TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Friday 1 Nov-Sunday 3 Nov.

01.11.2013
Poland v Sri Lanka in Colombo (IRB Serendib Tri-Nations)

02.11.2013
England v Australia at Twickenham
New Zealand v Japan in Tokyo
Ukraine v Sweden in Kiev (WCQ Europe R4: ENC 1B)
Lithuania v Malta in (?) (ENC 2A)
Croatia v Switzerland in Split (ENC 2A)
Denmark v Israel in (?) (ENC 2B)

03.11.2013
New Zealand Maoris v Canada in Toronto

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 24 April

24.04.2010
Moldova 28, Ukraine 19 in Anenii-Noi (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Belgium 29, Poland 8 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Hong Kong 32, Korea 8 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan 40, Arabian Gulf 28 in Almaty (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Croatia 16, Netherlands 14 in Split (ENC 2B)
Malta 27, Latvia 10 in Paola (ENC 2B)
Lithuania 77, Serbia 5 in Pancevo (ENC 3A)
Denmark 24, Austria 13 in Odense (ENC 3B)
Bulgaria 18, Greece 15 in Pernik (ENC 3C)-Updated 26.04.2010

Briefly
Well now! Talk about upsets. The form book was thrown out as favoured teams were toppled on Saturday.

Moldova started it all by defeating Ukraine in front of their home crowd. With the Division 2A trophy already in their hands (they were actually awarded the title officially after the game) the Ukraine were promptly defeated.

In a close game in Split the home team were leading 16-9 towards the end before the Netherlands scored to give them the necessary points and promotion. So far the results suggest some very even divisions. Perhaps it's time to rethink how the ENC is being run. An article on this coming up soon.

Belgium were too good at home for Poland. The Moldova-Poland match is now crucial to decide promotion-relegation.

Lithuania walked all over Serbia away and so achieved its 18th successive test match victory and a new world record. They next challenge the Ukraine in the next stage of Rugby World Cup qualifying. I think the Ukrainians must be a little concerned.

Malta defeated Latvia at home whilst Denmark were too strong for Austria at home. The Greece-Bulgaria result is not yet known.

And another upset. Hong Kong easily defeated Korea 32-8 at home in a Major upset. After a good tussle Kazakhstan finally overcame The Arabian Gulf by 40-28. Apart from Japan, Asia5Nations look interestingly even so far. The battle for 2nd place and a chance for a 2011 Rugby World Cup finals place is on!

All results thanks to the guys at www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP RUGBY: Ukraine plays Moldova

24.04.2010
Ukraine v Moldova in Anenii–Noi

Venue: Stadionul Raional

Referee: Carp (France)

Preview
The result of this match has little bearing on outcomes. ENC 2A for 2010-12 will have an extra team which will mean no team will be relgated. What will be interesting is to see if Ukraine can carry some good form leading up to its World Cup playoffs against Lithuania.

Previous Encounters
09.05.2009 Ukraine 32-0 in Kiev (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)
03.05.2008 Ukraine 14-9 in Chisinau (ENC 2A)
05.05.2007 Moldova 17-16 in Kiev (ENC 2A)
1996 Ukraine 38-0 in Kiev (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Ukraine 14th, Moldova 15th

Prediction: Ukraine by 10 points.

Teams

Moldova Squad
Dumitru Arhip (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 12.11.1988, Age 21
Victor Arhip (Farul Constanţa, Romania) 24.02.1990, Age 19
*Anton Bajutin (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 17.04.1985, Age 24
Andrian Baltag (Farul Constanţa, Romania) 30.01.1987, Age 23
*Vasile Bolea (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine) 27.10.1982, Age 27
Alexandru Bulgac (Farul Constanţa, Romania) 14.06.1987, Age 22
Ion Buşila (USEFS Blumarine) 02.04.1986, Age 23
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine) 08.12.1984, Age 25
Sergiu Castraveţ (RC Lokomotiv “Spartak’’ Russia) 29.12.1987, Age 22
Nicolae Chirilă (Imperia Penza, Russia) 30.07.1980, Age 29
Maxim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia) 12.06.1986, Age 23
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia) 30.07.1983, Age 26
*Vitalie Coropcean (UTM Chişinău) 31.10.1982, Age 28
Alexei Cotruţă (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia) 27.08.1979, Age 31
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania) 07.03.1989, Age 21
*Vitalii Gira (UTM Chişinău) 18.06.1984, Age 25
*Alexandru Colţ (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 22.06.1985, Age 24
*Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău) 22.12.1982, Age 27
Veaceslav Lozinschi (USEFS Blumarine) 25.06.1988, Age 21
Alexandru Matveev (USEFS Blumarine) 05.03.1989, Age 20
*Octavian Manoli (UTM Chişinău) 07.02.1983, Age 26
Oleg Perpeliţă (RC Lokomotiv “Spartak’’ Russia) 18.06.1983, Age 26
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia) 10.12.1985, Age 24
*Pavel Titarenco (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol) 21.04.1985, Age 24
Veaceslav Titica (Krasny Yar, Russia) 14.02.1983, Age 27
Eduard Toderică (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol) 13.09.1988, Age 22
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine) 24.06.1979, Age 30
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine) 23.04.1984, Age 25

Head Coach: Vasile Ravenco

*New to squad for this match

http://rugby.org.ua/index.php?newsid=518

Not included from squad that didn’t play Poland
Vitalie Baleca (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Breazu (R.C. Ciorescu)
Ghenadi Evteev (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Alexandru Gagauz (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Mihai Gheorghieş (UTM Chişinău)
Ştefan Leca (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Sîscan (UTM Chişinău)

Ukraine Squad (To be Reduced)
Віта Dotsenko (RC Aviator)
Sergei Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vasil Hlushchenko (RC Epokha-Polytechnic)
Nikolai Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Lytvynenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Denis Masjukov (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Andrei Melnikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dmytro Mokretsov (RK Sokol)
Serge Monastir (RC Kredo 63)
Oleksandr Myshynev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dmytro Mukhin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Polyansky (RC Kredo 63)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Ruslan Radchuk (RC Kredo 63)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Tyurikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Vasyuchenko (RC Aviator)
Eduard Vertiletsky (RC Kredo 63)
Grabovsky Vladislav (RK Sokol)
Sergei Yanchiy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Zapolsky (RK Sokol)
2 players missing

HeadCoach: Valeri Kochanov

http://rugby.org.ua/index.php?newsid=518

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: Poland Face Up To Belgium

24.04.2010
Poland v Belgium in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: King Baudouin Stadium

Referee: Villegas (Spain)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
UKRAINE	7	5	0	2	122	80	42	17
CZECH REPUBLIC	8	3	1	4	136	142	-6	15
BELGIUM	7	3	1	3	79	89	-10	14
POLAND	6	3	0	3	81	89	-8	12
MOLDOVA	6	2	0	4	105	125	-20	10

Preview
The winner of this division will face Lithuania next month in the first of the playoffs to find the third European team at the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals.

