When the Rugby World Cup rolls around every four years, the most exciting aspect of the tournament is the prospect of the very best teams from across the globe competing a competitive setting. The autumn internationals are one thing, but seeing the teams from the northern and southern hemisphere face off in knockout rugby is a completely different kettle of fish.
While you can depend on those games to deliver at every tournament, one of the most pleasing aspects of this year's edition has been the performances of some of the so-called lesser nations.
The likes of Portugal, Chile, and Uruguay have received a huge amount of plaudits for their approach up to this point, something that continued today.
Portugal and Georgia faced off in their pool stage game in Toulouse this afternoon, with the two sides playing out a thrilling 18-18 draw. It was a game that had everything, including top class tries and dramatic moments, with the match still in the balance as the clock ticked into the red.
Both sides were some remarkable tries over the course of the 80 minutes.
Silky rugby from Georgia to open the scoring against Portugal this afternoon 🤤 #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/0t382KKEQ9
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 23, 2023
This Portugal team are a joy to watch 🔥 #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/V6q91C2YaU
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 23, 2023
Georgia were on top in the first half, but after Portugal produced a second half comeback, the final few minutes would provide a huge amount of drama.
Trailing 18-13, the Georgians would score the levelling try in the 78th minute. However, they would miss the resulting conversion.
Remarkably, Portugal were then given a chance to win it. Unfortunately for them, they would miss a penalty with the final play of the game.
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐌𝐀 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐄! 🤯
Georgia levelled the game with a try on 78 minutes.
Portugal get a penalty on 81 minutes. Opt to kick. The kick just sails wide!
🇬🇪 18 - 18 🇵🇹
Wow.#GEOvPOR | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/mSqJr0Brbl— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) September 23, 2023
With this being the latest example of second-tier nations performing to the highest level, some are now calling for those teams to be given a chance to prove their worth on the biggest stage.
READ HERE: Nigel Owens Explains 'Complicated' Rule That Led To Ireland Yellow Card Against Tonga
Rugby fans call for Six Nations change after Georgia-Portugal thriller
The prospect of relegation from the Six Nations is something that has been discussed for a number of years now.
The failure of Italy to make genuine strides in their game has some questioning their status in the championship. Georgia are the nation that have most frequently been mentioned as a potential addition, but improvements made by the likes of Portugal and Spain in recent times mean that they are now also part of the conversation.
In fact, many rugby fans were calling for the two teams involved this afternoon to become involved in the Six Nations in some way.
What a game!#POR V #GEO #RWC #RWC2023
Will keep tweeting this until the end of the #WorldCup… open #SixNations to the likes of Portugal, Spain, Romania, Georgia, …
The winner of Six Nations B should play the 6th of @SixNationsRugby every 2 years!@GEORGIARUGBY @PortugalRugby— Luis Ganhao (@luis_ganhao) September 23, 2023
Drop Georgia and Portugal in the six nations and watch them compete. #rugby #rugbyworldcup
— Z (@rookieshooter92) September 23, 2023
Can we get Portugal in the six nations? Maybe wont win but very entertaining #Portugal
— Paul Batchelor (@batchy_3) September 23, 2023
Fair play, I thoroughly enjoyed that Georgia Portugal game. They have to be involved in an expanded Six Nations. They deserve it. Maybe include Spain in a 6+3 tournament with promotion/relegation? The three play four games, home and away? #RWC2023
— Mike Bubbins (@MikeBubbins) September 23, 2023
Portugal, once again, adding plenty to this Rugby World Cup. And further underlining the potential that exists in European rugby beyond the Six Nations...
— Robert Kitson (@robkitson) September 23, 2023
Is @DarrenColeman_ coaching portugal, because that wide to wide play was a DC special.
How good would 6 nations be with two tiers and promotion relegation.— Jonathon Lance (@jonno_lance) September 23, 2023
READ HERE: Paul O'Connell Has One Big Ireland Concern Ahead Of South Africa Rugby Showdown
While promotion and relegation in the Six Nations would be a very appealing prospect for supporters, it remains to be seen if teams involved would sanction any move. You would imagine that Italy would strongly oppose such a move, while the other countries could also veto it due to the fear that one bad season would seen them kicked out of the championship for the following year.
Those concerns are valid, but it seems about time that the likes of Georgia and Portugal are given the chance to develop by facing top quality opposition on a consistent basis.
Hopefully some sort of arrangement can be reached in the near future.
SEE ALSO: Nigel Owens Explains 'Complicated' Rule That Led To Ireland Yellow Card Against Tonga
