IRB NATIONS CUP TEST RUGBY: Portugal Face Italy Emerging

12.06.2012
Portugal v Emerging Italy in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)

Venue: Arch of Triumph Stadium

Referee:

Preview
Even taking into account a number of top players were missing, Portugal would have been very disappointed with their display last Wednesday against Argentina ‘A’.

The young and inexperienced Italian side surprised punters by winning against Russia. They lead the points table. However they have lost two players, di Marchi to injury and Tartaglia, who has been called into the Italian side at the Junior Rugby World Cup being held in South Africa.

Portugal are known for their unexpected upsets. Can they pull one out of the bag today?

Portugal and Emerging Italy have never met before in a 15’s test match.

Portugal Last Five
08.06.2012 v Argentina ‘A’ L 9-41 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
17.03.2012 v Ukraine L 33-35 in Odessa (ENC 1A)
10.03.2012 v Spain W 23-17 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
25.02.2012 v Georgia L 7-22 in Tblisi (ENC 1A)
11.02.2012 v Russia L 32-33 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)

GWC Rugby Rankings and IRB Ranking points do not apply

Prediction: Portugal by 7 points

The teams selected for today are as yet unavailable but the squads are listed below for interest.

ARGENTINA ‘A’ (Jaguars)

1	Lisandro Ahualli de Chazal	Universitario	Tucumán
2	Felipe Aranguren	CUBA	URBA
3	Nicolás Azorin	Liceo Naval	URBA
4	Nicolás Basile	Aurillac	FFR
5	Marcos Bollini	Club Newman	URBA
6	Martín Chiappesoni	Atlético del Rosario	URBA
7	Gastón Cortés	Córdoba Athletic	Cordobesa
8	Matías Cortese	Libre	Libre
9	Jerónimo De la Fuente	Duendes RC	Rosario
10	César Fruttero	Jockey Club de Villa María	Cordobesa
11	Martín García Veiga	Buenos Aires C&RC	URBA
12	Lisandro Gómez López	La Tablada	Cordobesa
13	Santiago González Iglesias	Asociación Alumni	URBA
14	Fernando Luna	Córdoba Athletic	Cordobesa
15	Benjamín Madero	San Isidro Club	URBA
16	Matías Masera	Belgrano Athletic	URBA
17	Santiago Méndez	San Isidro Club	URBA
18	Ramiro Moyano	Lince RC	Tucumán
19	Javier Ortega Desio	San Isidro Club	URBA
20	Ignacio Pasman	Club Champagnat	URBA
21	Francisco Piccinini	San Isidro Club	URBA
22	Lucas Ponce	CUBA	URBA
23	Javier Rojas	Universitario	Tucumán
24	Franco Sábato	Asociación Alumni	URBA
25	Juan Pablo Socino	Libre	Libre
26	Roberto Tejerizo	Tucumán Lawn Tennis	Tucumán

PORTUGAL

PROPS
CRISTIAN SPACHUK (Bourgoin - FR)
THOMAS DA COSTA (Lourdes - FR)
JORGE SEGURADO (Direito)
ANTHONY ALVES (Montauban - FR)

HOOKERS
JOÃO CORREIA (Direito)
VASCO MARQUES (CDUP)

LOCKS
EDUARDO ACOSTA (Direito)
ERIC DOS SANTOS (Stade Montois - FR)
GONÇALO UVA (Direito)

BACKROW
JOÃO PAIVA (Agronomia)
VASCO UVA (Direito)
FRANCISCO SOUSA (Cascais)
JACQUES LE ROUX (Agronomia)
TIAGO GIRÃO (Tiago Girão)

SH
FRANCISCO P. MAGALHÃES (CDUL)
MANUEL RAPOSO (Pretoria Police - South Africa)

FH
YANNICK RICARDO (Castanet - FR)
MANUEL COSTA (Belenenses)

CENTERS
CARL MURRAY (CDUL)
JOSÉ LIMA (Agronomia)
FRANCISCO APPLETON (CDUL)

WINGS
BERNARDO CAMPELO (Agronomia)
ANTÓNIO AGUILAR (Direito)
GONÇALO FORO (CDUL)

FULLBACKS
NUNO PENHA E COSTA (CDUL)
PEDRO LEAL (Nice - FR)

IRB NATIONS CUP TEST RUGBY: Russia face Italy ‘A’

08.06.2012
Russia v Italy ‘A’ in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)

Venue: Arch of Triumph Stadium

Referee:

Preview
Italy has sent a very inexperienced side to Bucharest. Only two players have experienced test rugby.

