TEST RUGBY RESULTS Saturday 22 May

22.05.2010
Japan 94, Hong Kong 5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan 32, Korea 25 in Incheon (WCA Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Romania 33, Ukraine 3 in Kiev (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff, 1^st leg)
Slovenia 16, Norway 13 in Oslo (ENC 3B)
Finland 22, Estonia 15 in Viismi (Friendly. Estonia’s first test match

Briefly
Japan is going to the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals in New Zealand. Sounds like a big announcement and it is. It's just that that fact was known long ago as Japan is light years ahead of any Asian rivals, as this years Asia5Nations results prove. Japan were too good for a Hong Kong team who needed a bonus point to keep their 2nd Asia spot. It wasn't to be because fireworks were happening across the water in Korea.

Kazakhstan came from being down 25-13 to mount the mother of a comeback to gain all the points needed (including a bonus for 4 tries, 3 to a certain Anton Rudoy!) and snatch that second place away from Hong Kong. What a game they tell me. I said it would be a cracker!

Romania, with a number of stars absent, rumbled their way over Ukraine to gain a decisive 33-3 win. Romania look to have Europe R5 sewn up with a home game second leg fixture against Ukraine in Bucharest next month.

Slovenia will play in ENC 3A for 2010-12 with a close 16-13 win in Oslo, whilst Estonia kicked off their international rugby with a respectable loss to Finland in Estonia.

We, players and media, have an international rugby rest next weekend as there are no, as far as I'm aware, test matches scheduled for the 29th. Which is just as well as I'm running a stamp and coin fair in my home town here in Tasmania.

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: Slovenia Needs to Win

22.05.2010
Slovenia v Oslo in Oslo (ENC 3B)

Venue: Aksla Stadion, Ålesund

Referee: Kulakoskis (Lithuania)

Previous Encounter
25.04.2009 Slovenia 14-10

Preview
'This is the game that will decide promotion from Division 3B. Slovenia need to win or draw the match to overtake Hungary and seal 1st place, a defeat for them means that Hungary win the Division on the head-to-head try count of 7 - 5 as the scores from the two games are equal at 43 - 43. Norway could take 3rd place above Denmark with a win, both teams would have 16 points but Norway have a 5 point advantage from the head-to-head games', so says 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3479

*This will be the last game in charge for John Chappell the Norway coach and prop Håkon Stengrimsen will retire from international rugby. Erik Lund, who moves to Heineken Cup finalists Biarritz Olympique for next season may be in the Norway squad.
* from http://www.norgesrugby.no/newsread.php?nid=216

Thanks again to 'Quentin'.

GWC and IRB Rugby Rankings
GWC Europe Table-Slovenia 29th, Norway 33rd

IRB Points-Slovenia 39.96, Norway 38.21, Norway being two places below Slovenia in just European terms.

Prediction: Slovenia by 9 points

Teams

Norway Squad
Kristoffer Borsheim (Stavanger RK)
Thomas Bichard Breaud (Oslo RK)
James Buncle (London Scottish RFC, England)
Alex Diessner (Stavanger RK)
Andreas Fyri (Oslo RK)
Joseph Greenshields (Bergen RK)
Andrei Hanger (Cheltenham RFC, England)
Neal Hughes (Stavanger RK)
William Hume (Bergen RK)
Francis Hunt (Oslo RK)
Stein Ove Kristensen (Trondheim RK)
Timothy Landridge (Tønsberg RK)
Eivind Lunde (Stavanger RK)
Erlend Meldalen (OSI RK)
Pascal Raclin (Oslo RK)
Oliver Rogers (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)
Stian Røstberg (Bergen RK)
Michael Shelley (Bergen RK)
Fredrik Skovly (Oslo RK)
Andre Slaatta (Bergen RK)
Håkon Stengrimsen (Holstebro RK)

