What a way to wrap up the 2026 Men’s Rugby Europe Championship pool stage, with Switzerland providing a result that will go down in history as one of the greatest and most spectacular feats in the competition’s history.
Portugal’s attack was insatiable against Romania, while Georgia’s defence was paramount to gun down any ideas of a Spanish win in Tbilisi, with these being the Hot Stats of Round 3!
Georgia: a mighty defence earns big wins
Georgia came out unscathed from the 2026 pool stage, and while their attacking delivered yet again an entertaining show and multiple tries, their defence was key to earning them an uncontested 1st place.
Against a Spanish side that aspired to come out as the victors of a tight physical contest, the Lelos raised their walls and only missed five out of 100 tackle attempts.
While the Los Leones still managed to bag 30 points, it wasn’t enough to take down a team that refuses to let go of its winning streak, with its defence being the cornerstone of an awesome feat that has lasted for the last eight years.
95 successful tackles and an almost 100% success against one of the main title challengers is a spectacular defensive performance that will certainly benefit the Lelos come the knockout stages.
Luka Ivanishvili, with 13 tackles, was the top defender of a brutal physical clash, followed by Provence’s Tornike Jalagonia (12) and Oyonnax’s Vano Karkadze (9).
Say whatever you want about the way the Lelos play the game, at the end of the day, their defence is a frightening sight for those unprepared to take a hit… or two.
Belgium: stealing lineouts (and maul driving) for fun
In the end, Belgium were far too powerful for Germany to avoid defeat, with the hosts nailing an 18-3 win that will allow them to host a ranking semifinal come the 7th of March.
However, how did the Diables Noirs manage to put down such a relentless and determined side like Germany? Well, it came down to set-piece and bending the lineout, scrum and driving maul to their own will.
Belgium scored three tries from the back of the driving maul, successfully pushing Germany back to set up not only the game’s tone but a score that gave them some comfort after two disheartening losses against Portugal and Romania.
But it wasn’t the Belgian own lineouts that were impressive; it was the way they were able to pilfer and counter Germany’s throw-ins, stealing five balls to put a dent in the Schwarze Adler's aspirations.
The Belgian forward pack took the mantle of a voracious set-piece behemoth that kept growing by the lineout and scrum, winning their feed and sowing chaos in the few chances that Germany had to earn some points.
For all the talk about backline plays and velvety tries, when a forward pack clicks and purrs, there’s no stopping it —something Belgium demonstrated perfectly last weekend. 
Switzerland: the Jules Porcher effect
You were all warned that Switzerland was planning an all-time stun and after making Georgia and Spain sweat in those opening halves, the Swiss took down the Netherlands, with Jules Porcher playing a monumental role.
But what does his performance have to do with ‘Hot Stats’? Well, it has to do with everything.
Let’s start with the basics: tries. The Edelweiss claimed four tries, two of which were directly linked with Jules Porcher. In the hosts' opening try, the fly half fired a perfect wide pass for Cyril Fluckiger to ground on the corner, giving Switzerland a footing in the game.
In the second half, and after they had bagged a stunning finish after a remarkable interception, Porcher from nothing punted a short-distance crosskick that caught the whole Dutch by surprise, giving Lucas Schimd time and space to assist for Johnatan Dallet’s try.
Porcher’s decision-making not only translated into two five-pointers, but also was converted into two successful conversions and a penalty goal that pulled Switzerland into the lead.
Porcher’s talent and undying energy made his teammates and fans believe that they were on the cusp of something truly special, and, thanks to his outstanding performance, they ultimately succeeded.
Portugal: is there a way to stop the Lobos from running amok?
24 defenders beaten, 18 clean breaks, ten offloads and seven tries. These stats were all that Portugal 'could' manage against Romania, in what was the Lobos' highest point-margin win against the Stejarii, a truly remarkable feat with all things considered.
Again, Portugal’s numbers while on the attack are profoundly terrifying, as they can needle the opposition with ease and finesse, creating sensational plays that have the potential to end in a collective celebration.
With Rodrigo Marta and Manuel Cardoso Pinto leading the charge, the Lobos dismantled the highly physical Romanian blockade, forcing their way through like a sharp knife in hot butter.
And when the opposition’s barricade was managing to stop Portugal’s runners on their tracks, then a short punt from Samuel Marques or Manuel Vareiro was enough to unlock the keys to try heaven.
After a perilous time where nothing seemed to go their way, Portugal is now enjoying a 5-win streak with clean breaks, side steps, offloads, tries and celebrations lighting their way in the 2026 Men’s Rugby Europe Championship.
By Francisco Isaac
