CUP OF NATIONS: Hong Kong v Russia

21.11.2015
Hong Kong v Russia in Hong Kong

Venue: Hong Kong Football Club

Results So Far
13.11.2015
Russia 23, Portugal 12
Hong Kong 30, Zimbabwe 11

17.11.2015
Russia 50, Zimbabwe 5
Hong Kong 13, Portugal 6

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BPL	BPT	PT
RUSSIA	2	2	0	0	73	17	56	0	1	9
HONG KONG	2	2	0	0	43	17	26	0	1	9
PORTUGAL	2	0	0	2	18	36	-18	1	0	1
ZIMBABWE	2	0	0	2	16	80	-64	0	0	0

Preview
Russia’s two test tour of Hong Kong last year was the first time these two teams met in a rugby test match. Russia proved too strong on both occasions.

Russia has won both games so far convincingly and remain the favourites. Hong Kong did well to defeat Portugal mid week although the visitors were unlucky in that game.

Hong Kong will need to play at their best to defeat the Bears.

Previous Encounters
15.11.2014 Russia 39-27 in Hong Kong
08.11.2014 Russia 31-10 in Hong Kong

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Russia 20th, Hong Kong 24th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Russia 61.56, Hong Kong 58.19

Prediction: Russia by 5 points. Score 26-21

TEAMS

Hong Kong Squad

Jack Aikman (Hong Kong Scottish)
Moses Bailey (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
Adam Butterfield (Hong Kong Football Club)
Charles Cheung Ho Ning (Hong Kong Scottish)
Rohan Cook (Hong Kong Cricket Club)*
James Cunningham (Kowloon RFC)*
Jack Delaforce (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
Paul Dwyer (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
Daniel Falvey (Hong Kong Football Club)*
Tobias Fenn (Valley RFC)
Adam Fullgrabe (Kowloon RFC)*
Adrian Griffiths (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
Gavin Hadley (Hong Kong Football Club)
Alexander Harris (Kowloon RFC) 29 tests
Nicholas Hewson (Capt.)( Valley RFC) 31 tests
Benjamin Higgins (Valley RFC)
Charles Higson-Smith (Hong Kong Football Club)
Alexander Kaleca (Hong Kong Scottish)
Matthew Lamming (Hong Kong Cricket Club)18 tests
Christopher McAdam (Kowloon RFC)
Thomas Marshall (Hong Kong Cricket Club)*
Alexander Ng Wai Shing (Valley RFC) 31 tests
Jack Parfitt (Hong Kong Scottish)
Jamie Pincott (Hong Kong Scottish)*
Bradley Raper (Hong Kong Cricket Club)*
Benjamin Rimene (Valley RFC)
Jamie Robinson (Hong Kong Cricket Club)*
Adam Rolston (Valley RFC)
Edmund Rolston (Valley RFC)
Niall Rowark (Hong Kong Football Club)
Tyler Spitz (USRC Tigers)
Jamie Tsang (Kowloon RFC)*

*New test players

Head Coach: Andrew Hall

Russia Squad

Denis Antonov (Slava Moscow)
Vasily Artemyev (Krasny Yar)
Denis Barabantsev (Yenisei-STM) *
Alexander Bezverkhov (Yenisei-STM)
Azamat Bitiev (Krasny Yar)
Daniel Chegodaev (VVA-Moscow)
Leo Derksen (Metallurg Novokuznetsk)*
Vasily Dorofeev (Krasny Yar)
Eugene Elgin (Yenisei-STM) *
Igor Galinovsky (Krasny Yar)
Andrei Garbuzov (Krasny Yar)
Tagir Gadzhiev*(VVA-Moscow)
German Godlyuk (Slava Moscow)
Kirill Gotovtsev (Krasny Yar) *
Viktor Gresev (Krasny Yar)
Nikita Ilienko (Yenisei-STM)
Alexander Ivanov (VVA-Moscow) *
Alexander Khudyakov (Krasny Yar)
Andrew Lizogub (VVA-Moscow)
Alex Makovetskii (Krasny Yar)
Yevgeny Matveyev (VVA-Moscow)
Andrew Otrokov (Krasny Yar)
Vladimir Podrezov (VVA-Moscow)
Vladimir Rudenko (Krasny Yar)
Sergei Sekisov (VVA-Moscow)
Sergey Stepanov (Slava Moscow)
Anton Sychev (Metallurg Novokuznetsk) *
Alexey Volkov (VVA-Moscow)

