RUGBY WORLD CUP

11.10.2015
Japan 28, United States 18 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool B)
Argentina 64, Namibia 19 in Leicester (World Cup, Pool C)
Italy 32, Romania 22 in Exeter (World Cup, Pool D)
Ireland 24, France 9 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool D)

Reviews
Ireland placed themselves at the top of Pool D after defeating France 24-9 in Cardiff. There concern though is for a trio of injured players who may not be fit enough to play in next weekends quarter final match against Argentina. Coach Schmidt may have to find four replacements for injured players Peter O'Mahony, Paul O'Connell and Jonathan Sexton.

France will rue their lost opportunities on attack and will face a real battle against old foes New Zealand next weekend.

In other results Italy eventually defeated Romania but not without the Eastern Europeans putting up a great fight. Argentina overwhelmed a tired Namibia whilst Japan finished their Rugby World Cup tournament with a win but not enough to secure a quarter final place.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Sunday’s Fixtures 11 October

United States v Japan in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool B)
Argentina v Namibia in Leicester (World Cup, Pool C)
Italy v Romania in Exeter (World Cup, Pool D)
France v Ireland in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
The USA v Japan game is for pride only. Because Scotland defeated Samoa Japan did not reach the quarter finals. But they can be proud of their achievement in gaining automatic qualification to the 2019..hang on! They automatically qualified as they will be the host nation.

Pool C has also been sorted so the Argentina-Namibia game has no bearing.

The action is in Pool D. Ireland and France clash to see who tops this pool and has an easier ride to the semi-finals. Romania and Italy clash for third place. Romania will desperate to win this game, qualify for 2019 and push the claim that Romania and Georgia should be included into the 6 Nations tournament.

There is a lot to play for tomorrow.

Predictions
Japan to win by 14 points. Score 27-13
Argentina to win by 31 points. Score 42-11
Ireland to win by 8 points. Score 21-13
Italy to win by 9 points. Score 24-15

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Results 6 October

06.10.2015
Fiji 47, Uruguay 15 in Milton Keynes (World Cup, Pool A)
Romania 17, Canada 15 in Leicester (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
Fiji unleased their free flowing rugby against Uruguay to score a decisive victory. Meanwhile Romania came from 0-15 down to just overhaul the Canadians to register their first win in this Rugby World Cup.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Sunday 27 September

27.09.2015
Australia 65, Uruguay 3 in Birmingham (World Cup, Pool A)
Scotland 39, United States 16 in Leeds (World Cup, Pool B)
Ireland 44, Romania 10 in London (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
Australia, Scotland and Ireland all got through their pool matches last night predictably with bonus points.

The next match is on Tuesday, Tonga v Namibia.

My next preview will be on Wednesday as I will be away.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Today

27.09.2015
Australia v Uruguay in Birmingham (World Cup, Pool A)
Scotland v United States in Leeds (World Cup, Pool B)
Ireland v Romania in London (World Cup, Pool D)

I’m unable to review these games due to other commitments.

Predictions
Australia to defeat Uruguay by 55 points-Score 66-11
Scotland to defeat USA by 21 points-Score 33-12
Ireland to defeat Romania by 33 points-Score 49-16

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Thursday 23 September

23.09.2015
Australia 28, Fiji 13 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool A)
Scotland 45, Japan 10 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool B)
France 38, Romania 11 in London (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
Australia’s first outing at this Rugby World Cup met with a win but not without many anxious moments. Fiji were very competitive right to the end and exposed weaknesses early on at scrum time and in the lineout throughout the game. Australia failed to gain a bonus point in the win a factor that could be telling later.

Japan’s fairy tale entry into the World Cup came to an abrupt end when Scotland, playing their first game in this tournament, dominated at the game progressed. Japan showed glimpses of the form, speed and skill they showed against South Africa, but another hard game four days after their first was too much to ask.

France stuttered and stumbled their way to a win over Romania and were made to fight hard throughout the game.

