TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 12 October

12.10.2013
Poland v Czech Republic in Warsaw (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Andorra v Denmark in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)
Latvia v Serbia in Valmeria (ENC 2B)
Finland v Norway in Turku (ENC 2D)
Bosnia Herzegovina v Greece in Bihac (ENC 2D)
Botswana v Lesotho in ? (TBC)

Briefly
The end of the Rugby Championship sees the ENC and World Qualifying games in full swing.

The Botswana-Lesotho game could be interesting. It’s difficult to find any information on this game, especially if it is a test match or not. If so it will be Lesotho’s first rugby test match.

RUGBY TEST RESULTS: Saturday 5 June

05.06.2010
South Africa 34, Wales 31 in Cardiff
Australia 49, Fiji 3 in Canberra
Romania 61,Ukraine 7 in Botosani (WCQ Europe R5, Final 2^nd leg)
Canada 48, Uruguay 6 in Glendale (Churchill Cup, Pool A)
United States 36.Russia 22 in Glendale (Churchill Cup, Pool B)-Updated Result
Philippines 34,India 12 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, Final)
Thailand 56, China 3 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

Briefly
Wales just missed out on defeating the Springbox in a close and exciting game. Australia too good for the Fijians.Romania win easily against the Ukraine and will now play Tunisia in the first of the repechage matches. Canada win easily against Uruguay whilst the USA is still playing Russia. An finally, The Philippines will play in Asia Nations Division 1 next year after defeating hosts India, whilst China is relegated to Division 3 after being thumped again, this time by Thailand.

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Romania About To Take Another Step

05.06.2010
Ukraine v Romania in Botosani (WCQ Europe R5, Semi-final, 2nd leg)

Venue: Municipal Stadium

Referee:

Preview
Romania are only a win against Ukraine away from progressing to the Rugby World Cup repecharges. They defeated Ukraine away 33-3 on 22 May and it looks a formality for them to progress.

Things got worse for the Ukraine after the Romanian team was announced. Coming into the starting lineup are French-based veterans Manta and Socol, who played from the bench in the first game, who is captain. Also back is experienced winger Fercu giving the Romanian team an even more solid look that the unit that won easily in Kiev.

Alexandru Manta will cause problems for Ukraine. Image thanks to www.abc.net.au

The Romanians have plenty to play for. Firstly, they play in front of their home crowd. Not in Bucharest, but in Botosani. The Romanians will again host the IRB Nations Cup in a weeks time. Players will be wanting to impress as competition for places is fierce.

After that they play against Tunisia in the first of the repecharge World Cup qualifying games. Following that, and most predict an easy run for the Romanians against Tunisia, they should tackle Uruguay (who themselves should find Kazakhstan easy in their repecharge match) for that final place in the Rugby World Cup.

For the Ukraine all that is left is pride. They haven't a hope of defeating Romania by 34 points or more (which they need to do to progress). What they will want to do is improve the margin of defeat by less than thirty points and prove that they will be worthy opponents in next years European Nations Cup. Their squad is unchanged from the first leg match.

Previous Encounters
22.05.2010 Romania 33-3 in Kiev (WCQ Europe R5; Semi-Final 1st leg)
03.06.2006 Romania 58-0 in Kiev (ENC 1)
19.03.2005 Romania 97-0 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
30.05.1998 Romania 39-17 in Kiev (WCQ Europe, Pool 2, Rnd B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Romania 7th, Ukraine 15th
IRB Points-Romania 67.10, Ukraine 54.35