Poland will play its first game following the death of their President two weeks ago. On that occasion, the match v Moldova was called off as a mark of respect. The Polish rugby coaches brother was also killed in the plane crash. It may be a difficult ask but the team will need to put that behind them and win this game.

The Poles are near the bottom of the table and must win today against Belgium and then against Moldova to ensure they remain in Division 2A.

Belgium has been up and down in this competition which explains why it holds middle position on the table. They began with a roar, defeating favourites Ukraine 9-8 in the first match. Then they slid dangerously close to the relegation zone. This year they have improved. However a loss to Ukraine in the return match ended their chances of taking the vital top spot.

Previous Encounters
30.05.2009 Poland 14-3 in Gdansk (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
16.10.1999 Poland 43-14 in Brussels (FIRA C)
28.03.1998 Poland 30-10 in Gdansk (WCQ Europe Pool 2; Rnd B)
28.10.1995 Poland 30-10 in Lodz (FIRA A2)
15.10.1994 Poland 50-13 in Siedlce (FIRA A1)

Poland first played Poland back in 1959. The Poles winning 6-0 in Katowice.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Poland 16th, Belgium 17th

Prediction: Poland by 5 points.

Teams

Belgium
Thibaut André (Soignies)
Neil Andrew (Tournefeuille)
Aurélien Batardy (Soignies)
Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
Christophe Debaty (Limoges, France)
Mika Demolder (Boitsfort)
Thomas Dienst (Lille, France)
Denis Eppe (ROC Ottignies)
Charlie Fourneau (Lille, France)
Denis Franquin (Boitsfort)
Damien Godefroy (Lille, France)
Sébastien Guns (Boitsfort)
Dirk Haghedooren (Agde)
Julien Hanchir (Milau, France)
Maxime Jadot (Frameries)
Simon Marote (ASUB)
Julien Massimi (St-Etienne, France)
Jaco McLachlan (Dendermonde)
Nicolas Meeus (Kituro)
Alain Miriallakis (St-Etienne, France)
Romain Orban (Kituro)
Frédéric Rongé (Kituro)
Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB)
Norman Wende (St-Etienne, France)
Alan Williams (Castres, France)

Head Coach: Richard McClintock

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3444

Poland Squad
Dawid Banaszek (Villeurbanne, France)
Mateusz Bartoszek (Albi, France)
Kamil Bobryk (Epernay, France)
David Chartier (Bayonne, France)
Karol Denisiuk (Arka Gdynia);
Lukasz Doroszkiewicz (Lechia Gdansk)
Charles Hedesz (Lechia Gdansk)
Krzysztof Hotowski (Nevers, France)
Rafał Janeczko (AZS AWF Warszawa);
Grzegorz Janiec (Lechia Gdansk)
Piotr Karpiński (Budowlani Łódź)
Sławomir Kaszuba (Lechia Gdansk)
Emil Kowalewski (Orkan Sochaczew)
Robert Kwiatkowski (Lechia Gdańsk)
Michael Krużycki (Lyon, France)
Stanislas Krzesińska (Mazamet, France)
Kacper Ławski (Budowlani Łódź);
Yann Lewandowski (Cahors, France)
Wojciech Lukasiewicz (Orkan Sochaczew)
Michał Mirosz (Budowlani Łódź);
Stanisław Niedźwiecki (Budowlani Lublin)
Wojciech Piotrowicz (Budowlani Lublin).
Piotr Piszczek (Lechia Gdańsk)
David Poplawski (Albi, France)
Marek Przychocki (Ogniwo Sopot),
Kazimierz Raszpunda (Portsmouth RFC, England)
Bastien Siepielski (Marmande, France)
Kamil Simionkowski (Arka Gdynia)
Tomasz Stepien (Budowlani Łódź)
Mariusz Wilczuk (Lechia Gdańsk)
Martin Wilczuk (Portsmouth RFC, England)Konrad Jarosz (Juvenia Kraków);

One to be omitted

Head Coach: Thomas Putra

Adapted from http://www.rugby.info.pl/artykul_2074_w ... y_z_belgia

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 10 April

10.04.2010
Czech Republic 27, Ukraine 16 in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Poland v Moldova in Sochaczew (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)-postponed-death of Polish President
Armenia 20, Serbia 19, in Abovian (ENC 3A)
Israel 50, Bulgaria 10, in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Briefly
The world rugby community were saddened to hear that just prior to the test match in Sochaczew news reached the stadium that the Polish president was killed in a plane crash over Russia. The Poland v Moldova match was postponed and will be rescheduled.

The 2A ENC competition proved just how close the teams are. Last week Belgium upset Czech Republic. This week it was the Czechs' turn to upset. This time competition leaders Ukraine were upset 27-16.

Armenia struggled to overcome a tough Serbia outfit by a single point whilst Israel won easily, a little surprisingly, 50-10 over Bulgaria. Israel are now firm favourites to glide into ENC 3B for 2010-12.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Battle For A Place in the Rugby World Cup Continues

10.04.2010
Ukraine v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: Stadium Josef Kohout, Říčany

Referee: Raduta (Romania)

Image thanks to http://www.rugbyunion.cz/me-divize-2a-tesna-prohra-s-belgii

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
UKRAINE	6	5	0	1	106	53	53	16
BELGIUM	7	3	1	3	79	89	-10	14
POLAND	6	3	0	3	81	89	-8	12
CZECH REPUBLIC	7	2	1	4	109	126	-17	12
MOLDOVA	6	2	0	4	105	125	-20	10

Preview
The Czechs would have been very disappointed with their loss to Belgium last weekend. That was a match both teams needed to win. The win went to Belgium and emphasised the closeness of the competition at this level. There is the possibility of a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals at stake. The winner of this division will playoff against Lithuania to see who will play Romania, winner of ENC 1.

This division will increase it's number to six for the 1010-12 competition, which means Germany, being relegated from ENC 1 will join this group, last place stays put, whilst the 6th side will be promoted from ENC 2B.

A number of Czech France-based players have returned for this game. Especially important is the inclusion of one of the Czechs best players Robert Noves. These are experienced players and their absence was felt last weekend. The team this week has a solid look about it. They face a Ukrainian outfit poised ready to win this division.

The Ukrainians are well out in front on the table above. Belgium looks like the only team who can get near. A loss today will mean the Ukraine's return match against Moldova will be a crucial win. A win today will leave the issue no longer in doubt. The Ukraine will win this division.


