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Well, Round 2 didn't disappoint! The Top 4 teams, stuck to their tasks and got the job done. Congratulations to Georgia, Spain, Portugal & Romania for qualifying for the RWC 2027! This weekend though, they get to face off to decide top spot in their respective groups! All 4 teams will still be aiming to win the REC overall!
However, the weekend turns to the battle for 5th spot in the REC, which gives that team, a glimmer of hope to qualify for the RWC 2027 too!
The focus for the teams this weekend will be the home tie advantage in the play offs in 2 weeks time. Netherlands will be looking to convert their stronger performance against Georgia into a victory at home against Switzerland. Whilst, Switzerland will be looking to state their claim after showing their ability in periods against Spain.
Belgium travel to Germany in the battle for 3rd in their group. Both teams have put in solid performances against the top 2 teams in the league, Germany will be looking to take advantage of finally getting to play on home soil in the tournament. This is really teed up to be the match of the tournament, and a must watch for every rugby fan!
| # | Team | PL | W | L | D | PD | BP | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Georgia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 143 | 2 | 10 |
| 2 |  Spain | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 59 | 2 | 10 |
| 3 |  Netherlands | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -62 | 0 | 00 |
| 4 |  Switzerland | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -140 | 0 | 00 |
| # | Team | PL | W | L | D | PD | BP | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Portugal | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 2 | 10 |
| 2 |  Romania | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 55 | 1 | 09 |
| 3 |  Belgium | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -27 | 0 | 00 |
| 4 |  Germany | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | -80 | 0 | 00 |
The Netherlands looked a lot more assured against Georgia at the weekend but just came up against a better Rugby side. Switzerland definitely found a rhythm at times against a rotated Spanish side, which will definitely give them confidence ahead of the trip to the Netherlands.
My view is the game will be pretty cagey to start with but the Netherlands will come out the victors with a 20 plus margin. Switzerland will have plenty of chances in the game but the Dutch will be able to force errors and turnovers around this. The Netherlands will be able to draw clear in the final 20 minutes, when the fitness level difference will be clear to see.
Romania host Portugal with the intention to take top spot in the group. However, they have taken a while to get going in their games so far in the tournament. That is definitely something that can't be said about Portugal, they have started their games with electrifying pace. Another great time ahead, however, Portugal should get the better of Romania, even away from home. The only thing that will let them down, and ensure the game is closer than it should be , is the seriously poor game management that Portugal have had. Simon Mannix will have had mixed emotions from their last few games, even after ensuring RWC qualification. Poor decision making and switching off a key times could cost Portugal against Romania, but not enough to see defeat in my opinion.
Madrid is set to host an absolute blinder of a game! Spain will be plotting the downfall of the mighty Georgian side that have now leapfrogged the Welsh in the World Rankings. Georgia will be looking to solidify their claim to sit at the top table with a 8th straight REC title. Sadly, as a Spanish resident, I can't see it being this year that Spain are able to top the Georgian firepower. There are still a few aspects of the Spanish game to strengthen but the gap is narrowing. This game could end up as the ultimate chess match or an absolute try fest with each team going through their back line. As I will be in attendance, I will be hoping for the try fest!
This has all the hallmarks of being the game of the Round! Both teams have a fairly even H2H history in this tournament, and both have eyes on the 5th spot in the tournament to go on for RWC Qualifications rounds. Both teams have performed well in defeat against the bigger teams in the group so far. Germany haven't had the chance to showcase their rugby in front of their home fans until now. I feel this will give them the extra impetus to get over the line in this tie. Belgium had a few key players limp off in the last game against Romania, who will be hoping it is nothing serious. This game is a must watch for every rugby fan!