Prediction: Romania by 45

Teams

Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) Age 23, 30 tests
14. Stefan Ciuntu (CSM Baia Mare) 23, 22
13. Robert Catalin Dascalu (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) 25, 26
12. Csaba Gal (CSM Baia Mare) 24, 21
11. Catalin Fercu (CSU Arad) 23, 32
10. Danut Dumbrava (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) 28, 43
9. Valentin Ivan (CS Dinamo Bucuresti) 21, 4
8. Alexandru Manta (Lyon, France) 32, 30
7. Daniel Ianus (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) ?, 1
6. Stelian Burcea (CSU Arad) 26, 22
5. Valentin Ursache (CSM Baia Mare) 24, 24
4. Socol Sorin, Capt. (FC Oloronais, France) 31, 52
3. Silviu Florea (US Montauban) 32, 23
2. Bogdan Zebega (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) 25, 18
1. Cezar Popescu (Saint Medard en Jalles) 32, 38
Replacements
16. Andrei Radoi (CSM Baia Mare) 22, 4
17. Samuel Maris (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) ?, 1
18. Marius Sirbe (Tarbes, France) ?, 1
19. Sergiu Ursache (Casino di Venezia, Italy) ?, 1
20. Florin Surugiu (CSM Bucuresti) ?, 1
21. Ionut Dimofte (CSM Baia Mare) 25, 39
22. Ionut Botezatu (CSM Baia Mare) 22, 7
Coaches: Romeo Gontineac and Steve McDowell

http://frr.ro/2010/06/04/sase-schimbari-in-echipa-romaniei-pentru-meciul-retur-cu-ucraina/

Ukraine Squad
Orlov Віта (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Evigney Chaika (RC Kredo 63)
Vitaly Dotsenko (RC Aviator)
Sergei Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vladyslav Grabovsky (RK Sokol)
Nikolai Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lomakin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Jaba Malaguradze (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Andrei Melnikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Demen Mikola (RC Aviator)
Serge Monastir (RC Kredo 63)
Dmytro Mukhin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Tserkovny (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Tyurikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Eduard Vertiletsky (RC Kredo 63)
Bogdan Voloshin (RK Sokol)
Sergei Yanchiy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Ievgen Zapolsky (RK Sokol)
Head Coach Valeri Kochanov

http://rugby.org.ua/index.php?newsid=533

TEST RUGBY COMING UP

As there was no official test rugby this weekend (England played the Barbarians in a non-test match) I have had a short break away from the computer.

June is one of the busiest months on the international rugby calendar.

02.06.2010
China v India in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2; Semi-final 1)
Thailand v Philippines in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, Semi-final 2)

Briefly
The two most populous nations in the world play each other in test rugby for the first time. If you had said to me 20 years ago that this event would occur I would have thought you crazy. These two nations actually fought a brief war in 1962 over territorial claims in India's North-East regions. There has always been tensions between these two nations. Of recent the Tibetan issue springs to mind.

This will be the first international 15's rugby tournament that India has hosted. I would expect Thailand to prevail. They have the longest history in the game.

05.06.2010
Wales v South Africa in Cardiff
Fiji v Australia in Canberra
Ukraine v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; Semi-final 2nd leg)
Canada v Uruguay in Glendale (Churchill Cup, Pool A)
Russia v United States in Glendale (Churchill Cup, Pool B)
Final of the Asia Nations Div.2 tournament in New Delhi
Playoff for the above tournament

Briefly
For the first time a Southern Hemisphere side will play in the Northern Hemisphere in June. South Africa kicks their 2010 season away for the first time that I can recall. The clash also begins Wales' southern tour!

Fiji and Australia begin their 2010 international rugby season. It will be a tough game for the Fijians as they struggle to field their best players. The Churchill Cup begins in the USA with the favourites the England Saxons (or England 'A') starting on Sunday week. I'd expect Romania to walk all over the Ukraine and progress to the World Cup repecharge stage whilst the finals of Asia Nations Division 1 will see who is promoted and who is relegated.

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.

WORLD CUP RUGBY: Ukraine Face a Huge Test

22.05.2010
Romania v Ukraine in Kiev (WCQ Europe R5 Final, 1st leg)

Venue: Spartak Stadion,

Referee: Maciello (France)

Preview
The Ukraine defeated Lithuania 27-16 on the 8th of May to progress to this stage in the World Cup qualifying stage. The win ended Lithuania's amazing run of consecutive test victories, 18, which is now a world record. Ukraine's win ended a horror run of losses in ENC 2A in which it still managed to hold the top place in that division.

Romania is here because it gained 3rd place overall in ENC division 1 for 2008-10. Georgia and Russia gained 1st and 2nd gaining them automatic qualification to the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals.

Romania arrives in Ukraine without their coach (sacked?), nor with experienced regulars Dumitras, Sirbu, Tonita, Petre, Tincu, Dima, Carpo and Lazar. Hmmmm!

Ukraine was briefly in ENC 1 back in 2005-06. They got thrashed in the two games they played against Romania.

