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The excitement of the Rugby Europe Championships is still not over!
With the Top 4 teams still in with a chance of winning the tournament overall. The Bottom 4 teams have all eyes on finishing 5th overall and that last chance to gone on for further RWC 2027 qualification rounds.
Top seeds Georgia host a out of sorts Romanian side on Sunday 2nd March in Tblisi, Georgia will be targetting an 8th straight REC title. With dominant displays throughout the tournament, even when they weren't as disciplined as they should be in this tournament. Georgia should blow away any hopes of a Romanian challenge, and ensure a home final for the 1st place final on the weekend 14 - 16th March. Romania have been self declared as a team in rebuild mode, and their performances have shown that. They will have to dig deep to ensure they aren't on the receiving end of a heavy defeat in Tblisi.
Portugal host Spain in Jamor on Saturday 1st March, after winning their group pretty comfortably after a scare from Belgium on the opening weekend. The Iberian Derby will hold a significant change to what Portugal have had to face in this tournament so far. Two very attacking sides will go head to head for their opportunity to take on a likely opponent in Georgia for the REC title. Both teams have shown what they can do going forwards, but have left a fair bit to be desired in their defensive abilities. Especially, the tendencies to switch off around the breakdown. This will be a true spectacle to behold and too tight to call.
Belgium will be extremely confident with the arrival of Switzerland and their chances to securing the home tie advantage for the 5th place play off. Switzerland have had a true baptism of fire in this tournament, and it looks likely to continue with a strong Belgium side. This game will be a chance for Belgium to potentially rotate their squad, and also go after a high score. Switzerland will be looking to get points on the board after suffering 2 lock outs so far this tournament. The Swiss have had glimpses of what they can do and will put in a shift. But this years tournament will leave them with plenty to work on ahead of their return next year round. Belgium should comfortably run over double figure tries in this fixture.
The Netherlands host Germany on Saturday 1st March too, and off the backing of a clinical display against Switzerland. The Dutch will look to exploit the German defence that has been well up for tackling and getting amongst it, but their discipline has seriously hampered them in the tournament. The Netherlands looked a different outfit with Boris Hadinegoro pulling the strings at 9, so hopefully they will stick with that style for another game ahead of a likely 5th place play off. Germany have been banging on the door, throughout the tournament but can't seem to keep enough players on the pitch to make a impact.