Head Coach: John Chappell

Slovenia Squad
Damjan Ahačič (RK Ljubjana)
Žiga Burnik (RK Ljubjana)
Peter Gobec (RK Ljubjana)
Simon Gombač (RK Bežigrad)
Marko Gumzej (RK Bežigrad)
Andrew Harrison (Foreign club)
Tit Hočevar (Oxford Harlequins, England)
Alejandro Hostnik (Pucara, Argentina)
Iztok Javornik (RK Ljubjana)
Goran Jelenčič (RK Bežigrad)
Damjan Jovič (RK Ljubjana)
Peter Kavčič (RK Ljubjana)
Matej Kos (RK Ljubjana)
Žarko Krsmanovič (RK Ljubjana)
Luka Miklič (RAK Olimpija)
Grega Miljuš (RK Ljubjana)
Lovro Sambol (RK Bežigrad)
Klemen Slavec (RK Bežigrad)
Dali Suljič (Foreign club)
Anže Troppan (RK Ljubjana)
Borut Završan (RAK Olimpija)
Pavle Žle (RK Ljubjana)

Head Coach: Žiga Dobnikar

Adapted from http://www.rugby-klub-ljubljana.si/inde ... ice&id=287

TEST RUGBY MATCHES THIS WEEKEND 21-23 MAY

21.05.2010
Uruguay v Argentina 'A' in Santiago (CONSUR A, Phase 2)

22.05.2010
Hong Kong v Japan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan v Korea in Incheon (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Romania v Ukraine in Kiev (WCQ R5, Semi-final, 1st leg)
Norway v Slovenia in Oslo (ENC 3B)
Finland v Estonia in Viimsi (Friendly)

23.05.2010
Chile v Argentina 'A' in Santiago (CONSUR A, Phase 2)

Previews
The Korea v Kazakhstan game takes centre stage in Asian rugby. A win with a bonus point to Kazakhstan could see them take second place on the Asia5Nations table and into second place. Hong Kong needs a bonus points against Japan to see them hold second place and a World Cup repecharge position.

In Europe the fist leg of the World Cup Europe Round 5 final begins in Kiev. Ukraine will play Romania, the second leg taking place in early June.

Slovenia looks poised to take promotion to ENC 3A for 2010-12. A win against Norway will secure this place.

I'm awaiting confirmation of the status of the Finland-Estonia game. If it is an official test it will be Estonia's first

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 15 May

15.05.2010
Japan 101, Kazakhstan 7 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Slovenia 14, Denmark 12 in Ljubliana (ENC 3B)
Austria 19, Hungary 17 in Vienna (ENC 3B)
Laos 16, Cambodia 14 in Vientiane (Mekong Cup)

Briefly
Kazakhstan shipped a huge cricket score against Japan. A disaster for Kazakhstan rugby. They are not up to Rugby World Cup finals standard on that performance. My money for the 2nd Asia spot is now on Hong Kong. Next weekend's Korea v Kazakhstan will be interesting. How the Kazahks do and how Hong Kong deals with japan will determine 2nd place.

Slovenia pipped Denmark in the dying stages of this match keeping Slovenia's hopes of promotion well and truly alive. After Austria's shock 19-17 win over leaders Hungary all Slovenia has to do against Norway next weekend is win and they are in. Hungary must be wondering what they have to do to win in Vienna (They lost 6-9 back in 2008 under exact same circumstances).

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Denmark Travels to Slovenia

15.05.2010
Denmark v Slovenia in Ljubliana (ENC 3B)

Venue: Oval v Stanežičah

Referee: Mossford (Finland)

	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

Preview
It would appear that only Slovenia has a chance of winning this division and thus promotion. Slovenia's main contender, Hungary, is playing Austria today. Denmark will have to play in ENC 3B again for 2010-12. Slovenia's big disappointment of the season was to be eliminated from Rugby World Cup qualifying by lowly Israel. They can make up for that with promotion.

Slovenian coach Dobnicar has plenty of experience in the side with Hocevar now in his 10th year with the side, the return of England-based Harrison (Slovenian grandparents) and the Hostnik brothers who play for Pucara in Argentina. Slovenia are certainly taking their bid to reach ENC 3A very seriously.

Slovenian coach Ziga Dobnicar. Image thanks to http://www.siol.net

Previous Encounters
01.11.2008 Slovenia 25-19 in Odense (WCQ Europe R1, ENC 3B)
25.10.2003 Denmark 21-3 in Odense (ENC 2B)
02.11.2002 Denmark 13-10 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Denmark 29th, Slovenia 33rd.