*New cap

Google translation from http://www.rugby.ru/new/russkij-sostav-sbornoj-rossii-po-regbi-na-sbor-pered-cup-of-nations.html

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 21 November

21.11.2015
Portugal v Zimbabwe in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong v Russia in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)
Spain v Chile in Torrelavega (Friendly)
Malta v Czech Republic in Valette (REC 2A)
Guatemala v El Salvador in Guatemala City (Herman Arrúa Cup)

2015 CUP OF NATIONS: Day 1

13.11.2015
Russia 23, Portugal 12 in Hong Kong
Hong Kong 30, Zimbabwe 11 in Hong Kong

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BPL	BPT	PT
HONG KONG	1	1	0	0	30	11	19	0	1	5
RUSSIA	1	1	0	0	23	12	11	0	0	4
PORTUGAL	1	0	0	1	12	23	-11	0	0	0
ZIMBABWE	1	0	0	1	11	30	-19	0	0	0

Data from www.rugbyinternational.net

Tournament favourites Hong Kong (hosts) and Russia got their campaign up and running with wins on day one. Hong Kong also got the only bonus point of the day whilst Zimbabwe seemed to struggle with the damp and humid conditions.

Reports
http://www.worldrugby.org/news/123242
http://www.hkrugby.com/news/hong-kong-and-russia-take-early-leads-in-inaugural-hkru-cup-of-nations

Next Two Days

17.11.2015
Zimbabwe v Russia in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong v Portugal in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)

21.11.2015
Portugal v Zimbabwe in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong v Russia in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 18 July

18.07.2015
Australia 24, South Africa 20 in Brisbane (Rugby Championship)
Fiji 30, Tonga 22 in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)
Japan 20, Canada 6 in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
Samoa 21, United States 16 in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
Namibia 43, Russia 5 in Windhoek (2^nd test)
Kenya 36, Spain 27 in Nairobi (Friendly)

Briefly
Australia scored a try in the dying moments to snatch the game away from South Africa.

Fiji, Japan and Samoa opened the Pacific Nations Cup with wins.

In test rugby in Africa, Namibia easily accounted for Russia in the second test in Windhoek while Kenya defeated Spain in Nairobi,

TEST RUGBY AHEAD: Saturday 18 July

18.07.2015
Canada v Japan in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
United States v Samoa in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
Namibia v Russia in Windhoek (2^nd test)
Spain v Kenya in Nairobi (Friendly)

I’m not able to review these games in detail.

Pacific Nations Cup

Canada v Japan
I expect Canada to just brush past Japan although a Japanese win would not surprise. The Japanese, under former Australian coach Eddie Jones, has made considerable progress over the last two seasons.
Prediction: Canada by 3 points. Score 21-18

United States v Samoa
Samoa are fresh from their powerful display against New Zealand last week. The travel and that game may well have taken the sting out of this side. A win will depend on how they shape up. For the USA this is their first outing for the season. I’d expect them to be a bit rusty
Prediction: Samoa by 10 points. Score 29-19

African Test Rugby

Namibia v Russia
Namibia won the first test in Windhoek 39-19 last weekend against the visiting Russian side. This series is part of Namibia’s build up to the Rugby World Cup. I expect Russia to perform better this week.
Prediction: Namibia by 8 points. Score 25-17

Kenya v Spain
For me this is one of the matches of this weekend. These cross-continental rugby test matches are what makes the rugby rankings more meaningful and are a fantastic advertisement for this worldly game. Spain will struggle. They have left a large number of test regulars behind this being very much an experimental side. Kenya has defeated Portugal 41-15, Tunisia 46-15 but lost to Zimbabwe 20-28 in their three test matches so far. Spain last played a test match in March.
Prediction: Kenya by 18 points. Score 36-18

