Rugby International News

EMIRATES AIRLINES CUP OF NATIONS: Days 2 and 3

2011-12-19T21:42:00.001+11:00

16.12.2011
Kenya 55, United Arab Emirates 17
Hong Kong 37, Brazil 3

13.12.2011
Hong Kong 44, Kenya 17
Brazil 66, United Arab Emirates 3

Reviews
This was a very innovative tournament set up by the UAERFU and Emirates Airlines. It was a great pity that the local side was not up to the standard of the other three teams. This may well place the tournament in jeopardy for the future.

Hong Kong was certainly the best team at this tournament. A suggestion has been made that their place is in the IRB Nations Cup.

This cross-continental tournament gives more meaning to the IRB ratings of teams.

These were the last rugby test matches for 2011. The next test matches are the Six Nations and ENC Division 1A matches due next February.

EMIRATES AIRLINE CUP OF NATIONS: Day 1 Results

2011-12-11T09:17:00.001+11:00

10.12.2011
Kenya 27, Brazil 25 in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong 72, United Arab Emirates 14 in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)

Briefly
Kenya and Hong Kong registered wins on the first day of this rugby test match tournament held in Dubai.

In the first game Kenya scored a last minute try to clinch a close encounter.

The main game saw the visiting Hong Kong side score an emphatic victory over the hosts. The result was much of a repeat of the May test match between these two nations in which Hong Kong won easily.

It would appear that Hong Kong is a level above the other teams.

Day 2 Fixtures
13.12.2011
Hong Kong v Kenya
Brazil v United Arab Emirates

The day 2 fixtures will determine the real strengths of Brazil and Kenya.

Emirate Airlines Cup of Nations Test Rugby

2011-12-10T09:36:00.001+11:00

10.12.2011
Hong Kong v United Arab Emirates

Venue: The Sevens

Preview
This tournament is an innovative move to bring like-ranked rugby nations from different continents to one venue to test their playing strength.

The Emirates Airline is the main sponsor and brings together Brazil (an up-and-coming South American rugby nation), Kenya (2011 Africa Cup winner) plus Hong Kong.

Once part of the now defunct Arabian Gulf Rugby Union, the UAE lost heavily (3-62) to Hong Kong in Hong Kong back in May. This will be their chance to gain revenge for that humiliating defeat.

The first UAE team for 2011 v Sri Lanka

Hong Kong will blood a number of new players.

The UAE team has yet to be published on the web.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Hong Kong 2nd, UAE 3rd

IRB Ranking Points Do not apply. UAE needs to play 10 tests to be ranked.

Prediction: Hong Kong by 15 points

Teams

Hong Kong
15. Rowan Varty (DeA RFC)

14. Thomas McQueen (Valley RFC)

13. Alexander McQueen (Hong Kong Cricket Club)

12. Lee Jones (Valley RFC)

11. Yiu, Kam Shing Salom (Valley RFC)

10 Keith Robertson (DeA RFC)

9. Cado Lee (Kowloon RFC)*

8. Pale Tauti (captain) (DeA RFC)

7. Nicholas Hewson (Valley RFC)

6. Terence Montgomery (Valley RFC)

5. Michael Waller (DeA RFC)

4. Daniel Watson (Hong Kong Football Club) *

3. Stephen Nolan (Hong Kong Football Club) *

2. Alexander Harris (Kowloon RFC)

1. Andrew Li (Kowloon RFC)

Replacements

16. Thomas Bolland (Hong Kong Football Club) *

17. Alexander Ng (Pontypool RFC, Wales)

18. Ian Ridgeway (Hong Kong Football Club) *

19. Charles French (Hong Kong Cricket Club)

20. William Brant (Hong Kong Cricket Club) *

21.Timothy Alexander (Valley RFC)

22. Edward Haynes (Hong Kong Cricket Club) *

* First caps

Head Coach: Dai Rees

United Arab Emirates Team not yet available

Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations: Test Rugby Day 1

2011-12-10T08:52:00.001+11:00

10.12.2011
Brazil v Kenya in Dubai

Venue: The Sevens

Referee:

Preview
These two teams have never met before. This will be a most interesting encounter. South America’s up-and-coming team verses the Africa Cup holder.

This is the first time Brazil has played outside the Americas. Kenya travelled to Bahrain in 1995 to play in Rugby World Cup qualifying games.

Brazil is regarded as one of the up-and-coming teams in world rugby. They have a huge player base with new clubs emerging almost daily in this sport-made nation.

Kenya did well to defeat Tunisia to take out the Africa Cup for 2011. The victory was only slightly tainted by the fact that Namibia and Morocco no-showed

GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply yet but after this match both sides will enter the World Table.

IRB Ranking Points
Brazil 53.89, Kenya 50.19

Prediction: Brazil by 9 points

Teams

Kenya 2011 Africa Cup winners.

Kenya Squad
Edwin Achayo (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Isaak Adimo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
David Ambunya (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Moses Amusala (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Ken Andola (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Calvins Biko (Nondescripts RUFC)
Lawrence Buyachi (Impala RFC)
Duncan Ekasi (Impala RFC)
Dennis Karani (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Humphrey Kayange (Mwamba RFC)
Daniel Kiptoo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Curtis Lilako (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
David Mogere (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Vincent Mose (Impala RFC)
Matthew Musita (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Antony Mutai (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Peter Mutai (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Dennis Mwanja (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Ronnie Mwenesi (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Joel Ng’ang’a (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Anthony Nyandigisi (Impala RFC)
Brian Okwomi (Strathmore University RFC)
Kelvin Omiyo (Impala RFC)
Allan Omuka (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Vincent Ong’era (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Kevin Umbuge (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Head Coach: Michael Otieno

Adapted from http://www.twitlonger.com/show/eibb3d

Image thanks to http://www.brasilrugby.com.br/

Brazil Squad

Felipe Claro (Sao Paulo Athletic Club)

Reges Comoreto (Desterro RC)

Lucas Croffi (Pasteur AC)

Mateus Daniel (São José RC)

Daniel Danielewicz (Desterro RC)

Henrique Dantas (São José RC)

Rafael Dawailibi (São José RC)

Jardel de Mendonça (Sao Paulo Athletic Club)

Lucas Duque (São José RC)

Moisés Duque (São José RC)

Júlio Figalo (Niterói RFC)

Eduardo Garcia (Bandeirantes RC)

Daniel Gregg (Niterói RFC)

Gustavo Krahembühl (Pasteur AC)

Danilo Lima (Rio Branco RC)

Diego Lopez (Pasteur AC)

Pedro Lopez (São José RC)

Vitor Medeiros (Potiguar RC)

Julián Menutti (Bandeirantes RC)

Ramiro Mina (Bandeirantes RC)

Carlos Oliveira (São José RC)

Diogo Reno (São José RC)

Martin Schaefer (Rio Branco RC)

Nicholas Smith (Stockport RUFC, England)

Jardel Vettorato (Novo Hamburgo RC)

Felipe Zeni (Pasteur AC)

Head Coach: Rodrigo "Toto" Camardon

Adapted from http://www.brasilrugby.com.br/

Emirates Airline Cup of Nations Test Rugby Tournament

2011-12-09T07:18:00.001+11:00

This is the last major international test rugby tournament for 2011 as far as I’m aware..

The teams involved are United Arab Emirates (hosts), Hong Kong, Brazil and Kenya.

Cross-continental test rugby tournaments are hopefully an idea that will spread. Bringing together like level teams from around the world is a great way for emerging nations to develop.

The Draw
10.12.2011
Brazil v Kenya in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)

13.12.2011
Hong Kong v Kenya in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
Brazil v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)

16.12.2011
United Arab Emirates v Kenya in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
Brazil v Hong Kong in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 3 December

2011-12-04T08:36:00.001+11:00

03.12.2011
Australia 24, Wales 18 in Cardiff
Solomon Islands 48, Vanuatu 20 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea 36. Niue 7 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Briefly
Australia crashed Wales’ Shane Williams party by winning their test match 24-18 in front of a sell-out crowd. Shane Williams had the last say, scoring his 58th test try in the final play of the match.

Papua New Guinea retain the Oceania Cup. defeating Niue 36-7 in the final match. Solomon Islands finished off a very successful tournament with a 48-20 win over Vanuatu.

The future of Oceania rugby looks bright. These tournaments really need to have a future focus. The winners need more reward than just bragging rights. The results perhaps could go towards a Rugby World Cup qualifying tournament.

TEST MATCH RUGBY: Australia v Wales

2011-12-03T15:42:00.001+11:00

03.12.2011
Australia v Wales in Cardiff

Venue: Millennium Stadium

Referee:Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

Swansong for Shane Williams. Image thanks to terrynorm.ic24.net

Preview
This is the only major test match in the Northern Hemisphere following the great show that was the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Australia walked all over a disappointing Barbarians team last Saturday. Their disappointment of losing to New Zealand in the quarter final was offset by a 3 point win over Wales in the Playoff.

This match looms as a most enthralling encounter between these two teams. Australia defeated Wales in the 3rd-4th Playoff at the World Cup, ending an agonising Welsh campaign that saw them come close to playing New Zealand in the final. France defeated them by 1 point in a semi-final.

For Wales the match celebrates the career of brilliant winger Shane Williams. This will be his final test match.

Last Five Encounters
21.10.2011 Australia 21-18 in Auckland (World Cup, Playoff 3rd-4th)
06.11.2010 Australia 25-16 in Cardiff
28.11.2009 Australia 33-12 in Cardiff
29.11.2008 Wales 21-18 in Cardiff
15.09.2007 Australia 32-20 in Cardiff

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Australia 2nd, Wales 5th

IRB Ranking Points
Australia 87.42, Wales 80.18

Prediction: Australia by 10 points

Teams

Wales
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Scott Williams, 12 James Roberts,
11 Shane Williams, 10 Rhys Priestland, 9 Lloyd Williams, 8 Tobias Faletau,
7 Samuel Warburton, Capt. 6 Daniel Lydiate, 5 Ian Evans, 4 Bradley Davies,
3 Scott Andrews, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements
16 Matthew Rees, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Ryan Jones, 19 Justin Tipuric,
20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Daniel Biggar, 22 Alexander Cuthbert
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

Australia
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachlan Turner, 13 Anthony Fainga'a, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 James O'Connor, 9 William Genia, 8 Benjamin McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Robert Simmons,
4 James Horwill, Capt. 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements
16 Stephen Moore, 17 Benjamin Alexander, 18 Nathan Sharpe, 19 Radike Samo, 20 Benjamin Lucas, 21 Benjamin Tapuai, 22 Nicholas Phipps
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

OCEANIA CUP RUGBY: Final Round

2011-12-03T13:29:00.001+11:00

03.12.2011
Papua New Guinea v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Vanuatu v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Previews
Host nation PNG have dominated this tournament so far. Solomon Islands have been the dark horse to date, upsetting Niue in the first match and then pushing the hosts on day 2.