POOL A

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
WALES	1	1	0	0	54	9	45	8	0	1	5
ENGLAND	1	1	0	0	35	11	24	4	1	1	5
AUSTRALIA	1	1	0	0	28	13	15	3	1	0	4
FIJI	2	0	0	2	24	63	-39	2	7	0	0
URUGUAY	1	0	0	1	9	54	-45	0	8	0	0

POOL B

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
SCOTLAND	1	1	0	0	45	10	35	5	1	1	5
SAMOA	1	1	0	0	25	16	9	2	2	0	4
JAPAN	2	1	0	1	44	77	-33	3	4	0	4
SOUTH AFRICA	1	0	0	1	32	34	-2	4	3	2	2
UNITED STATES	1	0	0	1	16	25	-9	2	2	0	0

POOL D

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
FRANCE	2	2	0	0	70	22	48	7	2	1	9
IRELAND	1	1	0	0	50	7	43	7	1	1	5
ITALY	1	0	0	1	10	32	-22	1	2	0	0
CANADA	1	0	0	1	7	50	-43	1	7	0	0
ROMANIA	1	0	0	1	11	38	-27	1	5	0	0

Stats from www.rugbyinternational.net

RUGBY WORLD CUP

23.09.2015
Australia v Fiji in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool A)
Scotland v Japan in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool B)
France v Romania in London (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
Australia should account for Fiji. The Australians play their first game in this world cup whilst Fiji accounted well for themselves in the opening game against England. I expect Fiji to last the distance with Australia until the last twenty minutes.
Prediction: Australia 34-16

Can Japan repeat the fantastic performance they put up against South Africa? If they can play as well again they could well win two in a row. The question is-Can they play another cracker of a game. Scotland will be prepared. Their form has been poor this year and Japan could well create another upset.
Prediction: Japan 28-24

Romania has been going from strength to strength this year, slowly building a good side. They could well give the French a torrid time up front but I expect the French to outlast Romania.
Prediction: France 38-12

NATIONS CUP: Final Day

21.06.2015
Spain 20, Namibia 3 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
Romania 23, Argentina XV 0 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)

Briefly
Romania took out the World Rugby Nations Cup in Bucharest with a surprisingly comfortable win over the Argentinians. Namibia’s poor form has created some concerns over that nation’s performance at the 2015 Rugby World Cup

NATIONS CUP

17.06.2015
Argentina XV v Spain in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
Namibia v Romania in Bucharest (Nations Cup)

Day One Results
Argentina XV 30, Namibia 10 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
Romania 35, Spain 9 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)

Preview
Argentina XV should account for Spain in the first game. Spain has not provided a strong squad at this tournament (neither did they last year). Romania defeated them with ease on day 1.

The Namibia-Romania should be a more even contest. Romania won on day one against Spain but Namibia lost against the Argentina team 10-30.

Predictions:
Argentina by 30 v Spain: Score 46-16
Namibia to just edge the host by 3 points. Score 19-16

TEAMS

Argentina XV
1.- Santiago García Botta, 2.- Tomás Baravalle, 3.- Lucas Martínez; 4.- Manuel Plaza, 5.- Gerónimo Albertario; 6.- Lucas Maguire, 7.- Miguel Urtubey, 8.- Aníbal Panceyra Garrido; 9.- Lucas Alcácer (cap), 10.- Cristian Nacassian; 11.- Bautista Álvarez, 12.- Brian Ormson, 13.- Juan Ignacio Brex, 14.- Franco Cuaranta; 15.- Tomás Carrió.

Suplentes: 16.- Roberto Tejerizo, 17.- Facundo Bosch, 18.- Nicolás Mirande, 19.- Franco Baldoni, 20.- Martín Chiappesoni, 21.- Gonzalo Bertranou, 22.- Juan Cappiello, 23.- Augusto López.