Russia are missing a few key players which is normal for this tournament. Russia usually struggles at this level. Their form since attending the 2011 Rugby World Cup has been less than impressive. With an experimental selection policy they have struggled, including a 0-46 hammering from Georgia. An interesting selection is Adam Byrnes from the Melbourne Rebels. Burns first played for Russia at the World Cup.

Previous Encounters
12.06.2012 Italy ‘A’ 24-19 in Worcester (Churchill Cup)
16.06.2009 Italy ‘A’ 35-3 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
11.06.2008 Italy ‘A’ 38-15 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
24.06.2006 Italy ‘A’ 32-29 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)
18.11.1984 Italy XV 13-12 in L’Aquilla (FIRA A)

Russia Last Five

19.05.2012 v Spain W 41-37 in Moscow (ENC 1A)
17.03.2012 v Georgia L 0-46 in Tblissi (ENC 1A)
10.03.2012 v Ukraine W 38-19 in Sotchi (ENC 1A)
25.02.2012 v Romania L 0-25 in Sochi (ENC 1A)
11.02.2012 v Portugal W 33-32 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)

GWC Rugby Rankings and IRB points do not apply.

Prediction: Italy ‘A’ by 10 points

Teams

RUSSIA

15		Andrey Otrokov	Krasny Yar
14		Ivan Kotov
13		Dmitry Gerasimov	Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk
12		Alexander Makovetsky	Krasny Yar
11		Mikhail Babaev	VVA-Podmoskovye
10		Sergey Sugrobov
9		Alexey Scherban
8		Victor Gresev	London Wasps, England
7		Pavel Butenko	Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk
6		Andrey Temnov	Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk
5		Adam Byrnes
4		Alexander Voytov (Capt.)	VVA-Podmoskovye
3		Evgeny Pronenko	Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk
2		Stanislav Selsky
1		Vladimir Botvinnikov	Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk
16		Sergey Popov	Slava Moscow
17		Alexey Volkov	VVA-Podmoskovye
18		Innokenty Zykov	Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk
19		Paul Kvernadze	Spartak GM
20		Alexander Shakirov	VVA-Podmoskovye
21		Artem Fatahkov	VVA-Podmoskovye
22		Anton Ryabov	Krasny Yar
		HEAD COACH: Kingsley Jones

ITALY ‘A’
Team yet to be announced

CHURCHILL CUP RUGBY: Italians Take on Canadians

04.06.2011
Italy ‘A’ v Canada in Northampton (Churchill Cup-Non test)

Venue: Franklin Gardens

Referee:

Preview
For both selections the 2011 Rugby World Cup looms. The Italians are, mostly, the second squad behind the first batch of players, so selection into the top squad will be the aim of every Italian on the field. This will make for a very tough combination. Traditionally the Italians are very strong up front and will make life difficult for a Canadian side that is a mix of new players and experienced.

Prediction: Italy ‘A’ by 7 points

Teams

Italy “A”

15 Ruggero Trevisan (Parma)
14 Andrea Bacchetti (Rovigo) 2 caps
13 Denis Majstorovic (Cavalieri Prato)
12 Matteo Pratichetti (Aironi )22 caps
11 Michele Sepe (Treviso) 3 caps
10 Riccardo Bocchino (Aironi) 6 caps
9 Tito Tebaldi (Aironi) 14 caps
8 Manoa Vosawai (Benetton Treviso )8 caps
7 Mauro Bergamasco (Stade Francais, France) 84 caps
6 Valerio Bernabo', Capt.(Treviso) 19 caps
5 Marco Bortolami (Aironi ) 84 caps
4 Corniel Van Zyl (Treviso)
3 Fabio Staibano (Aironi) 9 caps
2 Tommaso D'apice (Rugby Roma)
1 Alberto De Marchi (Aironi)
Replacements
16 Andrea Manici (Parma)
17 Matias Aguero (Aironi) 17 caps
18 Dario Chistolini (Padova)
19 Joshua Furno (Aironi)
20 Francesco Minto (Treviso)
21 Giulio Toniolatti (Aironi) 5 caps
22 Durandt Gerber (Parma)
Head Coach: Gianluca Guidi