An unusual feature of these games has been the number of unconverted tries. On Day 2, only 1 of the 14 tries scored was converted.

Sadly not all of Oceania’s members fronted up to this tournament. Notable non attendees were Cook Islands, New Caledonia and Tahiti.

Excellent reviews can be found here
Day 1 http://www.oceaniarugby.com/111129_oceania_cup_png_and_solomon_islands_take_e.html/ref/267

Day 2
http://www.oceaniarugby.com/111201_oceania_cup_png_and_niue_win_round_2.html/ref/267

Onto todays games

Vanuatu v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Previous Encounters
08.12.2007 Vanuatu 18-5 in Port Vila (FORU Oceania East)
29.07.2005 Solomon Islands 20-12 in Port Vila (WCQ Oceania R1, Pool A)
16.06.2001 Solomon Islands 11-3 in Honiara (WCQ Oceania 1B)

This Tournament
Vanuatu
v Papua New Guinea L 3-78
v Niue L 13-32

Solomon Islands
v Niue W 22-19
v Papua New Guinea L 15-33

GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply as neither teams played a test match in 2010

IRB Ranking Points
Solomon Islands 39.06, Vanuatu 34.77

Prediction
Solomon Islands by 40 points

Papua New Guinea v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Previous Encounter
22.04.2008 PNG 46-27 in Paliati (FORU Oceania Cup Final)

This Tournament
Papua New Guinea
v Vanuatu W 78-3
v Solomon Islands W 33-15

Niue
v Solomon Islands L 19-22
v Vanuatu W 32-13

GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply. Only PNG is ranked

IRB Ranking Points
PNG 46.19, Niue 41.14

Prediction: PNG by 38 points

OCEANIA CUP RUGBY: Day 1 29 November

2011-11-29T21:00:00.001+11:00

29.11.2011
Solomon Islands 22, Niue 19 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea 78, Vanuatu 3 in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

Briefly
Solomon Islands caused a minor surprise when they defeated Niue on the first day of the 2011 Oceania Cup. Papua New Guinea ran away with the main game, a 78-3 win over Vanuatu.

Day 2 continues Thursday
01.12.2011
Vanuatu v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

The tournament concludes Saturday
03.12.2011
Vanuatu v Solomon Islands in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)
Papua New Guinea v Niue in Port Moresby (Oceania Cup)

The Oceania Cup is run by the IRB’s regional body for the area, FORU.

RUGBY TEST AND INTERNATIONAL RESULTS: Saturday 26 November 2011

2011-11-27T08:05:00.001+11:00

26.11.2011
Australia 60, Barbarians (UK) RFC 11 at Twickenham (Non test)
Moldova 13, Czech Republic 6 in Prague (ENC 1B)
Switzerland 22. Andorra 21 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)

Briefly
Australia were too good for a Barbarians side sadly unable to keep up with the Southern Hemisphere side.

In front of a good crowd Moldova dominated in the forwards to win in Prague. They are now well placed to challenge Belgium for the title.

The winner of ENC 1B, and thus promotion to ENC 1A, looks like being between Poland, Moldova and Belgium. Belgium has more games in hand and looks the favoured side to win with the spring matches to come.

ENC 1B

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
POLAND	8	5	1	2	193	150	43	1	1	24
MOLDOVA	7	5	1	1	145	114	31	2	0	24
BELGIUM	6	5	0	1	178	88	90	2	1	23
CZECH R.	9	4	0	5	143	198	-54	1	2	19
GERMANY	7	2	0	5	140	158	-18	0	3	11
NETH.	7	0	0	7	91	183	-92	0	1	1

Switzerland kept their title hopes alive with a narrow one point win over Andorra. ‘Swiss owned the first half but had to kick a very late penalty to win after Andorra came back to take the lead.’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3956

Switzerland are way out in front. The competition resumes in the northern spring.

ENC 2B

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
SWITZ.	6	5	0	1	148	104	44	1	1	23
ANDORRA	6	3	0	3	121	96	25	1	2	15
SERBIA	6	3	0	3	137	135	2	1	0	13
ARMENIA	4	2	0	2	80	62	18	0	2	10
SLOVENIA	6	1	0	5	56	125	-69	0	0	4

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY MATCH: Barbarians Face Wallabies

2011-11-26T15:18:00.001+11:00

26.11.2011
Australia v Barbarians (UK) RFC at Twickenham (Non test)

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Preview
Australia is the only international rugby team present at the 2011 Rugby World Cup to venture north this northern autumn.

The Australians will play a test match against Wales next weekend but first they face the Barbarians at Twickenham.

Whenever I think of Barbarians rugby I always, probably along with 99% of you, think of the famous game in 1973 against New Zealand and THAT try by Gareth Edwards. But I also spare a thought for an even more emotional game against New Zealand in 1964 and Wilson Whineray’s equally famous try.

Apparently the game will be played for the Killik Cup. Silly me. I have always associated Barbarian matches as friendly affairs. So with a bit of research I came up with this bit of information.

‘Sophie Morris, Director of Marketing at Killik & Co, commented: “Killik & Co has been Associate Match Sponsor of Barbarian games held at Twickenham since they played New Zealand in December 2009. It is a relationship that we are very pleased with and are delighted to extend our association with the prestigious club through title sponsorship of this game.” ‘
http://www.sponsorship-awards.co.uk/news/killik-co-sponsorsship-barbarian-v-australia-line-twickenham

Former New Zealand coach, and guider of that team to the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Graham Henry has the honour of coaching the Barbarians side. This fittingly means he will lock horns with his Kiwi rival and now head coach of Australia Robbie Deans

The Barbarian selection throws up some interesting characters. Mortlock, Matfield, Shaw, Stringer, Marconnet and White could well be bidding farewell to the international rugby scene whilst Tomkins has apparently been ‘borrowed’ from the rugby league code for this match.

The Australians have a sprinkling of players on the fringe of test rugby and possibly resting players ahead of the big clash against Wales next weekend.

Prediction: Hmmm. Australia to be more cohesive and win by 7 points.

Teams

Barbarians
15 Isaia Toeava, 14 Samuel Tomkins, 13 Robert Fruean, 12 Stirling Mortlock, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Daniel Cipriani, 9 Peter Stringer, 8 Adam Thomson,
7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Victor Matfield, Capt. 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Sylvain Marconnet, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Eusebio Guinazu.
Replacements
16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Salvatore Perugini, 18 Jason White, 19 Marco Bortolami, 20 Nemia Kenatale, 21 Richard Kahui, 22 Seru Rabeni.
Coach: Graham Henry

Australia
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Lachlan Turner, 13 Robert Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 James O'Connor, 9 William Genia, 8 Benjamin McCalman, 7 David Pocock,Capt. 6 Scott Higginbotham, 5 Nathan Sharpe,
4 Robert Simmons, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Tatafu Polota Nau, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements
16 Stephen Moore, 17 Benjamin Alexander, 18 James Horwill, 19 Dave Dennis, 20 Matthew Hodgson, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Benjamin Tapuai.
Coach: Robbie Deans

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP RUGBY TEST MATCH: Div. 1B

2011-11-26T12:48:00.001+11:00

26.11.2011
Moldova v Czech Republic in Prague (ENC 1B)

Venue: Stadion Josefa Kohouta, Říčany

Referee: Barguanas (Romania)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
POLAND	8	5	1	2	193	150	43	1	1	24
BELGIUM	6	5	0	1	178	88	90	2	1	23
MOLDOVA	6	4	1	1	132	108	24	2	0	20
CZECH R.	8	4	0	4	137	185	-47	1	1	18
GERMANY	7	2	0	5	140	158	-18	0	3	11
NETH.	7	0	0	7	91	183	-92	0	1	1

Preview
This is the last Division 1B match until February.

‘On the occasion of 85 years of the Czech Rugby (1926-2011), the famous squad lead by captain Eduard Krützner which on May 1968 in Prague lost to France with all their stars of that time only 6:19 (3:3 in the second half!) will be awarded.’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3955&p=4 4474#p44474 So this is indeed a special occasion for Czech Republic with a famous match to remember and a famous captain honoured.

The French Team on the day!

Christian Carrere (c)

Michel Greffe

Image thanks to www.scrum.com

So back to today’s game.

The Czech Republic has had a very chequered 2011 year at this level of test rugby. They reached a serious low with the heavy defeat to Belgium earlier in the month but recovered to win well against Netherlands last weekend.

Moldova has a much better record. They remain undefeated since March and drew with the rising Polish team two weeks ago. Compared with the Poles they have lost only the one match and although further down the points table, have two matches in hand.

Moldova has a better recent record against the Czech Republic but both games were home games. They lost their 2008 test v Czech Republic in Prague.

Previous Encounters
19.03.2011 Moldova 24-16 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
14.11.2009 Moldova 45-30 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
27.11.2008 Czech Republic 11-9 in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Czech Republic Last Five
19.11.2011 v Netherlands W 22-10 in Prague (ENC 1B)
05.11.2011 v Belgium L 0-55 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
15.10.2011 v Poland L 13-20 in NowySacz (ENC 1B)
19.03.2011 v Moldova L 16-24 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
12.03.2011 v Germany W 29-23 in Heidelberg (ENC 1B)

Moldova Last Five
12.11.2011 v Poland D 17-17 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
30.04.2011 v Netherlands W 22-15 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
02.04.2011 v Germany W 28-15 in Chisinau (ENC 2B)
19.03.2011 v Czech Republic W 24-16 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
12.02.2011 v Belgium L 5-20 in Brussels (ENC 1B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Moldova 13th, Czech Republic 16th

IRB Ranking Points
Moldova 53.75, Czech Republic 52.65

Prediction: Moldova by 4 points.

