07.11.2009
New Zealand 19, Wales 12 in Cardiff
Australia 18, England 9 at Twickenham
Namibia 12, Portugal 9 in Lisbon
Malta 25, Sweden 23 in Paolo (ENC 2B)
Netherlands 57, Latvia 3 in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)
Luxembourg 9, Finland 3 in Luxembourg (ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina 16, Azerbaijan 5 in Baku (ENC 3D)-Originally given as 16-15
06.11.2009
Georgia ‘A’ 54, Poland 5 in Tblissi (Status of Polish side to be determined)
Argentina XV 55, Uruguay 13 in Buenos Aires
Leicester Tigers 22, South Africa 17 in Leicester (Non-test)
Reviews
Poland took what looked on paper to be a very weak side to Georgia.
Pics here http://forum.ge/?f=17&showtopic=34034023&st=120 and http://www.sport.gov.ge/index.php?lang_id=GEO&sec_id=1
Uruguay will have an uphill battle to qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup as they struggled twice against an Argentine Invitation XV.
Report in Spanish here at http://www.uar.com.ar/noticias4.asp?notcod=20091106175133
Argentina XV on attack. Image thanks to www.uar.com.ar
![ImhoffJuan2-ArgInvXV[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFOrUcER7PMBjy3to4ZGoIxPolxIYrDTH5-8mWX0NAirO2LYlBRkhJ6nXD4micpjo9SssGGaFFiZCV6k1IQe6eZnraOBEeUFfXkOhWtxIShIoeRbjXHdHpGGsrYs0vprowDgQGDy-uR4/s1600-h/ImhoffJuan2-ArgInvXV%5B1%5D%5B2%5D.jpg)
New Zealand dominated Wales to edge out the boys from the vales. Wales showed more flare but poor handling and a lack of finish cost them points. The Kiwis moved into 'grind down' mode in the second half, with Dan Carter again the supremo tactician.
Australia came back from 5-9 down to defeat an English side, Wilkinson apart, deficient of a game plan away from grinding forward play. Australia's ability to bounce back would have pleased coach Deans. Its has been Australia's weak second half efforts that has been a worry this year. As for Wilkinson, all the old magic is still there. Pity his fellow backs lacked attacking flair.
In European rugby, Namibia showed its deeper playing experience by just edging out Portugal 12-9 in Lisbon, whilst Malta caused an upset by defeating Sweden 25-23 at home. The Netherlands overwhelmed Latvia and look set to return to ENC 2A, whilst Luxembourg made hard work of their 9-3 win over Finland. The Finns look destined to play in ENC 3D for 2010-12. Finally Azerbaijan went down 5-16 to the visiting Bosnians. (edited 09.11.09)
Posts
I don't know if Malta over Sweden was such an upset. Malta won last year in Sweden, so it's not unreasonable to assume they could repeat at home.
ReplyDeleteAny idea how promotion/relegation between 3C and 3D will work this time? Will the #4 team in 3C have to face a challenge from the #2 team in 3D?
Even though Uruguay will probably not qualify by beating the US, I still like their chances in the Final Place Playoff.
Hi Alan. Good question. I'll find out
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of which, I have tried to join the forum over at fira-aer-rugby several times. Each time I've signed up, it tells me that I will receive an email from a moderator so I can finish the process. I get that this isn't a job for those people and they won't respond immediately, but it's happened three times (I've used various email addresses) over several months. Do they not want new participants?
ReplyDelete