Adapted from http://www.churchillcuprugby.net/leagues/newsletter.cfm?page=53322&clientID=3731&leagueID=10901

Canada

15. James Pritchard
14. Ciaran Hearn
13. Conor Trainor
12. Ryan Smith
11. Phil Mackenzie
10. Ander Monro
9. Ed Fairhurst
8. Aaron Carpenter
7. Chauncey O'Toole
6. Jebb Sinclair
5. Brian Erichsen
4. Tyler Hotson
3. Jason Marshall
2. Pat Riordan (Captain)
1. Hubert Buydens
Replacements
16. Ryan Hamilton
17. Andrew Tiedemann
18. Mitch Gudgeon
19. Nanyak Dala
20. Sean White
21. Mike Scholz
22. Matt Evans
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

http://www.churchillcuprugby.net/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientid=3731&leagueid=0&page=53326

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Italy ‘A’ Squad at Churchill Cup

Italy "A" Churchill Cup squad
Note that Italian test veterans Marco Bortolami and Mauro Bergamasco are included. Bergamasco missed all the 2011 Six Nations competition through injury. So this is, along with all other squad players, a vital opportunity to force their way into the final Rugby World Cup squad of thirty.

Forwards

Matias Aguero (Aironi, 17 caps), Dario Chistolini (Padova), Alberto De Marchi (Aironi), Fabio Staibano (Aironi, 9 caps), Tommaso D'Apice (Roma), Andrea Manici (Parma), Valerio Bernabo (Treviso, 19 caps)(C), Marco Bortolami (Aironi, 84 caps), Joshua Furno (Aironi), Cornelius Van Zyl (Treviso), Nicola Belardo (Cavalieri), Mauro Bergamasco (Stade Français, 84 caps), Francesco Minto (Treviso), Manoa Vosawai (Treviso, 8 caps).

Backs

Edoardo Padovani (Marchiol Mogliano), Tito Tebaldi (Aironi, 14 caps), Riccardo Bocchino ( Aironi, 6 caps), DuRandt Gerber (Parma), Andrea Bacchetti (Rovigo, 2 caps), Angelo Esposito (Tarvisium), Denis Majstorovic (Cavalieri ), Gilberto Pavan ( Aironi,), Andrea Pratichetti (Treviso) Matteo Pratichetti (Aironi, 22 caps), Michele Sepe (Treviso, 3 caps), Giulio Toniolatti (Aironi, 5 caps), Ruggero Trevisan (Crociati), Giovanbattista Venditti (Aironi).

Italy ‘A’ plays..

4 June v Canada in Northampton
12 June v Russia in Worsester
18 June Finals round in Gloucester

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RESULTS: Friday 19 November

19.11.2010
Wales 16, Fiji 16 in Cardiff
Tonga 16, Italy 'A' 9 in Biela
Scotland 'A' 25, USA 0 in Galashiels

Briefly
Wales were 'awful' according to a forum member http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3549&p=35052#p35052
Well done Fiji, they almost did again what they did 3 years ago!

Just a score from an Italian rugby forum but looks like a win to Tonga. Another plus for Pacific Island rugby. That Italian 'A' side looked very handy. Sadly I can't obtain a Tongan squad from any source!

Scotland 'A' won against a sort of second string USA side. USA has full sights on Georgia next weekend

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Tongans in Italy

19.11.2010
Tonga v Italy 'A' in Biella

Venue: Vittorio Pozzo

Referee:

Preview
Sadly no test caps for Tonga in this match. The Italian 'A' side has a good record over the last few seasons. They have a number of test players in the side including 84 test veteran Bortolami.