INTERNATIONAL AND TEST RUGBY: 11 July

11.06.2015
South Africa 46, World XV 10 in Capetown (Non test)
New Zealand Maori 27, Fiji 26 in Suva (Friendly)
Namibia 39, Russia 19 in Windhoek (1^st test)

Briefly
South Africa were too polished and fit for a World XV in Capetown. This international non test match was organised to help South Africa prepare for the Rugby Championship (which starts next weekend).

Fiji built up a huge halftime lead before running out of steam and succumbing to the Maoris by one point. Fiji begins its Pacific Nations Cup campaign next weekend with a test match against Tonga in Suva.

Namibia went 1-0 up in their two-test series against Russia in Windhoek. This was a much improved performance compared to their disastrous Nations Cup outing last month

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.

PORTUGAL v RUSSIA: REC 1A

21.03.2015

Venue: Sochi

Referee:

last Five Encounters
08.03.2014 Russia 34-18 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
09.03.2013 Russia 31-23 in Coimbra (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
11.02.2012 Russia 33-32 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
12.02.2011 Portugal 21-19 in Sochi (ENC 1A)
06.02.2010 Russia 14-10 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Portugal Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
14.03.2015 v Spain L 8-19 in Coimbra (REC 1A)
28.02.2015 v Germany W 8-3 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Georgia L 15-20 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Romania L 10-37 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
22.11.2014 v Namibia W 29-20 in Lisbon

Russia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
14.03.2015 v Georgia L 0-33 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
28.02.2015 v Romania W 16-13 in Krasnodar (REC 1A)
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

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Russia 19th, Portugal 22nd
Europe Table: Russia 8th, Portugal 11th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Russia 64.65, Portugal 57.40

Prediction: Russia by 8 points: Score 35-27

TEAMS

Not available

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

RUSSIA v GEORGIA: REC 1A

14.03.2015

Venue: Mikheil Meskhi Stadium, Tbilisi

Referee: Nigel Hennessy (Wales)

Preview
There are fewer more intense rivalries on the rugby field than a Russia-Georgia match up. New Zealand v South Africa and England v Wales to name just two. Russia is coming off a win against previously undefeated Romania whilst Georgia has been less than convincing in their last two outings.

Russia has gone for an experienced side for this important game. This is an ageing side where many will not play in the qualifying rounds for the next World Cup.

Georgia has been able to recall experienced players Mamuka Gorgodze, David Zirkashvili and Vakhtang Maisuradze. This is a very strong side.

The atmosphere in Tbilisi will be electric and so it will be at the ground. It should be a cracker.

Other Preview
http://www.rugbyeurope.eu/article-735.htm

Last Five Encounters
22.02.2014 Georgia 36-10 in Tbilisi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
23.02.2013 Georgia 23-9 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
17.03.2012 Georgia 46-0 in Tbilisi (ENC 1A)
19.03.2011 Georgia 15-9 in Sochi (ENC 1A)
20.03.2010 Georgia 36-8 in Trabzon, Turkey (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Russia last defeated Georgia in 1993 when they won 15-9 in Gdansk, Poland, in a World Cup qualifying match. Russia has never won in Georgia.

Russia Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
28.02.2015 v Romania W 16-13 in Krasnodar (REC 1A)
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

Georgia Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
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
16.11.2014 v Ireland L 7-49 in Dublin

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Georgia 15th, Russia 19th
Europe Table: Georgia 7th, Russia 8th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Georgia 71.19, Russia 64.73

Prediction: Georgia by 22 points.