Teams

Czech Republic

1.Šuster Roman (C)
2.Kutil Ondřej
3.Indrák Pavel
4.Wognitsch Martin
5.Holovský Tomáš
6.Leroch Patrik
7.Nešpor Karel
8.Černý Jiří
9.Pailodze Vakhtang
10.Jirman Milan
11.Schlanger Michal
12.Okleštěk Petr
13.Jursík Václav
14.Jirman Michal
15.Rohlík Jan
16.Průša Michal
17.Macháček Lukáš
18.Hocke Pavel
19.Backa Radim
20. Havel Vojtěch
21 Schütz Zbyněk
22.Sulamanidze Ivane
http://www.rugbyunion.cz/na-moldavce-do-rican

Moldova team not available

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP TEST RUGBY: Switzerland v Andorra

2011-11-26T09:22:00.001+11:00

26.11.2011
Switzerland v Andorra in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)

Venue: Camp del Consell

Referee: Muldoon (Netherlands)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
SWITZ.	5	4	0	1	126	83	43	1	1	19
ANDORRA	5	3	0	2	100	74	26	1	1	14
SERBIA	6	3	0	3	137	135	2	1	0	13
ARMENIA	4	2	0	2	80	62	18	0	2	10
SLOVENIA	6	1	0	5	56	125	-69	0	0	4

Preview
The only things definite about this pool is that Switzerland has a handy lead and Slovenia is struggling to avoid relegation.

Anything can still happen in this pool. Andorra are within range of Switzerland with 2 losses. Along with Serbia they pose a threat. This test match should give a clearer picture of the future. If Switzerland wins they will be a difficult team to catch. An Andorran win will bring the leader back closer to the pack.

This will be a very close game. Without knowing the Andorran line up their strength is difficult to determine. Andorra, with the home advantage, will be all out to win.

Switzerland bring what looks like an experienced side to Andorra. They have a good sprinkling of foreign-based players. If they knit together it could be a winning combination.

This could be a cracker of a game with little in it.

Last Five Encounters
19.03.2011 Switzerland 21-9 in Nyon (ENC 2B)
08.05.2010 Andorra 10-0 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 3A)
14.03.2009 Switzerland 32-9 in Avusy (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3A)
26.09.1998 Switzerland 15-14 in Andorra La Vela (FIRA D)
29.10.1992 Switzerland 10-0 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe)

The 1992 test was the first between these two nations.

Andorra Last Five
12.11.2011 v Slovenia W 15-6 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
19.03.2011 v Switzerland L 9-21 in Nyon (ENC 2B)
19.02.2011 v Serbia W 42-25 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)
13.11.2010 v Armenia L 15-12 in Abovian (ENC 2B)
09.10.2010 v Slovenia W 22-7 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)

Switzerland Last Five
12.11.2011 v Serbia W 27-19 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
30.04.2011 v Slovenia W 33-10 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
19.03.2011 v Andorra W 21-9 in Nyon (ENC 2B)
20.11.2010 v Serbia L 15-18 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
02.10.2010 v Armenia W 30-27 in Lausanne (ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Switzerland 24th, Andorra 26th

IRB Ranking Points
Switzerland 44.67, Andorra 43.77

Prediction: Switzerland by 1 point

Teams

Switzerland Squad

Forwards:
Lucas Jacquier (Avusy)
Eddy Gombas (Avusy)
Cyril Lafuye (Chambéry/France)
Mathieu Paul (Orthez/France)
Clément Bärtschi (Villeurbanne/France)
Schelte Betten (GC Zürich)
Nicolas Guyou (Chateaurenard/France)
Jake Serex (Pebbles/Scotland)
Nicolas Dimitri (Lormont/France)
Cyril Lin (Lannemezan/France)
Cyril Coulot (Kituro/Belgium)
Andreas Dahinden (Stade Lausanne)
Jonathan Wullschleger (Lyon Saint Priest/France)

Backs:
Simon Perrod (Oyonnax/France M21)
Loïc Reffet (Yverdon)
Iain Mowat (Hermance)
Jacky Dervey (Stade Lausanne)
Adrien Faudot (Thonon/France)
Franz Ruegsegger (Bern)
Mathieu Guyou-Kreis (Maisons-Laffitte/France)
Thomas Brossard (Annecy)
Benjamin Faudot (Thonon)

Andorra Squad not available

TEST RUGBY MATCHES THIS WEEKEND: Sat 26 Nov.

2011-11-25T21:15:00.001+11:00

26.11.2011
Australia v Barbarians (UK) RFC at Twickenham (Non test)
Moldova v Czech Republic in Prague (ENC 1B)
Switzerland v Andorra in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 19 November

2011-11-20T09:37:00.001+11:00

19.11.2011
Spain 16, Uruguay 13 in Madrid
Poland 34, Germany 8 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)
Czech Republic 22, Netherlands 10 in Prague (ENC 1B)

Briefly
Spain managed to overcome a determined Uruguayan side in Madrid. In a game full of errors the Spanish forwards dominated but could not always turn advantage into points.

Poland swamped a German side in appalling conditions in Gdansk. Played in muddy conditions in pouring rain, the Poles were superior in all areas in a game that rarely, because of the weather, reached any great heights.

In Prague the Czechs were too good for the Netherlands team, especially up front. The Netherlands are not destined to be relegated next year unless they are able to orchestrate a magical turn around in their fortunes.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TEST: Uruguay v Spain

2011-11-19T18:45:00.001+11:00

19.11.2011
Uruguay v Spain in Madrid

Venue: Estadio Nacional Universidad Complutense

Referee: Joao Mourinha (Portugal)

Preview
Spain continue to trawl the players pool to find the right combinations. No fewer than seven test debuts for this match. This follows a player pool of 53 players used last test season for 7 test matches. Of last years players 17 played in only one test!

The Spanish side has not played since their disastrous trip to Bucharest in March when they lost 8-64 to Romania.

Last weekend Uruguay began their European tour with a good 16-9 win over Portugal.

Spain has a wealth of players based in France. On paper they look the stronger side. The new policy of including more foreign-based players has not borne fruit in the past season. Perhaps their fortunes will change.

Last Five Encounters
18.08.2007 Spain 18-10 in Montevideo (Friendly)
01.09.2001 Spain 16-14 in Montevideo (Friendly)
02.10.1999 Uruguay 37-15 in Galashiels (World Cup, Pool A)
28.08,1999 Uruguay 20-3 in L’Aquila (L’Aquilla Tournament)
02.09.1995 Uruguay 47-10 in Montevideo (Friendly)

The match in 1995 was the first encounter between these two nations

Uruguay Last Five
25.05.2011 v Argentina L 14-75 in Posades (CONSUR A Final)
20.05.2011 v Chile L 18-21 in Iguazu (CONSUR A Preliminary)
17.05.2011 v Brazil W 39-18 in Iguazu (CONSUR A Preliminary)
14.05.2011 v Paraguay W 102-6 in Iguazu (CONSUR A Preliminary)
27.11.2010 v Romania L 12-39 in Bucharest (WCQ Repechage, Final, 2nd leg)

Spain Last Five
19.03.2011 v Romania L 8-64 in Bucharest (ENC 1A)
12.03.2011 v Portugal W 25-10 in Madrid (ENC 1B)
26.02.2011 v Ukraine W 35-13 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
12.02.2011 v Georgia L 0-60 in Tblissi (ENC 1A)
05.02.2011 v Russia L 24-28 in Madrid (ENC 1A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Spain 21st, Uruguay 22nd

IRB Ranking Points
Uruguay 61.36, Spain 59.43

Prediction: Uruguay by 9 points

Teams

Spain
15.- César Sempere (Northampton Saints, England) Age 27, 37 tests
14.- Ryan LeRoux (U.E Santboiana) ?, test debut
13.- Juan Cano (C.R: Cisneros) 26, 27
12.- Martín Heredia, Capt. (CRC Madrid) 26, 8
11.- Sebastien Ascarat (FC Auch, France) ?, test debut
10.- Charles Malie (Beziers R.C., France) ?, test debut
9.- Pablo Feijoo (C.R. El Salvador) 29, 49
8.- Mathieu Visensang (US Tyrosse, France) ?, test debut
7.- Glen Rolls (VRAC Valladolid) ?, test debut
6.- Gauthier Gibouin (Perigueux R.C, France) 22, 9
5.- Jesús Recuerda (Lille Metropole, France) 25, 13
4.- Thomas Parker (Ordizia R.E.) ?, test debut
3.- David Gurgenadze (US Carcassone, France) 32, 1
2.- Mathieu Cidré (US Carcassone, France) 30, 24
1.- Anthony Pradalie (Perigueux RC, France) 25, 6
Replacements
16- Beñat Auzqui (US Tyrosse, France) 28, 4
17- Jesús Moreno (Limoges RC, France) 25, 11
18.- Damien Elgoyhen (St.Médard en Jalles, France) 25, 5
19.- Mathieu Roca (Stade Aurillac, France) 24, 4
20.- Adrien Ayestarán (Perigueux, France) 22, 5
21.- Nicholas Marshall (Bera Bera RT) ?, test debut
22.-Pierre Belzunce (US Colomiers, France) 24, 3
Head Coach: Regis Sonnes

Sempere last played for Spain 2009-10.
This will be Feijoo’s 50^th test for Spain

Uruguay
15.-Jerónimo Etxeberri (Carrasco Polo)
14.- Santoago Gibernau (?)
13.- Agustín Ormaechea (Carrasco Polo)
12.- Alberto Román (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)
11.- Gastón Mieres (Lobos)
10.- Matías Arocena (Old Christians)
9.- Francisco Vecino (Carrasco Polo)
8.- Juan Ormaechea (Carrasco Polo)
7.- Rodrigo Espiga (Old Christians)
6.- Federico Berchesi (Carrasco Polo)
5.- Santiago Vilaseca (Old Boys)
4.- Diego Magno (Montevideo Cricket Club)
3.- Óscar Duran (Carrasco Polo)
2.-Nicolás Klappenbach (Champagnat)
1.- Alejo Corral (San Isidro Club, Argentina)
Replacements (One to be omitted)
16.- Arturo Avalo (Carrasco Polo)
17.- Juan Rombys (Trebol)
18.- Mario Sagario (UE Santboiana, Spain)
19.- Fernando Bascou (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)
20.- Guillermo Lijstentein (Trebol)
21.- Juan De Freitas (Champagnat)
22.- Adrián Lewis (Los Cuervos)
23.- Rodolfo de Mula (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)

Head Coach: Sebastian Pineyrua

EUROPEAN NATIONS RUGBY TEST: Germany Face Poland

2011-11-19T13:22:00.001+11:00

19.11.2011
Germany v Poland in Gdansk (ENC 1B)

Venue: Stadion Lechii MOSiR

Referee: Gallestegi (Spain)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
BELGIUM	6	5	0	1	178	88	90	2	1	23
MOLDOVA	6	4	1	1	132	108	24	2	0	20
POLAND	7	4	1	2	159	142	17	0	1	19
CZECH R.	7	3	0	4	115	175	-59	0	1	13
GERMANY	6	2	0	4	132	124	8	0	3	11
NETH.	6	0	0	6	81	161	-80	0	1	1

Preview
This is the first of the European Nations Cup, Division 1B test matches this weekend.

