Test Rugby: Can Netherlands Remain Undefeated?

07.11.2009
Netherlands v Latvia in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)

Venue: National Rugby Centre

Referee: Reinecke (Germany)

Preview
The Netherlands remain undefeated following their close 19-16 win over Sweden last weekend. Although in second place behind Croatia they have a match in hand. With their last two games in this tournament at home there are great hopes for a clean sweep and a return to Division 2A for 2010-12.

Latvia crashed at home 9-23 to Croatia a few weeks ago and they have a an uphill battle to win this away game. There next games are against Sweden and Malta, matches they must win to avoid relegation.

Previous Encounters
08.11.2008 Netherlands 29-10 in Jelgavia (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
07.05.2005 Netherlands 48-10 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe R3, Pool C)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Sweden 22nd, Latvia 23rd

Prediction: Netherlands by 19 points

Teams

Latvia
15 Nauris Kraupša (RK LMT Eži)
14 Valters Raņķis (RK Miesnieki)
13 Viktors Silvoniks (RK Miesnieki)
12 Ruslans Kotļevs (RK LMT Eži)
11 Arvis Pilenieks (RK LMT Eži)
10 Andrejs Aleksandrovs (RK Miesnieki)
9 Bruno Brods (RK LMT Eži)
8 Mareks Larionovs (RK LMT Eži)
7 Aldis Augstkalns (RK Miesnieki)
6 Vjačeslavs Tiško (SK Ovāls)
5 Māris Robežnieks (RK Miesnieki)
4 Uģis Rupainis (RK Miesnieki)
3 Jānis Skuja (RK Miesnieki)
2 Antons Oseledko (SK Ovāls)
1 Āris Andersons (RK Miesnieki)
Replacements
16 Guntars Brūveris (Jelgavas Alnis)
17 Sandis Barks (RK LMT Eži)
18 Leno Bamanis (RK Miesnieki)
19 Nauris Bērziņš (RK LMT Eži)
20 Andris Andersons (RK Miesnieki)
21 Viesturs Punāns (RK LMT Eži)
22 Kristaps Bērziņš (RK LMT Eži)
Head Coach:

http://www.rugby.lv/

The Netherlands team is not available at the moment.