Czech Republic lost 16-19 to Belgium last weekend. Image thanks to http://www.rugbyunion.cz/me-divize-2a-tesna-prohra-s-belgii

Last Five Encounters
21.03.2009 Ukraine 20-10 in Odessa (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
05.11.2005 Czech Republic 46-8 in Odessa (ENC 1)
12.03.2005 Czech Republic 42-5 in Prague (ENC 1)
03.11.2001 Czech Republic 26-8 in Prague (WCQ/FIRA Europe R2, Pool A)
14.10.2000 Czech Republic 35-3 in Prague (FIRA B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Ukraine 13th, Czech Republic 15th

Prediction: Ukraine by 7 points

Teams

Czech Republic Squad
Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha)
Josef Bláha (RC Říčany)
Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno)
Petr Čížek (RC Praga Praha)
Tomáš Heller (RC Slavia Praha)
Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
Martin Jágr (Union Bordeaux-Begles, France)
Michal Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
Milan Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
Václav Jursík (RC Strasbourg, France)
Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France)
Petr Okleštěk (RC Auxerre, France)
Karel Opravil (RC Brno Bystrc)
Vachtang Pailodze (RC Sparta Praha)
Michal Průša (Bellegrade, France)
Jan Rohlík (RC Říčany)
Jiří Skall (RC Sparta Praha)
Irakli Sulamanidze (RC Sparta Praha)
Roman Šuster (FC Auch, France) prop
Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha)
Robert Voves (RC Narbonne, France)
Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France)
Head Coach: Martin Kafka

http://www.ragby.cz/cesky-narodni-tym-c ... -ukrajinou

Ukraine Squad
Evigney Chaika (RC Kredo 63)
Sergei Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vladyslav Grabovsky (RK Sokol)
Nikolai Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vadim Kolyshkin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Lytvynenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lomakin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dmytro Mokretsov (RK Sokol)
S. Monastyrev(RC Aviator)
Jaba Malaguradze (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Andrei Melnikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Myshynev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vadym Mysyk (Olimp-Electronmash, Tiraspol)
Dmytro Mukhin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Polyansky (RC Kredo 63)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Ruslan Radchuk (RC Kredo 63)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Tserkovny (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Tyurikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Sergei Yanchiy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Nazar Zozulya (Obolon-University)
HeadCoach: Valeri Kochanov

Adapted from http://rugby.org.ua/index.php?newsid=512 and http://rugby.biz.ua/index.php?newsid=2162

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY; World Cup in Europe

10.04.2010
Moldova v Poland in Sochaczew (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: National Rugby Stadium

Referee: Patrick Beuriot (France)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
UKRAINE	6	5	0	1	106	53	53	16
BELGIUM	7	3	1	3	79	89	-10	14
POLAND	6	3	0	3	81	89	-8	12
CZECH REPUBLIC	7	2	1	4	109	126	-17	12
MOLDOVA	6	2	0	4	105	125	-20	10

Preview
This is the second match in this vital level of World Cup qualifying games.

This is another level of European competition where all the teams are very level. Last weekend Belgium defeated the Czech Republic which opened this competition wide. The winner of this competition will face Lithuania, and then Romania, to reach the repecharge section of the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifications.

Although in 3rd place the Poles are in a good position as they have a game in hand over 2nd placed Belgium. Poland and Belgium are realistically the teams to challenge Ukraine. The Polish squad has been involved in a great deal of preparation for this part of the competition.

Firstly the team played against an invitation side in February to open the new National Rugby Stadium.They won 33-5. Then in March the team, many of whom play professionally in France, travelled to France for a training camp and two warm up games. On March 13 they played LOU Espoirs and lost 19-50, and then on March 16 they played Bourg-en-Bresse, losing 22-33. With this amount of preparation and playing in their new stadium, Poland look favoured to win.

The Moldovans will be without some of the Russian-based players as leading Russian club VVA-Podmoskovje is in England. This could well weaken the side. The Poles sneaked home 30-28 against the Moldovans in Chisinau during the first round.

Poland lost to Moldova four years ago 13-27. Image thanks to Krzysztof Lewandowski

February 19 Poland v Invitation XV 33-5 in Gydnia to open the new National Rugby Stadium.Image thanks to Michael Golomb

Previous Encounters
16.05.2009 Poland 30-28 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
08.04.2006 Moldova 27-13 in Sochaczew (WCQ Europe R3A, Pool A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Moldova 14th, Poland 16th

Prediction: Poland by 7 points

Teams

Moldova Squad
Dumitru Arhip (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Victor Arhip (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Vitalie Baleca (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Andrian Baltag (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Alexandru Breazu (R.C. Ciorescu)
Alexandru Bulgac (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Ion Buşila (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)
Sergiu Castraveţ (RC Lokomotiv “Spartak’’ Russia)
Nicolae Chirilă (Imperia Penza, Russia)
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexei Cotruţă (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Ghenadi Evteev (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Alexandru Gagauz (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Mihai Gheorghieş (UTM Chişinău)
Ştefan Leca (USEFS Blumarine)
Veaceslav Lozinschi (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)
Oleg Perpeliţă (RC Lokomotiv “Spartak’’ Russia)
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexandru Sîscan (UTM Chişinău)
Veaceslav Titica (Krasny Yar, Russia)
Eduard Toderică (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Head Coach: Vasile Ravenco

Adapted from http://www.rugby.md/index.php?pagina=7&articol=169

Poland
15. Dawid Banaszek (Villeurbanne, France)
14. Krzysztof Hotowski (Nevers, France)
13. Robert Kwiatkowski (Lechia Gdańsk)
12. Wojciech Lukasiewicz (Orkan Sochaczew)
11. Donald Gargasson (Toulon, France)
10. David Poplawski (Albi, France)
9. Cedric Vaissiere (Albi, France
8. Stanislas Krzesińska (Mazamet, France)
7. Kazimierz Raszpunda (Portsmouth RFC, England)
6. Mateusz Bartoszek (Albi, France)
5. Michael Krużycki (Lyon, France)
4. Paweł Nowak (Arka Gdynia)
3. Sławomir Kaszuba (?)
2. Yann Lewandowski (Cahors, France)
1. Kamil Bobryk (Epernay, France)
Replacements
16. Martin Wilczuk (Portsmouth RFC, England)
17. Michał Królikowski (Budowlani Łódź)
18. Michał Mirosz (?)
19. Lukasz Doroszkiewicz (Lechia Gdansk)
20. Charles Hedesz (Lechia Gdansk)
21. Łukasz Żórawski (Budowlani Łódź)
22. Tomasz Stepien (Budowlani Łódź)
Head Coach: Thomas Putra

David Chartier (Bayonne, France) out injured

Adapted from http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

09.04.2010
Tunisia v Arabian Gulf in Dubai (Friendly)

10.04.2010
Czech Republic v Ukraine in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Poland v Moldova in Poland (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Serbia v Armenia in Abovian (ENC 3A)
Bulgaria v Israel in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Briefly
Tunisia travels to the Middle East as part of their World Cup qualifying bid. They face Romania in June as part of the repechage phase og qualifying. Arabian Gulf will use the game to prepare for its clashes in the Asia5Nations competition and hopefully a place in the World Cup finals.

The race to find the winner of ENC 2A resumes this Saturday. Ukraine, Czech Republic, Moldova and Poland play matches with the Ukraine sitting as hot favourite. The winner of ENC 2A will play Lithuania in May to find the other repecharge qualifier.