Prediction: Slovenia at home and more to play for, by 7 points

Teams

Denmark
15. Bradley Diamandis (RK Speed) 3 tests
14. Gerard Hounou (RK Speed) 2
13. Andy Nielsen (Aalborg RK) 15
12. Jesper G. Jensen (Lindø RSC) 21
11. Peter Madsen (CSR/Nanok) 8
10. Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England) 21
9. Kenneth Steel (RC Odense) 12
8. Nathanael Smalley (Aarhus RK) 11
7. Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok) 14
6. Kristian Riberholdt (Holstebro RK) 7
5. Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK) 32
4. Nicolas Eegholm (Lindø RSC) 2
3. Søren Brobyskov, Capt. (RC Odense) 35
2. Kasper Vad Pedersen (Aarhus RK) 25
1. Niels Bjerg Jensen (CSR/Nanok) 8
Replacements
16. Niels Gotfredsen (Aarhus RK) 5
17. Matias Dinesen (Frederiksberg RK) 3
18. Stephen Leitch (Aarhus RK) 3
19. Emad Libis (CSR/Nanok) 1
20. Alfi Escarbarte (CSR/Nanok RK) 1
21. Alexander Østergaard (RK Speed)
22. Stefan Sousson (CSR/Nanok)

Head Coach: Chrstopher Adby

Adapted from http://www.rugby.dk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1170&Itemid=2

Slovenia Squad
(36 named earlier to be reduced to 22 on match day)
Damjan Ahačič (RK Ljubjana)
Luka Arko (RK Ljubjana)
Boris Brezar (RAK Olimpija)
Žiga Burnik (RK Ljubjana)
Goran Djuratovič (RK Ljubjana)
David Duh (RAK Olimpija)
Peter Gobec (RK Ljubjana)
Simon Gombač (RK Bežigrad)
Marko Gumzej (RK Bežigrad)
Andrew Harrison (Foreign club)
Tit Hočevar (Oxford Harlequins, England)
Alejandro Hostnik (Pucara, Argentina)
Martin Hostnik (Pucara, Argentina)
Iztok Javornik (RK Ljubjana)
Goran Jelenčič (RK Bežigrad)
Damjan Jovič (RK Ljubjana)
Grega Kosanovič (RK Bežigrad)
Peter Kavčič (RK Ljubjana)
Matej Kos (RK Ljubjana)
Žiga Kosi (RK Ljubjana)
Žarko Krsmanovič (RK Ljubjana)
Igor Kukovec (RK Bežigrad)
Urban Magušar (RAK Olimpija)
Darko Maslakovič (RK Ljubjana)
Luka Miklič (RAK Olimpija)
Grega Miljuš (RK Ljubjana)
Luka Potnik (RAK Olimpija)
Luka Recek (RK Bežigrad)
Lovro Sambol (RK Bežigrad)
Klemen Slavec (RK Bežigrad)
Klemen Šobak (RK Ljubjana)
Dali Suljič (Foreign club)
Mirt Suljič (Foreign club)
Anže Troppan (RK Ljubjana)
Borut Završan (RAK Olimpija)
Pavle Žle (RK Ljubjana)

Head Coach: Žiga Dobnikar

Adapted from http://www.rugby.si/

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Hungarians in Vienna

15.05.2010
Hungary v Austria in Vienna (ENC 3B)

Venue: Sportklubplatz

Referee: Goffinet (Belgium)

	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

Preview
Top team plays bottom team on home turf. A situation fraught with danger for the visitors. If you recall Austria won 9-6 back in 2008 here in Vienna. That win pushed a very disappointed Hungarian team away from promotion.

For today, which team has the most to fight for? From 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3475 "A win for Hungary is enough to seal the promotion spot as they have a better try count in the head-to-head with Slovenia who are the only team who can equal their final points total unless Austria spring a surprise win here". Slovenia has a game in hand.

No matter the result Austria will be relegated to ENC 3C for 2010-12. A win would not give them enough points to overtake Norway. Three years ago Austria was in Division 3A. Now they slide further to 3C. What is happening in Austrian rugby?

During the week Austrian rugby was surprised by George Kaiser's announcing his retirement after a decade and more than 50 tests for Austria. There is some doubt over Krauchenberg’s position as he was injured at training.