Germany gained a moral-boosting 23-7 win over Netherlands last weekend. With the inclusion of their highly regarded France-based player Robert Mohr they could well be a match for the Poles.

Poland did well to draw 17-17 with Moldova away last weekend. This is a team undefeated in their last 6 matches at this level of European rugby.

Poland has the edge over the Germans. It was they who inflicted their first loss last year over a newly relegated German side.

I expect a close contest with a vastly improving German side to score a win against the Poles by the slimmest of margins.

Last Five Encounters
20.11.2010 Poland 22-17 in Frankfurt (ENC 1B)
16.05.2004 Germany 34-10 in Hannover (ENC 2A)
29.03.2003 Germany 37-15 in Gdansk (ENC 2A)
06.04.2002 Poland 20-12 in Warsaw (WCQ/FIRA Europe R2, Pool B)
21.10.2000 Poland 26-13 in Berlin (FIRA B)

Germany Last Five
12.11.2011 v Netherlands W 23-7 in Hannover (ENC 1B)
02.04.2011 v Moldova L 15-28 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
19.03.2011 v Belgium L 25-28 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
12.03.2011 v Czech Republic L 23-29 in Heidelberg (ENC 1B)
11.12.2010 v Hong Kong W 34-13 in Heidelberg (Friendly)

Poland Last Five
12.11.2011 v Moldova D 17-17 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
15.10.2011 v Czech Republic W 20-13 in Nowy Sacz (ENC 1B)
16.04.2011 v Netherlands W 32-18 in Gracovie (ENC 1B)
12.03.2011 v Belgium W 22-17 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)
20.11.2010 Germany W 22-17 in Frankfurt (ENC 1B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Poland 12th, Germany 15th

IRB Ranking Points
Poland 54.01, Germany 52.75

Prediction: Germany by 2 points

Teams

Germany
15 Mustafa Güngör (TV Pforzheim)
14 Bastian Himmer (RG Heidelberg)
13 Olivier Galli (RC Orléans, France)
12 Anjo Buckman (Heidelberger RK)
11 Rafael Pyrasch (Heidelberger RK)
10 Raynor Parkinson (RC Hilversum, Netherlands)
9 Sean Armstrong (Heidelberger RK)
8 Robert May (TSV Handschuhsheim)
7 Alexander Hauck (SC Frankfurt 1880)
6 Kehoma Brenner (Heidelberger RK)
5 Robert Mohr (La Rochelle, France)
4 Callum Sauer (TV Pforzheim)
3 Stephane Kohler (CA Lannemezan, France)
2 Alexander Widiker, Capt. (Heidelberger RK)
1 Benjamin Krause (Hannover 78)
Replacements
16 Mika Tyumenev (Mont de Marsan, France)
17 Patrick Schliwa (Heidelberger RK)
18 Benjamin Danso (Heidelberger RK)
19 Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg)
20 Timothy Menzel (TSV Handschuhsheim)
21 Carlos Soteras-Merz (TV Pforzheim)
22 Mark Sztyndera (SC Frankfurt 1880)
Head Coach:

Adapted from http://www.totalrugby.de/content/view/4797/37/

Poland Squad

Romuald Berthe (Bobigny, France)
Kamil Bobryk (Eperney, France)
Jean Bouthe (Bayonne, France)
Jurij Bukhalo (Lechia Gdańsk)
David Chartier (Bayonne, France)
Adrian Chrósciel (Budowlani Lublin)
Merab Gabunia (Budowlani Łódź)
Tomasz Gasik (Orkan Sochaczew)
Tomasz Hebda (Posnania Poznań)
Krzysztof Hotowski (Nevers, France).
Tom Jankowski (Ampthill RUFC, England).
Grzegorz Janiec (Lechia Gdańsk)
Michał Kruzycki (Bobigny, France)
Kacper Ławski (Macon, France)
Wojciech Łukasiewicz (AZS AWF Warszawa)
Paweł Najdek (Posnania Poznań)
Stanisław Niedźwiecki (Budowlani Lublin)
Eric Piórkowski (Castres, France)
Piotr Psuj (Budowlani Lublin)
Tomasz Stępień (Budowlani Łódź)
Łukasz Szostek (Arka Gdynia)
Cedric Vaissiere (Albi, France)
Rafał WItoszynski (Lechia Gdańsk)
Etienne Zyk (Sain-Etienne Case Rugby, France)

Adapted from http://pzrugby.pl/?p=3850 and http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3950

EUROPEAN NATION CUP TEST RUGBY: Netherlands v Czech Republic

2011-11-19T12:40:00.001+11:00

19.11.2011
Netherlands v Czech Republic in Prague (ENC 1B)

Venue: Tatra Smichov Stadium

Referee: Volovik (Russia)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
BELGIUM	6	5	0	1	178	88	90	2	1	23
MOLDOVA	6	4	1	1	132	108	24	2	0	20
POLAND	7	4	1	2	159	142	17	0	1	19
CZECH R.	7	3	0	4	115	175	-59	0	1	13
GERMANY	6	2	0	4	132	124	8	0	3	11
NETH.	6	0	0	6	81	161	-80	0	1	1

Preview
This is the second ENC 1B match of the weekend.

The Netherlands are experiencing a horror time in their new division of European rugby. This is really their last chance to turn their season around. They have introduced their first France-based player of the season.

There is a more solid look about this side over the last few games. They could well give the Czechs a fright.

The Czech Republic are experiencing some woes of their own. Thrashed 0-55 by Belgium at the beginning of the month, there are obviously problems within the team.This lineup looks solid enough but they could struggle against a determined Netherlands side.

It would be an upset if the Netherlands were to win this one.

Last Five Encounters
20.11.2010 Czech Republic 25-13 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
19.05.2002 Czech Republic 54-12 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe R3, Pool A)
19.04.1997 Czech Republic 19-18 in Prague (FIRA Playoff, 9th-12th)
30.03.1996 Netherlands 36-3 in Prague (FIRA A1)
15.05.1994 Netherlands 33-9 in Brescia (WCQ Europe)

Netherlands played the then Czechoslovakia for the first time in 1946, losing 8-14 in Bussem.

Netherlands Last Five
12.11.2011 v Germany L 7-23 in Hannover (ENC 1B)
30.04.2011 v Moldova L 15-22 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
23.04.2011 v Belgium L 18-30 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
16.04.2011 v Poland L 18-32 in Cracovie (ENC 1B)
27.11.2010 v Germany L 10-29 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)

Netherlands has lost its last 7 test matches in a row. They have not won a game since promotion to ENC 1B in April 2010. There last win was v Malta (19-0) in April 2010.

The Netherlands record losing sequence is 12, in the years 2000-2003.

Czech Republic Last Five
05.11.2011 v Belgium L 0-55 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
15.10.2011 v Poland L 13-20 in NowySacz (ENC 1B)
19.03.2011 v Moldova L 16-24 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
12.03.2011 v Germany W 29-23 in Heidelberg (ENC 1B)
20.11.2010 Netherlands W 25-13 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Czech Republic 16th, Netherlands 22nd

IRB Ranking Points
Czech Republic 52.46, Netherlands 47.28

Prediction: Czech Republic by 4 points

Teams

Netherlands
15 Bart Viguurs (RC The Dukes)
14 Jay Jay Boske (RC Hilversum)
13 Richard van der Broek (RC The Dukes)
12 Jordy Bonhof (LRC DIOK)
11 Babak Motazed (RC The Dukes)
10 Fedde Lingsma (RC Hilversum)
9 Jeroen Fluiter (RC Hilversum)
8 Caine Elisara (Heidelberg RG, Germany)
7 Dirk Danen (RC Hilversum)
6 Zeno Kieft (La Rochelle, France)
5 Stefan Vos (RC The Dukes)
4 Maurice Stahlecker (RC Hilversum)
3 Robert Rijnhold (RC Hilversum)
2 Alexander Barendregt (Hague RC)
1 Catalin Buburuzan (RC The Dukes)
Replacements
16 Floris Kieft (Hague RC)
17 Roy Schermer (Castricum RC)
18 Tjebbe Jehee (LRC DIOK)
19 Thomas Altink (LRC DIOK)
20 Nicholas Janssen (RC Hilversum)
21 Leon Koenen (LRC DIOK)
22 Kees Beentjes (Castricum RC)
Head Coach: Alexander Chang

Adapted from http://www.rugby.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=943:heren-xv-tegen-tsjechie&catid=3:newsflash&Itemid=237

Czech Republic (1 to be omitted)
15 Jan Rohlík
14 Michal Jirman
13 Václav Jursík
12 Petr Okleštěk
11 Michal Schlanger
10 Milan Jirman
9 Vachtang Pailodze
8 Karel Nešpor
7 Martin Wognitsch
6 Josef Maňák
5 Miroslav Němeček
4 Tomáš Holovský
3 Pavel Indrák
2 Ondřej Kutil
1 Roman Šuster
Replacements
16 Michal Průša
17 Jiří,Skall
18 Jan Kurka
19 Jiří Černý
20 Vojtěch Havel
21 Schütz
22 Irakli Sulamanidze
23 Jakub Fuchs
Head Coach: Martin Kafka

Adapted from ragby.cz:

TEST RUGBY RESULT

2011-11-15T21:32:00.001+11:00

13.11.2011
Uruguay 16, Portugal 9 in Lisbon (Friendly)

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: Uruguay Begins Tour

2011-11-13T10:11:00.001+11:00

13.11.2011
Uruguay v Portugal in Lisbon

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
Apart from Australia playing two matches in Europe, Uruguay is the only other significant tourist in Europe in November this year. The 2011 Rugby World Cup in September-October usually means a very quiet November.

Uruguay will play two tests, the first being today against Portugal in Lisbon.

‘Los Teros’ will be without a number of key players for this test but they are included in the test squad for Spain next weekend.

Uruguay lost 12-87 to Argentina Jaguars in a pre tour warm-up international.

Portugal are without their foreign-based players; Girao, Bardy, Concalo Uva, Alves, Spachuk, Campergne, Balangue and Murre, who all played regularly last season.

For Portugal 5 players making their test debuts.

Recent history would indicate that Portugal has won well against the South Americans when playing in Lisbon.

Both sides are not at full strength but I would give the edge to Portugal, playing on their home turf.