TEAMS

Georgia

15- Merab Kvirikashvili (Montlucon Rugby, France)
14- Giorgi Aptsiauri (AIA RC)
13- Davit Kacharava (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
12- Merab Sharikadze (Stade Aurillacois, France)
11- Alexander Khutsishvili (Kochebi RC)
10- Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Saracens)
9- Vasil Lobjanidze (Armazi RC)
8- Beka Bitsadze (Locomotive RC)
7- Mamuka Gorgodze (RC Toulonnais, France)
6- Shalva Sutiashvili, (Capt.) (RC Massy, France)
5- Vakhtang Maisuradze (SC Albi, France)
4- Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes Pyrénées Rugby, France)
3- Davit Zirakashvili (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France)
2- Simon Maisuradze (Stade Bagnerais, France)
1-Mikheil Nariashvili (Montpellier Hérault Rugby, France)

Replacements
16- Zurab Zhvania (Stade Francais, France)
17- Karlen Asieshvili (CA Brive, France)
18- Levan Chilachava (RC Toulonnais, France)
19- Konstantin Mikautadze (RC Toulonnais, France)
20- Lasha Lomidze (AS Béziers Hérault, France)
21- Vazha Khutsishvili (Kharebi Rustavi)
22- Tamaz Mchedlidze (SU Agen, France)
23- Muraz Giorgadze (Armazi RC)

Head Coach: Milton Haig

Adapted from http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=45&start=400

Russia

1-Sergey Novoselov (Enisey-STM)
2- Stanislav Selsky (Enisey-STM)
3- Innokenty Zykov (Enisey-STM)
4- Andrey Garbuzov (Krasny Yar)
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-Podmoskovye)
15- Vasily Artemyev (Krasny Yar)

Replacements
16- Vladislav Korshunov (VVA-Podmoskovye)
17 Sergey Sekisov (VVA-Podmoskovye_
18- Andrey Igretsov (Slava-CSP)
19- Artem Fatakhov (VVA-Podmoskovye)
20- Nicholas Serkov (Enisey-STM)
21- Rushan Yagudin (Krasny Yar)
22- Yuri Kushnarev (Enisey-STM)
23- Andrey Otrokov (Krasny Yar)

Head Coach: Raphael Saint-Andre

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

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

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP (REC) Saturday 14 February

14.02.2015
Georgia 20, Portugal 15 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
Romania 29, Spain 8 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
Russia 46, Germany 22 in Pforzheim (REC 1A)

Briefly
Georgia made very heavy weather of their game against Portugal in Tbilisi. Portugal played a very effective defensive game against a side that struggled to dominate.

Romania ran out comfortable winners against Spain. Some comments..
’Haven't seen the entire match, just the second half, but as a summary:
-for the first time we [Romania] managed to mix our game up; 3/4 played surprisingly well despite we scored 4 tries using the maul
-our scrum was a bit shaky, but after 20 minutes or so the Spanish were lifted up
-obviously the Spain's hammering over Russia wasn't a fluke, they are way better then last year
-few spectators I don't know how many ‘
by ‘Kiroshi’ at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9&start=350

Germany lead Russia 22-15 with 22 minutes to go and suddenly the flood gates opened. Russia’s fitness was superior in those last 15 minutes and Germany simply collapsed. Those who saw the game say this was a much better display by Germany excluding that last quarter.

RUSSIA v GERMANY: Rugby Europe Championship, Division 1A

14.02.2015

Venue: Pforzheim

Referee: Cyril Marchat (France)

Preview
This is shaping to be the battle of the wooden spooners in this competition. It is early days yet but Germany showed against Georgia they are a long way from the leaders whilst Russia were outclassed by Spain last weekend.

Russia are without some of their leading players (see below) which could mean Germany has a chance of causing an upset.

Last Five Encounters
24.05.2014 Russia 31-29 in Hamburg (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff)
13.03.2010 Russia 48-11 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
02.05.2009 Russia 53-0 in Hanover (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
16.04.2000 Russia 89-6 in Moscow (FIRA Div.B)
04.05.1994 Russia 67-5 in Bucharest (WCQ)

Tests between these two nations began in 1977. Germany’s only win against Russia (and as West Germany) was in 1981 when they defeated USSR 10-7 in Hanover.Since 1990 Russia has won all the tests.

