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

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND 7 April

07.04.2012
Poland v Belgium in Brussels (ENC 1B)
Moldova v Netherlands in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
Cayman Islands v Jamaica in Kingston (WCQ NACRA R1-North)
St Vincent-Grenadines v Barbados in Kingstown (WCQ NACRA R1-South)
Armenia v Andorra in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)

Briefly

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
BELGIUM	9	8	0	1	283	136	147	3	1	36
MOLDOVA	8	5	1	2	161	131	30	2	1	25
POLAND	8	5	1	2	193	150	43	2	1	25
CZECH R.	10	4	0	6	160	217	-57	1	3	20
GERMANY	9	3	0	6	189	205	-16	1	4	17
NETH.	8	0	0	8	94	241	-147	0	1	1

Poland and Belgium meet in Brussels but the outcome will not prevent Belgium from being promoted to ENC 1A for 2012-14. Even if both Poland and Moldova gain a maximum 10 points from their next two games they will not overhaul Belgium.

The Netherlands can’t avoid relegation to ENC 2A for 2012-14 no matter the result of their fixture against Moldova. I can’t help but be thinking of semi-finals and finals for these competitions. A definite result this far out from the end of the competition means a number of meaningless fixtures.

 

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
SWITZ.	7	6	0	1	233	104	129	2	1	28
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	7	1	0	6	56	205	-154	0	0	4

Armenia and Andorra meet in a Division 2B clash in Andorra. Again, Switzerland are likely to be promoted to ENC 2A for 2012-14, with Armenia an outsiders chance. They have four games in hand.

Cayman Islands, Jamaica, St Vincent & Grenadines and Barbados play in their regions in the first 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying rounds.

Rugby is certainly a global game.

For more fixtures ahead go to www.rugbyinternational.net, then scroll down to 2012 International Rugby Fixtures and Results.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS FOR SATURDAY 1 MAY

01.05.2010
Japan 71, Korea 13 in Gyeongsang (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Sweden 17, Croatia 14 in Enkoping (ENC 2B)
Hungary 34, Norway 17 in Esztergom (ENC 3B)
Luxembourg v Israel in Luxembourg (ENC 3C)-no result yet

Briefly
As expected Japan proved too strong for Korea and retains their 'certainty' label for the Asia No.1 spot and a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals. The race is to see who will get the No.2 spot which earns that team a repechage place.

Sweden continued the trend in this competition by defeating the giant-killers Croatia. Croatia upset Netherlands last weekend and now suffered at the hands of Sweden. The final ENC 2B below sees Netherlands promoted to ENC 2A for 2010-12, whilst Latvia is relegated to ENC 3A.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	8	7	0	1	219	90	129	22
CROATIA	8	6	0	2	161	113	48	20
MALTA	8	4	0	4	132	156	-24	16
SWEDEN	8	2	0	6	146	164	-18	12
LATVIA	8	1	0	7	97	237	-140	10

Hungary too good for Norway in their ENC 3B clash.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
HUNGARY	7	5	0	2	185	125	60	17
DENMARK	7	4	0	3	137	134	-3	15
SLOVENIA	6	4	0	2	113	96	17	14
NORWAY	7	3	0	4	98	114	-16	13
AUSTRIA	7	1	0	4	67	130	-63	9

I'm not even going to try and work this out so I'm leaving it to a far better student of the rules of competition 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3450 ' That puts Hungary top of 3B in another closely contested division. Next up is the crucial Denmark - Slovenia game, which is 2nd vs 3rd. Hungary have the 7 - 6 advantage over Slovenia by tries scored in the head-to-head games which is tied at 43 points each. So if Slovenia win they go 2nd with possibility of 20 points if they also beat Norway. If Denmark win and Austria beat Hungary they also have inferior head2head with Hungary and will both have 18 points. So if Hungary win in Austria and reach 20 points they will win the division regardless'.

That leaves the Israel-Luxembourg result to come.

TEST MATCH: Sweden Safe

01.05.2010
Croatia v Sweden in Enkoping (ENC 2B)

Venue: Enkoping Rugby Club

Referee: Morton (Norway)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	8	7	0	1	219	90	129	22
CROATIA	7	6	0	1	147	97	50	19
MALTA	8	4	0	4	132	156	-24	16
LATVIA	8	1	0	7	97	237	-140	10
SWEDEN	7	1	0	6	130	150	-47	9

Preview
There is not a great deal hinging on this test match. Both teams are safely in Division 2B for the 2010-12 tournament. A win to Croatia would not be enough to overtake the Netherlands on the table, whilst Sweden has enough points on aggregate to send Latvia down to ENC 3A.