Serbia travels to Armenia where the local team defeated Andorra last weekend to pull itself further away from relegation. Serbia needs to win as four teams in this division battle to prevent relegation.

Bulgaria travels to Israel to face the home side who are yet to be defeated in this division. Israel are looking as favourites to be promoted to Division 3B for 2010-12.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Rugby World Cup Qualifying

03.04.2010
Belgium v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 2A)

Venue: Stadium RC Slavia Praha

Referee: Reineke (Germany)

Preview
Both these teams will have to win their remaining matches and hope that the top team in the competition, Ukraine, stumbles in all of their remaining games. At the moment the Ukraine are hot favourites to take the top spot and then await the challenge from Lithuania to see who takes on the third team in ENC 1 for a repecharge place and then hopefully to the Rugby World Cup. Below is the ENC 2A table

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
UKRAINE	6	5	0	1	106	53	53	16
POLAND	6	3	0	3	81	89	-8	12
BELGIUM	6	2	1	3	60	73	-13	11
CZECH REPUBLIC	6	2	1	3	93	107	-14	11
MOLDOVA	6	2	0	4	105	125	-20	10

Both teams have two different styles of play. Czech coach Martin Kafka will not be able to field his strongest side due to French club commitments for Roman Šuster , Lukas Rapant, Paul Stastny, Robert Voves and Miroslav Nemecek. He will rely on a strong backline and a forward pack that can at least hold their own.

Belgium will use their huge and experienced pack to grind down the Czechs and then allow their back to run.

Last Five Encounters
14.03.2009 Drawn 15-15 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 2A)
27.05.1995 Belgium 32-13 in Brussels (WCQ Qualifying)
22.11.1986 Belgium 18-15 in Vise (FIRA B2)
19.11.1985 Czechoslovakia 14-3 in Prague (FIRA B2)
27.11.1982 Czechoslovakia 21-6 in Brussels (FIRA C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Czech Republic 15th, Belgium 17th

Prediction: Czech Republic by 3 points

Teams

Czech Republic
15. Jan Rohlík (RC Říčany)
14. Martin Jágr (Union Bordeaux-Begles, France)
13. Václav Jursík (RC Strasbourg, France)
12. Petr Okleštěk (RC Auxerre, France)
11. Michal Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
10. Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha)
9. Vachtang Pailodze (RC Sparta Praha)
8 Josef. Bláha (RC Říčany)
7. Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno)
6. Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France)
5. Jan Kurka (C.A. Lormont, France)
4. Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
3. Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha)
2. Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France)
1. Jiří Skall (RC Sparta Praha)
Replacements
16. Vojtěch Mára (RC Tatra Smíchov)
17. Michal Průša (Bellegrade, France)
18. Pavel Hocke (RC Tatra Smíchov)
19. Karel Opravil (RC Brno Bystrc)
20. Milan Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
21. Petr Čížek (RC Praga Praha)
22. Irakli Sulamanidze (RC Sparta Praha)
Head Coach: Martin Kafka

Adapted from http://sport.idnes.cz/ceske-ragbisty-ceka-dulezity-zapas-s-belgii-fk8-/sporty.asp?c=A100402_161333_sporty_min and http://www.rugbyunion.cz/konecna-nominace-na-utkani-s-belgii

Belgium
15.Sébastien Guns (Boitsfort)
14.Nicolas Meeus (Kituro)
13.Dirk Haghedooren (Agde)
11.Frédéric Rongé (Kituro)
10.Alan Williams (Castres, France)
9. Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
8. Charlie Fourneau (Lille, France)
7. Mika Demolder (Boitsfort)
6. Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
5. Damien Godefroy (Lille, France)
4. Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
3. Alain Miriallakis (St-Etienne, France)
2. Thomas Dienst (Lille, France)
1. Christophe Debaty (Limoges, France)
Replacements
16.Julien Massimi (St-Etienne, France)
17.Norman Wende (St-Etienne, France)
18.Julien Hanchir (Millau, France)
19.Denis Eppe (ROC Ottignies)
20.Andrew Neil (Tournefeuille, France)
21.Romain Orban (Kituro)
22.Romain Moortgat (Montpellier, France)
Head Coach: Richard McClintock

Adapted from http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=7119

For a complete list of all international rugby test matches played by both Belgium and the Czech Republic, go to www.rugbyinternational.net

International Rugby Test: Moldova Look to Win

14.11.2009
Czech Republic v Moldova in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: Stadionul "Dinamo"

Referee: Bargaunas (Romania)

Preview
Realistically, neither of these teams has a chance of qualifying for the next World Cup qualifying round. The emphasis will be to avoid relegation and team-build for next season.

Moldova is at the bottom of ENC 2A and are in danger of relegation. They recently lost to Belgium, whereas the Czech Republic were convincing winners over Poland, above them in the 2A table. Although winning in Chisinau is not easy the Czech should win but narrowly.

Previous Encounter
22.11.2008 Czech Republic 11-9 in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Czech Republic 14th, Moldova 17th

Prediction: Czech Republic by 5 points

Teams

Czech Republic Squad
Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha)
Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno)
Jíří Černý (RC Tatra Smíchov)
Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
Michal Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
Milan Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
Václav Jursík (Strasbourg, France)
Ondřej Kutil (Oyonnax, France)
Vojtěch Mára (RC Tatra Smíchov)
Miroslav Němeček (US Oyonnax, France)
Karel Nešpor (RC Slavia Praha)
Petr Okleštěk (RC Auxerre, France)
Vakhtang Pailodze (RC Sparta Praha)
Michal Průša (Bellegrade, France)
Hayden Roche (Civil Service RFC, England)
Jan Rohlík (RC Říčany)
Pavel Šťatný (Lannemezan, France)
Roman Šuster (Auch, France)
Lubos Svoboda (JIMI Vyškov)
Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha)
Robert Voves (Narbonne, France)
Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France)
Head Coach: Martin Kafka

Sources: http://www.rugbyunion.cz/nominace-do-moldavie, http://www.ragby.cz/narodni-tym-odcestoval-do-kiseneva and thanks to ‘vis Maior’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3276

Moldova
Team not available

International Rugby: A Weekend of Upsets

31.10.2009
New Zealand 32, Australia 19 in Tokyo (Bledisloe Cup)
Belgium 14, Moldova 3 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Croatia 34, Malta 14 in Split (ENC 2B)
Netherlands 19, Sweden 16 in Trelleborg (ENC 2B)
Denmark 27, Hungary 18 in Odense (ENC 3B)

Briefly
Two major upsets in European rugby; Belgium over Moldova and Denmark over Hungary. Elsewhere New Zealand comfortably edged Australia to its 4th straight Bledisloe loss. Croatia won easily against a 'depleted' Maltese side whilst the Netherlands kept its undefeated record against Sweden.

Rugby Test Match: Moldova and Belgium Clash

31.10.2009
Moldova v Belgium in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: Stade Roi Baudouin-A2

Referee: Mourihna (Portugal)

Preview
Belgium and Moldova clash in Brussels. For both teams the chance to play for a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup is virtually over. Both teams are in danger of relegation to ENC 2B so the outcome is important for that reason.

