TEST RUGBY RESULTS; 26-27 February

27.02.2010
Ireland 20, England 16 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Italy 16, Scotland 12 in Rome (6 Nations)
Russia 21, Romania 21 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Portugal 69, Germany 0 in Heusenstamm (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Georgia 17, Spain 9 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Greece 31, Finland 10 in Patras (ENC 3C)

26.02.2010
France 26, Wales 20 in Cardiff (6 Nations)

Briefly
Ireland struck back following their Paris disaster two weeks earlier to defeat England at Twickenham. This result keeps alive Ireland's hope of retaining the 6 Nations Trophy. It also eliminates England as a contender.

France will need to fall dramatically for them not to take the title. They had to withstand a typical Welsh comeback to remain undefeated. The Grand Slam looks to be within their grasp.

Italy finally won a 6 Nations game. Again it was Scotland who suffered at the hands of the Azzuri in Rome. Woeful Scotland looks like being a wooden spoon holder this season.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	PT
FRANCE	3	3	0	0	77	39	+38	6
ENGLAND	3	2	0	1	60	49	+11	4
IRELAND	3	2	0	1	59	60	-1	4
WALES	3	1	0	2	68	77	-9	2
ITALY	3	1	0	2	39	58	-19	2
SCOTLAND	3	0	0	3	57	67	-10	0

6 Nations Next Round

13.03.2010
Ireland v Wales in Dublin
England v Scotland at Murrayfield
14.03.2010
France v Italy in Paris

Russia and Romania fought out a dramatic 21-21 all draw in Bucharest. The quality of play was not high but the thrilling finish was dramatic. The result means Russia automatically qualifies for the 2011 Rugby World Cup Finals. This will be Russia's first time at a Rugby World Cup finals tournament. Romania looks a likely repecharge contender.

Georgia maintained its lead in the European Nations Cup with a close 17-9 win against Spain. Spain would have to be one of the most improved European teams this season.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
GEORGIA	8	7	1	0	286	102	184	23
RUSSIA	8	5	1	1	235	128	107	22
PORTUGAL	8	4	1	3	213	114	99	17
ROMANIA	7	3	1	3	192	114	78	15
SPAIN	7	1	0	6	106	201	-96	9
GERMANY	8	0	0	8	30	382	-283	8

World Cup Qualifying Round 5, ENC 1 Next Round

13.03.2010
Romania v Georgia in Bucharest
Spain v Portugal in Madrid
Russia v Germany in Sochi

Greece continued its winning way in ENC 3C with a comfortable 31-10 win over visitors Finland. Bulgaria leads the competition but Greece has a game in hand.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
BULGARIA	6	4	0	2	134	97	37	14
GREECE	5	4	0	1	111	77	34	13
ISRAEL	4	4	0	0	136	26	110	12
LUXEMBOURG	6	2	0	4	72	112	-40	10
FINLAND	7	0	0	7	73	224	-120	7

ENC 3C Next Games

13.03.2010
Greece v Luxembourg in Greece (venue TBC)