Spedding: Dump Italy, Boks 'would hold their own quite easily' in Six Nations
For former France fullback Scott Spedding, who was born in South Africa, the time has come to add the Springboks to the Six Nations and give an under-performing Italy the boot.
With South Africa’s top four franchises having exited Super Rugby to play in the United Rugby Championship, there is growing speculation that the reigning Rugby World Cup holders could swap the Rugby Championship for the Six Nations when the broadcast agreement comes to an end in 2025. The Springboks’ participation in the four-team tournament has been confirmed until then by SANZAAR but the suits at SA Rugby haven’t hidden their intent to transform the domestic game and align with the northern hemisphere.
The Six Nations competition organisers recently released a statement which sought to underline that they ‘are not entertaining any discussion nor developing any plans to add or replace any participating Union’ but Spedding believes it’s time to shake up the status quo.
“It will be fantastic to see the Springboks play in the Six Nations,” Spedding tells RugbyPass in an exclusive from his holiday home in South Africa. “I believe it makes so much sense commercially and travel-wise for South Africa to join the competition. As much as it will be tough for the traditionalists to accept as it would change the flavour of the Six Nations, the world champions would fill stadiums and it would be fantastic to see European teams play the Springboks more often.”
Spedding suggests that it’s time for Italy, who joined the Six Nations in 2000 and have lost 34 consecutive matches, to make way for the Springboks in order to allow for an increased level of competition and preserve the northern hemisphere’s premier international competition.
The ex-France international, who was a member of the 2015 team that blanked Italy 29-0 in Rome, pulled no punches when asked about the Azzurri’s ongoing future in the competition.
“The reality is that Italy don’t add much value to the tournament and the Springboks would be a breath of fresh air,” says the 35-year-old, who retired from professional rugby in 2019 having played for four French outfits. “I’m all for the game evolving and rugby becoming more exciting but the problem is that we have got stuck in traditional ways of doing things.”
While there has been pushback in terms of Italy’s potential Six Nations exit with Sir Clive Woodward labelling it ‘brainless’, Spedding reveals that when he was part of the French team from 2014 to 2017, they would focus on maximising their points differential when they faced Italy and never felt they were in danger of losing to the Italians. Of the 21 Six Nations tournaments Italy have been a part of to date, they have been wooden spoonists 16 times.
“For us, and the other teams that came up against Italy in the Six Nations, the plan was always to get as many points as possible against them because that could count when you got to the final round and the winner had to be decided on points difference.”
Spedding’s candid admission is a damning indictment of Italy’s ongoing presence in the competition. Italy are currently rooted to the foot of the Six Nations table after opening round defeats to France and England. They are on course for yet another wooden spoon, which makes a mockery of their continued participation in the north’s premier competition.
Spedding believes that the Springbok’ style of play is well-suited to the northern hemisphere game and the men in green and gold would make a seamless transition into the Six Nations.
“The Six Nations is an extremely tough competition. I played in three editions of the tournament and it’s a different style of rugby in the north and the conditions are tough. But it’s probably just the type of rugby that suits the Springboks because they are physical upfront and do plenty of kicking,” he notes. “There is no doubt that the Boks are a quality side and I’m pretty sure they would come in as favourites. I think they would hold their own quite easily because they have a favourable record against the northern hemisphere sides.”
Some have suggested that the Springboks leaving behind the Rugby Championship and not facing the All Blacks on a regular basis could have an adverse effect for the nations ranked first and second in the world game and with a combined six World Cup titles between them.
“I think it’s a fair point. South Africa have had a lot to do with New Zealand’s success over the years and visa versa. There is no doubt that the Springboks and All Blacks playing against each other so frequently makes them extremely challenging opposition when they face other countries. You are only going to get better as a team playing against top quality sides. If South Africa join the Six Nations, it might have a negative impact on both South Africa and New Zealand because those matches make you battle-hardened as a team. But the people at the top have to make those sorts of decisions and see if it’s a rugby or commercial decision.”
Over and above calling for the Springboks’ entry into the Six Nations, Spedding is of the view that a global season needs to be introduced as soon as possible in order to level the playing fields. While a global season has long been touted, the suits at World Rugby are still stalling.
“We need to move to a global season at some stage and see the best of the best playing against each other all the time,” says Spedding, who featured at the 2015 World Cup. “If a global season were to be implemented you would have everyone fresh at the same time which would be lovely to watch. Unfortunately, at the present moment I fear that we are a long way from there with some of the stuffy traditionalist suits who still run World Rugby.”
Spedding references France’s three-Test series of South Africa in 2017, in which the Springboks claimed a clean-sweep, as a case in point. “When we toured South Africa five years ago, we had to play against the Springboks who were just starting out their season, while we were at the end of ours. We had already played 11 months of rugby, so we were on a hiding to nothing. And when the Springboks come to Europe they are also at the back-end of their season. As spectators, we want to see strength versus strength all of the time.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Interesting insight. Fantastic athlete, and a genuine human being.
12 Go to commentsThey played at night in Suva last weekend and it’s an afternoon game forecast for 19 degrees in Canberra this weekend. Heat change is a non issue.
1 Go to commentsWishing Rosie a speedy recovery
1 Go to commentsObscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
12 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
12 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
15 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
12 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to comments