Russia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
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)
27.09.2014 v Uruguay W 22-21 in Krasnoyarsk (WCQ Repechage R2)

Germany Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
02.07.2015 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)
10.05.2014 v Netherlands W 17-7 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe R4 Playoff)
26.04.2014 v Sweden W 45-20 in Stockholm (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table- Russia 19th, Germany 27th
Europe Table- Russia 10th, Germany 15th

IRB Ranking Points
Russia 64.12, Germany 56.32

Prediction: Germany by 6 points

Teams

Russia Squad
Denis Antonov (Remerciez-DSP)
Vasily Artemiev (Krasny Yar)
Mikhail Babaev (VVA-Moscou)
Alexander Bezverkhov (Ienisseï-STM)
Artem Fatakhov (VVA Sarrasins)
Ramil Gaisin (Ienisseï-STM)
Viktor Gresev (Krasny Yar)
Vladislav Korshunov ( VVA-Moscou)
Dmitry Krotov (Ienisseï-STM)
Igor Kurashov ("Ienisseï-STM")
Yuri Kushnarev (Ienisseï-STM)
Alexei Panasenko (VVA Sarrasins)
Anton Ryabov (Krasny Yar)
Sergey Sekisov (VVA-Moscou)
Stanislav Selskiy ( Ienisseï-STM)
Nicholas Serkov (Ienisseï-STM)
Alexey Shcherban (Ienisseï-STM)
Andrei Temnov (Ienisseï-STM)
Alexey Volkov (VVA Sarrasins)
Innocent Zykov (Ienisseï-STM)
Vladimir Rudenko (Krasny Yar)
Rushan Yagudin (Krasny Yar )
Paul Butenko (Ienisseï-STM)
Andrew Otrokov (Krasny Yar)

‘Russia lost prop Igretsov, lock Ostrikov, backs Galinovsky, Yanyushkin, Sergei Trishin and Igor Klyushnikov ! Clearly the squad is not better now.’

‘Olivier’ at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=384&start=75

Germany
1. Arthur Zeiler
2. Alexander Widiker
3. Damien Tussac
4. Robert Mohr
5. Michael Poppmeier
6. Kehoma Brenner
7. Robert Hittel
8. Alan Kessen
9. Sean Armstrong
10. Christopher Hilsenbeck
11. Hendrik van der Merwe
12. Paul Bosch
13. Clemens von Grumbkow
14. Mark Sztyndera
15. Steffen Liebig
16. Mikail Tyumenev
17. Robert May
18. Matthias Schösser
19. Christopher Howells
20. Falk Duwe
21. Tim Menzel
22. Marten Strauch
23. Jeremy Te Huia

https://twitter.com/DRVRugby/status/566276213019533312/photo/1

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Rugby Europe Championship

07.02.2015
Romania 37, Portugal 10 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
Spain 43, Russia 18 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
Georgia 64, Germany 8 in Heusenstamm (ENC 1A)

Briefly
Romania and Georgia continued to dominate this tournament. Romania easily accounted for Portugal in Lisbon whilst Georgia thumped Germany in Germany.

Spain raised a few eyebrows when they convincingly defeated Russia in Madrid. Making full use of their French-based contingent Spain could well threaten the two leading nations.

Draw Next Weekend
Portugal v Georgia in Tbilisi
Spain v Romania in Bucharest-This will be interesting!
Russia v Germany in Pforzheim-Battle of the wooden spooners?

RUSSIA v SPAIN RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 1A

07.02.2015
Russia v Spain in Madrid

Referee: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)

Preview
Russian travel to Spain with new coach Alexander Pervukhin. They also travel without some of their regulars: Kulemin (retired), Ostrikov (not released?), Ostroushko (only playing 7’s, Simplikevich (injured), Pronenko (injured) and the Tsnobiladze brothers (don’t know reason). As always playing away from home with a weakened squad seems to hurt the East European nations.

Spain is not without their selection problems. Injured (and unable to make his debut) is Thibault Visensang is finally out and won't make his debut.
Also out is Mathieu Roca is also out weakening the back row.