Belgium's slump in form is difficult to fathom. They have gone from Division favourites at the start of 2008 to being in some danger of relegation. Their last outing was a narrow loss to division favourites Ukraine 11-13 away, earlier this month. The result suggest there is little difference between the teams in ENC 2A. Key player Alan Williams is available following his dispute with the team management.

Moldova won 20-8 at home during the first round. Their forward pack will almost certainly be foreign-based players, the bulk coming fresh from the Russian Super League or the Romanian League. Players are also based in Portugal and one from Spain. They could well be a handful for the Belgian side.

Previous Encounters
16.11.2008 Moldova 20-8 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
12.04.2008 Belgium 22-19 in Chisnau (ENC 2A)
21.04.2007 Moldova 29-27 in Brussels (ENC 2A)
07.04.2001 Belgium 26-10 in Brussels (FIRA Pool 1; WCQ Europe R1)

Moldova last played in Brussels in 2007. They won narrowly 29-27. Image thanks to www.sportkipik.be

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Belgium 16th, Moldova 17th

Prediction: Moldova by 6 points.

Teams

Belgium
15.Sébastien Guns (Boitsfort)
14.Jérôme Cauwe (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
13.Aurélien Batardy (Soignies)
12.Dirk Haghedooren (Cap d’Agde, France)
11.Thibaut André (Soignies)
10.Peter Duchau (Dendermonde)
9.Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
8.Charles Fourneau (Lille, France)
7.Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
6.Michael Demolder (Boitsfort)
5.Damien Godefroy (Lille, France)
4.Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
3.Jérôme Wey (Saint-Nazaire, France)
2.Thomas Dienst (Lille, France)
1.Jimmy Mulumba (Domont, France)
Replacements (From)
16.Julien Massimi (Saint-Etienne, France)
17.Norman Wende (Saint-Etienne, France)
18.Alain Miriallakis (Saint-Etienne, France)
19.Pierre Hendrikx (Boitsfort)
20.Dries Bovijn (Boitsfort)
21.Alan Williams (Castres, France)
22.Fred Rongé (Kituro)
23.Carlos Fierro (Marcq en Baroeuil)
Head Coach: Richard McClintock

http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=6933

Moldova Squad of 32 (? Not sure of all club affiliations)-Will be whittled down to 22 or 23 come match day.

Props
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Veaceslav Titica (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Dumitru Arhip (Dinamo Bucarest, Romania)

Hookers
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Ion Dascal (USEFS Blumarine)

2nd row
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Vitalie Gîra (UTM Chişinău)

3rd row
Alexandru Şîşcanu (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Sergiu Castraveţ (Novocuznetc, Russia)?
Victor Arhip (Dinamo Bucarest, Romania)
Dumitru Enache Spain?
Oleg Prepeliţa (SL Benefica, Portugal)

Scrum-halves
Nicolae Chirilă (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)?
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)

No 10s
Octavian Manoli (UTM Chişinău)
Alexandru Breazu ?

Centres
Adrian Baltag Portugal?
Gheorghe Voloşciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Bulgac (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexei Cotruţa (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)

Wings
Ghenady Evteev?
Eduard Toderica (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Ion Buşila (USEFS Blumarine)
Veaceslav Lozinschi (USEFS Blumarine)
Ştefan Leca (USEFS Blumarine)

Full backs
Alexandru Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)*
Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău)

http://www.rugby.md/index.php?pagina=7&articol=114

Test Rugby This Weekend

31.10.2009
New Zealand v Australia in Tokyo (Bledisloe Cup)
Belgium v Moldova in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Croatia v Malta in Split (ENC 2B)-More to come

Briefly
International rugby takes a new leap into the future. New Zealand and Australia clash away from Oceania for the second year in a row. This year they meet in Tokyo on the way to their northern tours. Is this the way rugby is heading with major teams clashing in exotic and developing rugby nations. Tokyo has been awarded the 2019 Rugby World Cup and this clash is grand way to celebrate the holding of the Rugby World Cup finals outside the top nations.

New Zealand and Australia have made changes to their lineups since their last clash in Wellington.

Belgium and Moldova clash in Brussels. Both teams look well out of contention for a top spot in this division. Both teams are in danger of relegation to ENC 2B so the outcome is important for that reason.

Croatia were successful against latvia last weekend, whilst Malta has its first outing since last northern autumn. Croatia's win last weekend took it to the top of ENC 2B but needs to win again here at home as second placed Netherlands has a game in hand. Malta is placed in middle table.

More to come.

Test Rugby

24.10.2009
Poland v Czech Republic in Varsovie (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: Stadion Osir Polonia

Referee: Petrescu (Romania)

Preview
The result of this game is crucial for both teams. Both have two loses although the Czech Republic has a game in hand. The winner would be the only team to seriously challenge the Ukraine in this competition. The Ukraine would have to drop one of their remainder games for either of these teams to catch up.

The winner of this Division gains promotion to the top level of the European Nations Cup for 2010-2012. The winner will also play, in 2010, the winner of World Cup Qualifying, Europe, Round 3. That winner goes on to playoff against ENC 1 3rd place for the final finals place at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Poland defeated Czech Republic 13-7 away in the first round match. The Poles are turning more and more to France-based players, following the trend of Georgia and Romania.

The Czech team played a warm up game against the French Army side last month (06.09.2009) and won 20-10.

Poland's last game was a 12-19 loss to Ukraine. Image thanks to www.juvenia.info

Last Five Encounters
15.11.2008 Poland 13-7 in Ostrava (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
04.11.2000 Poland 34-15 in Gydnia (FIRA B)
20.05.2000 Czech Republic 13-39 in Prague (FIRA C)
24.10.1998 Drawn 18-18 in ? (FIRA Pool E)
14.03.1998 Poland 28-27 in Lodz (WCQ Europe Pool 1, Rnd B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Poland 14th, Czech Republic 15th

Prediction: Poland by 12 points

Teams

Czech Republic Squad
Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha) Age 29, 11 tests
Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno) 31, 27
Petr Čížek (RC Praga Praha) ?, 4
Radim Fajkus (RC Havířov) ?, 5
Tomáš Forst (RC Praga Praha) ?, 3
Hayden
Pavel Hocke (RC Tatra Smíchov) 30, 5
Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France) ?, 6
Michal Jirman (RC Slavia Praha) 21, 4
Václav Jursík (Strasbourg, France) 25, 17
Roman Kodera (RC Říčany) 32, 9
Ondřej Kutil (Oyonnax, France) ?, 9
Patrik Leroch (RC Havířov) 34, 8
Vlastimil Madry (Juwenia Krakov, Poland) 29, 12
Vojtěch Mára (RC Tatra Smíchov) ?, 2
Martin
Nešpor
Petr Okleštěk (RC Auxerre, France) 26, 2
Martin Pešek (RC Slavia Praha)
Jakub Procházka (RC Tatra Smíchov)
Michal Průša (RC Tatra Smíchov) ?, 3
Jan Rohlík (RC Říčany) 28, 30
Jan Rudolf (RC Tatra Smíchov) 25, 11
Schütz
Šmolka
Roman Šuster (Rouen, France) 31, 28
Svoboda
Vesel
Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha) 28, 17
Robert Voves (Narbonne, France) 28, 23
Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France) ?, 4
Head Coach: Martin Kafka

Players without details are new to my records and are probably new caps.