Croatia played strongly last weekend to inflict the first loss of the competition to leaders Netherlands. It wasn't enough to knock the Dutch off the top of the ladder as The Netherlands has a better points aggregate between the two teams.

For Sweden a win would give the team a great boost in their last game of the season, and a good platform for the new competition.

Previous Encounter
02.05.2009 Croatia 23-13 in Split (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Croatia 19th, Sweden 23rd

Prediction: Croatia by 16 points

Teams

Sweden Squad
Thomas Ardvisson (Bordeaux, France)
Ivar Bengtsson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Tobias Borg (Enköping RK)
Andrew Daish (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Robert Dibell (Enköping RK)
Ian Gowland (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Daniel Legge (Cambridge RFC, England))
Rikard Johansson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Timothy Johansson (Enköping RK)
Robert Nave (Enköping RK)
Stefan Obradovic (Attila)
Ricky Okpu (Enköping RK)
Richard Örnberg (Vänersborg RK)
Viktor Pettersson (Enköping RK)
Lee Sandberg (North Walsham RFC, England)
Paul Sullivan (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Alexander Taylor, Capt. (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Sebastian Taylor (Old Haberdashers RFC, England)
Mathias Thorhand (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Jim Wetterström (Enköping RK)
Peter Wiklund (Vänersborg RK)
Matthew Youngman (Enköping RK)
Head Coach: Mike Tatu

Adapted from http://www.erk.nu/

Croatia Squad
Carl Banks (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Ante Blažević Bandov (RK Nada)
Mate Borozan (RK Nada)
Nick Brajkovich (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Tomislav Burazin (RK Nada)
Tonči Buzov (RK Nada)
Goran Čulić (RK Nada)
Dominik Draženović (RK Mladost)
Tvrtko Dumančić (RK Mladost)
Duje Grubišić (RK Nada)
Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)
Špiro Matić (RK Nada)
Andrej Mihalj (RK Mladost)
Filip Mijić (RK Zagreb)
Ivan Nola (Waitemata RFC, NZ)
Ante Olujić (RK Nada)
Alek Osmanović (RK Makarska Riviera)
Ivan Rešetar (RK Nada)
Ivica Šimić (RK Makarska Riviera)
Ivan Šuta (RK Mladost)
Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)
Filip Ujaković (RK Mladost)
Michael Zovko (Souths RFC, Australia)
Head Coach: Jakša Lovreta

Adapted from http://nada-rugby.hr/content/view/9289/2/

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 30 April-2 May

30.04.2010
Hong Kong v Arabian Gulf in Bahrain (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

01.05.2010
Japan v Korea in Gyeongsung (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Sweden v Croatia in Enkoping (ENC 2B)
Hungary v Norway in Esztergom (ENC 3B)
Luxembourg v Israel in Luxembourg (ENC 3C)

02.05.2010
Cayman Islands v Bermuda in Grand Cayman (Friendly)

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

TEST RUGBY: Netherlands Travel to Split

24.04.2010
Netherlands v Croatia in Split (ENC 2B)

Venue: RK Nada Split, Stari Plac

Referee: Frasineanu (Romania)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	7	7	0	0	205	74	131	21
CROATIA	6	5	0	1	131	83	48	16
MALTA	7	3	0	4	105	146	-41	13
SWEDEN	7	1	0	6	130	150	-47	9
LATVIA	7	1	0	6	87	210	-120	9

Preview
This probably the biggest game for both teams for some time. Croatia are tucked in close behind Division leaders the Netherlands, they have a match in hand and now play the leaders in front of a home crowd. Croatia has flown in a number of overseas heavyweights for this important rugby test. Included is Waitemata RFC, Auckland veteran Ivan Nola.

For the Netherlands, undefeated in this division, a win today will take them back to ENC 2A, from which they were relegated last season. This is a huge game for both teams.

