The Battle for RWC places heats up in the Rugby Europe Championship
- 3274
Spain is in the driving seat to qualify for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan despite being 3 points behind the leaders Romania.
The Spaniards rested a large portion of their first choice match 23 against Georgia last week as they look to secure victories over Germany and Belgium in the coming weeks.
Georgia's performance at the last World Cup secured them qualification for the 2019 edition of the tournament and look set to reclaim their Rugby Europe Championship from Romania.
Romania host Belgium in their last Rugby World Cup Qualifier and will be expected to pick up a winning bonus having beaten the Belgians 17-33 away from home last year.
Here is the ranking for @rugbyworldcup European qualifiers after games played today in #REC2018 . Spain (@ferugby ) and @RugbyRomania are in the race for qualification. Still 2 rounds for the final ranking.
Details on https://t.co/duIKEh3AQN pic.twitter.com/QPZc2QJyme
— Rugby Europe (@rugby_europe) March 3, 2018
The side that secures qualification will earn a direct route to Japan as Europe 1 and will join Ireland, Scotland, hosts Japan and the Play-Off Winner in Pool A.
Elsewhere, in the Rugby Europe Championship Russia host an inform Georgian side that will have one eye on the Rugby Europe title. Georgia ran out 28-14 in the reserve fixture last year.