No Martin Jagr (Toulon, France), Jíří Skall (RC Sparta Praha) -Retired?, Miroslav Němeček (US Oyonnax, France), Lukáš Rapant (US Oyonnax, France) Martin Pekárek (Říčany) Jan Macháček (Slavia Praha)-retired

Data www.rugbyinternational.net

Poland Squad

Forwards

Ławski Kacper - Budowlani Łódź
Raszpunda Kazimierz – Arka Gdynia
Falk Grzegorz – Juvenia Kraków
Wilczuk Marcin – Ogniwo Sopot
Janiec Grzegorz – Lechia Gdańsk
Brażuk Maciej - Orkan Sochaczew
Lewandowski Yann - Cahors
Krzesinski Stanislas - Mazamet
Siepielski Bastien - Marmand
Barbier Olivier - Maisons Laffite
Piorkowski Eric - Castres
Bobryk Kamil - Epernay
Krużycki Michal - LOU
Bartoszek Mateusz - Albi

Backs
Psuj Piotr - AZS AWF Warszawa
Rokicki Tomasz – Lechia Gdańsk
Jurkowski Piotr – Lechia Gdańsk
Pabiańczyk Maciej - Budowlani Łódź
Gargasson Donald - Toulon
Berthe Romuald - Bobigny
Chartiere David - Bayonne
Popławski Dawid - Albi
Vaissier Cedric - Albi
Banaszek Dawid - Villeurbane
Hotowski Krzysztof - Poitiers

Also on standby
Nowak Paweł – Arka Gdynia
Andrzejczuk Robert – Arka Gdynia
Niedźwiecki Stanisław – Budowlani Lublin
Stepień Tomasz - Budowlani Łódź
Bukhalo Jurij – Lechia Gdańsk
Płonka Marek – Lechia Gdansk
Jarosz Konrad – Juvenia Kraków
Żórawski Łukasz - Budowlani Łódź
Bartoszewicz Aleksander - Orkan Sochaczew
Królikowski Michał - Budowlani Łódź
Kałdunski Dawid – Arka Gdynia
Dudkowski Kamil – Orkan Sochaczew
Narwojsz Patryk – Lechia Gdańsk
Doroszkiewicz Łukasz – Lechia Gdańsk
Dułka Grzegorz - Budowlani Łódź Tomasz Nowak – Posnania Poznań
Head Coach: Tomas Putra

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3243

International Rugby: Ukraine Hosts Belgium

10.10.2009
Belgium v Ukraine in Kiev (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: Spartak Stadium

Referee: Laurent Valin (France)

Preview
Belgium, known as 'The Black Devils', is a team plagued by a list of injured players as it looks to its first competition match, in Kiev. Peter Plasman, Mathieu Verschelden, Dennis Eppe, Cyril Nana, Marote Simon and Carlos Fierro(who would have played his first test) are all unavailable. Nicolas Meeus is the only new cap. Belgium has won the last three encounters with the Ukraine. Demolder has been included in the starting lineup despite a shoulder injury.

The Ukraine is experiencing a surge of form. They have the advantage of a competition match already, a good 19-12 win at home against Poland. They have also lost the last three tests to Belgium and are looking to turn this around. A win here will place the Ukraine firmly at the top of the table and in line for a place in the next World Cup qualifying rounds. They are also experiencing injuries, notably to Jaba Malaguradze, but also Sergei Tserkovinyi, Alexander Lyuby, George Gegidze and Paul Masjukov. Unfortunately Ukraine has not published a squad list.

Last Five Encounters
01.11.2008 Belgium 9-8 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
24.11.2007 Belgium 18-15 in Feodosia (ENC 2A)
04.11.2006 Belgium 24-11 in Brussels (ENC 2A)
13.10.2001 Ukraine 21-10 in Kiev (FIRA/WCQ Europe R2; Pool A)
18.10.1997 Ukraine 48-5 in Kiev (WCQ Europe Pool 2, Rnd B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Ukraine 13th, Belgium 16th

Prediction: Ukraine by 20 points.

Teams

Belgium
15 Sébastien Guns (Boitsfort)
14 Jérôme Cauwe (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
13 Thibaut André (Soignies)
12 Dirk Haguedooren (Cap d’Agde, France)
11 Nicolas Meeus (Kituro)
10 Peter Duchau (Dendermonde)
9 Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
8 Charlie Fourneau (Lille, France)
7 Michaël Demolder (Boitsfort)
6 Bertrand Bili (Soignies)
5 Damien Godefroy (Lille, France)
4 Pierre Hendrikx (Boitsfort)
3 Jérôme Wey (Saint-Nazaire, France)
2 Norman Wende (Saint-Etienne, France)
1 Julien Massimi (Saint-Etienne, France)
Replacements
16 Jimmy Mulumba (Domont, France)
17 Thomas Dienst (Lille, France)
18 Alain Miriallakis (Domont, France)
19 Dries Bovijn (Boitsfort)
20 Aurélien Batardy (Soignies)
21 Victor Wartique (Frameries)
22 Frédéric Rongé (Kituro)

Head Coach: Richard McClintock

http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=6903

Ukraine
Squad unavailable
Head Coach: Vladamir Mucha

Test Rugby Result: Ukraine Take The Lead

12.09.2009
Ukraine 19, Poland 12 in Kiev (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Review
The first half ended 0-0 after some dreadful goal kicking attempts by the Ukraine were unsuccessful. Poland scored a try early in the second half to lead 7-0. The Ukraine then took control to eventually lead 19-7 before Poland scored a late try. The win places the Ukraine at the top of the 2A table and now favoured to take the 2A title, to proceed to World Cup qualifying Round 4 finals and to take its place again in European Nations Cup Division 1 for 2010-12.

Ukraine - Poland - 19:12
Points: Hotovski (try) 45, (0:5), Krzhesinski (conversion) 46, (0:7), Yanchiy (try) 52 (5:7), Yanchiy (try) 65, (10:7), Masyukov (conversion) 65, (12:7), Sukhikh (try) 77, (17:7), Masyukov (conversion) 77, (19:7), Gargasson (try), 81 (19:12).

Thanks to http://www.rugby.org.ua/

Ukraine
Unavailable

Watch Video of Poland National Rugby Team

15.11.2008 Poland 13, Czech Republic 7 in Ostrava

10.05.2008 Poland 29, Malta 16 in Malta

I could not find any video of Ukraine national rugby team.

