REC Division 3: Final Day

14.04.2015
Slovakia 31, Montenegro 3 in Budva (REC 3, Final)
Estonia 106, Montenegro ‘B’ 0 in Budva (Friendly)

Review
Slovakia were too strong for the host nation in todays REC 3 final. This was Montenegro’s second test match as one of the world’s newest international rugby nation.

Points from this tournament will be carried over to the 2015 Tournament. The winner overall will be eligible to promotion to REC 2D for 2016-18.

RUGBY EUROPE DIVISION 3

14.04.2015
Montenegro v Slovakia in Budva (REC 3, Final)
Estonia v Montenegro ‘B’ in Budva (Friendly)

Preview
Montenegro and Slovakia will do battle on the rugby field Tuesday to decide the winner of the 2015 REC 3. This tournament will be repeated in 2016 to decide who will gain promotion to REC 2D. The points gained from this tournament will be carried over in the same way as other REC divisions.

Predictions
Montenegro by 3 v Slovakia
Estonia by 60 v Montenegro ‘B’.

A review of Saturday’s games in Montenegro below
http://www.rugbyeurope.eu/article-760.htm

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 3

11.04.2015
Montenegro 29, Estonia 27 v in Montenegro (REC 3, Semi-final )
Slovakia 82, Montenegro ‘B’ 0 in Montenegro (Friendly)

Briefly
Montenegro were ahead 22-10 at one stage. Estonia fought back with 3 tries to lead 27-22 for Montenegro to score a converted try with five minutes to go.

Greece failed to turn up.

Tuesdays Games
Montenegro v Slovakia (Final)
Estonia v Montenegro ‘B’ (Friendly)

RUGBY EUROPE DIVISION 3

Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/pages/HELLENIC-RUGBY-FEDERATION/261424277315985

Image from https://www.facebook.com/pages/MONTENEGRO-RUGBY/140690896036916

11.04.2015
Estonia, Slovakia, Montenegro, Montenegro B

Venue: Montenegro

Preview

11/04: At Stadium FK Mornar, Bar
          Estonia v Montenegro
          Slovakia v Montenegro B

14/04: At Stadion Fk Mogren, Budva
          Winner v Winner
          Loser v Loser

Greece pulled out at the last minute. Only Slovakia has a history of competition play in the Rugby Europe international test competitions. Estonia has only played a handful of friendlies except to defeat Belarus 59-12 in a preliminary contest to qualify for this tournament. For Montenegro they will be making their test rugby debut.

Montenegro was part of Yugoslavia from 1945. They stayed united with Serbia until declaring their independence in 2006.

TEAMS

Slovakia

Vereš Ľudovít, Rabara Andrej, Mihálik Martin, Mihálik Michal, Puha Daniel, Náter Andrej, Douez Nicolas ( všetci 1.RC Slovan Bratislava), Želinský Tomáš, Morgan Sam, Ľoch Patrik ( všetci Slávia TU Košice), Kalina Peter, Jung Ján, Násse Sebastian ( všetci RC Praga Praha), Székely Ján, Tažký Michal ( všetci RC Spartak Trnava), Mana Marcel, Poledna Patrik ( všetci RC Olomouc), Kozubík Pavol, Kozubík Peter ( všetci RC Havířov), Múdrik Marián, Veselý Martin ( RC Slávia Praha), Hodáň Vlastimil ( RC Brno Bystrc), Fouillade Théo ( CA Brive), Májovský Martin ( RC Brightone Blues).

