SPAIN v PORTUGAL: REC 1A

14.03.2015

Venue: Coimbra

Referee: Matt Carley (England)

Preview
There is nothing like a local derby clash. These two Iberian neighbours have a long rugby history going back to the 1930’s. Recent form would suggest a close game.

At this stage of the competition neither side is a real contender for top honours. They sit in the middle of the table. A win for both sides is vital to keep within striking distance of the leaders.

Portugal has played two very different games in their last two matches. They defended brilliantly against Georgia and held the hosts 15-20. Then two weeks ago they struggled at home to overcome bottom team Germany. They are a difficult team to predict.

Spain has been showing signs of improved consistency this season. However each time the selectors sit down to plan their team they are forced to make changes. It appears to be a problem having so many players involved in the French club competitions.

I predict this will be a very close game.

Other Preview
http://www.rugbyeurope.eu/article-736.htm

Last Five Encounters
15.03.2014 Spain 28-24 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
16.03.2013 Drawn 9-9 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
10.03.2012 Portugal 23-17 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
12.03.2011 Spain 25-10 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
13.03.2010 Portugal 33-15 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

These two Iberian neighbours have a long test rugby history that goes back to 1935.

Spain Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
28.02.2015 v Georgia L 13-26 in Madrid (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Romania L 8-29 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Russia W 43-20 in Madrid (REC 1A)
22.06.2014 v Argentina Jaguars L 7-41 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
18.06.2014 v Emerging Italy L 0-37 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)

Portugal Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
28.02.2015 v Germany W 8-3 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Georgia L 15-20 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Romania L 10-37 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
22.11.2014 v Namibia W 29-20 in Lisbon
15.03.2014 v Spain L 24-28 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Spain 21st, Portugal 22nd
Europe Table: Spain 10th, Portugal 11th

Rugby World Ranking Points
Spain 61.61, Portugal 58.37

Prediction: Spain by 1 point

TEAMS

Spain Squad
Francisco Blanco Alonso (CR Cisneros)
Sergi Aubanell (Stade Aurillacois, France)
David Barrera-Howarth (Tricastin Pierrelate-St Paul, France)
Frederico Castiglioni (Gernika RT)
Julen Goia (Biarritz Olympique, France)
David Gonzalez (US Olympique Nivernaise, France))
Joseph Hutchinson (US Bressane, France)
Franck Labbe (Lormont, France)
Anaya Lazaro (Bathco Santader)
Javier Carrion Llorens (Bathco Santader)
Gregory Maiquez (US Bressane, France)
Gauthier Minguillon (U Bordeau Begles, France)
Jesús Moreno (Montluçon Rugby, France)
Facundo Munilla (RC Toulonnaise, France)
Jaime Nava (Périgueux RC, France)
Agustin Ortiz (Naffaroa France)
Javier De Juan Roldan (Bathco Santader)
Jesus Recuerda, Capt. (Pays d'Aix, France)
Mathieu Roca (Stade Rodez Aveyron, France)
Manuel Mora Ruíz (RAC Valladolid)
Igor Genua Sistiaga (Hernani CRE)
Daniel Snee (RAC Valladolid)
Thibaut Visensang (Aviron Bayonnais, France)
Head Coach: Santiago Santos

Adapted from http://www.ferugby.es/

Portugal

1 - Francisco Fernandes
2 - Lionel Campergue
3 - Tony Martins
4 - Diogo Toorn
5 - Miguel Vilaça
6 - Salvador Vassalo
7 - Vasco Uva
8 - Francisco Sousa
9 - Francisco Pinto Magalhães
10 - Nuno Penha e Costa
11 - Gonçalo Foro
12 - Tomás Appleton
13 - Francisco Appleton
14 - Tomás Noronha
15 - Duarte Marques

SUPLENTES
16 - Bruno Medeiros
17 - Nuno Taful
18 - Bruno Rocha
19 - Afonso Sousa
20 - João Travassos
21 - Thibault de Freitas
22 - Maxime Tonietta
23 - Rodrigo Figueiredo

Head Coach: João Pinto

http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/index.asp?opm=25&id=11592&id2=25