Tonga will be struggling to hold the Italians and compete in the forwards. Tonga's unpredictability and individualism in the backs will be the main worry for this Italian side.

Tonga's most famous encounter with an Italian side was the 28-25 victory over the full side at Leicester at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.

Prediction: Italy 'A' by 14 points

Teams

Italy 'A'
15 Andrea MARCATO (Benetton Treviso, 16 caps)
14 Matteo PRATICHETTI (Aironi Rugby, 22 caps)
13 Andrea PRATICHETTI (Benetton Treviso)*
12 Gonzalo GARCIA (Benetton Treviso, 18 caps)
11 Michele SEPE (Benetton Treviso, 3 caps)
10 Kristopher BURTON (Benetton Treviso, 5 caps)
9 Fabio SEMENZATO (Benetton Treviso)
8 Valerio BERNABO’ (Benetton Treviso, 15 caps)
7 Simone FAVARO (Aironi Rugby, 6 caps)*
6 Francesco MINTO (Benetton Treviso)
5 Marco BORTOLAMI (Aironi Rugby, 84 caps)
4 Antonio PAVANELLO (Benetton Treviso, 5 caps) - capitano
3 Ignacio ROUYET (Benetton Treviso, 7 caps)
2 Franco SBARAGLINI (Benetton Treviso, 5 caps)
1 Matias AGUERO (Aironi Rugby, 17 caps)
a disposizione
16 Andrea MANICI (HBS GranDucato Parma)*
17 Alberto DE MARCHI (Aironi Rugby)
18 Massimiliano RAVALLE (Femi-CZ Rovigo)*
19 Gabriele CICCHINELLI (Futura Park Rugby Roma)*
20 Luca PETILLO (Estra I Cavalieri Prato)*
21 Tito TEBALDI (Aironi Rugby, 14 caps)
22 Giulio RUBINI (Aironi Rugby, 4 caps)
Coaches: Gianluca Guidi and Giampiero De Carli

*è/è stato membro dell’Accademia FIR “Ivan Francescato”

http://www.federugby.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2110:italia-a-un-xv-da-magners-league-per-il-match-contro-tonga&catid=110:italia-a&Itemid=416

Tonga squad not available

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: IRB Nations Cup, The Final Day

This tournament is being held in Bucharest, Romania. It is an important springboard for Tier 2 nations as they pit themselves against like-ranked nations and the A teams of Tier 1 nations.

20.06.2010
Georgia v Namibia
Italy A v Romania
Argentina A v Scotland A

Previews
Namibia, on eight points, looks in a healthy position to take or at least share the title with Italy 'A'. Both teams remain undefeated. What a pity this competition is not organised along the lines of the Churchill Cup, where you actually get the two best teams in a final. This tournament needs just one more playing day to achieve that.

Georgia and Namibia has faced each other twice before. The last time was during the 2007 Rugby World Cup when both were in Pool D. Georgia were too strong that day, winning 30-0. They also won 26-18 in the IRB Nations Cup of 2007, held in Bucharest. Georgia has an historical advantage but I think Namibia could just pip them on form.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Georgia 17th, Namibia 18th
IRB Rankings-Georgia 15th (69.09), Namibia 22nd (60.98)

Romania has improved considerably from their poor performance on day 1 and could well push the Italians closely. Italy A is the form side and should prevail.

A disappointing Scotland A, who won the tournament last year, will fight for the scraps with an Argentina A side that is also not as strong as it usually is. (I think the real A side was kept in Buenos Aires to play the Friday night game against France.)

Predictions
Namibia by 1 v Georgia
Italy A by 3 v Romania
Scotland A by 8 v Argentina A

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: IRB Nations Cup

Results in from Bucharest

15.06.2010
Italy A 21, Georgia 3
Namibia 23, Scotland 20
Romania 24, Argentina A 8

Points After Round 2

'So we are confronted by the weird situation of the possiblity that a team will win all its games, but still finish second - a reflection of the crazy format that the IRB persist with.
1. Italy A: 8 (+20)
2. Namibia: 8 (+7)
3. Romania: 5 (+12)
4. Georgia: 4 (-17)
5. Scotland A: 2 (-4)
6. Argentina A: 1 (-18)'

And the scenario..