Last Five Encounters
18.04.2009 Hungary 25-13 in Estergom (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3B)
08.06.2008 Austria 9-6 in Vienna (ENC 3B)
21.04.2007 Hungary 27-5 in Dunaujvaros (ENC 3A)
29.04.2000 Hungary 48-18 in Budapest (FIRA D1)
10.04.1999 Austria 33-7 in Vienna (FIRA Pool B)

Hungary hasn't won in Vienna for a good many years. (My data base does not have venues for some of the earlier Austria-Hungary test matches)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Hungary 30th, Austria 32nd

Prediction: Hungary's first win in Austria for a long time, by 6 points

Teams

Austria
15. Max Navas (RC Donau)
14. Nicola Bignotti (AC BB, France)
13. Martin Leidl (RC Wombats Wr. Neustadt)
12. Rudi Glock (RC Donau)
11. Paul Hruschka Capt. (RC Wombats Wr. Neustadt)
10. Alexis Rigaud (RC Stade Viennois)
9. Valentin Richter (?)
8. Amir Yassari (RC Stade Viennois)
7. Ferdinand Richter (Vallee du Girou, France)
6. Alexander Krauchenberg (RC Donau)
5. Clemens Kaindl (RC Stade Viennois)
4. Andreas Gaul (RC Donau)
3. Max Müller (RC Stade Viennois)
2. Milad Farkhondeh Fal (RC Stade Viennois)
1.Wilfried Payer (RC Reichenhall, Germany)
Replacements
Sebastian Borer (RC Donau)
Alberto Gomez Novak (RC Stade Viennois)
Christoph Forchtner (RC Donau)
Sebastian Freydell (RC Donau)
Mushegh Aslanyan (Vienna Celtic RFC)
Michael Kerschbaumer (RC Donau)
Julian Zöchling (?)

Head Coach: Gael Mouysset

http://www.rugby-austria.at/content/deutsch/news/7f4cd9ccf2b801e57fc3.php

Hungary
Team not yet known

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.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Norwegians Travel to Hungary

01.05.2010
Norway v Hungary at Esztergom (ENC 3B)

Venue: Esztergom RFC, Vasas Stadion

Referee: Butsenin (Latvia)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
DENMARK	7	4	0	3	137	134	-3	15
HUNGARY	6	4	0	2	151	108	43	14
SLOVENIA	6	4	0	2	113	96	17	14
NORWAY	6	3	0	3	81	80	1	12
AUSTRIA	7	1	0	4	67	130	-63	9

Preview
This division is still wide open. Four teams still have a chance to take the honours and win promotion to Division 3A. Hungary and Slovenia command a good hold, each with two loses and with a game in hand. Competition leader Denmark won against Austria last weekend but are a game behind Hungary and Slovenia. Although behind the others Norway still has a mathematical chance for promotion. There has been a few upsets so anything is possible. All matches count.

Hungary won their first encounter against Norway away 26-15 and thus hold a physiological advantage. I would expect them to have a strong team for this home game

Previous Encounters
27.09.2008 Hungary 26-15 in Oslo (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3B)
27.10.2007 Hungary 5-3 in Szekesfhervan (ENC 3B)
07.10.2006 Hungary 13-8 in Stavanger (ENC 3B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Hungary 30th, Norway 31st

Prediction: Hungary will be too strong for the Norwegians on their home turf. Hungary by 14 points

Teams

Norway Squad
Kristoffer Borsheim (Stavanger RK)
James Buncle (London Scottish RFC, England)
Glenn Collins (Oslo RK)
Alex Diessner (Stavanger RK)
Lewis Eaton (Stavanger RK)
Andreas Fyri (Oslo RK)
Joseph Greenshields (Bergen RK)
Robert Greig (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)
Andrei Hanger (Cheltenham RFC, England)
Karl Harper (Oslo RK)
Neal Hughes (Stavanger RK)
William Hume (Bergen RK)
Francis Hunt (Oslo RK)
Stein Ove Kristensen (Trondheim RK)
Eivind Lunde (Stavanger RK)
Pascal Raclin (Oslo RK)
Oliver Rogers (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)
Neil Ryan (Tønsberg RK)
Stian Røstberg (Bergen RK)
Michael Shelley (Bergen RK)
Fredrik Skovly (Oslo RK)
Håkon Stengrimsen (Holstebro RK)

Head Coach: John Chappell

Adapted from http://www.rugby.no/les.asp?ID=737

Hungarian Squad not yet available

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

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Austrians Battle to Avoid Relegation

24.04.2010
Austria v Denmark in Odense (ENC 3B)

Venue: Odense Atletikstadion

Referee: Craenen (Sweden)

Preview

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
HUNGARY	6	4	0	2	151	108	43	14
SLOVENIA	6	4	0	2	113	96	17	14
NORWAY	6	3	0	3	81	80	1	12
DENMARK	6	3	0	3	113	121	-8	12
AUSTRIA	6	1	0	5	54	106	-52	8

Austria's fate could be in this game. They need to win their next two games to have any chance of avoiding relegation to ENC 3C for 2010-12.