Previous Encounters
01.11.2008 Netherlands 18-12 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
01.11.1998 Netherlands 29-7 in Amsterdam (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Netherlands 19th, Croatia 20th

Prediction: Netherlands by 5 points

Teams

Croatia Squad
Marin Antunović (RK Makarska Riviera)
Carl Banks (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Ante Blažević Bandov (RK Nada)
Tony Begovich (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Mate Borozan (RK Nada)
Nick Brajkovich (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Tomislav Burazin (RK Nada)
Tonči Buzov (RK Nada)
Goran Čulić (RK Nada)
Dominik Draženović (RK Mladost)
Tvrtko Dumančić (RK Mladost)
Duje Grubišić (RK Nada)
Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)
Špiro Matić (RK Nada)
Andrej Mihalj (RK Mladost)
Filip Mijić (RK Zagreb)
Milan Milanović (RK Nada)
Ivan Nola (Waitemata RFC, NZ)
Ante Olujić (RK Nada)
Alek Osmanović (RK Makarska Riviera)
Ivan Rešetar (RK Nada)
Ivica Rubelj (RK Nada)
Ivica Šimić (RK Makarska Riviera)
Saša Sljepčević (RK Nada)
Ivan Šuta (RK Mladost)
Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)
Filip Ujaković (RK Mladost)
Michael Zovko (Souths RFC, Australia)
Head Coach: Jakša Lovreta

Netherlands Squad not yet available

RUGBY TEST: Latvians in Malta

24.04.2010
Latvia v Malta in Paola (ENC 2B)

Venue: Hibernians Stadium

Referee: Mauro Dordola (Italy)

Image thanks to http://www.maltarugby.com/page.asp?n=newsdetails&i=14017

Preview

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	7	7	0	0	205	74	131	21
CROATIA	6	5	0	1	131	83	48	16
MALTA	7	3	0	4	105	146	-41	13
SWEDEN	7	1	0	6	130	150	-47	9
LATVIA	7	1	0	6	87	210	-120	9

This is the lesser important game of the two ENC 2B matches this weekend. Latvia upset a depleted Swedish side last Saturday and must win to have a chance of avoiding relegation to ENC 3A for 2010-12.

Malta's rugby team has had an interesting and exhausting week. Firstly the team had to bus from England to the Netherlands for last weekends game. They lost 0-19 to the Netherlands but held the upper hand for most of the second half. The team has then had to find its way back to Malta for this game which again has meant a number of long bus trips. Situated in the middle of the table they can neither win the competition nor are they in danger of relegation. It would appear the Latvians have more to play for and should be a difficult team to defeat.

More previews at http://www.maltasport.com/modules/knowledge/item.php?itemid=5092

Previous Encounters
18.04.2009 Malta 32-19 in Riga (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
17.11.2007 Malta 16-13 in Marsa (ENC 2B)
28.10.2006 Latvia 27-16 in Riga (ENC 2B)
24.04.2004 Malta 10-8 in Riga (ENC 3A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Malta 21st, Latvia 22nd

Prediction: Malta by 10 points

Both team list were unavailable at posting time.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 17 April

17.10.2010
Latvia 31, Sweden 27 in Riga (ENC 2B)
Netherlands 19. Malta 0 in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)
Sri Lanka 23, Singapore 16 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1, Final)
Malaysia 35, China Taipei 8 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1, 3^rd/4^th/Relegation)
Switzerland v Lithuania in Switzerland (ENC 3A)-postponed
Israel 39, Greece 0 in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Briefly
Latvia edged out a weakened Swedish side in Riga to throw relegation prospects wide open in ENC 2B. Five top Swedish players could not get flights from England to Riga. Swedish RU officials were forced to ferry in extra players from Sweden-based clubs.The Netherlands were too good for a determined but tired Maltese side who had travelled by bus from England to Amsterdam, again the travel arrangements disrupted by the cloud of volcanic ash over Europe.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	7	7	0	0	205	74	131	21
CROATIA	6	5	0	1	131	83	48	16
MALTA	7	3	0	4	105	146	-41	13
SWEDEN	7	1	0	6	130	150	-47	9
LATVIA	7	1	0	6	87	210	-120	9

The Croatia-Netherlands game next weekend will be crucial to the outcome of ENC 2B. Croatia, having lost 12-18 to Netherlands in the first round will need to win by 7 points or more, and then defeat Sweden in Sweden to take the title and move to ENC 2A for 2010-12. The Netherlands just have the one game next weekend and must win to take the title.

