I can’t think of a rugby tournament that gives more joy and offers more moments of outrageous skill and potential not to mention food for thought and conjecture.
France are the reigning holders from 2019 in Argentina after which Covid did its worst for a couple of years and then it all proved too difficult to cobble together a global event last summer with some nations still a long way behind on their junior programmes.
But it’s back now and look out. There will be the usual explosion of fast maturing talent to mentally note down or, in the case of the club scouts and players agents, energetically chase after to sign on the dotted line. That’s if they aren’t already committed.
It seems an age since 2019 but my memories are of a typically eclectic tournament and, as ever, you needed to keep your eyes open and go off piste a little. The big nations enjoy a natural inbuilt advantage at this level but some of the best players are in those teams who fail to make the finals and often play on the back pitches or before the main event.
That was certainly the case down in Rosario when the players who really took my eye were dashing Pumitas wing Mateo Carreras – who hasn’t scrubbed up too badly at Newcastle Falcons – and the Italian duo of Ange Capuozzo and Paolo Garbisi who hinted at better times ahead for the Azzuri and are begging to deliver.
The brilliant Davit Niniashvili, two years young for the tournament, was outstanding in all of Georgia’s games as was his fly-half Tedo Abzhandadze. Both were immediately promoted to the Lelos senior side where they have added much needed class and invention to the backline.
This story is from the June 18, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 18, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.