There is something special brewing in the ever-emerging Rugby Europe Championship...
European Rugby's competition for emerging Rugby nations includes Portugal, Georgia, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Poland and Romania.
The teams are divided into two pools of four with each team playing the others in their pool once before a semi-final and final stage decide the winners.
Historically, Georgia has been the main power in the competition, but in recent seasons, the action has gotten significantly more competitive, with each team now realistically capable of winning matches.
Never has this been more evident than in this weekend's action, where several notable results took place.
Getting the action underway were Poland and Romania in a clash that saw the Romanians emerge with a 20 - 8 victory on the road.
Next up was a titanic struggle between Germany and Georgia at the Paul Greifzu Stadion in Dessau-Roßlau just north of Leipzig.
Pushing the Georgians all the way before succumbing to a 28 - 17 loss, Germany proved once again that they are a coming force in the global game.
One match later and the biggest upset in recent Rugby history would occur as Belgium took down 2023 Rugby World Cup darlings Portugal 10 - 6 in front of a rampant home crowd.
Scoring the only try of the match through flyhalf Hugo de Francq in the 6th minute, the Belgians put on a Herculean defensive effort for the next 74 minutes to secure the win.
Closing out the weekend, Holland, oh so nearly pulled off a major upset by pushing Spain to the brink! Coming up just two points short the Dutch proved that they are a side on the precipice of making yet another big step up.
Adding to the immense atmosphere in Amsterdam was the attendance of two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi.
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