Realizačný tím: Hlavný tréner: Fišer Jozef. Asistenti: Lištván Pavel, Kubala Vladimír. Manažér reprezentácie: Krutzner Eduard. Fyzio: Čermák Ján.

http://www.slovakrugby.sk/reprezentacia/konecna-nominacia-na-enc/

Estonia Squad

Taavi Ermel
Lauri Laaniste
Ragnar Toompere
Rain Kurg
Rasmus Toompere
Harles Tiitsma
Kaarel Kokemägi
Karmo Lomp
Mihkel Pärn
Andre Astre
Jaan Lorens
Mark Zuhhovitski
Matis Sangla
Kimmo Kokemägi
Kullar Veersalu
Marten Martinson
Roland Kalso
Maati Pallas
Karl Pallas
Kristjan Kotkas
Luke Veebel
Kristjan Seiman
Aivars Lohmus

http://www.estonianrugby.com/news.html

Team nearly did not make the tournament. Due to funding problems players were asked to self fund the trip

Montenegro Squad

Janko Milović, Budimir Andrić, Luka Lučić, Nikola Vuletić, Aleksandar Mecikukić, Vladimir Tomović, Boris Mijušković (Capt.), Aleksandar Milosavljević, Nikola Jovanović, Srđan Popović, Aleksandar Bulatović, Danilo Adžić, Dušan Vučićević, Marko Andrić, Boško Mirjačić, Mijo Martinović, Dimitrije Čvorović, Marko Jaredić, Mirko Garčević, Igor Adžaip, Miloš Kuvelja, Aljoša Marinković, Marko Novaković i Vladan Čelebić.

Head Coach: Marti Lastiano

Adapted from http://www.vijesti.me/sport/ragbi-selekcija-sjutra-sa-estonijom-u-evropskom-kupu-nacija-828330

Montenegro B Squad Not available

Predictions
Estonia by 7 v Montenegro. Score 17-10
Slovakia by 30 v Montenegro ‘B’. Score 35-5

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

11.04.2015
Paraguay v Uruguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Czech Republic v Croatia in Croatia (REC 2A)
Greece v Estonia in Montenegro (REC 3, Semi-final 1)
Slovakia v Montenegro in Montenegro (REC 3, Semi-final 2)
Mexico v Cayman Islands in Grand Cayman (Caribbean Championship, North)
Guyana v Trinidad Tobago (Caribbean Championship, South)
St Lucia v Curacao in Castries (Caribbean Cup, South)

Briefly
CONSUR A 2015 competition begins with Paraguay travelling to Montevideo. This round is to find the qualifiers for the 2016 CONSUR Cup, the elite level of South American rugby.

Montenegro will become the latest member of the test rugby family when they host the REC Division 3 competition this weekend. The finals will be played next week mid-week.

The Caribbean Championship and Cup competitions continue. Mexico and Cayman Islands will be virtually playing for the North title, the winner facing the South winner. That will be either Guyana or Trinidad Tobago who also play this weekend. The surprise is the USA South is already out of the competition and will in fact have to face the Cup North winner in a promotion-relegation match later.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Sunday 17 November

17.11.2013
South Africa 28, Scotland 0 at Murrayfield
Slovakia 18, Azerbaijan 10 in Bratislava (ENC 3)

16.11.2013
French Barbarians 20, Samoa 19 (Non-test)

AZERBAIJAN v SLOVAKIA; European Nations Cup Div.3

14.11.2012

Venue: Kemer

Referee: F. Gracianette (France)

Preview
Slovakia lost 6-34 to Turkey on Sunday. I know nothing about the Azerbaijan team except that they are in Turkey and this game will go ahead as scheduled.

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply as Azerbaijan did not participate in test rugby in 2011.

Prediction: This should a more even contest than Sunday’s. Slovakia has a combination and acclimatisation advantage and should win by 10 points.

TEAMS

Slovakia Squad

Martin Janžo ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Michal Mihálik ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Michal Kučera ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Andrej Náter ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Martin Mihalka ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Patrik Grunner ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Ľuboš Orlický ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Andrej Rabara ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Daniel Puha ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Antoine Valade ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Ondrej Štefanšich ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Martin Májovský ( RC Old Reigatians / ENG)

Pavel Kozubík ( RC Havířov CZE)

Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov CZE)

Vlastimil Hodáň (RC Brno Bystrc CZE)

Marcel Mana (RC Olomouc CZE)

Patrik Poledna (RC Olomouc CZE)

Radek Fialka (RC Vyškov CZE)

Ján Pfeifer (RC Praga CZE)

Juraj Frank (RC Praga CZE)

Martin Štefl (RC Praga CZE)

Peter Kalina (RC Praga CZE)

Azerbaijan Squad not available.