Round 3 Sunday

Georgia v Namibia
Italy A v Romania
Argentina A v Scotland A

'So to win the tournament:
Italy A: Must win over Romania, which you'd think would be enough considering their high point difference. Bonus point win would almost guarantee the trophy.
Namibia: Must either thrash Georgia, or hope that Romania cause Italy A problems, or both. Realistically, this will be a very tight encounter and a narrow win is probably all that Namibia could get out of this - so they need Italy A to slip up.
Romania: Must beat Italy A by five points or more to finish above them. Also, they will need Georgia to beat Namibia, but not thrash them. A bonus point win would be golden for Romania.
Georgia: Must beat Namibia by scoring four tries by eight points or more. Realistically, they need to win this by 30 points or more and hope that Romania only narrowly beat Italy A. They need and absolute miracle.'

Thanks to 'Natal' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3498&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=75

TEST RUGBY: IRB Nations Cup, Day 2

IRB Nations Cup-Bucharest
Italy A v Georgia
Scotland A v Namibia
Romania v Argentina A

Previews
After a first day of upsets, the second day of this tournament will see some interesting contests.

Italy A v Georgia

Both Italy A and Georgia won on the first day. Italy A defeated the much fancied Argentina Jaguars whilst Georgia defeated last year's tournament winner Scotland A. There will not be a lot between these two teams but I suspect Italy A has the edge.

Prediction: Italy A by 3 points

Scotland A v Namibia

Namibia caused a major upset on day 1 by defeating hosts Romania. They could one step further against a Scottish side reeling from a one point loss on day 1.

Prediction: Namibia by 5 points

Romania v Argentina A

This could be the cracker of a match on the day. Both side were on the favourites lists before the tournament started, whilst today one of these teams will, unless there is a draw, have suffered two defeats. I suspect Argentina A will just edge out the home side.

Prediction: Argentina A by 1 point

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RESULTS; IRB Nations Cup Day 1

In Bucharest

11.06.2010
Namibia 21, Romania 17
Italy A 22, Argentina A 20
Georgia 22, Scotland 'A 21

Briefly
Upsets all round in my book. Well, lets say all my predictions were WELL out!

Namibia fought hard to win against Romania, the host nation. Italy A edged out the Jaguars, whilst Georgia, with a below-strength side, defeated last years tournament winner Scotland 'A'

This sets up a most interesting competition from this point.

TEST MATCH RUGBY: IRB Nations

11.06.2010
Italy A v Argentina A

Venue: Bucharest

Referee:

Preview
It is quite likely that one of the finalists for this tournament could could from one of these teams. Both are strong squads, especially the Italians who have a number of test caps among them.

Prediction: Italy A by 5 points

Teams

Argentina A
15. Joaquin Tuculet
14. Belisario Agulla
13. Gabriel Ascarate
12. Nicolas Sanchez
11. John Imhoff
10. Santiago González Iglesias
9. Nicolás Bruzzone
8. Macoma Benjamin
7. Agustín Guzmán
6. Bruno Rodrigo
5. Agustin Smidt
4. Carlos Caceres
3. Guillermo Roan
2. Alvaro Tejeda
1. Matías Narváez
Replacements
16. Esteban Bustillo
17. Nahuel Chaparro
18. Pasman Ignacio
19. Paul Colacrai
20. Landajo Martin
21. Thomas Rosati
22. Francisco Merello
Coaches: Daniel Hourcade and Raul Perez