Previous Encounters
17.03.2007 Uruguay 18-12 in Montevideo (WCQ Repechage Final, 2nd leg)
10.03.2007 Portugal 12-5 in Lisbon (WCQ Repechage Final, 1st leg)
12.11.2005 Portugal 20-6 in Lisbon
06.11.2004 Uruguay 30-3 in Montevideo (Intercontinental Cup)
03.04.1999 Uruguay 33-24 in Lisbon (WCQ Repechage, Rnd 1)

These two teams first met in March 1999, in the first of the World Cup repechage playoffs. Uruguay won 46-9 in Montevideo.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Portugal 22nd, Uruguay 23rd

IRB Ranking Points
Uruguay 60.94, Portugal 60.67

Prediction: Portugal by 4 points

Teams

Portugal Squad
Eduardo Acosta (GD Direito) 22 tests
Pedro Cabral (CD University Lisboa) 33
João Correia (GD Direito) 62
Rui D’Orey (GD Direito) 9
Michael Dias (CD University Lisboa) 2
Adérito Esteves (GD Direito) 17
Gonçalo Foro (CD University Lisboa) 29
Duarte Foro (CD University Lisboa) 0
Duarte Gil (CD University Lisboa) 0
João Júnior (CD University Lisboa) 17
José Leal da Costa AEIS Agronomia 0
Francisco P. Magalhães (CD University Lisboa) 3
Diogo Miranda (CF Os Belenenses) 2
Carl Murray (CD University Lisboa) 5
Frederico Oliveira (CD University Lisboa)14
João Paiva (AEIS Agronomia) 0
Rui Rodrigues (AA Coimbra) 3
Pedro Silva CF (Os Belenenses) 26
Bernardo Silveira (CD University Lisboa) 2
Luis Sousa (GD Direito) 1
Veltioven Tavares (CD University Lisboa) 0
Vasco Uva (GD Direito) 72

http://www.fpr.pt

Uruguay Squad
Matias Arocena (Old Christians)
Arturo Ávalo (Carrasco Polo)
Fernando Bascou (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)
Federico Berchesi (Carrasco Polo)
Felipe Berchesi (Carrasco Polo)
Francisco Bulanti (Trebol)
Alejo Corral (San Isidro Club, Argentina)
Juan De Freitas (Champagnat)
Rodolfo de Mula (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)
Oscar Duran (Carrasco Polo)
Rodrigo Espiga (Old Christians)
Federico Favaro (Old Christians)
Francisco Jimenez (Champagnat)
Nicolás Klappenbach (Champagnat)
Adrain Lewis (Los Cuervos)
Guillermo Lijtenstein (Trebol)
Diego Magno (Montevideo Cricket Club)
Gaston Mieres (Lobos)
Agustín Ormaechea (Carrasco Polo)
Juan Diego Ormaechea (Carrasco Polo)
Alberto Roman (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)
Juan Pedro Rombys (Trebol)
Juan Tabárez (Belgrano, Argentina)
Francisco Vecino (Carrasco Polo)
Santiago Vilaseca (Old Boys)
Head Coach: Sebastian Pineyrua

Below to be added to squad for game v Spain
Santiago Gibernau
Mario Sagaria
Jeronimo Etcheverry
Gaston Ibarburu

The above players not on the original list published 8 Nov. Are they based in Europe?

No Rodrigo Capó Ortega (Castres, France)

http://www.uru.org.uy/uru/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=243:teros-a-europa&catid=64:noticias-teros

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY RESULTS SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER

2011-11-13T07:59:00.001+11:00

12.11.2011
Kenya 16, Tunisia 7 in Nairobi (Africa Cup 1A, Final)
Germany 23, Netherlands 7 in Hannover (ENC 1B)
Poland 17, Moldova 17 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
Switzerland 27, Serbia 19 in Monthey (ENC 2B)
Andorra 15, Slovenia 6 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
Greece 16, Finland 6 in Athens (ENC 2D)

Briefly
Kenya took out the 2011 Africa Cup in Nairobi. Morocco and Namibia no-showed. The result does not, to be fair, reflect the true strength of African rugby. CAR certainly have some on-going problems getting teams to tournaments.

Kenya, Africa Cup winners for 2011. Image thanks to CAR website.

In ENC 1B, Poland and Moldova slugged out a 17-17 draw which doesn’t help either in their chase of Belgium.

In the other ENC 1B game, Germany defeated Netherlands 23-7. Netherlands look destined to be relegated. On the German team effort. ‘More of the same old it seems. Bad decision making, place kicking and ill discipline let them down. It's a win but without the bonus point. Unfortunately the team picked up a few injuries (Armitage, Jordaan, Kasten, Pyrasch).’ from ‘Karmakoma’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3938

Germany too good for Netherlands. Image thanks to http://www.totalrugby.de

In ENC 2B, Switzerland won a hard-fought game at home against Serbia to cement their place at the top of the table.

Also in ENC 2B, Andorra had to struggle to defeat Slovenia at home. Andorra lead 15-0 at halftime but the home team came back strongly in the second half.

Finally, in ENC 2D, Greece had to work hard against the visiting Finns for their win. The score was 3-3 at half time but Greece were stronger in the second half, scoring 2 tries to nil.

Greece defeated Finland 15-6 in Athens. Images thanks to rugbynews.gr

AFRICA CUP TEST RUGBY: Final in Nairobi

2011-11-12T11:02:00.001+11:00

12.11.2011
Tunisia v Kenya in Nairobi (Africa Cup 1A, Final)

Venue: EURFU Ground

Referee:

Preview
This was to be a four-team tournament. Unfortunately, firstly Namibia, and then, Morocco, withdrew for various reasons. In Namibia’s case it was both financial and the resignation of the RFU committee.

Although unannounced, the Tunisian squad is made up of amateurs, 11 from France and 11 local.

‘Head coach Michael “Tank” Otieno has handed KCB and Lions fullback Matthew Musita his first international capping after the 17-year-old was named in the final squad off 22 players to face Tunisia in the Africa Cup clash on Saturday at the RFUEA grounds.

The call-up was good news for the talented Form Three student at St. Paul’s Amukura High School in Teso County who abandoned basketball for rugby.

Otieno also recalled Cheetahs/Nondies’ scrum half Charles “Akaranga” Kanyi after a two-year absence and KCB/Lions loose lock Dennis Mwanja for the tie that doubles up for the Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) Cup. Rhinos/Quins winger Victor Sudi will captain the team.’

The Kenyan’s have the advantage of playing together in 2011 for the Victoria Cup. Tunisia has been based in France playing local teams for much of October.

Last Five Encounters
02.08.2008 Tunisia 44-15 in Tunis (WCQ Africa, R1, Pool C)
23.09.2006 Tunisia 31-12 in Tunis (WCQ Africa R2, Group B; Africa Cup Grp B)
10.06.2006 Kenya 25-21 in Nairobi (WCQ Africa R2, Group B; Africa Cup Grp B)
21.05.2005 Kenya 37-15 in Nairobi (CAR Div.1, Pool C)
20.09.1997 Tunisia 52-5 in Tunis (WCQ Africa Round B)

The 1997 match was the first between these two nations. Tunisia has never won in Nairobi.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Tunisia 4th, Kenya 6th

IRB Ranking Points
Tunisia 52.24, Kenya 49.18

Prediction: Tunisia by 5 points

Teams

Kenya Squad
Joel Nganga - UAP Rhinos
Vincent Ongera - UAP Rhinos
Dennis Karani - SDV Cheetahs
Anthony Mutai - UAP Rhinos
Ronnie Mwenesi – Lions
Duncan Ekasi - SDV Cheetahs
Andrew Amonde – Lions
Brian Okwomi - Nguvu Sharks
Charles Kanyi - SDV Cheetahs
Linus Simiyu - SDV Cheetahs
Victor Sudi - UAP Rhinos [Captain]
Patrice Agunda - UAP Rhinos
Anthony Nyandigisi - SDV Cheetahs
Vincent Mose - SDV Cheetahs
Mathew Musita – Lions
Curtis Lilako – Lions
Daniel Kiptoo - UAP Rhinos
Dennis Mwanja – Lions
Kevin Umbuge - SDV Cheetahs
Peter Mutai – Lions
Isaac Adimo - UAP Rhinos
Kelvin Omiyo - UAP Rhinos

Head Coach: Michael Otieno -

Adapted from http://www.kenyarfu.com

And thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3660&start=255

Tunisian Squad not available

EUROPEAN NATIONS RUGBY TEST MATCH: Division 1B

2011-11-12T10:43:00.001+11:00

12.11.2011
Netherlands v Germany in Hannover (ENC 1B)

Venue: Rudolf-Kalweit-Stadion

Referee: Murinello (Portugal)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
BELGIUM	6	5	0	1	178	88	90	2	1	23
MOLDOVA	5	4	0	1	115	91	24	2	0	18
POLAND	6	4	0	2	142	125	17	0	1	17
CZECH R.	7	3	0	4	115	175	-59	0	1	13
GERMANY	5	1	0	4	109	117	-8	0	3	7
NETH.	5	0	0	5	74	138	-64	0	1	1

Preview
This is the first of two test matches in European Nations Cup Division 1B.

The importance of this match is simply that if Netherlands lose they will almost certainly be relegated back to ENC 2A for 2012-14. They have been using only home-based players as policy. Has that worked? Perhaps time will tell.

Germany’s relegation from the top level of ENC can only be described as disastrous. Only the Netherlands stands between them and further relegation.

This is the first game of the season for both teams.

Last Five Encounters
27.11.2010 Germany 29-10 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
26.04.2008 Germany 27-17 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
28.04.2007 Germany 21-12 in Hannover (ENC 2A)
10.04.2004 Netherlands 14-13 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
09.03.2003 Germany 15-3 in Hannover (ENC 2A)

These two teams have a long history of rugby tests. The first official test was in 1933, Germany winning 23-0 in Dusseldorf.

Netherlands Last Five
30.04.2011 v Moldova L 15-22 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
23.04.2011 v Belgium L 18-30 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
16.04.2011 v Poland L 18-32 in Cracovie (ENC 1B)
27.11.2010 v Germany L 10-29 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
20.11.2010 v Czech Republic L 13-25 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)

Netherlands has lost its last 6 test matches in a row. They have not won a game since promotion to ENC 1B in April 2010. There last win was v Malta (19-0) in April 2010.