SLOVAKIA v TURKEY: European Nations Cup Div.3

Division 3 is the lowest level of competition in European test rugby. The teams involved are not eligible for Rugby World Cup qualifying games. They are Turkey, Slovakia and Azerbaijan.

The newest European nation Turkey will host this tournament in the city of Antalya. Situated on the Mediterranean coast it is regarded as the holiday mecca for Turkey.

Thanks to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antalya

 

Turkish coach Niall Doherty.
Thanks to http://www.facebook.com/TurkishRugbyNationalTeam

11.11.2012
Slovakia v Turkey in Antalya (ENC 3)

Venue:

Referee: F. Gracianette (France)

Preview
Earlier this year Turkey played Slovakia (29.04) in Bratislava and won 31-5. Later on 12 May they defeated Estonia 49-5 in Tallinn. So this is Turkey’s first rugby test on home soil

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Turkey 39th, Slovakia 40th (an last)

IRB Ranking points do not apply as neither Turkey nor Slovakia are full members of the IRB.

Prediction: Turkey should win this easily, by 33 points

TEAMS

Turkey Squad
Ramazan Kılıçkaya

Kubilay Alemdar

Ali Bökeyhan Sürer

Bayram Erdener

Aykut Kanaçlar

Kerim Galal

Feyyaz Yildirim

Ibrahim Demircan

Erkut Levent Durmuş

Muhammed Dayi

Mustafa Kemal Kurt

Zakir Kalabaş

Alper Topal

Görkan Ceylan

Huseyin Şaşmaz

Ferhat Şan

Ramazan Kabak

Semih Aydin

Bahri Gourgandin Dağlı

Mehmet Akif Ersoy

Atilla Demir

Emre Can Erfiliz

Kemel Ege Gürkan

Salim Cavuş

Recep Demir

Melik Şah

Ertuğrul Günday

Ogün Boz

Orçun Öcal Van Persie

Coach: Nial Doherty

Slovakia Squad

Martin Janžo ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Michal Mihálik ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Michal Kučera ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Andrej Náter ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Martin Mihalka ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Patrik Grunner ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Ľuboš Orlický ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Andrej Rabara ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Daniel Puha ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Antoine Valade ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Ondrej Štefanšich ( 1.RC Slovan BA)

Martin Májovský ( RC Old Reigatians / ENG)

Pavel Kozubík ( RC Havířov CZE)

Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov CZE)

Vlastimil Hodáň (RC Brno Bystrc CZE)

Marcel Mana (RC Olomouc CZE)

Patrik Poledna (RC Olomouc CZE)

Radek Fialka (RC Vyškov CZE)

Ján Pfeifer (RC Praga CZE)

Juraj Frank (RC Praga CZE)

Martin Štefl (RC Praga CZE)

Peter Kalina (RC Praga CZE)

RUGBY TEST MATCH RESULT: Turkey v Slovakia

29.04.2012
Turkey 31, Slovakia 5 in Bratislava (Friendly; First test match for Turkey)

Briefly
A great start from a young team. We could well see this team joining the European Nations Cup tournament in the near future.

Some pics, thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4065

 

TEST RUGBY FRIENDLY MATCH: Turkey’s First Test

29.04.2012
Turkey v Slovakia in Bratislava (Friendly)

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
It is a grand occasion when a nation first steps into the international test rugby scene. Today Turkey will begin their great adventure. They will play another rugby test match on 12 May against Estonia. Both Estonia and Turkey will be looking to gain full admission to FIRA-AER and begin playing in the European Nations Cup competition.

Rugby has been established in Turkey for some time. They have a healthy 13 team club competition, divided into two divisions.

