The European Nations Cup Division 1A, which also doubles as qualifying for the 2015 World Cup, wrapped up for another year last weekend, with both Georgia and Romania in imperious form and making a strong case to become the ‘seventh nation’.
These two sides are a cut above any of the others, and stood level at the head of the table on 17 points apiece before this weekend’s final fixtures. Georgia ruthlessly put a disappointing Spanish side to the sword last time round, 61-18 in Tbilisi, and los leones face a fight to remain in the division, despite being many people’s outside shot for a top two finish come 2014. The win was a fitting way for the Georgians to send captain Irakli Abuseridze into retirement. The same day Romania kept pace, overcoming a stubborn Belgian effort 14-32 in Brussels, whilst Russia solidified their third placing with a 23-31 win over Portugal in Lisbon, and truth be told, look too strong for the other sides.
This weekend produced a nervy encounter at the foot of the table, with defence coming out on top as Portugal took on Iberian rivals Spain, who were seeking their first victory of the campaign. The home side’s indiscipline had cost them in previous matches, most notably against Belgium, and almost let them down again as they conceded penalty after penalty to the Portuguese, who lead 6-9 with 80 minutes up on the clock. However, New Zealand born fly half Corey Simpson showed nerves of steel to level the scores from a penalty with the final kick of the game, the match ending in a 9-all draw.
Russia seized the opportunity to tighten their grip on third place ahead of the Portuguese by overcoming a brave Belgian side 43-32 in Sochi. Like Spain, Belgium are without a win at the halfway point of World Cup Qualification and will have to focus all their efforts on survival in the second half of their maiden campaign in the Division.
In the day’s show-piece event, Romania and Georgia served up something of an anti-climax as they cancelled each other out in Bucharest, drawing 9-9. A bruising encounter by all accounts saw both teams finish with 14 men, with neither side giving an inch in the battle for top-spot.
So halfway through World Cup Qualifying Georgia and Romania are tied on 18 points, with Russia in third on 12, followed by Portugal on four, and Spain and Belgium on two points apiece. Given the strength of the top three sides, and the gulf of both ability and points, the most interesting battle in next year’s tournament is likely to be who goes down, with all three teams looking vulnerable and having plenty to do over the next few months to ensure they’re not relegated to Division 1B for 2014-16.