Germany Last Five
02.04.2011 v Moldova L 15-28 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
19.03.2011 v Belgium L 25-28 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
12.03.2011 v Czech Republic L 23-29 in Heidelberg (ENC 1B)
11.12.2010 v Hong Kong W 34-13 in Heidelberg (Friendly)
27.11.2010 v Netherlands W 29-10 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Germany 15th, Netherlands 22nd

IRB Ranking Points
Germany 51.83, Netherlands 47.71

Prediction: Germany by 15

Teams

Germany
15 Mustafa Güngör (TV Pforzheim)-33 tests
14 Matthieu Franke (RC Orléans, France)-12
13 Olivier Galli (RC Orléans, France)-New cap
12 Pieter Jordaan (Heidelberger RK)-2
11 Bastian Himmer (RG Heidelberg)-2
10 Raynor Parkinson (RC Hilversum)-New cap
9 Sean Armstrong (Heidelberger RK)-New cap
8 Robert May (TSV Handschuhsheim)-New cap
7 Kehoma Brenner (Heidelberger RK)-18
6 Timothy Kasten (Heidelberger RK)-26
5 Daniel Armitage (Heidelberger RK)-3
4 Callum Sauer (TV Pforzheim)-New cap
3 Stéphane Kohler (CA Lannemezan)-New cap
2 Alexander Widiker, Capt. (Heidelberger RK)-42
1 Arthur Zeiler (Heidelberger RK)-4
Replacements:
Mika Tyumenev (Mont de Marsan, France)-New cap
Guillaume Kasdorf (AS Lavaur, France)-New cap
Benjamin Krause (Hannover 78)-Last played 2009-10-18 tests
Benjamin Danso (Heidelberger RK)-Last played 2008-09-11 tests
Alexander Hauck (SC Frankfurt 1880)-10
Timothy Menzel (TSV Handschuhsheim)-6
Rafael Pyrasch (Heidelberger RK)-8

Adapted from http://www.totalrugby.de/content/view/4775/37/

Data from www.rugbyinternational.net

Netherlands squad not available

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP: Poland and Moldova Clash

2011-11-12T10:15:00.001+11:00

12.11.2011
Poland v Moldova in Chisinau (ENC 1B)

Venue: Stadium Dynamo

Referee: Petrescu (Romania)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
BELGIUM	6	5	0	1	178	88	90	2	1	23
MOLDOVA	5	4	0	1	115	91	24	2	0	18
POLAND	6	4	0	2	142	125	17	0	1	17
CZECH R.	7	3	0	4	115	175	-59	0	1	13
GERMANY	5	1	0	4	109	117	-8	0	3	7
NETH.	5	0	0	5	74	138	-64	0	1	1

Preview
This is a crucial game for both teams. Locked together near the top of the points table, they are just below the pace setter Belgium. A win could propel them closer to Belgium. A loss would dampen their promotion prospects.

Moldova is in the better position on the points table. They have a game in hand. They also have the home advantage. This didn’t help them in 2009 when Poland won by 2 points!

Moldova sees the return of their Sale Sharks player Vadim Cobîlaş. He is crucial to the power of their forward pack. They also have their Russian-based players available. This looks like a strong team.

Poland are missing two of their France-based backs, Vassiere and Chartier. A number of other players that are available are based in France.

Poland has the advantage of already playing together as a team this season. Back in October they defeated Czech Republic 20-13.

This should be a close game.

Previous Encounters
13.11.2010 Moldova 36-25 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)
16.05.2009 Poland 30-28 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
08.04.2006 Moldova 27-13 in Sochaczelo (WCQ Europe R3, Pool A)

Poland Last Five
15.10.2011 v Czech Republic W 20-13 in Nowy Sacz (ENC 1B)
16.04.2011 v Netherlands W 32-18 in Gracovie (ENC 1B)
12.03.2011 v Belgium W 22-17 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)
20.11.2010 Germany W 22-17 in Frankfurt (ENC 1B)
13.11.2010 Moldova L 25-36 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)

Moldova Last Five
30.04.2011 v Netherlands W 22-15 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
02.04.2011 v Germany W 28-15 in Chisinau (ENC 2B)
19.03.2011 v Czech Republic W 24-16 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
12.02.2011 v Belgium L 5-20 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
13.11.2010 v Poland W 36-25 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Poland 12th, Moldova 14th

IRB Ranking Points
Moldova 54.10, Poland 53.57

Prediction: Moldova by 2 points

Teams

Polish Squad (22 to be selected for the match)

Budowlani Łódź – Merab Gabunia, Łukasz Żórawski, Tomasz Stępień, Grzegorz Dułka (reserve: Michał Mirosz);
Lechia Gdańsk – Grzegorz Janiec, Sławomir Kaszuba, Yuriy Bukhalo (reserve: Karol Hedesz, Piotr Jurkowski);
Budowlani Lublin – Stanisław Niedźwiecki, Piotr Psuj (reserve: Wojciech Król, Adrian Chróściel, Wojciech Piotrowicz);
Posnania Poznań – Paweł Najdek, Tomasz Hebda, Mateusz Adamski;
Arka Gdynia – Łukasz Szostek, Marcin Wilczuk;
AZS-AWF Warszawa – Wojciech Łukasiewicz

Players outside Poland: Michał Krużycki, Jean Boutes, Kamil Bobryk, Kacper Ławski, Mateusz Bartoszek, Krzysztof Hotowski, Tom Jankowski.

http://pzrugby.pl/?p=3761 and thanks to ‘http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3939

Moldovan Squad

Props:
Cobîlaş Maxim – „VVA –Monino”,Rusia
Cobîlaş Vadim – „Sale Sharks” , Marea Britanie
Leon Victor – „Dinamo Bucureşti”, România
Ursu Dumitru – „Sporting-ASEM” , MDA

Hookers:
Vasilachi Dumitru – „USEFS”, MDA
Dascăl Ion – „USEFS” , MDA

2nd Row:
Romanov Andrei – „VVA-Monino” , Rusia
Mahu Andrei – „Sporting –ASEM”, MDA
Arhip Victor – „Enisei”, Rusia

3rd Row:
Perpeliţă Oleg – „Spartac”Rusia
Castraveţ Sergiu - „Spartac”Rusia
Gajion Gheorghe – „UTM”, MDA
Lozinschi Veaceslav – „USEFS”, MDA

Scrum-halves:
Chirilă Nicolae – „Imperia – Penza”,Rusia
Caburgan Nicolae – „USEFS”, MDA

10s:
Manoli Octavian – „UTM”, MDA
Găgăuz Alexandr – „Agrouniversitet”, Rusia

Centres:
Voloşciuc Gheorghe – „USEFS”, MDA
Baltag Andrian – „Spartac”,Rusia
Leca Ştefan – „USEFS”, MDA

Wings:
Gherghieş Mihai – „UTM”, MDA
Bulgac Alexandru – „USEFS”, MDA
Toderică Eduard – „Taganrog” , Rusia

Full Backs:
Chicu Eugen – „USEFS”, MDA
Murzac Victor – „Sporting-ASEM”, MDA

http://www.rugby.md/index.php?pagina=7&articol=458 and thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3939

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP TEST RUGBY: Switzerland in Serbia

2011-11-12T09:44:00.001+11:00

12.11.2011
Switzerland v Serbia in Monthey (ENC 2B)

Venue: Stade Phillipe Pottier

Both images above thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3940

Referee: V.Bouchet (Norway)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
SWITZ.	4	3	0	1	99	64	35	1	1	14
SERBIA	5	3	0	2	118	108	10	1	0	13
ANDORRA	4	2	0	2	85	68	17	1	1	10
ARMENIA	4	2	0	2	80	62	18	0	2	10
SLOVENIA	5	1	0	4	50	110	-60	0	0	4

Preview
This is the clash of the two nations that lead this competition. Switzerland leads Serbia by one point but has a game in hand. The winner of this game could well be the team that is promoted to ENC 2A for 2012-14.

Switzerland will play its first game this season. They have the home advantage. They have won their last two games, against Slovenia and Andorra, but has lost their last three games against Serbia, one of them at home.

Serbia crushed Slovenia last weekend. They have the advantage of playing together recently. Playing away to Switzerland wont worry them as they have won in Switzerland before.

Not knowing the lineups makes predicting difficult. This will be a very close game.

Last Five Encounters
20.11.2010 Serbia 18-15 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
24.10.2009 Serbia 13-8 in Belgrade (ENC 3A)
04.04.2009 Serbia 12-6 in Nyon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3A)
24.11.2007 Switzerland 13-5 in Belgrade (ENC 3A)
07.10.2006 Switzerland 30-9 in Nyon (ENC 3A)

Switzerland Last Five
30.04.2011 v Slovenia W 33-10 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
19.03.2011 v Andorra W 21-9 in Nyon (ENC 2B)
20.11.2010 v Serbia L 15-18 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
02.10.2010 v Armenia W 30-27 in Lausanne (ENC 2B)
08.05.2010 v Andorra L 0-10 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 3A)

Serbia Last Five
29.10.2011 v Slovenia W 52-0 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
07.05.2011 v Armenia W 20-18 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
19.02.2011 v Andorra L 25-42 in Andorra La Vele (ENC 2B)
20.11.2010 v Switzerland W 18-15 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
23.10.2010 v Slovenia L 3-33 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table- Switzerland 24th, Serbia 27th

IRB Ranking Points
Switzerland 44.42, Serbia 41.77

Prediction: Switzerland by 5 v Serbia

Teams

Switzerland Squad

Forwards:
Lucas Jacquier (Avusy)
Eddy Gombas (Avusy)
Gabriel Fox (Fribourg)
Schelte Betten (GC Zürich)
Clément Bartschi (Villeurbanne/F, Fédérale 2)
Johannes Küng (GC Zürich)
Jake Serex (Pebbles/Scotland)
Nicolas Guyou (Chateaurenard/F, Fédérale 1)
David Mossière (Sigean/F, Fédérale 3)
Aymeric Pont ( Avusy)
Cyril Coulot ( Kikuro/Be)
Cyril Lin (Lannemezan/F, Fédérale 1)
Jonathan Wullschleger (Lyon Saint Priest/F, Fédérale 3)

Backs:
Simon Perrod (Oyonnax/F, U23)
Calvin Unholz (GC Zürich)
Benoît Camps (Suresnes/F, Fédérale 2)
Adrien Faudot (Thonon/F, Honneur)
Bruno Barthelemy (Nyon)
Mathieu Gouyou-Kreis (Maisons-Laffitte/F, Fédérale 2)
Jacky Dervey (Stade Lausanne)
Lukas Steiger (GC Zürich)
Benjamin Faudot (Thonon/F, Honneur)
Samuel Steiger (RC Bern)

http://en.suisserugby.com/news/curtains ... 1/463.html

Serbian squad not available.