Last Five Encounters
01.02.2014 Russia 28-23 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
02.02.2013 Russia 13-9 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
19.05.2012 Russia 41-37 in Moscow (ENC 1A)
05.02.2011 Russia 28-24 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
13.02.2010 Russia 38-20 in Mardid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Spain’s last win over Russia was back in 1996 when they won 52-6 in Madrid in a FIRA Group A1 match. Test matches between these two nations go back to 1979. In recent years these encounters have been very close affairs with Russia just showing an edge.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Russia 19th, Spain 21st 
Europe Table: Russia 9th, Spain 10th

IRB Ranking Points
Russia 64.12, Spain 60.65

Prediction: This is a vastly more experienced Russian side but their performances of late have not been inspiring. It takes a while for a new coach to settle. This is Spain’s opportunity to pounce. Spain by 5 points

Teams

Spain

1- Franck Labbe (Lormont FRA, 7 caps)
2- Beñat Auzqui (Bordeaux-Bègles FRA, 17 caps)
3- Francisco Javier Sanz (Bathco Santader, 13 caps)
4- Ignacio Villanueva (CR Cisneros, 3 caps)
5- Jesus Recuerda (captain - Pays d'Aix FRA, 30 caps)
6- David Barrera-Howart (Tricastin FRA, 11 caps)
7- Gauthier Gibouin (Montauban FRA, 20 caps)
8- Jaime Nava (Périgueux FRA, 48 caps)
9- Guillaume Rouet (Bayonne FRA, 2 caps)
10- Dan Snee (VRAC, 2 caps)
11- Sébastien Ascarat (Montauban FRA, 6 caps)
12- Martin Heredia (Lormont FRA, 10 caps)
13- Marcos Poggi (Lormont FRA, 5 caps)
14- Julen Goia (Biarritz Olympique FRA, 3 caps)
15- Pedro Martin (Alcobendas, 14 caps)
16- Fernando Lopez (Massy FRA, uncapped)
17- Juan Anaya (Bathco Santader, 13 caps)
18- Agustin Ortiz (Naffaroa FRA, 12 caps)
19- David Gonzalez (Nevers FRA, uncapped)
20- Javier De Juan (Bathco Santader, 3 caps)
21- Angel Lopez (Cisneros, 2 caps)
22- Pablo Fontes (Pau FRA, 3 caps)
23- Pablo Feijoo (Cisneros, 65 caps)

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4&sid=d78426034734669eddf3a1d538593f01&start=25

Russia

1- Alexandr Bezverkhov (Enisey-STM, 1 cap)
2- Stanislav Selsky (Enisey-STM, 7 caps)
3- Innokenty Zykov (Enisey-STM, 21 caps)
4- Denis Antonov (Slava-CSP, 17 caps)
5- Andrey Ostrikov (Sale Sharks ENG, 22 caps)
6- Andrey Temnov (captain - Enisey-STM, 41 caps)
7- Artem Fatakhov (VVA Saracens, 64 caps)
8- Alexey Panasenko (VVA Saracens, 28 caps)
9- Alexander Yanyushkin (VVA Saracens, 69 caps)
10- Yuri Kushnarev (Enisey-STM, 68 caps)
11- Igor Kurashov (VVA Saracens, 4 caps)
12- Sergey Trishin (VVA Saracens, 46 caps)
13- Mikhail Babaev (VVA Saracens, 52 caps)
14- Vasily Artemyev (Krasny Yar, 50 caps)
15- Ramil Gaisin (Enisey-STM, 9 caps)
16- Vladislav Korshunov (VVA Saracens, 68 caps)
17- Alexey Volkov (VVA Saracens, 30 caps)
18- Andrey Igretsov (Slava-CSP, 22 caps)
19- Nikolay Serkov (Enisey-STM, 2 caps)
20- Viktor Gresev (Krasny Yar, 64 caps)
21- Alexey Shcherban (Enisey-STM, 17 caps)
22- Igor Galinovsky (Krasny Yar, 33 caps)
23- Igor Klyuchnikov (VVA Saracens, 67 caps)