Adapted from http://www.rugbyfun.com.ar/nota.asp?not_codigo=69634

Italy A
15 Andrea MARCATO (Benetton Treviso, 16 caps)
14 Tommaso BENVENUTI (Benetton Treviso)
13 Andrea PRATICHETTI (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
12 Alberto SGARBI (Benetton Treviso, 5 caps)
11 Samuele PACE (MPS Viadana, 3 caps)
10 Luciano ORQUERA (Brive, 14 caps)
9 Fabio SEMENZATO (Benetton Treviso)
8 Jaco ERASMUS (MPS Viadana, 3 caps)
7 Francesco MINTO (Banca Monte Parma)
6 Robert BARBIERI (Benetton Treviso, 7 caps)
5 Enrico PAVANELLO (Benetton Treviso, 8 caps)
4 Antonio PAVANELLO (Benetton Treviso, 5 caps)
3 Pedro DI SANTO (Benetton Treviso)
2 Carlo FESTUCCIA (Racing-Metro Paris, 47 caps)
1 Matteo MUCCIGNAT (Benetton Treviso)
Replacementsa
16 Davide GIAZZON (Banca Monte Parma)
17 Andrea DE MARCHI (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
18 Massimiliano RAVALLE (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
19 Agustin CAVALIERI (Carrera Petrarca Padova)
20 Silvio ORLANDO (Benetton Treviso, 14 caps)
21 Giulio TONIOLATTI (Futura Park Rugby Roma, 5 caps)
22 Roberto QUARTAROLI (Banca Monte Parma, 3 caps)
Head Coach: Gianluca Guidi

Adapted from http://www.federugby.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1648:nazionale-a-domani-esordio-in-irb-nations-cup&catid=110:italia-a&Itemid=416

Test Rugby: Georgia Face a Big Italian Test

20.11.2009
Georgia v Italy 'A' in Palmanova

Venue: Stadio Bruseschi, Udine

Referee:

Preview
Georgia will be fresh from their important 24-22 win over the Argentine Jaguars last weekend. They will need to be at their best to defeat this Italian side away. The Italian 'A' side were convincing winners over Romania last weekend but will find the Georgian's a much stronger team.

Italian 'A' coach Guidi has made only one change in the lineup that so convincingly defeated Romania last week. Tommaso Reato comes into the second row in place of Antonio Pavanello who has moved the Italian first's team bech for Saturdays game against South Africa.

Italy 'A' lineup v Georgia on Friday. Image thanks to www.federugby.it

Last Five Encounters
20.06.2008 Georgia 25-3 (v Italy 'A')in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
16.06.2007 Georgia 22-20( v Italy 'A') in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
06.09.2003 Italy 32-22 in Astia
27.01.2000 Italy XV 51-7 in Livorno
11.04.1998 Italy XV 31-14 in L'Aquilla (WCQ Europe Pool 2, Rnd B)

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply

Prediction: Georgia by 2

Teams

Italy 'A'
15 Paolo Buso (Futura Park Rugby Roma) 1 test
14 Tommaso Benvenuti (Benetton Treviso)
13 Roberto Quartaroli (Rugby Parma) 3
12 Andrea Pratichetti (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
11 Michele Sepe (MPS Viadana) 2
10 Riccardo Bocchino (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
9 Fabio Semenzato (Benetton Treviso)
8 Manoa Vosawai (Rugby Parma) 5
7 Paul Derbyshire (Petrarca Padova) 1
6 Francesco Minto(Rugby Parma)
5 Valerio Bernabo’, Capt. (Futura Park Rugby Roma) 13
4 Tommaso Reato (Femi-CZ Rovigo) 9
3 Lorenzo Cittadini (Benetton Treviso) 1
2 Davide Giazzon (Rugby Parma)
1 Michele Rizzo (Benetton Treviso) 2
Replacements
16 Tommaso D’apice (Futura Park Rugby Roma)
17 Massimiliano Ravalle (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
18 Plinio Sciamanna (MPS Viadana)
19 Mantvydas Tveraga (Rugby Parma)
20 Agustin Cavalieri (Petrarca Padova)
21 Edoardo Gori (Consiag I Cavalieri Prato)
22 Enrico Patrizio (Petrarca Padova) 4

Head Coach: Gianluca Guidi

http://www.federugby.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=720:italia-a-domani-a-palmanova-sfida-alla-georgia-raisportpiu-diretta-ore-19&catid=110:italia-a&Itemid=416

Georgia
Official team list not yet available

Rugby Test: Romania In Italy

13.11.2009
Romania v Italy 'A' in Piacenza

Venue: Stadio Beltrametti

Referee:

Preview
Romania's last test match was also against Italy 'A' in Bucharest, playing for the IRB Nations Cup. Italy 'A' won 24-19 in a close game.