Previous Encounters
03.06.2006 Romania 58-0 in Kiev (ENC 1)
19.03.2005 Romania 97-0 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
30.05.1998 Romania 39-17 in Kiev (WCQ Europe, Pool 2, Rnd B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Romania 7th, Ukraine 15th
IRB Ratings-Romania 67.85, Ukraine 54.42, with 5 places between them on the Europe table only.

Prediction: I can see Ukraine putting up a good fight at home in front of a passionate crowd but it wont be enough. Romania by 15 points

Romania Squad
Ionut Botezatu (CSM Baia Mare) Age 22, 6 tests
Stelian Burcea (CSU Arad) 26, 21
Stefan Ciuntu (CSM Baia Mare) 23, 21
Alin Coste (Narbonne, France) 21, 9
Robert Dascalu (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) 25, 25
Ionut Dimofte, Capt. (CSM Baia Mare) 25, 39
Danut Dumbrava (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) 28, 42
Silviu Florea (US Montauban) 32, 22
Csaba Gal (CSM Baia Mare) 24, 20
Valentin Ivan (CS Dinamo Bucuresti) 21, 3
Viorel Lucaci (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) 23, 2
Mihai Macovei (CSM Baia Mare) 22, 14
Samuel Maris (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) New
Catalin Nicolae (RCJ Farul) 29, 11
Cezar Popescu (Saint Medard en Jalles) 32, 37
Andrei Radoi (CSM Baia Mare) New
Marius Sirbe (Tarbes, France) New
Socol Sorin (FC Oloronais, France) 31, 51
Florin Surugiu (CSM Bucuresti) New
Sergiu Ursache (Casino di Venezia, Italy) ?, 1
Valentin Ursache (CSM Baia Mare) 24, 23
Florin Vlaicu (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) 23, 29
Bogdan Zebega (CSA Steaua Bucuresti) 25, 17

Coaches: Romeo Gontineac and Steve McDowell

Adapted from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3481&start=15

Ukraine Squad
Orlov Віта (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Evigney Chaika (RC Kredo 63)
Vitaly Dotsenko (RC Aviator)
Sergei Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vladyslav Grabovsky (RK Sokol)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Nikolai Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lomakin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Jaba Malaguradze (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Andrei Melnikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Demen Mikola (RC Aviator) New?
Serge Monastir (RC Kredo 63)
Dmytro Mukhin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Tserkovny (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Tyurikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Eduard Vertiletsky (RC Kredo 63)
Bogdan Voloshin (RK Sokol)
Sergei Yanchiy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Ievgen Zapolsky (RK Sokol)
HeadCoach: Valeri Kochanov

Adapted from http://rugby.org.ua/index.php?newsid=531

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

RUGBY TEST RESULTS SATURDAY 8 MAY

08.05.2010
Japan 60, Arabian Gulf 5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Hong Kong 19, Kazakhstan 15 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Ukraine 27, Lithuania 16 in (WCQ Europe R4; Final)
Andorra 10, Switzerland 0 in Andorra La Vella (ENC 3A)
Barbados XV v British Virgin Islands in Bridgetown (Friendly)

Briefly
Japan continued on its winning way and is still way out in fron as far as gaining the No.1 Asia rugby spot and a place in the Rugby World Cup finals. The second place getter looks more interesting. This team will qualify for the repecharge rounds. Hong Kong's win over Kazakhstan has now made it even more interesting. Korea looks well out of it and in danger of relegation!

The Ukraine ended Lithuania's dream of a place in the World Cup finals with this win. It also ended Lithuania's run of 18 wins on end. All hats off to Lithuania. To me they are the team of the year.

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Lithuania's Big Day Out

08.05.2010
Ukraine v Lithuania in Šiauliai (WCQ Europe R4 Final)

Venue: Šiauliai miesto centrinis stadionas

Referee: Cyril Lafon (France)

Poster image thanks to http://www.kaunas.lt/regbis/

Preview
This is THE big match ever for Lithuania. This Baltic rugby nation, with only a handful of clubs and with even fewer foreign-based players to call upon, will face the might of the Ukraine in a winner takes all World Cup qualifying Europe Round 4 final. The winner of this game will go on to face Romania on the 22 May in the first leg Round 5 two-leg elimination series.