Slovakia is itself a relative newcomer to the international test rugby scene. Their main local club, RC Slovan Bratislava, competes in the Czech Republic club competition. At present they are doing well in the middle of the top league. A number of the Slovakian squad play for Czech teams in the club competition.

Slovakia played their first rugby test match in 2006 and now competes in European Nations Cup Division 3. That competition has concluded. It took place in Bosnia Herzegovina in October last year where Slovakia lost in the only test (Azerbaijan pulling out) 15-48.

Looking at the makeup of both sides Turkey has been able to call upon a number of players based in France and England. They have lost key lock forward Nejmi Kara but I feel Turkey will just that much more speed and finish than the Slovakians.

Prediction: Turkey by 12 points

Teams

Slovakia Squad
Forwards
Štefl Martin (RC PRAGA CZ) , Klimiashvili Giorgi (RC Slovan), Mihálik Michal (RC Slovan), Grunner Patrik (RC Slovan) , Vereš Ludovít (RC Slovan), Mihalka Martin (RC Slovan), Gregorovic Boris (RC Spartak) , Capkovic Ladislav (RC Spartak), Pfeifer Ján (RC Praga), Rabara Andrej (RC Slovan), Mihálik Martin (RC Slovan), Fric Michal (RC Rental.cz)

Backs
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan), Kucera Michal (RC Slovan), Hybben Branislav (RC Slovan), Loch Patrik (RC Ravens Košice), Fišer Jozef (RC Praga CZ), Janžo Martin (RC Slovan), Kozubík Peter (RC Rental.cz) Fialka Radek (RC Vyškov CZ), Želinský Tomáš (RC Ravens Košice), Kozubík Pavol (RC Rental.cz), Mana Marcel (RC Olomouc CZ)

Turkey

15		Tamer James	Wessex RFC, England
14		Erkut Durmuş	Heidelberger RK, Germany
13		Abdullah Güneş	METU
12		Kerim Galal	SC Germania, Germany
11		Adem Selim	Samsung RK
10		Ali Sürer	TB Rohrbach/Boxberg, Germany
9		Rama Kılıçkaya	Vichy, France
8		Deniz Krom	Kadıköy RK - Istanbul
7		Melik Kuzucu (Capt.)	Orleans, France
6		Ertuğrul Günday	METU
5		Attila Demir	Puy Guillame, France
4		Mehmet Akif Ersoy	Trakya Üniversitesi Ragbi - Edirne
3		Hüseyin Şaşmaz	Oyonnax, France
2		Bahri Dağlı	Goussainville-Gonesse, France
1		Gökhan Ceylan	Pontarlier, France
16		Dinçhan Kilercioğlu	METU
17		Yavuz Kocaer	Samsung RK
18		Doğu Eroğlu	Mutzig, France
19		Kemal Ege Gürkan	METU
20		Selçuk Kozlu	Samsung RK
21		Murat Altun	Mutzig, France
22		Koray Kaya	Samsung RK
		COACH: Niall Doherty

ENC 3: Bosnia Herzegovina Promoted

15.10.2011
Bosnia Herzegovina 48, Slovakia 15 in Bratislava (ENC 3)

Preview
Azerbaijan’s withdrawal from this tournament left to a two-team slug out in Bratislava. The Bosnians made no race of it, winning easily and gaining promotion to ENC 2D for 2012-14.

Video of game linked below. Select the game. Score given incorrectly. Thanks to ‘mcruic’.

http://sport.huste.tv/ostatne-sporty/zaznam/15-10-11-slovensko-bosna-a-

Game sheet from FIRA-AER http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/upload/file/1318696436_111015%20ENC3%20BH%20SK%20game%20sheet.PDF

EUROPEAN NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 3

15.10.2011
Bosnia Herzegovina v Slovakia in Bratislava (ENC 3)

Venue: Čunovo

Referee: Diaconescu (Romania)

Preview
The Azerbaijan team was unable to take part in this three-team tournament. They were unable to organise visa’s in time!