Sweden has now lost their last three games in a row. Both Sweden and Latvia have a game to play. Latvia's is against Malta. If both Latvia and Sweden lose their next game Latvia will be relegated based on Sweden's 21-5 earlier win.

Israel gained promotion to ENC 3B for the 2010-12 competitions with a convincing 19-0 win over Greece.

In Asia, Sri Lanka will be the new team in Asia 5 Nations for 2011. They powered their way with a 23-16 win over the more fancied Singapore team. Malaysia's easy 35-8 win over China Taipei sees the Chinese side relegated to Asia Nations Division 2 for 2011.

Edited 20 April. Israel 39, Greece 0, not 19-0 as was previously posted.

TEST RUGBY: Sweden Plays Latvia

17.04.2010
Sweden v Latvia in Riga (ENC 2B)

Venue: Daugava Stadium

Referee: Petrescu (Romania)

The volcanic ash from Iceland is causing havoc with travel around Europe. Image thanks to http://teamswedenrugby.blogspot.com/

Preview
The volcanic ash problem in Europe looks set to affect this game. Already the Switzerland-Lithuania game is off. England-based Swedish players Magnus MacDonald (London Scottish), Andrew Daish (Nuneaton), Sebastian Taylor (Old Haberdashers), Lee Sandberg (North Walsham) and Alex Taylor (Captain), (Nuneaton) will almost certainly miss the game. They are unable to fly out from London forcing Swedish rugby officials to call upon local players to be replacements. Who those players are is not yet known.

Latvia v Sweden match poster. Image thanks to www.rugby.lv

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	6	6	0	0	186	74	112	18
CROATIA	6	5	0	1	131	83	48	16
MALTA	6	3	0	3	105	127	-22	12
SWEDEN	6	1	0	5	103	119	-16	8
LATVIA	6	0	0	6	56	183	-124	6

The Swedish player situation changes the whole nature of this important game. Both Latvia and Sweden are in the relegation zone for this division. Sweden has dropped its last two games by only very narrow margins (16-19 to Netherlands and then 23-25 away to Malta-a heartbreaking result!) to find itself in this situation after a promising start. If Latvia wins today then the relegation situation will depend on these two team's last games-Latvia against Malta away and Sweden against Croatia at home. If Sweden wins then it's good-bye to Latvia.

Latvia is in a serious situation. They are without a win, lost heavily in their last game to The Netherlands 3-57, and then lost both warm up games to Lithuania earlier this month. The advantage they have is that this is a home game and Sweden are without at least five leading players. This has levelled out the playing field. Whereas one would have given Sweden the game mid week (they won easily against Latvia 21-5 in the first round at home) now looks a very even contest. Latvia could just sneak in.

Last round Latvia struggled against the Swedes. Saturday could be different. Image thanks to www.rugby.lv

Last Five Encounters
25.10.2008 Sweden 21-5 in Vanesborg (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
22.10.2005 Latvia 18-5 in Riga (ENC 3A)
23.10.2004 Sweden 20-18 in Valmeria (WCQ Europe R2; Pool C)
06.10.2001 Sweden 37-12 in Stockholm (FIRA/WCQ Europe R2; Pool B)
09.06.2001 Sweden 17-10 in Stockholm (FIRA Pool 2; WCQ Europe R1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Sweden 22nd, Latvia 23rd

Prediction: Latvia by 5 points

Teams

Sweden Squad (Home-based only)
Mattias Thorhard, Hammarby
Matt Youngman, Enkoping
Viktor Petterson, Enkoping
Eirik Lundqvist, Enkoping
Hannes Ericsson, Hammarby
Tim Johansson, Enkoping
Bobby Nave, Enkoping
Paul Sullivan, Stockholm Exiles
Tobias Borg, Enkoping
Ian Gowland, Stockholm Exiles
Rikard Johansson, Hammarby
Rikard Ornberg, Vanersborg
Eric Trogen, Enkoping
Ricky Opuko, Enkoping
Jim Wetterstrom, Enkoping
Peter Wiklund, Vanersborg
Thomas Ardvisson, Bordeaux FRA ?-not know whether he is in Riga or not.