Test Rugby.ENC Round 2 Begins

12.09.2009
Poland v Ukraine in Kiev (WCQ R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: Stadium Spartak

Live-Video On-line 16-00 LT(15-00 EUT) (14-00 GT) http://prl.org.ua/translations/
(Thanks to 'Zhulavskyy' http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3195)

Preview
Round two of the European Nations Cup gets underway in Kiev, Saturday. Both Poland and Ukraine are contenders for the next round of World Cup qualification.

All teams in Division 2A will have to wait for the outcome of Division 2B. The winner of 2B will later play Lithuania who qualified from Round 3. The Round 4 final will be between the winner of the 2A division and the winner of 2B v Lithuania. But first we have to find a winner of 2A.

At the halfway stage of ENC 2A both Poland and Ukraine share top place with a loss and 3 wins each. Ukraine achieved a narrow 1 point win against Poland in Poland in the very first game in 2A in October last year. The scene is set for an opening game in Round 2 that could well decide the eventual division winner.

Poland has a long association with France. There are many Poles living in France. The Polish rugby team has drawn a number of France-based players into their squad for this game and the warm-up match, lost 9-38 against French regional side Roussillon.

Poland v Roussillon/foto: Krzysztof Lewandowski, www.rugby.info.pl/

The Ukraine does not the advantage of a pool of foreign-based players. Their team is based around champion club Olimpia with a sprinkling from other clubs, a player based in Russia and the other based in Tiraspol, the breakaway region of Moldova.

Some comments from FIRA-AER forum
"Some people think that having the national team with majority of players from a single club is an advantage, because the players know each other well. I don't think so however. Notably absent are any players from RC Obolon (Khmelnitsky), which is the national champion in Rugby-7 and could probably provide some quick backline runners." Rugger IA

Poland ENC 2A Round One Results
04.10.2008 v Ukraine in Lotz L 12-13
15.11.2008 v Czech Republic in Ostrava W 13-7
16.05.2009 v Moldova in Chisinau W 30-28
30.05.2009 v Belgium in Gdansk W 14-3

Ukraine 2A Round One Results
04.10.2008 v Poland in Lotz W 13-12
01.11.2008 v Belgium in Brussels L 8-9
21.03.2009 v Czech Republic in Odessa W 20-10
09.05.2009 v Moldova in Kiev W 32-0

Last Five Encounters Ukraine v Poland
04.10.2008 Poland 13-12 in Lotz (WCQ Euro.R4)
25.10.2003 Ukraine 24-13 in Lotz (ENC 2A)
19.10.2002 Poland 20-11 in Kiev (ENC 2A)
19.05.2001 Ukraine 9-3 in ? (FIRA B)
01.05.1999 Ukraine 37-18 in Kiev (FIRA Pool E)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Poland 13th, Ukraine 14th

Prediction: Poland by 2 points

Teams

Ukraine Squad
Vitaliy Dotsenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vladyslav Grabovsky (RK Sokol)
Volodymyr Kashlyuk (RC Aviator)
Mykola Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vadym Kolyshkyn (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lomakin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Lytvynenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lyubyy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dzhaba Malaguradze (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Andriy Melnykov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dmytro Mokretsov (RK Sokol)
Oleksandr Myshynev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vadym Mysyk (Olimp-Electronmash, Tiraspol)
Vitaliy Orlov (Enisey-STM Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Oleksandr Polyansky (RC Kredo 63)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Tserkovny (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Tyurikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Yanchyy (RC Aviator)
Vitaliy Zadvirny (RC Argo-NAU)
Ivan Zaliznyak (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Head Coach:

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3195

Poland Squad
Dawid Banaszek (Villeurbane, France)
Olivier Barbier (Maisons Laffite, France)
Aleksander Bartoszewicz (Orkan Sochaczew)
Romuald Berthe (Bobigny, France)
Kamil Bobryk (Epernay, France)
Jurij Bukhalo (Posnania Poznań)
Grzegorz Falk (Juvenia Kraków)
Donald Gargasson (Toulon, France)
Krzysztof Hotowski (Nevers, France)
Grzegorz Janiec (Lechia Gdańsk)
Piotr Jurkowski (Lechia Gdańsk)
Stanislas Krzesiński (Mazamet, France)
Kacper Ławski (Budowlani Łódź)
Yann Lewandowski (Cahors, France
Stanisław Niedźwiecki (Budowlani Lublin)
Tomasz Nowak (Posnania)
Eric Piorkowski (Castres, France)
Tomasz Rokicki (Lechia Gdańsk)
Bastien Siepielski (Marmand, France)
Tomasz Stępień (Budowlani Łódź)
Cedric Vaissiere (Albi, France)
Marcin Wilczuk (Ogniwo Sopot)

Head Coach: Tomasz Putra

http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html

International Rugby: Belgium and Poland in Final ENC Match

30.05.2009
Belgium v Poland in Gdansk (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 2A)


Preview
This test match is the last to be played in European Nations Cup Division 2A before the halfway mark is reached. The next round, beginning in September 2009, will be crucial in determining which team qualifies for a World Cup 2011 playoff position and which teams are promoted to ENC 1 or relegated to ENC 2B.

This is an important rugby test match for both teams. Poland, poised near the top of the table just beneath Ukraine, were promoted from ENC 2B at the beginning of the season. They have taken this division by storm with wins over Czech Republic and, just recently, a 30-28 upset over Moldova. A win today will place Poland on ten points, the same as the Ukraine but they will remain in second place due to their one point loss to the Ukraine earlier in the season.

Belgium has been disappointing this season. Unlucky to miss promotion last season, they have struggled to dominate a very even field. A win to Belgium will steer it clear of the relegation zone.

Belgium will be without several regulars. Mathieu Verschelden, Bertrand Billi and Fred Rongé are sitting exams whilst Simon Marote, Romain Orban and Pierre Plasman are injured. Amid some controversy Alan Williams has made himself unavailable for the national team. Daniel Janssens, Victor Wartique, Aurélien Batardy, Stefan Zinzen, Bram Coupe and Mathias Rondou will be making their test debuts. Selector Richard McClintock has had to announced a rearranged team.

Last Five Encounters
16.10.1999 Poland 43-14 in Brussels (FIRA C)
28.03.1998 Poland 30-10 in Gdynia (WCQ Euro. Pool 2, Rd B)
28.10.1995 Poland 30-10 in Lodz (FIRA A2)
15.10.1994 Poland 50-13 in Siedlce (FIRA A1)
12.10.1991 Drawn 16-16 in Lublin (FIRA B1)

These two teams have not played each other for ten years so the results above count for little.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Poland 13th, Belgium 16th

Prediction: Poland gaining in strength with their now strong France-based contingent, whilst Belgium is missing leading players. Poland by 28 points.

