Cockerill: Why do Wales get a free pass?

Today at 08:46 AM

Head coach Richard Cockerill insists Georgia have “earned the right” to face Wales in a playoff for a place in the 2026 Six Nations.

Speaking to BBC Sport, the former England hooker believes the Lelos, who face the world champion Springboks in July, deserve a shot at the top tier after securing an eighth straight Rugby Europe Championship title.

Meanwhile, winless Wales finished bottom of the Six Nations for a second consecutive year, extending their record Test-losing streak to 17.

Georgia beat Wales for the first time in 2022 and were the last nation to lose to the Welsh at the 2023 World Cup.

“If you are finishing bottom of the Six Nations, why do you just get free rein to turn up next year and play?” said Cockerill.

EX-SCOTLAND STAR: Franco could take Gregor's job

“We want the opportunity to prove we can compete, so surely it’s logical we get a playoff. It would be the richest game in world rugby – Georgia versus Wales to decide who plays in the Six Nations.”

Georgia have climbed to 11th in the world rankings, overtaking Wales, and Cockerill argues they need tougher opposition.

“We feel we’re probably too strong for this tournament [Rugby Europe Championship],” he said. “For us to improve, we need to play at a higher level. We need to lose games, as Italy did in the early 2000s.”

However, he acknowledges a playoff is unlikely. “If you’re in the Six Nations, why would you vote for it? It might be you next. The financial and rugby ramifications would be huge.”

Photo: Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images

The post Cockerill: Why do Wales get a free pass? appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.