Entrenadores: Felipe Contepomi y Ricardo Le Fort

http://www.uar.com.ar/noticias/noticias.asp?idinfo=4044

Spain
1. Fernando López 2. Juan Anaya 3. Fco Javier Sanz 4. Tomás Urbaitis 5. Anibal Bonán 6. David Barrera 7. José Luis Del Valle 8. Jaime Nava (c) 9. Gregory Maiquez 10. Marcos Puig 11. Ignacio Contardi 12. Thibaut Álvarez 13. Bradley Linklater 14. Antoine Sánchez 15. Sergi Aubanell

Suplentes: 16. Fco Blanco 17. Johnathan Phipps 18. Joe Hutchinson 19. Manuel Mora 20. Javier de Juan 21. Facundo Munilla 22. Pierre García 23. Gauthier Minguillón

http://www.ferugby.es/noticias2.php?titulo=Nations Cup: Leones contra Jaguares

Romania Squad

Mihai Adăscăliţei (Dinamo Bucureşti)
Marius Antonescu (Tarbes, France)
Adrian Apostol (Ştiinţa Baia Mare)
Ionuţ Botezatu (Ştiinţa Baia Mare)
Stelian Burcea (RCM Timişoara)
Valentin Calafeteanu (RCM Timişoara)
Alin Coste (Carcassonne, France)
Robert Dascălu (Steaua Bucureşti)
Dănuţ Dumbravă (Steaua Bucureşti)
Ionuţ Dumitru (Steaua Bucureşti)
Cătălin Fercu (London Saracens, England)
Csaba Gal (Universitatea Cluj)
Stephen Hihetah
Paulică Ion (Perpignan, France)
Florin Ioniţă (Steaua Bucureşti)
Mihăiţă Lazăr (Castres, France)
Viorel Lucaci (Steaua Bucureşti)
Mihai Macovei (Massy, France)
Randall Morrison (Timişoara Saracens)
Vlad Nistor (Castres, France)
Valentin Popîrlan (RCM Timişoara)
Alexandru Porojan (Steaua Bucureşti)
Horaţiu Pungea (Lyon, France)
Andrei Rădoi (Ealing Traifinders, England))
Jody Rose (Timişoara Saracens)
Sabin Strătilă (Steaua Bucureşti)
Florin Surugiu (CSM Bucureşti)
Alexandru Ţăruş (RCM Timişoara)
Otar Turaşvili (CSM Olimpia Bucureşti)
Andrei Ursache (Carcassonne, France)
Valentin Ursache (Oyonnax, France)
Florin Vlaicu (CSM Olimpia Bucureşti)
Michael Wiringi (Ştiinţa Baia Mare)

Coach: Lynn Howells

Adapted from http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=523

Namibia

1-Johnny Redelinghuys, 2-Callie Swanepoel, 3-Casper Viviers, 4-Janco Venter, 5-Nico Esterhuizen,
6-Thomasau Forbes,7- Leneve Damens, 8-PJ van Lill (captain), 9-Eugene Jantjies, 10-Shawn Kaizemi, 11-Conrad Marais, 12-JC Greyling, 13-Danie van Wyk, 14-David Philander,15- Johan Tromp.
The substitutes
16-DG Wiese,17- Jaco Engels,18- AJ de Klerk, 19-Tjiuee Uanivi, 20-Victor Rodrigues, 21-Eniell Buitendag, 22-Theuns Kotze, 23-Heinrich Smit. –

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=27985&page_type=story_detail

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP 1A

21.03.2015
Georgia 15, Romania 6 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
Russia 21, Portugal 8in Sochi (REC 1A)
Spain 48, Germany 16 in Madrid (REC 1A)

Briefly
Georgia are the 2015 REC winners. They battled to a hard fought win against Romania. Russia and Spain comfortably won their final games.

GEORGIA v ROMANIA: REC 1A

21.03.2015

Image thanks to http://frr.ro/2015/03/19/povestea-georgiei-de-la-david-dzagnidze-la-mamuka-gorgodze/

Venue: Bucharest

Referee:

Preview
The major clash and virtual final of the REC Division 1 2015 Championship

Last Five Encounters
15.03.2014 Georgia 22-9 in Tbilisi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A; Antim Cup)
16.03.2013 Drawn 9-9 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A; Antim Cup)
10.03.2012 Georgia 19-13 in Bucharest (ENC 1A; Antim Cup)
28.09.2011 Georgia 25-6 in Palmerston North (World Cup, Pool B)
12.03.2011 Georgia 18-11 in Tbilisi (ENC 1A; Antim Cup)

Romania last defeated Georgia in March 2010, winning 22-10 in Bucharest.