Teams

Belgium
15 Thibaut André (Soignies)
14 Aurélien Batardy (Soignies),
13 Jérôme Cauwe (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
12 Daniel Janssens (Arras, France)
11 David Nemsadze (Domont, France)
10 Peter Duchau (Boitsfort)
9 Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
8 Charlie Fourneau (Lille, France)
7 Michaël Demolder (Boitsfort),
6 Denis Eppe (ROC Ottignies)
5 Damien Godefroy (Lille, France)
4 Cyril Nana (Lille, France)
3 Alain Miriallakis (Orléans, France)
2 Norman Wende (Rouen, France)
1 Julien Massimi (Arras, France)
Replacements
16 Jimmy Mulumba (Domont, France)
17 Thomas Dienst (Le LOU, France)
18 Jérôme Wey (St Nazaire, France)
19 Dries Bovijn (Boitsfort)
20 Victor Wartique (Frameries)
21 Stefan Zinzen (Bédarieux, France)
22 Bram Coupé (Dendermonde)

Head Coach: Richard McClintock

http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=6771

Poland

15 David Chartier (?)
14 Donald Gargasson (Toulon, France)
13 Krzysztof Hotowski (Beaurepaire, France)
12 Romuald Berthe (RC Rouen, France)
11 Tomasz Rokicki (Lechia Gdańsk)
10 Dawid Banaszek (Bourgoin, France)
9 Łukasz Szostek (Arka Gdynia)
8 Stanislas Krzesinski (Albi, France)
7 Kacper Ławski (Budowlani Łódź)
6 Ciril Monarcha (C.A. Riberacois, France)
5 Michał Krużycki (Bourgoin, France)
4 Grzegorz Falk (Juvenia Kraków)
3 Marcin Wilczuk (Old Belvedere, Ireland)
2 Yaan Levandowski (Cahors, France)
1 Fabien Kwarta (U.S. Morlaas Rugby, France)
Replacements
16 Kamil Bobryk (St Etienne, France)
17 Eric Piorkowski (?)
18 Aleksander Bartoszewicz
19 Kazimierz Raszpunda (Pogoń Siedlce)
20 Paweł Nowak (Arka Gdynia)
21 Dawid Popławski (Lechia Gdańsk)
22 Jurij Buhało (Posnania Poznan)
Head Coach: Tomasz Putra

http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html

Weekend Test Rugby Results: 15-16 May

15.05.2009
Argentina 'A' 19, Namibia 7 in Buenos Aires

16.05.2009
Japan 80, Korea 9 in Osaka (Asia 5 Nations)
Hong Kong 64, Singapore 6 in Hong Kong (Asia 5 Nations)
Poland 30, Moldova 28 in Chisinau (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 2A)

Reviews
The Argentina 'A' selection for Friday's test was very different from the one that swamped Namibia 62-8 last weekend. The Argentine selectors were out to experiment with as many players as possible before the World Cup qualifiers, CONSUR A and Churchill Cup test matches just ahead. Given that, and Namibia's improved play, a much closer match resulted. For Namibia the question is how much stronger will they be if they can secure their South African-based players for the Africa Cup and World Cup qualifiers just around the corner?

As expected Japan walked all over Korea to put considerable distance between them and the rest of Asia. The gap is not closing, except that below Japan the field is now a lot more even. So how will the rest of Asia catch up to Japan?

Hong Kong surprised by the size of their win over Singapore. Singapore will move down to Asia Nations Division 1 for 2011 and are thus eliminated from World Cup finals contention. They will be replaced by Arabian Gulf. The problem is that the demise of the Arabian Gulf rugby union is very much on the IRB's agenda, that body preferring to have the individual states on the Arabian peninsula members of the governing body.

Poland caused a minor surprise with its 30-28 win over Moldova away. Poland's policy of picking a good number of French-based players is paying off. By late 2007 Moldova were picked to progress to European Nations Cup Division 1, but since then they have dramatically fallen away. I wonder why?

Test Rugby: Poland Travel to Moldova

16.09.2009
Poland v Moldova in Chisinau (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 2A)


Venue: "Dinamo" Stadium, Chişinău


Preview
Both teams languish at the bottom of the points table as this division nears the half-way stage. World Cup qualifying takes effect at the completion of the next round at the end of 2009-10.


Poland lost by one point to competition leaders Ukraine at the start of the season. The Poles then won convincingly against the Czech Republic. They have two matches in hard but they will both be tough asignments, today against Moldova away and then against Belgium at home.

The Polish squad spent time in France in February and then played a French Police side in Sochaczew, May 6, losing 16-22 (ht 10-9)


Moldova began promising enough with a good 20-8 win over high-flyers belgium. But since then they have lost to Czech Republic and then were swamped 32-0 by Ukraine last week, minus three key players from Russian Clubs. The good news for Moldova is that Vadim Cobîlaş, Alexei Cotruţa and Veaceslav Titica are available this week.


Previous Encounter
08.04.2006 Moldova 27-13 in Sochaczelo (WCQ Euro.R3, Pool A)


GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Poland 13th, Moldova 17th


Prediction: Moldova by 7 points


Teams

Poland Squad

Dawid Banaszek (Bourgoin, France)
Romuald Berthe (RC Rouen, France)
Kamil Bobryk (St Etienne, France)
Grzegorz Falk (Juvenia Kraków)
Donald Gargasson (Toulon, France)
Krzysztof Hotowski (Beaurepaire, France)
Piotr Jurkowski (Lechia Gdańsk)
Michał Krużycki (Bourgoin, France)
Stanislas Krzesinski (Albi, France)
Fabien Kwarta (U.S. Morlaas Rugby, France)
Yaan Levandowski (Cahors, France)
Kacper Ławski (Budowlani Łódź)
Wojciech Łukasiewicz (Folc AZS Warszawa)
Ciril Monarcha (C.A. Riberacois, France)
Stanisław Niedźwiecki (Budowlani Łódź)
Paweł Nowak (Arka Gdynia)
Dawid Popławski (Lechia Gdańsk)
Kazimierz Raszpunda (Pogoń Siedlce)
Rafał Sajur (Lechia Gdańsk)
Bastien Siepielski (?)
Tomasz Stępień (Budowlani Łódź)
Łukasz Szostek (Arka Gdynia)
Cedric Vaissiere (Albi, France)
Marcin Wilczuk (Old Belvedere, Ireland)
Head Coach: Tomasz Putra

Moldova Squad

Dumitru Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)*
Adrian Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)*
Anton Bajutin (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)*
Vadim Braga (USEFS Blumarine)*
Alexandru Bulgac (USEFS Blumarine)*
Ion Buşilă (USEFS Blumarine)*
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)*
Sergiu Castraveţ (Novocuznetc, Russia)*
Nicolae Chirilă (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)*
Maxim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia) *
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexandru Colţ (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)*
Alexei Cotruţa (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Vitalie Gîra (UTM Chişinău)*
Ştefan Leco (USEFS Blumarine)
Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău)*
Veaceslav Lozinschii (USEFS Blumarine)*
Octavian Manoli (UTM Chişinău)*
Alexandr Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)*
Alexandru Şîşcan, Capt. (Slava Moscow, Russia)*
Pavel Titarenco (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)*
Veaceslav Titica (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Eduard Toderica (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)*
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Head Coach: Vasile Revencu

* Played v Ukraine last week