The Bosnians will be favoured to win this game and gain promotion back to ENC 2D, from where they were relegated 2008-10 competition.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
BOSNIA H.	2	2	0	0	83	38	45	2	0	10
SLOVAKIA	2	1	0	1	46	50	-4	1	0	5
AZERBAIJAN	2	0	0	2	22	63	-41	0	0	0

“Even if they are both given 20-0 wins over Azerbaijan, Slovakia can still be promoted if they beat Bosnia & Herzegovina. Bosnia are currently 5 points ahead. If Slovakia beat Bosnia & Herzegovina by a margin of 25 points or more (and score at least 4 tries), they will be promoted instead”. Clarification from one who knows best..’mcruic’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3884

Previous Encounter
25.10.2010 Bosnia Herzegovina 45-21 in Zenica (ENC 3)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Bosnia Herzegovina 39th, Slovakia 40th

IRB Ranking Points do not apply. Slovakia is not ranked

Prediction: BH by 12 points

Teams

Bosnia & Hercegovina squad

Bašić Adis, Fetić Mirsad, Pašić Semir, Mušinović Ermin, Pojskić Edin, Razić Damir, Keserović Danijel, Tufekčić Sedad, Kokić Vahdet, Glavaš Selmir, Karić Benjamin, Spahić Fadil, Hamzić Adnan, Izić Vedran, Stanković Zeid, Subašić Sabahudin, Smajlović Samed, Vidović Željko, Mujić Amir, Marković Krešimir, Jovanović Damir, Kadić Sejad, Vehabović Armin.

http://zeragbi.blogspot.com/

Slovakia Squad

Forwards: Peter Bolla (RC Zlin/RC Spartak Trnava), Martin Štefl (RC Praga Praha), Martin Majovský (Old Reigations ? ENG), Patrik Grunner (1.RC Slovan Bratislava), Martin Mihalka (1.RC Slovan Bratislava), Martin Mihálik (1.RC Slovan Bratislava), Ján Pfeifer (RC Praga Praha), Andrej Rabara (1.RC Slovan Bratislava), Ján Mandičák (RC Petrovice), Michal Fric (RC Rental.cz Havirov), Titus Silný (1.RC Slovan Bratislava)

Backs: Daniel Puha (1.RC Slovan Bratislava), Martin Janžo (1.RC Slovan Bratislava), Michal Kučera (RC Olomouc), Václav Pešír (RC Petrovice), Jakub Novák (RC Praga Praha), Peter Kozubík (Rc Rental.cz Havířov), Pavel Kozubík (RC Rental.cz Havířov), Radek Fialka (RC Vyškov), Kevin Grulich (RC Olomouc), Marcel Mana (RC Olomouc), Branislav Hybben (1.RC Slovan Bratislava)

http://www.slovakrugby.sk/nominaciabosna.html

TEST RUGBY: Bosnia Herzegovina v Slovakia photos

25.10.2010
Bosnia Herzegovina 45, Slovakia 21 in Zenica

Played in atrocious conditions. Photos thanks to Almir Arlic at http://www.zeragbi.blogspot.com/ where you can view more.

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: ENC Div.3 Continues

27.10.2010
Azerbaijan v Slovakia in Zenica

Venue: Kamberovsca Polie

Referee: C.Raduta (Romania)

Preview
Azerbaijan struggled at this level last season. They lost 5-16 to Bosnia Herzegovina at home last November and then 0-59 to Cyprus away. Cyprus went on to win promotion up to the next level. This season Slovakia, who pulled out of international rugby in 2009, rejoins the competition.

The grassroots level of rugby is developing in both countries. Slovakia has just the one club Slovan Bratislava, which plays in the Czech league, whilst Azerbaijan has four; two based in Baku, the other two in other centres. Azerbaijan ,according to its web site, will enter a club side into the Georgian rugby competition this season.

Slovakia performed well against the home side on Monday. Without a team list it's difficult to determine their strength but in the past they have been able to call upon Slovaks playing in the Czech Republic competition. This may give them the edge against Azerbaijan, whose strength is a bit of an unknown quantity.

