Test Match: Cyprus Travels to Monaco

14.11.2009
Cyprus v Monaco in Menton

Venue: Stade du Val d'Annaud

Referee: Busutil (Malta)

Preview
Menton is a town in France close to the Principality of Monaco.

Cyprus played its first international rugby match in 2007 when they easily defeated Greece 39-3. In the eight tests played since they have been defeated only once, by Israel in a 3C/3D playoff last year. Having already defeated pool favourites Bosnia Herzegovina away, they remain undefeated and are likely winners of Pool D, and thus promotion to ENC 3C for 2010-12.

Monaco is a team mixed with international players from around the worldand some locals. This has caused them problems in the past especially when they win a game. Somebody complains about player eligibility, they are investigated, and more often than not, they have players who are not eligible. And do they care? Well, they take their rugby seriously but realistically without their international players they would not have a team.

Monaco is more than likely to be playing Azerbaijan for the wooden spoon in this competition. There is no relegation as this is the lowest level of competition in Europe.

Previous Encounters
06.12.2008 Cyprus 24-3 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
31.10.2007 Cyprus 19-10 in Nicosia

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 38th, Monaco 40th

Prediction: Difficult to ascertain without team lists. Cyprus has to travel, but I'll pick them to win by 7 points.

Teams
Neither team list is available at present