Georgia Last Five P 5, W 5
14.03.2015 v Russia W 33-0 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
28.02.2015 v Spain W 26-13 in Madrid (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Portugal W 20-15 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Germany W 64-8 in Heusenstamm (REC 1A)
23.11.2014 v Japan W 35-24 in Tbilisi

Georgia has won its last five games in a row.

Romania Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
14.03.2015 v Germany W 17-12 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
28.02.2015 v Russia L 13-16 in Krasnodar (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Spain W 29-8 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Portugal W 37-10 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
22.11.2014 v Canada W 18-9 in Bucharest

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Georgia 15th, Romania 17th
Europe Table: Georgia 7th, Romania 9th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Georgia 71.27, Romania 67.11

Prediction: Georgia by 6 points. Score: 16-10

TEAMS

Romania Extended Squad

Props:
Alexandru Tarus (RCM Timisoara) – 6 caps, debut: 2013-Romania-Argentina Jaguars, IRB Nations Cup
Paulica Ion (Perpignan)- 69 caps, debut: 2003-Romania-Argentia, Cupa Mondiala
Mihaita Lazar (Castres) -42 caps, debut: 2008-Romania-Cehia, CEN
Horatiu Pungea (Lyon)-24 caps, debut: 2012-Romania-Japonia, Partida test
Andrei Ursache (Carcassonne) -18 caps, debut: 2012-Romania-Portugalia, CEN

Hookers:
Andrei Radoi (Ealing Traifinders)-41 caps, debut: 2008-Romania-Cehia, CEN
Otar Turashvili (Farul Constanta)-17 caps, debut: 2012-Romania-Uruguay, IRB Nations Cup

Locks:
Marius Antonescu (Tarbes)- 5 caps, debut: 2014-Romania-Emerging Ireland, IRB Nations Cup
Alin Coste (Carcassonne)-30 caps,debut: 2007-Portugalia-Romania, CEN
Valentin Poparlan (RCM Timisoara)- 44 caps, debut: 2007-Romania-Namibia, IRB Nations Cup
Marius Sirbe (Blagnac)- 37 caps, debut: 2008-Romania-Cehia, CEN

Backrow:
Stelian Burcea (RCM Timisoara)- 48 caps, debut: 2006-Romania-Franta, Partida test
Viorel Lucaci (Steaua Bucuresti)- 37 caps, debut: 2009-Romania-Fiji, Partida test
Mihai Macovei (Massy)- 59 caps, debut: 2006-Romania-Ucraina, CEN
Vlad Nistor (Castres)- 11 caps, debut: 2013-Romania-Rusia, IRB Nations Cup
Valentin Ursache (Oyonnax)- 58 caps, debut: 2004-Romania-Italia, Partida test

Scrumhalves:
Vali Calafeteanu (RCM Timisoara)- 69 caps, debut: 2004-Romania-Japonia, Partida test
Florin Surugiu (CSM Bucuresti)- 46 caps,debut: 2008: Romania-Uruguay, IRB Nations Cup

Flyhalves:
Danut Dumbrava (Steaua Bucuresti)- 67 caps, debut: 2002-Tara Galilor-Romania, Partida test

Centres:
Robert Dascalu (Steaua Bucuresti)- 49 caps, debut: 2006-Ucraina-Romania,CEN
Csaba Gal (Universitatea Cluj)- 79 caps, debut: 2005-Irlanda-Romania,Partida test
Florin Ionita (Steaua Bucuresti)- 15 caps, debut: 2013-Romania-Rusia, IRB Nations Cup
Florin Vlaicu (Farul Constanta)- 77 caps, debut: 2006-Ucraina-Romania,CEN

Wingers:
Adrian Apostol (Farul Constanta)- 15 caps, debut: 2011-Romania-Namibia, IRB Nations Cup
Ionut Botezatu (Stiinta Baia Mare)- 23 caps, debut: 2009-Germania-Romania, CEN
Robert Neagu (Farul Constanta)-1 cap, debut 2014-Romania-USA, Partida test

Fullbacks :
Dorin Manole (Orthez)- 24 caps, debut: 2009-Germania-Romania, CEN
Sabin Stratila (Farul Constanta)- 1 cap,debut: 2015-Germania-Romania, REC