‘First cap for Panasenko since June 2011, first cap for Kurashov since 20 months, first cap for Trishin since 2 years.Pervukhin called up 8 players from his team Enisey and only 3 from the rival Krasny Yar (brothers Tsnobiladze, Khudyakov, Garbuzov, Makovetsky, Rudenko, Otrokov are missing). 9 players from VVA Saracens and one player abroard (Ostrikov)’

Thanks to ‘Beber’ at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=374

RUSSIAN SQUAD IN TRAINING FOR REC

Russian squad ( as at 22/01/2015)called by the new coach Alexander

Pervukhin. A lot of Enisey players of course... and only 6 Krasny Yar players

Props
Alexander Bezverkhov (Enisey-STM)
Andrey Igretsov (Slava-CSP)
Sergey Novoselov (Enisey-STM)
Sergey Sekisov (VVA Saracens)
Alexey Volkov (VVA Saracens)
Innokenty Zykov (Enisey-STM)

Hookers
Vladislav Korshunov (VVA Saracens)
Stanislav Selsky (Enisey-STM)

Locks
Denis Antonov (Slava-CSP)
Ilya Osminko (Slava-CSP)
Nikolay Serkov (Enisey-STM)

Backrow
Pavel Butenko (Enisey-STM)
Artem Fatakhov (VVA Saracens)
Viktor Gresev (Krasny Yar)
Dimitry Krotov (Enisey-STM)
Alexey Panasenko (VVA Saracens)
Mikhail Sidorov (Slava-CSP)
Andrey Temnov (Enisey-STM)

Scrumhalves
Alexey Shcherban (Enisey-STM)
Rushan Yagudin (Krasny Yar)
Alexander Yanyushkin (VVA Saracens)

Flyhalves
Ramil Gaisin (Enisey-STM)
Yuri Kushnarev (Enisey-STM)
Anton Ryabov (Krasny Yar)

Centres
Igor Galinovsky (Krasny Yar)
Dimitri Gerasimov (Enisey-STM)
Sergey Trishin (VVA Saracens)

Wingers
Mikhail Babaev (VVA Saracens)
Igor Kurashov (Enisey-STM)
Andrey Otrokov (Krasny Yar)

Fullbacks
Vasily Artemyev (Krasny Yar)
Igor Klyuchnikov (VVA Saracens)

Thanks to ‘Beber’ at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=374

Changes-comments

22/01/2015
‘So they are down Kulemin (retirement), Ostrikov, Ostroushko, Simplikevich, the Tsnobiladze brothers and a few other guys who were regular starters in recent years. Who knows why they're missing, but they're gonna be tough shoes for Russia to fill.’ ‘4N’

22/01/2015
‘I guess Ostrikov wasn't released by Sale?
Ostroushko will play only for Russia Sevens this year
Simplikevich (like Pronenko) is injured and will not play for Enisey against CDUL.
Not sure about Tsnobiladze brothers...
The captain Voytov is also missing’ ‘Berber’

28/01/2015
‘Lock Alexander Voytov, captain of VVA Saracens Moscow and Russia (73 caps) is called up by the Saracens to face Blue Bulls the 31 January. He will try to get his visa in time...’ ‘Berber’

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

TEST RUGBY RESULTS TIER 2 07-08 NOVEMBER

08.11.2014
New Zealand Maori 20, Japan 18 in Tokyo
Tonga 23, Georgia 9 inTbilisi
United States 27, Romania 17 in Bucharest
Russia 31, Hong Kong 10 in Hong Kong

07.11.2014
Canada 17, Namibia 13 in Colwyn Bay

RUGBY WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Repechage

12.10.2014
Uruguay 36, Russia 27 in Montevideo (WCQ Repechage; Playoff 2nd leg)

27.09.2014
Russia 22, Uruguay 21 in Krasnoyarsk (WCQ Repechage; Playoff 1st leg)

Uruguay wins the 20th place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup Finals. They defeated Russia on aggregate.