Previous Encounters
31.10.2007 Slovakia 33-18 in Nicosia (ENC 3D)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Azerbaijan 41st, Slovakia 43rd

Prediction: Slovakia by 7 points

Teams
Not available

TEST RUGBY RESULT: ENC Division 3

This tournament is being played in Zenica, Bosnia Herzegovina. The FIRA-AER restructured their competitions for 2010-12. The lowest Division would play a tournament format based in one of the nations involved, rather than the home or away basis of the higher divisions. The nations being Bosnia Herzegovina, Slovakia and Azerbaijan. Monaco withdrew.

25.10.2010
Bosnia Herzegovina 45, Slovakia 21

Briefly
"Bosnia dominated the first-half. There were few tactical changes in the second half which leaked in a few points. Overall excellent win for the Bosnians as Slovakia are the strongest rivals for promotion and also its was important to see how cohesive the team is.
The squad did not include any players playing abroad which included the captain, so there is a lot more to come from this side in the future. There are at least 4 players who play abroad who would have featured in the 1st XI. Good to see that discipline didn't seem to be an issue."

From 'RagbihUK' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3588

TEST RUGBY: ENC Division 3 Tournament

25.10.2010
Slovakia v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica

Venue: Kamberovića polje

Referee:

Preview
Bosnia Herzegovina were prevented from promotion last year by Cyprus. The changed format this year sees the new Division 3 tournament being played as a tournament in one venue over one week. Monaco has withdrawn but Slovakia returns. The local team will be too strong for its opponents at home.

Previous Encounter
15.11.2008 Bosnia Herzegovina 46-32 in Bratislava (ENC 3D)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Bosnia Herzegovina 39th, Slovakia Not registered.

Prediction: B-H by 25 points.

Teams

Not available

International Rugby: Slovakia v Monaco Updated

21.03.2009
Slovakia v Monaco in Bratislava (ENC 3D)

Venue
Slovnaft Stadion, Vlčím Hrdle

Previews


Slovakia v Monaco rugby programme. Image thanks to http://slovan.rugby.cz/

Not a great deal of love lost between these two minnows. In 2006 they met at this level in Slovakia's first test match. Monaco won 6-0 but lost the game because Slovakia claimed, and won, that Monaco included enelligble players in their squad. The thing was Monaco had just returned from a lengthy ban for the exact same offence a few years earlier.

Previous Encounters
14.10.2006 Monaco 6-0* in Bratislava (ENC 3D, Pool B)
* Match lost by Monaco on appeal.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Slovakia 40th, Monaco 41st

Prediction: Slovakia by 14 points

Teams

Slovakia
Martin Čmiel (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Michal Fric (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Ondřej Hankovszki (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.)
Richard Hladík (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Michal Juhász (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Pavel Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Josef Kučera (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Michal Kučera (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Tomáš Kurka (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Martin Majovský (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Marcel Mana (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Jan Mandičák (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Martin Mihálik (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Viktor Ondroušek (JIMI Vyškov, Czech Rep.)
Patrik Poledna, Capt. (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Antonín Puverle (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Jiří Smrček (Dragon Brno, Czech Rep.)
Jaroslav Stoklásek (RC Zlín, Czech Rep.)
Pešír Václav (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Coach: Pavel Lištvan

http://slovan.rugby.cz/nominace-proti-monaku




Slovakia rugby team v Monaco. Image thanks to http://slovan.rugby.cz/


Monaco

Team not available

Test Rugby Result: Cyprus 33, Slovakia 7

14.03.2009
Cyprus 33, Slovakia 7 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

Reviews
I predicted a win for Slovakia but an easy win for Cyprus at home puts them just into the lead over Bosnia Herzegovina on the points table. The clash between Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina next weekend in Zenica will decide who wins the first round.

Preview
This is the lowest division in the FIRA-AER European Nations Cup. It is also the only division that does not play in the 2011 World Cup qualifying matches.