Romania will take the opportunity to prepare for their vital ENC 1 and World Cup qualifying games in February-March. There are a number of experienced France-based players selected. This continues the trend to rely again of these experienced players and ending the era of including only local players. That experiment didn't work and has almost cost the Romanians a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals. They will need to win all their ENC 1 second round games.

Romanians training in Italy. Image thanks to www.rugby.ro

The Italians have included a number of players with test experience. The performance of the 'A' side is crucial in building up Italy's reserve players so they can step into top team positions if needed during the 6 Nations tournament in February and March next year.

Previous Encounters
21.06.2009 Italy 'A' 24-19 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
10.06.2007 Romania 19-8 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)

Romania lost to the full Italian side 18-24 at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. In 2004 Romania defeated the full Italian side 25-24 in Bucharest.

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply

Prediction: A close game. Romania by 2 points

Teams

Italy A
15 Paolo Buso (Futura Park Rugby Roma), 1 test cap for Italy
14 Tommaso Benvenuti (Benetton Treviso)
13 Roberto Quartaroli (Rugby Parma 1931), 3
12 Andrea Pratichetti (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
11 Michele Sepe (MPS Viadana), 2
10 Riccardo Bocchino (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
9 Fabio Semenzato (Benetton Treviso)
8 Manoa Vosawai (Rugby Parma), 5
7 Paul Derbyshire (Petrarca Padova), 1
6 Francesco Minto (Rugby Parma 1931)
5 Valerio Bernabo, Capt. (Futura Park Rugby Roma), 13
4 Antonio Pavanello (Benetton Treviso), 3
3 Lorenzo Cittadini (Benetton Treviso), 1
2 Davide Giazzon (Rugby Parma 1931)
1 Michele Rizzo (Benetton Treviso), 2
Replacements
16 Tommaso D’Apice (Futura Park Rugby Roma)
17 Massimiliano Ravalle (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
18 Plinio Sciamanna (MPS Viadana)
19 Mantvydas Tveraga (Rugby Parma 1931)
20 Tommaso Reato (Femi-CZ Rovigo), 9
21 Edoardo Gori (Consiag I Cavalieri Prato)
22 Enrico Patrizio (Petrarca Padova), 4
Head Coach: Gianluca Guidi

Thanks to ‘Quentin’ from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3266, and to http://www.federugby.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=678:nazionale-qaq-domani-a-piacenza-il-match-con-la-romania&catid=110:italia-a&Itemid=416 , but adapted.

Romania Squad
Ionuţ Botezatu (Baia Mare), Age 22
Stelian Burcea (Dinamo Bucaresti), 26
Teodor Buzatu (Baia Mare), 25
Valentin Calafeteanu (Dinamo Bucaresti), 24
George Cătună (Baia Mare), 20
Gal Csaba (Dinamo Bucaresti), 24
Robert Dascălu (Steaua Bucaresti), 25
Dragoş Dima (Oloron, France), 30
Iulian Dumitraş (Albi, France), 27
Dan Dumitru (Oyonnax, France), 27
Florin Eva (Baia Mare), 25
Cătălin Fercu (Arad Farul Constanta), 23
Silviu Florea (Montauban, France), 31
Paulică Ion (London Irish, England), 26
Mihai Macovei (Baia Mare), 23
Cristian Petre (Beziers, France), 29
Augustin Petrichei (Beziers, France), 29
Andrei Rădoi Baia Mare), 32
Vasile Rus (Steaua Bucaresti), 26
Lucian Sîrbu (Dinamo Bucaresti), 33
Marius Tincu (Perpignan, France), 30
Petrişor Toderaşc (Brive, France), 29
Ovidiu Toniţă (Perpignan, France), 29
Sergiu Ursache (Venezia, Italy), 21
Valentin Ursache (Baia Mare), 24
Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucaresti), 23

Head Coach: Serge Lairle

Thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3266, and http://www.frr.ro/video/nationala-romaniei/3312-Stejarii-pregtesc-Italia.html (adapted)