Lithuania broke the world record for the most consecutive winning test matches on the 24 April when they defeated Serbia 77-5 in a European Nations Cup Division 3A test match. They broke the record of 17 held jointly by the might All Blacks and South Africa. Illustrious company indeed.

Last year they broke Israeli and Dutch hearts as they powered their way to get to this stage in the Rugby World Cup qualifiers. Today they come up against a much more formidable foe.

The Ukraine has got to this stage by winning the European Nations Cup Division 2A. This is some three divisions ABOVE Lithuania although the Baltic nation has already gained promotion to ENC 2B for the 2010-12 competition.

The Ukraine though has not produced good form of late. They have dropped their last three games, two in the competition and one against Georgia 'A' back in November. It was a close thing as the other 2A teams rushed up to the Ukraine in this later part of the season. Winning 2A also means promotion to a newly structured ENC 1st Division for 2010-12. It appears they will be without Jaba Malaguradze, Vadym Mysyk and Russian-based Vitay Orlov according to http://www.kaunas.lt/regbis/

But the fact is the Ukraine has lost recent matches and will face a fired up Lithuania in Lithuania. It should be a cracker!

This and other test matches reviewed at http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/news/newsid=2037210.html#key+matches+race+qualify+rwc+2011

An article about that record http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/news/newsid=2037051.html#lithuania+rugby+world+record

No word yet about the makeup of the Lithuanian squad.

Previous Encounter
10.08.1995 Ukraine 27-8 in Šiauliai (FIRA B3)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Ukraine 15th, Lithuania 18th

Prediction: Lithuania by 3 points in a result that will stun the rugby world. It won't be Lithua..who? any more!

Teams

Ukraine Squad
Evigney Chaika (RC Kredo 63)
Vitaly Dotsenko (RC Aviator)
Sergei Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vasyl Glushchenko (Battai Bulldogok, Hungary)
Vladyslav Grabovsky (RK Sokol)
Nikolai Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lomakin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Lytvynenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Jaba Malaguradze (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Serge Monastir (RC Kredo 63)
Dmytro Mukhin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Tserkovny (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Eduard Vertiletsky (RC Kredo 63)
Bogdan Voloshin (RK Sokol)
Sergei Yanchiy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Ievgen Zapolsky (RK Sokol)

HeadCoach: Valeri Kochanov

Lithuania squad not yet known.

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND 8 MAY

08.05.2010
Arabian Gulf v Japan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan v Hong Kong in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Ukraine v Lithuania in (WCQ Europe R4; Final)
Andorra v Switzerland in Andorra La Vella (ENC 3A)
Barbados XV v British Virgin Islands in Bridgetown (Friendly)

Last Weekend
02.05.2010
Bermuda 26, Cayman Islands 15 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

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP RUGBY: Ukraine plays Moldova

24.04.2010
Ukraine v Moldova in Anenii–Noi

Venue: Stadionul Raional

Referee: Carp (France)

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

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

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

Prediction: Ukraine by 10 points.

Teams

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

Head Coach: Vasile Ravenco

*New to squad for this match

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

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

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

HeadCoach: Valeri Kochanov

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

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: Poland Face Up To Belgium

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

Venue: King Baudouin Stadium

Referee: Villegas (Spain)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Poland by 5 points.

Teams

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

Head Coach: Richard McClintock

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

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

One to be omitted

Head Coach: Thomas Putra

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

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 10 April

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

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

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

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

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

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

Venue: Stadium Josef Kohout, Říčany

Referee: Raduta (Romania)

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

Prediction: Ukraine by 7 points

Teams

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

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

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

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

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY; World Cup in Europe

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

Venue: National Rugby Stadium

Referee: Patrick Beuriot (France)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Poland by 7 points

Teams

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

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

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

David Chartier (Bayonne, France) out injured

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

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

09.04.2010
Tunisia v Arabian Gulf in Dubai (Friendly)

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

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

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

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

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

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Rugby World Cup Qualifying

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

Venue: Stadium RC Slavia Praha

Referee: Reineke (Germany)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Czech Republic by 3 points

Teams

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

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

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

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

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

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 27 March

27.03.2010
Romania 48, Spain 3 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Cyprus 15, Bosnia Herzegovina 0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)

Briefly
Romania proved too strong for Spain. The Romanians blew away my theory that they would be tired and non motivated. The Romanians are certainly one of the form teams in European rugby. They have remained undefeated during the second round of ENC 1 and look a good prospect to sweep all before them in the repecharge playoffs for the final Rugby World Cup Finals berth.

