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Isn't it going to be Fiji and Japan (hard to really argue they're not the next best two teams, conversely probably hard to argue that Italy are one of the top 12 on current performances) but then there will be the second tier with another 12 teams in and promotion/relegation between the groups? Sounds sensible to me and whoever the best team of the second tier are when they get up they'll have the chance for serious development, both on and off the pitch...
owl-
Isn't it going to be Fiji and Japan
It could be - and logic says it should be - but a lot changes between now and 2026 (see RWC draw arguments). Plus there are no criteria cited anywhere for who it might be, other than it being a decision for SANZAAR. Add to that the speculation around Georgia voting for it, when it might appear at first glance they would definitely miss out (?). And there is a desperation within World Rugby board to break into what they see as the untapped US market.
c00ps
"(Six Nations unions, SANZAAR unions and two further unions to be selected via a process run by SANZAAR)"
Hmmm...
Sounds suspiciously like the exclusion of Georgia, Portugal, Samoa, Tonga, Uruguay, USA... from meaningful fixtures to me.
Or maybe the USA will be included and Fiji ejected as a political + TV audience decision?
Either way it sounds far too easy to manipulate.