Denmark won the first round encounter 27-6 away. They are also in with a chance of winning this pool as four teams are only within two points of each other. There other game is against Slovenia away. Injuries may play an important part in Denmark's chances. Regular Fly half Michaelson is injured.

Previous Encounters
24.04.2009 Denmark 27-9 in Linz (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3B)
08.04.2006 Denmark 16-5 in Frederika (ENC 3A)
09.04.2005 Denmark 16-3 in Frederika (WCQ Europe R2, Pool B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Denmark 29th, Austria 32nd.

Prediction: Denmark by 21 points

Teams

Denmark
15 Bradley Diamandis (RK Speed) 2 tests
14 Rasmus Mortensen (Aarhus RK) 13
13 Andy Nielsen (Aalborg RK) 14
12 Jesper G. Jensen (Lindø RSC) 20
11 Peter Madsen (CSR/Nanok) 7
10 Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England) 20
9 Alfi Escobarte (CSR/Nanok RK) New Cap
8 Nathanael Smalley (Aarhus RK) 10
7 Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok) 13
6 Kristian Riberholdt (Holstebro RK) 6
5 Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK) 31
4 Nicolas Eerholm (Lindø RSC) 1
3 Søren Brobyskov (RC Odense) 34
2 Kasper Vad Pedersen (Aarhus RK) 24
1 Niels B Jensen (CSR/Nanok) 7
Replacements
16 Niels Gotfredsen (Aarhus RK) 5
17 Matias Dinesen (Frederiksberg RK) 3
18 Stephen Leitch (Aarhus RK) 2
19 Emad Libis (CSR/Nanok) New Cap
20 Kenneth Steel (RC Odense) 11
21 TBC
22 Gerard Hounou (RK Speed) 1

Head Coach: Christopher Adby

Not available injured after selection
Sylvester Michaelsen (Aalborg RK)

Adapted from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3441

Austria played a warm-up match last Saturday against RC Bezigrad of Slovenia which they won 45 - 7.

If flight plans fail the Austrian team will bus to Denmark

http://www.rugby.dk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1154&Itemid=2

Austria Squad
Forwards:
Max Müller (RC Stade Viennois)
Milad Farkhondeh-Fal (RC Stade Viennois)
Wilfried Payer (RC Bad Reichenhall, GER)
Sebastian Borer (RC Donau)
Alberto Gomez Nowak (RC Stade Viennois)
Andreas Gaul (RC Donau)
Christoph Forchtner (RC Donau)
Clemens Kaindl (RC Stade Viennois)
Alexander Krauchenberg (RC Donau)
Sebastian Freydell (RC Donau)
Ferdinand Richter (Vallee du Girou, FRA)
Amir Yassari (RC Stade Viennois)

Backs:
Matthias Dachler (RC Donau)
Musheg Aslanyan (Vienna Celtic RFC)
Yvan Wever (RC Donau)
Michael Kerschbaumer (RC Donau)
Rudi Glock (RC Donau)
Alexis Rigaud (RC Stade Viennois)
Martin Leidl (RC Wombats Wr. Neustadt)
Georg Kaiser (RC Stade Viennois)
Max Navas (RC Donau)
Nicolas Bignotti (AC BB, FRA)
Head Coach: Gael Mouysset
from http://www.rugby-austria.at/content/deu ... e099c2.php

Rugby Test: Austria Desperate to Avoid Relegation

14.11.2009
Norway v Austria in Vienna (ENC 3B)

Venue: Wiener Sportclub Stadion

Referee: Jelavic (Croatia)

Preview
Both teams will be desperate to win this test match as both are in danger of relegation. Austria is at the bottom of the table in Pool ENC 3B. In recent years Norway has held a slight advantage over their southern rival.

This pool has been an unpredictable one. Hungary and Slovenia are at the top of the table but Austria has defeated Slovenia whilst Norway defeated Denmark, who then defeated Hungary. The final result will see the strongest team standing. Despite the upsets it probably won't be either Norway or Austria.