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=384&start=250

Georgia

1.Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier), 2.Irakli Natriashvili (Tulle), 3.David Zirakashvili (Clermont), 4.Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes), 5.Kote Mikautadze (Toulon), 6.Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy), 7.Giorgi Tkhilaishvili (Batumi), 8.Mamuka Gorgodze (Toulon), 9.Vasil Lobzhanidze (Armazi Tbilisi), 10.Lasha Malaghuradze (Bagneres) , 11.Sandro Todua (Lelo Saracens), 12.Merab Sharikadze (Aurillac) , 13.Davit Katcharava (Yenisey) , 14.Tamaz Mtchedlidze (Agen), 15.Merab Kvirikashvili (Montlucon).
Rezerve: 16.Zurab Zhvania (Stade Francais), 17.Kakha Asieshvili (Brive),18.Levan Chilachava (Toulon), 19.Levan Datunashvili (Aurillac), 20.Lasha Lomidze (Beziers), 21.Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi), 22.Giorgi Aptsiauri (AIA Kutaisi), 23.Beka Bitsadze (Lokomotivi Tbilisi)

http://frr.ro/2015/03/20/echipa-georgiei-in-partida-contra-stejarilor/

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP 1A

14.03.2015
Georgia 33, Russia 0 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
Spain 19, Portugal 8 in Coimbra (REC 1A)
Romania 17, Germany12 in Heidelberg (REC 1A)

Reviews
After a slow and sluggish start Georgia proved too strong for Russia in Tbilisi. Georgia remain undefeated so far in this competition.

Spain won the Iberian derby in the university city of Coimbra whilst Romania had to struggle against a much improved German side.

Next weekend is the final round

21.03.2015
Georgia v Romania in Bucharest
Portugal v Russia in Sochi
Germany v Spain in Madrid

ROMANIA v GERMANY: REC 1A

14.03.2015

Venue: Heidelberg

Referee: Lloyd Linton (Scotland)

Preview
Romania should have little difficulty defeating Germany Saturday. The Romanians will be smarting from their defeat by Russia two weeks ago and keen to remain close to Georgia at the top of the division.

Germany put in an impressive effort against Portugal away last weekend and could well be a handful for the Romanians early on in the match.

Other Previews
http://www.rugbyeurope.eu/article-737.htm

Previous Encounters
13.02.2010 Romania 67-5 in Constanta (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
14.02.2009 Romania 22-0 in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
12.05.1994 Romania 60-6 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe)
27.03.1983 Romania 26-12 in Heidelberg (FIRA A)
04.04.1982 Romania 60-18 in Bucharest (FIRA A)

Germany and Romania have a long test rugby history. Their first encounter was 1936 when Germany won 37-9 in Hamburg.

Germany Last Five P 5, L 5 
28.02.2015 v Portugal L 3-8 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Russia L 22-46 in Pforzheim (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Georgia L 8-64 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
29.10.2014 v Namibia L 20-58 in Windhoek
24.05.2014 v Russia L 20-31 in Hamburg (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff)

Romania Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
28.02.2015 v Russia L 13-16 in Krasnodar (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Spain W 29-8 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Portugal W 37-10 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
22.11.2014 v Canada W 18-9 in Bucharest
15.11.2014 v Japan L 13-18 in Bucharest

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Romania 17th, Germany 27th
Europe Table: Romania 9th, Germany 16th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Romania 67.03, Germany 54.87

Prediction: Romania by 21 points

TEAMS

Romania

1. Constantin Pristavita, 2. Andrei Radoi, 3. Paulica Ion, 4. Valentin Popirlan, 5. Marius Sirbe, 6. Viorel Lucaci, 7. Vlad Nistor, 8. Stelian Burcea, 9. Florin Surugiu, 10. Danut Dumbrava, 11. Ionut Botezatu, 12. Florin Vlaicu, 13. Csaba Gal, 14. Adrian Apostol, 15. Sabin Stratila

Rezerve: 16. Otar Turashvili, 17. Mihai Dico, 18. Alexandru Tarus, 19. Marius Antonescu, 20. Daniel Ianus, 21. Valentin Calafeteanu, 22. Robert Dascalu, 23. Dorin Manole