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP RUGBY TEST: Andorra v Slovenia

2011-11-12T09:29:00.001+11:00

12.11.2011
Andorra v Slovenia in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)

Venue: Oval, Stanežičah

Referee: Mossford (Finland)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
SWITZ.	4	3	0	1	99	64	35	1	1	14
SERBIA	5	3	0	2	118	108	10	1	0	13
ANDORRA	4	2	0	2	85	68	17	1	1	10
ARMENIA	4	2	0	2	80	62	18	0	2	10
SLOVENIA	5	1	0	4	50	110	-60	0	0	4

Preview
Slovenia, promoted from Division 2C, face almost certain relegation. At the end of August they were crushed 0-52 by Serbia, a team they defeated 33-3 in November 2010. Just what has happed in Slovenian rugby in the last year is not clear. At the end of last season they had to forfeit a game against Armenia, due to lack of players at training!

Andorra still has a chance to win this competition. They will need to win their remainder test matches comfortably and hope other teams above them crash and burn. This is their first game of the season and they have to play away. Even so, I can’t see Slovenia picking up a win here.

Last Five Encounters
09.10.2010 Andorra 22-7 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)
30.04.2005 Andorra 38-5 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2A)
11.11.2001 Slovenia 26-16 in Ljubliana (FIRA B, Pool A)
30.10.1999 Andorra 16-3 in Ljubjiana (FIRA D1)
26.11.1994 Andorra 28-23 in Andorra La Vela (FIRA B3)

The 1994 test match was the first encounter between these two nations.

Andorra Last Five
19.03.2011 v Switzerland L 9-21 in Nyon (ENC 2B)
19.02.2011 v Serbia W 42-25 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)
13.11.2010 v Armenia L 15-12 in Abovian (ENC 2B)
09.10.2010 v Slovenia W 22-7 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)
08.05.2010 v Switzerland W 10-0 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 3A)

Slovenia Last Five
29.10.2011 v Serbia L 0-52 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
30.04.2011 v Switzerland L 10-33 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
23.11.2010 v Serbia W 33-3 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
09.10.2010 v Andorra L 7-22 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)
23.05.2010 v Norway W 16-13 in Oslo (ENC 3B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Andorra 26th, Slovenia 28th

IRB Ranking Points
Andorra 42.83, Slovenia 39.24

Prediction: Andorra by 18 v Slovenia

Teams not available

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP: Division 2D

2011-11-12T09:05:00.001+11:00

12.11.2011
Finland v Greece in Athens (ENC 2D)

Venue:

Referee: Bartolic (Croatia)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
CYPRUS	5	5	0	0	256	38	218	5	0	25
BULGARIA	6	4	0	2	89	158	-69	0	0	16
GREECE	5	2	0	3	119	94	25	2	2	12
FINLAND	4	1	0	3	41	107	-62	0	1	5
LUXEMB.	6	1	0	5	67	175	-98	0	1	5

Preview
Finland and Greece meet for the second time this year in what is a crucial test match for both teams.

In June Greece arrived in Helsinki with a team missing a couple of players who refused to travel at the last minute. With a squad short of reserves plus a certain amount of disharmony, the Greeks fell short of what would normally be a predictable win. Instead they lost 7-11.

This placed Greece under pressure. They came out firing last weekend against Bulgaria to topple their neighbours by 40 points!

This will be Finland’s first outing this season. They also have the away game disadvantage. Apart from June’s win against Greece, they do not have a good record against the Mediterranean team.

Last Five Encounters
11.06.2011 Finland 11-7 in Helsinki (ENC 2D)
27.02.2010 Greece 31-10 in Patras (ENC 3C)
11.10.2008 Greece 12-10 in Helsinki (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3C)
27.05.2006 Finland 27-0 in Helsinki (ENC 3D)
14.05.2006 Finland 17-12 in Athens (ENC 3D)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Greece 35th, Finland 37th

IRB Rankings do not apply-Greece not listed

Finland Last Five
11.06.2011 v Greece W 11-7 in Helsinki (ENC 2D)
14.05.2011 v Bulgaria L 10-12 in Pernik (ENC 2D)
26.03.2011 v Cyprus L 10-70 in Paphos (ENC 2D)
09.10.2010 v Luxembourg L 10-18 in Helsinki (ENC 2D)
02.10.2010 v Estonia W 55-5 in Helsinki (Friendly)

Greece Last Five
05.11.2011 v Bulgaria W 47-7 in Thesalonika (ENC 2D)
11.06.2011 v Finland L 7-11 in Helsinki (ENC 2D)
02.04.2011 v Luxembourg W 30-18 in Athens (ENC 2D)
20.11.2010 v Cyprus L 13-33 in Athens (ENC 2D)
06.11.2010 v Bulgaria L 22-25 in Pernik (ENC 2D)

Prediction: Greece by 19 points

Teams

Finland Squad
Aaro Katainen (JRC)
Bernt Lindel (EAGLES)
Christiaan Freeman (VAASA)
Galen Rangiawha (EAGLES)
lkka Tuomaala (EAGLES)
Isaac Visser (WRC)
Jaakko Vilen (WRC)
Janne Holtta (WRC)
Joakim Grader (WRC)
Juha Rainvuori (WRC)
Jussi Keskinen (WRC)
Jussi Viljanen (TRUC)
Juuso Sirén (WRC)
Mauno Konttila (JRC)
Mehdi Marami (HRC)
Olli-Pekka Tuomaala (VAASA)
Petri Pallari (HRC)
Pierre-Yves Guiban (RIP)
Riku Ryyninen (FRANCE)
Semu Salmivalli (EAGLES)
Stephen Whittaker (c) (HRC)
Ville Siiskonen (HRC)
Head Coach: Alan Hine

http://rugby.fi/news/team-selected-to-face-greece-in-athens/

Greece squad not available

AFRICA CUP TEST RUGBY

2011-11-09T20:31:00.001+11:00

Tunisia v Kenya now on Saturday 12 November

AFRICA CUP RUGBY: Namibia and Morocco Pull Out

2011-11-08T21:35:00.001+11:00

09.11.2011
Tunisia v Kenya in Nairobi (Africa Cup Division 1A)

Venue:

Referee

Preview
Sadly two of Africa’s top teams have pulled out of this tournament. No reasons given on CAR’s website http://www.confederation-africaine-rugby.com/index.php/fr/ apart from ‘forfait’(sic). An article here http://www.namibian.com.na/sport/local/full-story/archive/2011/november/article/nru-executive-resigns/ explains the reasons for Namibia’s withdrawl, namely financial and a mass resignation of the NRU excecutive. No word from Morocco.

So to this match which will now be the final of the Africa Cup 2011. No news coming out of both Kenya and Tunisia on the web. We are left guessing.

Tunisia should win by 5 points

TEST RUGBY RESULTS FOR SATURDAY 5 NOVEMBER

2011-11-06T08:19:00.001+11:00

05.11.2011
Belgium 55, Czech Republic 0 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
Malta 14, Lithuania 10 in La Valetta (ENC 2A)
Croatia 34, Latvia 8 in Split (ENC 2A)
Austria 38, Hungary 7 in Vienna (ENC 2C)
Greece 47, Bulgaria 7 in Thesalonika (ENC 2D)

Briefly
There were some huge scores in this weekends games. Most of them were complete surprises!

Belgium walked all over Czech Republic. The Czechs made wholesale changes following their 13-20 defeat by Poland 2 weeks ago. All that did was, by the looks of it, weakened team resolve! Belgium is certainly the go ahead team at this level. They could well be promoted to the top division for 2012-14.

Malta caused a major upset in the only low-scoring game this weekend. Lithuania travelled with only 18 players in what looked a cost-saving move. Did that backfire? The Baltic nation led 10-0 at halftime. Malta stormed back in the second half, scored their 14 points within 13 minutes and held on for a famous win. Has this ended Lithuania’s promotion hopes?

Croatia predictably won easily against Latvia.

Austria scored a big win over Hungary in ENC 2D. This was a big surprise! Greece’s 47-7 win over Bulgaria was an even bigger surprise!!

Next Weekend’s ENC Fixtures are…

12.11.2011
Netherlands v Germany in Hannover (ENC 1B)
Poland v Moldova in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
Switzerland v Serbia in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
Andorra v Slovenia in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
Finland v Greece in Athens (ENC 2D)

Mid-week we see round one of the Africa Cup 1A division being played in Nairobi. Word has it that Namibia have pulled out and are replaced by Kenya A. The final round will be played on the 12th.

On Sunday 13th Uruguay plays Portugal in Lisbon

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP: Czech Republic v Belgium

2011-11-05T18:50:00.001+11:00

05.11.2011
Czech Republic v Belgium in Brussels (ENC 1B)

Venue: Stade Roi Baudouin

Referee: G.Vivarini (Italy)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
BELGIUM	5	4	0	1	123	88	35	1	1	18
MOLDOVA	5	4	0	1	115	91	24	2	0	18
POLAND	6	4	0	2	142	125	17	0	1	17
CZECH R.	6	3	0	3	115	119	-4	0	1	13
GERMANY	5	1	0	4	109	117	-8	0	3	7
NETH.	5	0	0	5	74	138	-64	0	1	1

Preview
Belgium and Czech Republic are poised to clash in Brussels this weekend. Belgium is joint leader of the competition, along with Moldova, but Czech Republic still have a chance to win this competition.

Belgium is the team to beat. Their first round 21-5 win over nearest rival Moldova pushed them as clear favourites. Poland upset the cart by defeating the Belgians in Gdansk last March.

The Czechs struggled to come to grips with Poland in the first ENC 1B match of the 2011-12 season. This has pushed them further down the table. A win in Brussels is crucial if they stand a chance of promotion.

An interesting recall to the Czech side is 38 year old Jiri Skall who retired from international rugby in 2010 only to be recalled this week to play his 75th test for Czech Republic. This also stands as the record number of test ‘caps’ for a Czech Player.

I expect Belgium to win.