Previous Encounters
11.10.2008 Norway 11-3 in Oslo (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3B)
26.04.2008 Drawn 3-3 in Vienna (ENC 3B)
09.06.2007 Norway 22-8 in Oslo (ENC 3B)
09.06.2001 Austria 51-7 in Oslo (WCQ Europe R1; FIRA Pool 2)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Austria 31st, Norway 33rd

Prediction: Norway by 4 points

Teams



Norway Squad
Patrice Balauze (Oslo RK)
Kristoffer Borsheim (Stavanger RK)
James Buncle (London Scottish RFC, England)
Wesley Chibaya (Tønsberg RK)
Andy De Vries (London Scottish RFC, England)
Alex Diessner (Stavanger RK)
Lewis Eaton (Stavanger RK)
Andrei Hanger (Cheltenham RFC, England)
Karl Harper (Oslo RK)
Neal Hughes (Stavanger RK)
Dave Hume (Bergen RK)
Francis Hunt (Oslo RK)
Stein Ove Kristensen (Trondheim RK)
Eivind Lunde (Stavanger RK)
Erlend Meldalen (OSI Rugby)
Andrew Olsen (London Scottish RFC, England)
Pascal Raclin (Oslo RK)
Neil Ryan (Tønsberg RK)
Stian Røstberg (Bergen RK)
Fredrik Skovly (Oslo RK)
Håkon Stengrimsen (Holstebro RK)
Roger Yttervik (Tønsberg RK)
Head Coach: John Chappell

http://www.rugby.no/les.asp?ID=711

Austria Squad
Dieter Albert
Musheg Aslanyan
Mottet Benoit
Johannes Dachler
Milad fal Farkondeh
Andreas Gaul
Rudi Glock
Alberto Gomez
Marius Johannik
Georg Kaiser
Michael Kerschbaumer
Martin Leidl
Jako Liska
Patrick Maurer
Max Navas
Wilfried Payer
Alexis Rigaud
Carli Sinnbruner
Yvan Wever
Amir Yassari
Rafa Yavala
Julian Zöchling
Head Coach: Gael Mouysset

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.

International Rugby: Hungarians in Denmark

31.10.2009
Hungary v Denmark in Odense (ENC 3B)

Venue: Odense Athletic Stadium

Referee: Stiglic (Serbia)

Preview
Hungary regained the advantage in their division when they defeated Slovenia earlier in the month. Denmark lost to Norway by 7 points away on the same day. Denmark are part of a group in this division struggling to avoid relegation. They must win today to rise above that group.

Hungary won their first ever encounter with Denmark 39-12 in October last year.

Previous Encounter
18.10.2008 Hungary 39-12 in Kecskemet (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Hungary 29th, Denmark 33rd

Prediction: Hungary by 13

Teams

Denmark
15 Bradley Diamandis (RK Speed)
14 Gerard Hounou (RK Speed)
13 Kiwi Whatarau (CSR/Nanok)
12 Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England)
11 Peter Madsen (CSR/Nanok)
10 Sylvester Michaelsen (Aalborg)
9 Christian S. Jensen (Aarhus RK)
8 Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok)
7 Christian B. Nielsen (Holstebro)
6 Kristian Riberholdt (Holstebro)
5 Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK)
4 Nicolas Eegholm (CSR/Nanok)
3 Søren Brobyskov, Capt. (CSR/Nanok)
2 Edward "Henry" Stafford (Barnes RFC, England)
1 Niels Bjerg Jensen (CSR/Nanok)
Replacements
16 Niels Gotfredsen (Aarhus RK)
17 Kasper Vad Pedersen (RK Speed)
18 Stephen Leitch (Aarhus RK)
19 Henrik Jacobsen (Aarhus RK)
20 Andy Nielsen (Aalborg)
21 Dodji Hounou (RK Speed)
22 Rasmus Mortensen (Aarhus RK)
Head Coach: Christopher Adby

http://www.rugby.dk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1045&Itemid=2