Cyprus will play in ENC 3C for 2010-12. They defeated Bosnia Herzegovina today to earn promotion. The disappointed Bosnians will remain in 3D.

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY IN BUCHAREST

27.03.2010
Spain v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Venue: Stadionul Arcul de Triumf

Preview
The Spain-Romania test match is a catch up game that was postponed from February 6 due to a snow covered pitch. Nothing is hinging on this game. Romania only need the point for turning up to move past Portugal and take the vital third place in ENC 1. Romania will then wait 'till May for the result of the Ukraine-Lithuania match, the Playoff for 1st ENC 2A v Best-of-The-rest. Contrary to what I wrote on Friday's post, Romania will play the winner of that match to decide who will play the other repechage team (Asia 2 v Uruguay) later in the year.

Romania's biggest hurdle will be motivation. Having already qualified for the repechages they could be caught off guard by a Spanish side seeking to win two in a row.

Last Five Encounters
07.02.2009 Romania 19-10 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
23.02.2008 Romania 17-11 in Madrid (ENC 1)
10.03.2007 Romania 50-14 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
14.10.2006 Romania 43-20 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5, Pool B)
06.03.2004 Romania 50-10 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
Spain last defeated Romania in 1992. In Madrid they won 6-0.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Romania 7th, Spain 11th

Prediction: Romania, struggling, by 8 points.

Teams

Spain
15 Pedro Martin (Aviron Bayonnais, France)
14 Benjamín Pardo (Vrac Quesos Entrepinares)
13 Juan Cano (CRC Madrid)
12 Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid)
11 Ignacio Martín (Parma R.C., Italy)
10 Manuel Mazo (CR Ciencias)
9 Hernán Quirelli (CR La Vila)
8 Matthew Cook (C.R. La Vila)
7 Federico Negrillo (Bera Bera R.T)
6 Rafael Camacho (CR Ciencias)
5 Jesús Recuerda (CR Ciencias)
4 Leandro Fernandez.-Aramburu, Capt. (CR Ciencias)
3 Jesús Moreno (Bourdeaux Begles, France)
2 José Mª.Bohorquez (CR Ciencias)
1 Anthony Pradalie (Perigueux, France)
Replacements
16 Marco Pinto (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France)
17 David Gurgenadze (CRC Madrid)
18 César Bernasconi (CRC Madrid)
19 Carlos Souto (CR El Salvador)
20 Sale Ibarra (CR El Salvador)
21 Iván Criado (CR El Salvador)
22 Ignacio Gutiérrez (Vrac Quesos Entrepinares)
Head Coach: Geoff Glynn

Adapted from http://www.ferugby.com/

Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti)
14. Catalin Fercu (CSU Arad)
13. Ionut Dimofte (Baia Mare)
12. Robert Dascalu (Steaua Bucuresti)
11. Stefan Ciuntu (Baia Mare)
10. Iulian Dumitras (Albi, France)
9. Lucian Sarbu (Somillau, France)
8. Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanta)
7. Mihai Macovei (Baia Mare)
6. Viorel Lucaci (Steaua Bucuresti)
5. Cristian Petre (AS Beziers, France)
4. Sorin Socol, Capt. (FC Oloronais, France)
3. Dragos Dima (FC Oloronais, France)
2. Bogdan Zebega (Steaua Bucuresti)
1. Cezar Popescu (Saint Medard en Jalles, France)
Replacements
16. Andrei Radoi (Baia Mare)
17. Mihaita Lazar (Saint Etienne, France)
18. Valentin Ursache (Baia Mare)
19. Cosmin Ratiu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
20. Valentin Ivan (Dinamo Bucuresti)
21. Danut Dumbrava (Steaua Bucuresti)
22. Csaba Gal (Baia Mare)
Head Coach: Serge Lairle

Adapted from http://frr.ro/2010/03/26/schimbari-in-echipa-romaniei-inainte-de-meciul-cu-spania/