Normally in this column we cover pure T2 clashes only, but last weekend there was some crossover between T2 and the lower ranked T1 sides. The matches provided drama, intrigue, and vital insights ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Let’s talk about it…
Tapladze (67'), Kakhoidze (76')
Tries
Riley (9')
Abzhandadze (69', 77')
Conversions
Lee (10')
Abzhandadze (4', 28', 44')
Penalties
Lee (7', 25', 31', 42', 72', 80')
Normally in this column we cover pure T2 clashes only, but last weekend there was some crossover between T2 and the lower ranked T1 sides. The matches provided drama, intrigue, and vital insights ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Let’s talk about it…
This was arguably the most important and most thrilling game of the weekend. The 11th and 13th ranked teams in the world squared off last weekend. The reward for the winner would be a 2nd seed ranking at rugby world cup, the loser would be confined to being a third seed, meaning it being likely they will face 2 teams from either the Six Nations, Rugby Championship or one from either.
What’s more, this was a change for Georgia, who have been excluded from the T1 nations championship, to further their case that they should be considered a top rugby nation. For Japan, they needed to prove that they are still a top rugby nation and their slide since the 2019 world cup has been arrested.
The game was tense and dramatic. The two sides exchanged penalty goals early on before Dylan Riley scored a brilliant solo score, outpacing 3 Georgians on his way to the line before diving on the loose ball. As it transpired, this was Japan’s only try of the match. Georgia went close through Tabustadze, with the stadium director letting off the flame throwers as he bared down on the line, only for a brilliant tap tackle to cause him to drop the ball a couple of metres short.
Georgia are known for their scrummaging and Japan are thought of as a week scrummaging team, but the Japanese won two against scrums against the head in this game and dominated at the lineout with the world class Warner Dearns pinching Georgian throws at clutch moments.
More penalties were exchanged but Japan dominated early territory and possession. The Brave Blossoms appeared willing to settle for 3 pointers, with the assured boot of Lee Seungsin trusted above going for the corner. Japan won the first half 16-6 and lead 19-9 until the 68th as Georgia started to turn the tide.
The Japanese defence finally started to break; First Tapaladze crossed and then 9 minutes later Kakhoidze controversially burrowed over with Japanese players protesting he had been part of the ruck. Fly-half Abzandadze converted to give the home side a 23-22 lead with 2 minutes to play. Georgia had turned it around with 17 points to 6 in the 2nd half.
However, the game was not done. Japan went back on the attack and won a penalty with the clock in the red. That man Lee, who during the match had become the top points scorer in test rugby in 2025, stepped up. With coach Eddie Jones looking on, he nailed the shot at goal to send his nation to the World Cup as 2nd seed and condemn the Georgians to T2 purgatory for 4 more years.
These two sides met for the 2nd time this year with the Romanians looking to avenge their humiliating 70-8 loss back in July whilst Uruguay aimed to re-establish themselves as a top T2 nation. The visitors always had the better of the game, scoring two tries in the first quarter to establish a lead they never gave up.
2 more tries followed in the 2nd half to make it 31-14 right up until the 77th minute when the Romanians scored the last of their 4 tries to make it a respectable 21-31 at full time. The hosts might argue they could have won were it not for giving away 3 yellow cards during the match. The result keeps Uruguay safe in the 3rd seeding pool for the world cup whilst Romania are not guaranteed 4th seed.
Portugal’s slide from people calling for their Six Nations inclusion to the 4th best team in Rugby Europe has been jarring. A humiliating 100 point defeat to Ireland without their Lions and a limp defeat at home to Uruguay have been followed up with an easy win against Hong Kong ahead of this game. Considering the derision and mocking Canada have been subject to from the wider rugby community, them pushing Portugal all the way away from home says a lot about where the hosts currently find themselves.
It was 16-16 all at half time with a converted try and 3 penalties each – start player Nicholas Martins being the man to cross for Portugal. The hosts managed pull away in the 2nd half, scoring 25 points in 25 minutes after the restart before a yellow card to Baptista in the 68th minute threw the result into jeopardy. Canada kept in touch throughout but were unable to land the killer blow. The game finished 33-27 and both sides with be 4th seeds at the world cup.
This game was very nearly a huge upset. Fiji have established themselves as a top 10 team since the last world cup but very nearly had an embarrassing result here. Spain have gone about their November series differently, opting to play against England and Ireland A sides rather than other T2 first teams. It appears to have put them in good stead as they lead 15-14 at the break and 33-26 with 15 minutes to go.
However, Fiji’s bench made the difference and tries from Doge and Nasova made the game safe before a late Armstrong-Ravula penalty made doubly sure on 78 minutes. In the end the visitors scored 5 tries to the hosts’ 4 but they were given an almighty scare. Still, 6 wins from 9 represents a sloid return for the Fijians, whilst 3 November losses perhaps belies the quiet progress the Spanish are making. They will be 3rd seeds at the World Cup.
The Italians fielded a rotated side to welcome Chile for the first game since beating Samoa to qualify for the rugby world cup. This game was originally supposed to feature Samoa in Chile’s place, but that was switched with the former committed to the World Cup Repechage.
As expected, it was a comfortable win for the Italians but Chile more than earned the respect of their hosts. The scored tries in both halves, including a score that went viral on social media thanks to a thrilling kick chase and finish from Saab (although Italian fullback Ange Capuozzo should be very embarrassed about his defending).
Meanwhile, the two sides had near identical 22m entry conversion at 3.4 vs 3.2 whilst it was 5 line breaks apiece. These stats showcase Chile’s innate attacking DNA and skilful players. However, set piece is what let the visitors down with just 50% line out success and a scrum lost against the head.
Capuozzo himself did at least score his 2nd try in as many test matches, bringing his tally for this season to 6 in 6 starts for club and country. Chile now join Uruguay in the 3rd seed pot for the World Cup, meaning 3 of the 4 Spanish speaking teams are in that pot (Argentina being in pot 1).
