Jonathan Davies believes Georgia have earned the opportunity to gain promotion to the Six Nations championship, even if that means relegation for Wales.
With Wales on the brink of being overtaken by Georgia in the world rankings, the Dragons must snap a 13-game losing streak to beat Italy in Rome on Saturday to avoid dropping to 12th place.
READ: Beleaguered Wales face wooden spoon battle
Meanwhile, Georgia — coached by former England hooker Richard Cockerill — have not lost in the Tier 2 Rugby Europe championship since 2017. In matches between the two teams, Georgia edged the hosts 13-12 at the Principality Stadium in 2022, and Wales won 43-19 in the 2023 Rugby World Cup pool stage clash.
“Georgia deserve to have a pop at this,” Davies told Planet Rugby. “If top of Tier 2 goes to whoever finishes bottom of the Six Nations and wins, they should get in. That’s only fair.
“Back when Italy were always finishing last I felt a playoff was the right thing to do, so I can’t change my mind now because Wales are bottom.”
A legend of Welsh rugby, union and league, who played 37 Tests between 1985 and 1997, Davies says an overhaul of the rugby system is the only way back for Wales.
“I desperately want Wales to win, for the players and for the supporters,” he said. “I really feel for the players. Everything is doom and gloom. It seems it’s going to be a long time before we become really competitive again on the world scene.
“People say ‘change the coach’ but what difference would that make now? We must have a long-term plan. Total reform of the game in Wales, from the schools up to the national side. A restart. Everyone in Welsh rugby to come together on this.”
Six Nations round 2 fixtures
Saturday
Italy vs Wales, 4:15pm (Stadio Olimpico)
England vs France, 6:45pm (Twickenham)
Sunday
Scotland vs Ireland, 5pm (Murrayfield)
Photo: Paul Harding/Getty Images