Last Five Encounters
13.11.2010 Belgium 24-12 in Prague (ENC 1B)
03.04.2010 Czech Republic 19-16 in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
14.03.2009 Drawn 15-15 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
22.09.2001 Czech Republic 46-3 in Prague (FIRA/WCQ Europe R3, Pool A)
15.04.2000 Czech Republic 28-23 in Prague (FIRA C)

Belgium Last Five
23.04.2011 v Netherlands W 30-18 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
19.03.2011 v Germany W 28-25 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
12.03.2011 v Poland L 21-28 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)
12.02.2011 v Moldova W 20-5 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
13.11.2010 v Czech Republic W 24-12 in Prague (ENC 1B)

Czech Republic Last Five
15.10.2011 v Poland L 13-20 in NowySacz (ENC 1B)
19.03.2011 v Moldova L 16-24 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
12.03.2011 v Germany W 29-23 in Heidelberg (ENC 1B)
20.11.2010 Netherlands W 25-13 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
13.11.2010 v Belgium L 12-24 in Prague (ENC 1B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Belgium 13th, Czech Republic 16th

IRB Ranking Points
Belgium 44.12, Czech Republic 41.12

Prediction: Belgium by 14 points

Teams

Belgium Squad
Thibaut André (Soignies)
Neil Andrew (Tournefeuille, France)
Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
Thomas Coupe (Boitsfort)
Sep Debacker (Boitsfort)
Christophe Debaty (Tyrosse, France)
Thomas Dienst (Lille, France)
Peter Duchau (Dendermonde)
Denis Eppe (ROC Ottignies)
Carlos Fierro (Rugby Olympique de Grasse, France)
Dirk Haghedooren (Cap d’Agde, France)
Julien Hanchir (Millau, France)
Pierre Hendrickxs (Boitsfort)
Maxime Jadot (Pau, France)
Daniel Janssens (La Roche sur Yon, France)
Simon Marote (Brussels University Club)
Julien Massimi (Saint-Etienne, France)
Nicolas Meeus (Kituro)
Pierre Plasman (Dendermonde)
Hadrien Radelet (Charleroi)
Frédéric Rongé (Kituro)
Bastian Vermeylen (Boitsfort)
Mathieu Verschelden (Saint-Etienne, France)
Norman Wende (Saint-Etienne, France)
Alan Williams (Montluçon, France)
Head Coach: Richard McClintock

http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=7710

Czech Republic
15 Michal Jirman
14 Jan Rudolf
13 Ivane Sulamanidze
12 Petr Okleštěk
11 Michal Schalnger
10 Lukáš Honner
9 Milan Jirman
8 Jiří Černy
7 Karel Nešpor
6 Josef Maňák
5 Tomáš Holovský
4 Radim Backa
3 Pavel Hocke
2 Jiří Skall
1 Lukáš Macháček
Replacements
16 Michal Průša
17 Zbyněk Šroubek
18 Vojtěch Havel
19 Michal Kulhánek
20 Vakhtang Pailodze
21 Zbyněk Schütz
22 Jakub Fuchs
Head Coach: Martin Kafka

ragby.cz:

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP TEST MATCH: Lithuania v Malta

2011-11-05T17:21:00.001+11:00

05.11.2011
Lithuania v Malta in La Valette (ENC 2A)

Venue: Hibernians Stadium, Paola

Referee: Montoya (Spain)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
SWEDEN	6	5	1	0	194	125	65	2	0	24
LITHUANIA	5	3	1	1	147	77	70	2	1	17
MALTA	5	2	0	3	94	88	14	2	2	12
LATVIA	5	1	0	4	77	179	-102	2	1	7
CROATIA	5	1	0	4	71	118	-47	0	2	6

Preview
Lithuania will be desperate to win this game to keep in contact with Sweden, the competition pacemaker. They have drawn and lost against the Swedes in the past year.

For Lithuania to win this division it would cap off a fantastic period of its rugby history. In the past two seasons they reached a high level of World Cup qualification, defeating The Netherlands before bowing out against Ukraine. In the process they created a new world record by 18 consecutive test wins and then won promotion to Division 2A in the European Nations Cup.

Malta have a mathematical chance of winning this division but realistically they are off the pace. They pushed Sweden close in May and lost 6-9 to Lithuania in October 2010. They defeated Latvia easily in their last outing.

Malta could well win this game. Lithuania do not travel well and Malta is always strong at home. I predict Lithuania to have just enough to hold off the Maltese.

Previous Encounters
30.10.2010 Lithuania 9-6 in Siauliai (ENC 2A)
23.11.2002 Malta 22-18 in La Valette (ENC 3B)
21.04.2001 Lithuania 39-11 in Marsa (FIRA Pool 1; WCQ Europe R1)

Lithuania Last Five
22.10.2011 v Sweden D 30-30 in Kuanas (ENC 2A)
07.05.2011 v Croatia W 29-12 in Split (ENC 2A)
30.04.2011 v Latvia W 57-3 in Kuanas
06.11.2010 v Sweden L 22-26 in Trelleborg (ENC 2A)
30.10.2010 v Malta W 9-6 in Siauliai (ENC 2A)

Malta Last Five
29.10.2011 v Latvia W 28-0 in Riga (ENC 2A)
07.05.2011 v Sweden L 13-24 in Stockholm (ENC 2A)
30.04.2011 v Croatia W 21-14 in La Valette (ENC 2A)
06.11.2010 v Latvia L 26-33 in La Valette (ENC 2A)
30.10.2010 v Lithuania L 6-9 in Siauliai (ENC 2A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Lithuania 19th, Malta 20th

IRB Ranking Points
Lithuania 51.14, Malta 46.80

Prediction: Lithuania by 5 points

Teams

Malta Squad
Ian Borda
Nathan Gatt
Thomas Pace Moore
Clayton Cassar
Michael Bonavia
Max Galea
Josua Howlands
Oliva Sacco
Alister Livesey
Harry Collins
Kyle Mason
Mark Davey
Darren Deguara
Thomas Holloway
Robert Holloway
Dominic Busutill
James Kirk
James O’Brian
Tobias Quarandon
Vincent Stivala
Matthew Camilleri
Robert Bonavia.
Head Coach: Damian Niell

http://www.maltasport.com/modules/local ... temid=1327

Lithuania Squad Not available

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP RUGBY TEST: Latvia v Croatia

2011-11-05T16:46:00.001+11:00

05.11.2011
Latvia v Croatia in Split (ENC 2A)

Venue: Stari Plac

Referee: Hoyer (Netherlands)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
SWEDEN	6	5	1	0	194	125	65	2	0	24
LITHUANIA	5	3	1	1	147	77	70	2	1	17
MALTA	5	2	0	3	94	88	14	2	2	12
LATVIA	5	1	0	4	77	179	-102	2	1	7
CROATIA	5	1	0	4	71	118	-47	0	2	6

Preview
This is the second ENC 2A rugby test match to be played this weekend.It is a crucial match for the fortunes and future of the two rugby nations.

Both teams are languishing at the bottom of the championship points table. A loss to either team could well mean eventual relegation.

Latvia has struggled its last three games. Unable to secure the services of it’s Russia-based players they appear to have levelled out after their heady days of the mid-2000s when they achieved promotion to this level.

Croatia has also struggled but played well against competition leaders Sweden last weekend. They also have the advantage of playing at home.

Things look gloomy for Latvia. I predict a loss to them and eventually they’ll head down to ENC 2B for 2012-14.

Last Five Encounters
30.10.2010 Croatia 14-12 in Riga (ENC 2A)
24.10.2009 Croatia 23-9 in Riga (ENC 2B)
25.04.2009 Croatia 21-13 in Makarska (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
10.05.2008 Latvia 20-8 in Riga (ENC 2B)

Croatia Last Five
29.10.2011 v Sweden L 18-24 in Enkoping (ENC 2A)
07.05.2011 v Lithuania L 12-29 in Split (ENC 2A)
30.04.2011 v Malta L 14-21 in La Valette (ENC 2A)
20.10.2010 v Latvia W 14-12 in Riga (ENC 2A)
23.10.2010 v Sweden L 13-32 in Split (ENC 2A)

Croatia lost 12-31 to Belgium (Oct.22) in a friendly, non test match

Latvia Last Five
29.10.2011 v Malta L 0-28 in Riga (ENC 2A)
14.05.2011 v Sweden L 29-54 in Riga (ENC 2A)
30.04.2011 v Lithuania L 3-57 in Kuanas (ENC 2A)
06.11.2010 v Malta W 33-26 in La Valette (ENC 2A)
30.10.2010 v Croatia L 12-14 in Riga (ENC 2A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Croatia 21st, Latvia 23rd

IRB Ranking Points
Croatia 44.12, Latvia 41.12

Prediction: Croatia by 19 points

Teams

Croatia Squad
Jai Ayoub (AUS)
Denis Brečić (Mladost RFC)
Caleb Brown (Hauraki North RFC, New Zealand)
Ante Bulat (Mladost RFC)
Marko Bunić (Mladost RFC)
Tomislav Burazin (Nada RFC)
Tonči Buzov (Nada RFC)
Goran Čulić (Nada RFC)
Dominik Draženović (Mladost RFC)
Luka Jureško (Zagreb RFC)
Milivoj Kramarić (Zagreb RFC)
Steven Kumarich (Auckland University RFC, New Zealand)
Jakša Lovreta (Makarska Rivijera RFC)
Miroslav Mandić (Zagreb RFC)
Frane Marčić (Nada RFC)
Filip Mijić (Zagreb RFC)
Ante Olujić (Nada RFC)
Mario Ozich (Waitemata RFC, New Zealand)
Saša Sekovanec (Nada RFC)
Saša Slijepčević (Young Munster RFC, Ireland)
Ivan Šuta (Mladost RFC)
Vinko Udovičić (Zagreb RFC)
Richard Pervan (NZ)

http://www.nada-rugby.hr/nadanew/hrvats ... atska.html

Latvia Squad
Andris Andersons (RK Miesnieki/Ķekava)
Āris Andersons (RK Miesnieki/Ķekava)
Nauris Bērziņš (SK Ovals)
Andrejs Borisovs (SK Ovals)
Zigurds Felss (RK Eži/LMT)
Gunārs Grīnvalds (RK Eži/LMT)
Elmārs Imbrass (SK Ovals)
Kristaps Jakušs (RK Baldone)
Ruslans Kotļevs (RK Eži/LMT)
Raimonds Krūmiņš (RK Eži/LMT)
Mareks Larionovs (RK Eži/LMT)
Andrejs Meļņikovs (SK Ovals)
Romāns Odnokurcevs (RK Eži/LMT)
Arvis Pilenieks (RK LL Universiāde)
Santis Podāns (SK Ovals)
Jānis Priede (RK Miesnieki/Ķekava)
Valters Raņķis (RK Miesnieki/Ķekava)
Jānis Skuja (RK Miesnieki/Ķekava)
Māris Streikišs (RK Eži/LMT)
Vjačeslavs Tiško (SK Ovals)
Mihails Tumins (SK Ovals)
Vigo Valdavs juniors (RK Livonia/Garkalne)
Head Coach: Vladimirs Ņikonovs

http://89.111.16.216/read/?id=875