53-10. The potential for more pain is obvious. Davies understands the motives for the RFU ban on picking overseas players but feels needs must.
“For me, wherever you play you should be allowed to play for your country,” he says. “Look at South Africa. Since they’ve been allowed in to play URC and Europe there’s only one team that’s improved and that’s them.
“No question, they’ve been strengthened immensely.”
Listen to Who Gives A Ruck, the new podcast featuring Davies, Will Carling and Dean Richards