Head Coach: Lyn Howells

Test debut: Sabin Stratila

http://frr.ro/2015/03/12/sabin-stratila-isi-face-debutul-printre-stejari/

Germany Squad

Club affiliations First

Aberdeen Scotland (SCO): Matthias Schösser
CA St. Etienne (F): Chris Howells
Hannover 78: Phil Szczesny
Heidelberger RK: Sean Armstrong, Kehoma Brenner, Anjo Buckman, Samy Füchsel, Robert Hittel, Steffen Liebig, Pierre Mathurin, Robert Mohr, Hendrik van der Merwe, Clemens von Grumbkow, Arthur Zeiler
Heidelberger TV: Benedikt Scherrer
M-Three Rugby San Dona (I): Umberto Pilla
R.C. Strasbourg (F): Mika Tyumenev
San Isidro Club (ARG): Alan Kessen
SC Frankfurt 1880: Janis Läpple, Kieran Manawatu
SC Neuenheim: Sam Harris, Marten Strauch
Stourbridge RFC (ENG): Dale Garner
TV Pforzheim: Robert May, Carlos Soteras-Merz, Jeremy Te Huia, Timo Vollenkemper
USAP Perpignan (F): Tim Menzel

Head Coach: Kobus Potgieter

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND; 14-15 March

14.03.2015
Ireland v Wales in Cardiff (6 Nations)
Scotland v England at Twickenham (6 Nations; Calcutta Cup)
Russia v Georgia in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
Spain v Portugal in Lisbon (REC 1A)
Romania v Germany in Heidelberg (REC 1A)
Moldova v Belgium in Brussels (REC 1B)
Ivory Coast v Senegal in Toulouse (Friendly)

15.03.2015
France v Italy in Rome (6 Nations; Garibaldi Cup)

Briefly
The 6 Nations International Championship heads into the fourth round this weekend. Ireland head to Wales in what could decide the competition winner. Ireland needs to win to keep their ‘Grand Slam’ intentions alive.

Scotland travels to Twickenham to face England in the traditional Calcutta match. Both sides lost two weekends ago but Scotland’s performance against Italy was woeful. Expect a big lift from the Scots for this one.

Sunday’s France v Italy clash in Rome has a mouth watering prospect of a possible Italian win. Playing at home lifts the Italians and after defeating Scotland two weeks ago they are on a high. France has lost to Ireland and Wales and are struggling.

The Rugby Europe Championship continues with the Russia-Georgia clash being top of the bill. Georgia hasn’t set the world on fire in their last two encounters whilst Russia has defeated Germany and Romania to lift their performances. These two nations actually fought a war only a few years ago. The Russians can expect a ‘warm’ reception in Tbilisi.

The Spain-Portugal clash looks even but Spain has been playing the better rugby lately but Portugal has got the home advantage.

Romania should have too much strength for a struggling Germany.

Moldova travelled to Amsterdam two weeks ago with a weakened squad and lost. They do not travel well. If they lose to Belgium this weekend their hopes for promotion to the elite level of European rugby will take a dive yet again.

In a friendly encounter in France Senegal faces their African cousins the Ivory Coast. I’d expect all players to be France-based. Both these African nations will contest the African Cup Division 1B in early July.

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 1A and 1B

28.02.2015
Georgia 26, Spain 13 in Madrid (REC 1A)
Russia 16, Romania 13 in Russia (REC 1A)
Portugal 8, Germany 3 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
Netherlands 18, Moldova 10 in Amsterdam (REC 1B)

Review
Russia caused the upset of the day with a 16-13 win in Krasnodar. Romania were on the back foot from the start when coach Lyn Howells, all the management staff and one player failed to get visa clearances.

Georgia managed to overcome a greatly improved Spain in Madrid whilst Portugal struggled all the way against another big improver Germany.

Moldova again showed their weakness when playing away from home. Without top players they showed a lack of depth and went down to Netherlands. Until Moldova can solve these problems they will really struggle if they get promoted to Division 1A

ROMANIA v RUSSIA: Rugby Europe Championship, Division 1A

28.02.2015

Venue: Krasnodar

Referee: Ian Davies (Wales)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
ROMANIA	2	2	0	0	66	18	48	2	10
GEORGIA	2	2	0	0	84	23	61	1	9
SPAIN	2	1	0	1	51	49	2	1	5
RUSSIA	2	1	0	1	66	65	1	1	5
PORTUGAL	2	0	0	2	25	57	-32	1	1
GERMANY	2	0	0	2	30	110	-80	0	0

Preview
Romania leads the points table at this stage whilst Russia props up the middle. Romania, along with Georgia, are the favourites in this competition.