Latvia-Team as yet unknown

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Malta Face Netherlands

17.04.2010
Malta v Netherlands in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)

Venue: National Stadium

Referee: Gallastegi (Spain)

Image thanks to http://www.rugby.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=506:vulkaan-deert-rugbyers-niet-nederland-malta-gaat-door&catid=3:newsflash&Itemid=237

Preview
Disruptions to flight travel in England, caused by the massive volcanic activity in Iceland, meant the Maltese rugby team travelled to the Netherlands by coach. The team travelled from Cirencester RFC, where they have been in training this week, to Calais, and then on to the Netherlands, where they arrived arriving mid night Thursday.

This test match is the second in ENC Division 2B this weekend. As a result the promotion and relegation of teams for the 2010-12 ENC series should be known. Malta is safe enough away from relegation but not close enough to the Netherlands for this result to hold much sway.

The Netherlands defeated Malta 27-9 in their away match. They also walloped Latvia 57-3 earlier in the season and should account for the visitors fairly easily.

Previous Encounter
25.04.2009 Netherlands 27-9 in La Valette (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Netherlands 19th, Malta 21st

Prediction: Netherlands by 24 points

Teams

Malta
Malcolm Attard
Michael Bonavia
Robert Bonavia
Peter Bradley
Dominic Busuttil (Captain)
Matthew Camilleri-New cap
Clayton Cassarr
Joseph Cutajar
James Finlason
Matthew Garrett
Nathan Gatt
Robert Holloway-New cap
Thomas Holloway-New cap
Josua Howland
Michael McCardle
Matthew Mirabelli
Alistair Livesey-New cap
Thomas Pace More
James O’Brien
Oliver Sacco
Charlie Sammut-New cap
Luke Watts
Michael Whitney
Head Coach: Damien Niell

Thanks to http://www.maltarugby.com/page.asp?n=newsdetails&i=14092

Netherlands Squad
Jordi Bonhof (LRC DIOK)
Jayjay Boske (RC Hilversum)
Costin Buburuzan (RC The Dukes)
Koen Buseman (Hague RC)
Bas Cornelisse (RC 't Gooi)
Vincent Grimbergen (LRC DIOK)
Tjebbe Jehee (LRC DIOK)
Allard Jonkers (RC 't Gooi)
Jason Knox (RC 't Gooi)
Leon Koenen (LRC DIOK)
Roy Leijen (RC 't Gooi)
Fedde Lingsma (RC Hilversum)
Mer Loose (LRC DIOK)
Rob Holt Rhine (RC Hilversum)
Rik Roovers (RC Etten-Leur)
Roger Scheffer (LRC DIOK)
Tim Schumacher (LRC DIOK)
Maurice Stahlecker (RC Hilversum)
Floris van Pane (RC 't Gooi)
Miquel van der Cruijsen (RC 't Gooi)
Sep Visser (RC Hilversum)
Anton Werth (RC 't Gooi)
Head Coach: Hugues Dispas

http://www.rugby.nl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=505:17-april-wederom-groot-rugbyspektakel-op-het-nrca&catid=3:newsflash&Itemid=237

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

17.04.2010
Latvia v Sweden in Riga (ENC 2B)
Netherlands v Malta in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)
Singapore v Sri Lanka in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; Final)
Malaysia v China Taipei in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; 3rd-4th)
Switzerland v Lithuania in Basel (ENC 3A)
Israel v Greece in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Test Match: Malta and Sweden Clash

07.11.2009
Malta v Sweden in Corradina

Venue: Hibernians Stadium

Referee: Hoffman (Portugal)

Preview
A win against Sweden would almost certainly secure Malta's place in this division for 2010-12. The team has returned a few experienced players who were not available for the team that travelled to Croatia last weekend. Also included is 19 year old Thomas Pace, who will be making his test debut.

Malta coach Damian Neill (left) and team manager Danny Sacco addressing journalists yesterday. Image thanks to http://www.timesofmalta.com

Malta does not have a suitable training ground. The team has to travel overseas to prepare for important rugby matches and this situation will need to improve if Malta is to progress in the rugby world. This is according to MRFU President Michael Galea, who was interviewed by timesofmalta.com.

Assistance Swedish coach Mike Hales was pleased with his teams improved performance when they went down 16-19 against Netherlands last weekend. He feels the team has trained well and is beginning to work better as a team.

Malta won the first round match 9-6 away in Sweden which was a an excellent performance away. Since then Malta was defeated 27-9 by Netherlands .Sweden, though has improved and nearly caused an upset going down 16-19 to Netherlands last weekend.

