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I can see the pros and cons.
SA
- time difference is better with the 6Ns
- Expats in the UK
- teams we play for are UK/EU
But then it will challenge the "we would definitely beat the boks 2/3 or 4/5 games. they had a lucky win" theory.
I think it would be good for the 6Ns overall.
- time difference is better with the 6Ns
ChainBreaker-
we would definitely beat the boks 2/3 or 4/5 games. they had a lucky win
Not sure there are many spouting this, barring the usual suspects in the press.
I agree there is an overall upside to the suggestion. But I am not convinced it would happen - too much protectionism and "but that's how we've always done it".
I'd feel for Italy though, as they'd seem to be an obvious casualty. They seem to have turned a corner with the age-groups' performances recently - there has been too much expectation for them to improve quickly - after all, they've only been in there since 2000 and it takes ca. 15 years to produce a junior pro from minis to contract (and that's with a mature development pathway - a la England / Ireland / Wales / France / etc.).
The SA players would also get to meet all their mates playing for Ireland, Italy, Scotland, France... (trollololololollololollolol...)
c00ps
This is very interesting, as is the amount of opposition in the press.
On an unrelated note, RFU slashing Championship clubs' funding stinks to high heaven.
"No ringfencing here..." while pulling up the ladder at the same time. Blazers lining their pockets again...