Hungary
15 Szabolcs Nagyhegyesi (Kecskeméti ARC) DOB 1982.08.09.
14 Gábor Bartus (Kecskeméti ARC) 1988.06.25.
13 Gábriel Garin (Battai Bulldogok)1985.07.22.
12 Achiles Gyurcsik (Battai Bulldogok) 1988.07.14.
11 Gábor Bíró (Esztergomi Vitézek) 1982.01.14.
10 Gareth Lloyd (Budapest Exiles) 1978.11.25.
9 Tibor Pásztor (Budapest Exiles) 1980.09.19.
8 Tamás Balogh (Battai Bulldogok) 1983.09.01.
7 Attila Réfi (Kecskeméti ARC) 1988.08.15.
6 Zoltán Koller, Capt. (Esztergomi Vitézek) 1976.02.15.
5 Róbert Deli (Esztergomi Vitézek) 1980.06.23.
4 Miklós Dobai (Battai Bulldogok) 1975.12.05
3 Zoltán Máthé (Battai Bulldogok) 1984.07.17.)
2 Károly Suiogan (Esztergomi Vitézek) 1970.08.05.
1 Zoltán Heckel (Esztergomi Vitézek) DOB 1974.03.13.
Replacements from…
Roland Nagy (Esztergomi Vitézek)1983.10.29.
László Szőlősi (Esztergomi Vitézek) 1971.03.02
Viktor Madarász (Esztergomi Vitézek) 1972.01.06.
Tamás Ódor (UK Club) 1980.02.12.
Péter Zsitvai (UK Club) 1978.07.17.
Benjamin Mészáros (Esztergomi Vitézek)1986.05.16.
Gregorie Collet (Toulouse, France) 1988.11.30
Balázs Bőhm (Esztergomi Vitézek) 1980.01.22

Head Coach: John Carrington

Thanks to ‘Exile’ from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3249

More Test Rugby This Weekend

31.10.2009
Sweden v Netherlands in Trelleborg (ENC 2B)
Denmark v Hungary in Odense (ENC 3B)

01.11.2009
Uruguay v Argentina 'A' in Cordoba

Briefly
Part of of this rugby weekend sees a continuation of the European Nations Cup and two South American nations warm up for their November ventures.

The Netherlands are undefeated in their division (their only recent loss was a shock 3-6 to Lithuania and a World Cup exit). The Netherlands won their first round game against Sweden by 12 points and they should prevail away.

Hungary regained the advantage in their division when they defeated Slovenia earlier in the month. Denmark lost to Norway by 7 points away on the same day and could well struggle against the visiting Hungarians.

Uruguay will play a home-away series against the USA in November, the claiming the second America's spot at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. They begin that campaign against Argentina 'A' (or the Jaguars if you prefer) in Cordoba Sunday. Argentina 'A' tour Europe during the November window along with the full Argentine side, the Pumas.

The full November window begins on November 7. How I will be able to keep up with it all I just do not know. Keep watching this space to see how well I do!

Weekend Test Rugby Results

17.10.2009
Austria 15, Slovenia 13 in Ljubliana (ENC 3B)
Norway 15, Denmark 8 in Oslo (ENC 3B)

Briefly
Austria caused a major upset when they defeated Division winner contenders Slovenia 15-13 away. The result has all but ended Slovenia's dream rise in European rugby. Norway also surprisingly defeated Denmark at home to again throw both promotion and relegation open.

Test Match Rugby: This Weekend

17.10.2009
Slovenia v Austria in Ljubliana (ENC 3B)
Norway v Denmark in Oslo (ENC3B)

Briefly
Both test matches this weekend are in the same division for the European Nations Cup. Slovenia suffered their first defeat last weekend since being promoted from ENC 3C. They lost 11-17 to Hungary. Slovenia must win all its remaining games to stay with Hungary. Of the other three teams, Austria sits at the bottom of the table and faces a daunting task against Slovenia away. Denmark and Norway will contest the middle area of the Division in what has been termed, 'The Battle of the Vikings'.

Image thanks to 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3236

Test Match: Hungary Takes on Slovenia

10.10.2009
Slovenia v Hungary in Pecs (ENC 3B)

Venue: Várkői Stadium

Referee: Iordachaescu (Romania)

Preview:
It's very disappointing that the governing bodies of the sport in these two countries cannot publish team list before such an important game.

Slovenia remains undefeated at the top of this competition. They caused a major upset in their first game, a 32-26 win over favourites Hungary. Slovenia had only just gained promotion from ENC 3C. Slovenia qualified to play Israel in a World Cup qualifying match but lost. A win here will see them retain the lead and look set for another promotion.