Romania has had the edge over the Russian’s in recent test history. Since the 2011 Rugby World Cup (in which Russia attended for the first time) Russia has slipped in performances. Against Germany two weeks ago they were well behind until the last quarter. From there they romped away from a tired and eventually ragged German outfit. They will struggle against the Romanians in the forwards.

Romania will continue to build their performances leading up to their clash with Georgia.

Last Five Encounters
18.06.2014 Romania 20-18 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
08.02.2014 Romania 34-3 in Krasnodar (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
08.06.2013 Romania 30-20 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
09.02.2013 Romania 29-14 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
25.02.2012 Romania 25-0 in Sotchi (ENC 1A)

Russia last defeated Romania in 2009 winning 28-19 in Bucharest. In 2008 Russia defeated Romania 12-8 in Krasnodar.

Romania Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
14.02.2015 v Spain W 29-8 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Portugal W 37-10 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
22.11.2014 v Canada W 18-9 in Bucharest
15.11.2014 v Japan L 13-18 in Bucharest
08.11.2014 v United States in Bucharest L 17-27

Russia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
14.02.2015 v Germany W 46-22 in Pforzheim (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Spain L 20-48 in Madrid (REC 1A)
15.11.2014 v Hong Kong W 39-27 in Hong Kong
08.11.2014 v Hong Kong W 31-10 in Hong Kong
12.10.2014 v Uruguay L 27-36 in Montevideo (WCQ Repechage R2)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Romania 17th, Russia 19th
Europe Table-Romania 8th, Russia 10th

Rugby World Ranking Points
Romania 68.19, Russia 63.57

Prediction: Romania by 12 points.

Teams

Russia

1-Sergey Novoselov (Enisey-STM)
2- Stanislav Selsky (Enisey-STM)
3- Innokenty Zykov (Enisey-STM)
4- Denis Antonov (Slava-CSP)
5- Andrey Ostrikov (Sale Sharks, England)
6- Andrey Temnov (Enisey-STM, captain)
7- Pavel Butenko (Enisey-STM)
8- Viktor Gresev (Krasny Yar)
9- Alexey Shcherban (Enisey-STM)
10- Ramil Gaisin (Enisey-STM)
11- Igor Kurashov (Enisey-STM)
12- Vladimir Rudenko (Krasny Yar)
13- Dimitry Gerasimov (Enisey-STM)
14- Mikhail Babaev (VVA Saracens)
15- Vasily Artemyev (Krasny Yar)
16- Vladislav Korshunov (VVA Saracens)
17- Alexey Volkov (VVA Saracens)
18- Andrey Igretsov (Slava-CSP)
19- Artem Fatakhov (VVA Saracens)
20- Andrey Garbuzov (Krasny Yar)
21- Rushan Yagudin (Krasny Yar)
22- Andrey Otrokov (Krasny Yar)
23- Yuri Kushnarev (Enisey-STM)

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=374

Romania

1Mihăiţă Lazăr
2. Andrei Rădoi
3. Horaţiu Pungea
4. Valentin Popârlan
5. Marius Sîrbe
6. Viorel Lucaci (căpitan)
7. Vlad Nistor
8. Stelian Burcea
9. Valentin Calafeteanu
10. Dănuţ Dumbravă
11. Ionuţ Botezatu
12. Csaba Gal
13. Robert Dascălu
14. Adrian Apostol
15. Dorin Manole.

Rezerve vor fi:
16. Otar Turaşvili
17. Constantin Pristaviţă
18. Alexandru Ţăruş
19. Marius Antonescu
20. Andrei Gorcioaia
21. Grigoraş Diaconescu
22. Florin Ioniţă
23. Sabin Strătilă

Head Coach: Lyn Howells

http://www.cugetliber.ro/stiri-sport-care-este-primul-xv-al-stejarilor-in-meciul-cu-rusia-248523