Previous Encounter
01.11.2008 Malta 9-6 in Vanesborg (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Malta 21st, Sweden 22nd

Prediction: Sweden to win, by 15 points.

Teams

Sweden
15 Timothy Johansson (Enköping RK)
14 Tobias Borg (Enköping RK)
13 Alexander Taylor (Nuneaton RFC, England)
12 Paul Mathews (Goteborgs RK)
11 Setareki Tegunimataka (Pingvin RC)
10 Thomas Ardvisson (Fredriksberg RK)
9 Lee Sandberg (North Walsham RFC, England)
8 Sebastian Taylor (Old Haberdashers RFC, England)
7 Andrew Daish (Nuneaton RFC, England)
6 Alan Letele (Vänersborgs RK)
5 Viktor Pettersson, Capt. (Enköping RK)
4 Ivar Bengtsson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
3 Mattias Thorhard (Hammarby IF Rugby)
2 Jan Olof Johansson (Spartacus RFC)
1 Magnus Macdonald (London Scottish, England)
Replacements
16 Roger De Jager (Hammarby IF Rugby)
17 Richard Johansson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
18 Fredrik Casselhag (Hammarby IF Rugby)
19 Paul Sullivan (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
20 Peter Wiklund (Vänersborgs RK)
21 Rikard Ornberg (Vänersborgs RK)
22 Mike Tatu (Coach)

Head Coach Mike Tatu
Bengt Lund Kit Manager

from: http://iof3.idrottonline.se/templates/N ... px?id=9259
http://iof3.idrottonline.se/templates/NewsPage.aspx?id=9293
And thanks to ‘scanrugby’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3261

Malta Squad
M. Attard
M.Azzopardi
J. Bartolo
M. Bonavia
I. Borda
P. Bradley
D. Busuttil
C. Cassar
H. Collins
L. Culnane
J. Cutajar
J. Finlason
N. Gatt
J. Howland
M. Mirabelli
J. O'Brien
T. Pace Moore
O. Sacco
R. Spiteri
V. Stivala
T. Watts
M. Whitney
Head Coach: Damien Neill

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/vi ... onal-squad
Thanks also to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3261

Test Rugby: Can Netherlands Remain Undefeated?

07.11.2009
Netherlands v Latvia in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)

Venue: National Rugby Centre

Referee: Reinecke (Germany)

Preview
The Netherlands remain undefeated following their close 19-16 win over Sweden last weekend. Although in second place behind Croatia they have a match in hand. With their last two games in this tournament at home there are great hopes for a clean sweep and a return to Division 2A for 2010-12.

Latvia crashed at home 9-23 to Croatia a few weeks ago and they have a an uphill battle to win this away game. There next games are against Sweden and Malta, matches they must win to avoid relegation.

Previous Encounters
08.11.2008 Netherlands 29-10 in Jelgavia (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
07.05.2005 Netherlands 48-10 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe R3, Pool C)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Sweden 22nd, Latvia 23rd

Prediction: Netherlands by 19 points

Teams

Latvia
15 Nauris Kraupša (RK LMT Eži)
14 Valters Raņķis (RK Miesnieki)
13 Viktors Silvoniks (RK Miesnieki)
12 Ruslans Kotļevs (RK LMT Eži)
11 Arvis Pilenieks (RK LMT Eži)
10 Andrejs Aleksandrovs (RK Miesnieki)
9 Bruno Brods (RK LMT Eži)
8 Mareks Larionovs (RK LMT Eži)
7 Aldis Augstkalns (RK Miesnieki)
6 Vjačeslavs Tiško (SK Ovāls)
5 Māris Robežnieks (RK Miesnieki)
4 Uģis Rupainis (RK Miesnieki)
3 Jānis Skuja (RK Miesnieki)
2 Antons Oseledko (SK Ovāls)
1 Āris Andersons (RK Miesnieki)
Replacements
16 Guntars Brūveris (Jelgavas Alnis)
17 Sandis Barks (RK LMT Eži)
18 Leno Bamanis (RK Miesnieki)
19 Nauris Bērziņš (RK LMT Eži)
20 Andris Andersons (RK Miesnieki)
21 Viesturs Punāns (RK LMT Eži)
22 Kristaps Bērziņš (RK LMT Eži)
Head Coach:

http://www.rugby.lv/

The Netherlands team is not available at the moment.