Slovenia has dominated ENC 3B despite only just gaining promotion from ENC 3C

After they dropped their first match against Slovenia, the Hungarians won against Norway, Denmark and Austria

Last Five Encounters
13.09.2008 Slovenia 32-26 in Ljubljana (ENC 3B)
08.10.2005 Hungary 15-12 in Ljubljana (ENC 3B)
06.11.2004 Slovenia 41-0 in Ljubljana (WCQ Europe R2, Pool A)
16.10.1999 Slovenia 27-3 in Budapest (FIRA D1)
10.10.1998 Slovenia 16-12 in Ljubljana (FIRA Pool B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Slovenia 29th, Hungary 30th

Prediction: Slovenia by 2 points

Teams:

Hungary
Squad not available
Head Coach: Andrew Neutzer

Slovenia
Squad not available

Rugby Test Results 25 April

25.04.2009
Japan 87, Kazakhstan 10 in Osaka (Asia5Nations)
Korea 65, Singapore 0 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
Netherlands 27, Malta 9 in La Valette (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)
Croatia 21, Latvia 13 in Makarska (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)
Denmark 27, Austria 6 in Linz (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3B)
Slovenia 14, Norway 10 in Ljubliana (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)
Bulgaria 29, Finland 10 in Pernik (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)
Greece 17, Luxembourg 14 in Lux. (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)

Rugby Test: Danes and Austrians Meet.

25.04.2009
Austria v Denmark in Linz (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)

Preview
Both teams have already been eliminated from further World Cup qualifiers so both can concentrate on lifting their position on the points table. At the halfway stage for ENC 3B they both fare at the bottom.

Previous Encounters
08.04.2006 Denmark 16-5 in Frederika (ENC 3A)
09.04.2005 Denmark 16-3 in Frederika (WCQ Euro.R2, Pool B)

Strangely the last time these two teams met was in 2006. Since then both have been relegation to Division 3C.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Denmark 30th, Austria 35th

Prediction: Denmark by 13 points.

Teams

Austria
Nicolas Bignotti (ACBB, France)
Sebastian Borer (RC Donau)
Valentin Brandstetter (RC Donau)
Johannes Dachler (RC Donau)
Milad Farkondeh Fal (RC Donau)
Christoph Forchtner (RC Donau)
Sebastian Freydell (RC Donau)
Andreas Gaul (RC Donau)
Rudi Glock (Cooke RFC, Ireland)
Alberto Gomez (Stade Viennois)
Paul Hruschka (Wombats RC Wiener Neustadt)
Jean Baptiste Jilibert (Stade Viennois)
Marius Johannik (RC Donau)
Georg Kaiser (Stade Viennois)
Alexander Krauchenberg (RC Donau)
Martin Leidl (Wombats RC Wiener Neustadt )
Max Navas (RC Donau)
Maurer Patrick (Stade Viennois)
Wilfried Payer (Stade Viennois)
Ferdinand Richter (Vallé du Girou, France)
Yvan Weaver (Ireland ?)
Julian Zöchling (RC Doanu)
Head Coach: Gael Mouysset

Note: ACBB = CR Amateur de Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris.
Cooke RFC is located in Belfast.
Thanks to Ulrich Gutweniger, Communications, Austria Rugby Union.

Denmark
Kristian R. Andersen (Holstebro)
Søren Brobyskov, Capt. (CSR/Nanok RK)
Matias Dinesen (Frederiksberg RK)
Niels B. W. Godtfredsen (Aarhus RK)
Andrew Grantham (Aarhus RK)
Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK)
Mikkel Jakobsen (Aarhus RK)
Christian S. Jensen (Aarhus RK)
Niels Bjerg Jensen (CSR/Nanok RK)
Jesper G. Jensen (Lindø)
Johannes Mackeprang (RK Speed)
Sylvester Michaelsen (Aalborg)
Rasmus Mortensen (Aarhus RK)
Rasmus N. Mortensen (Aalborg)
Kasper Vad Pedersen (RK Speed)
Nathanael Smalley (Aarhus RK)
Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok RK)
Edward Stafford (Haywards Heath RFC, England)
Kenneth Steel (CSR/Nanok RK)
Kristoffer Vandborg (Frederiksberg RK)
Kiwa Whatarau (CSR/Nanok RK)
Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England)
Head Coach:

Same squad as v Norway
Thanks to Inger Marie Godvin, Sekretariatsleder/General Secretary, Dansk Rugby Union