Cyprus is one of the undefeated teams in this division. The other is Bosnia Herzegovina. The winner of the second round (to be played 2009-10) will be promoted to Division 3C which, under the present qualifying system, are eligible to participate in the qualifying series for the 2015 World Cup finals. Cyprus has defeated Monaco and Azerbaijan, neither of whom are championship contenders.

Slovakia on the other hand pushed the Bosnians close at home last November, losing 32-46. So, providing they travel well and have been able to select their strongest team, they could well cause an upset at the British Army ground.

Previous Encounters

These teams have met only once before. Cyprus winning easily at home 38-8 in November 2007.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 39th, Slovakia 40t

No Change

Teams

Slovakia Squad
Peter Bolla (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Martin Čmiel (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Michal Fric (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Ondřej Hankovszki (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.)
Richard Hladík (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Richard Januš (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Michal Juhász (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Pavel Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Josef Kučera (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Michal Kučera (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Tomáš Kurka (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Martin Majovský (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Marcel Mana (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Jan Mandičák (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Martin Mihálik (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Andrej Nátěr (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Viktor Ondroušek (JIMI Vyškov, Czech Rep.)
Patrik Poledna, Capt. (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Titus Silný (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Pešír Václav (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Coach: Pavel Lištvan


Slovak team photo thanks to http://slovan.rugby.cz

http://slovan.rugby.cz/nominace-slovenska-proti-kypru
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3042


Cyprus team logo thanks to www.cyprus-rugby.com

Cyprus Squad
Forwards:
Christo Kasabi,
Tony Thoma,
Dinu Floredan
Graeme Scott
Stephan Eleftheriou
Panos Jacovides
Andy Spring
Vlad Muhaylon
Deano Dean
Chris Thoma
Marco Mladenovic
George Theodoulou
Dan McFarlane

Backs:
Dimitri Maratheftis
George Agathocteous
Dan Thrasivolou
Marcus Holden
Anthony Crassas
Colm O’Cleirigh
Andreas Zacharia
Marc Thrasivoulou
Luke Peters
Kyle Oelofse
Fidias Efthymiou
AJ Pugh

http://www2.onthisisland.com/moufflon-team-announced/2009/03/03/
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3042

Rugby Result: Bosnia Herzegovina 46, Slovakia 32

15.11.2008
A very high scoring game saw the Bosnians home against relatively new players in ENC 3D. Someone who saw the game, and who posted on the FIRA-AER Forum, commented that the defence was 'not good'. They didn't mention to whom this applied, but perhaps both teams were at fault. Was it an entertaining game? Post your views here.

Rugby Test: Slovakia v Bosnia Herzegovina

15.11.2008
Slovakia v Bosnia Herzegovina (ENC 3D)

Preview
ENC Divison 3D is the only level of European international rugby that does not qualify for 2011 Rugby World Cup qualification. The incentive is to be the leading side after 2 rounds (2 seasons) and thus be able to be in the World Cup qualifying rounds for 2015.

At this early stage Bosnia Herzegovina, relegated from ENC 3C, look to be way out in front. Their 52-5 win over Monaco, away, back in October, confirmed that. This is their second away game and , provided they can travel with much the same squad that went to Monaco, they should win again.

Slovakia lost to Cyprus 8-38 last year in Cyprus and Cyprus had earlier defeated Monaco 19-10 to give some idea of Slovakia's strength. Most of Slovakia's players either play for the only club in Bratislava or for Czech clubs over the border but they will find the Bosnians too slick.

This is the first time these two teams have met.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia Herzegovina 38th, Slovakia 40th

Prediction: Bosnia Herzegovina by 40 points.

Teams

Slovakia Squad
Martin Čmiel (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) 2 tests
Ondřej Hankovski (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.) 4
Richard Hladík (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) New Cap
David Hughes (RC Slovan Bratislava) 3
Richard Januš (RC Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) 3
Jan Klokner (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.) 3
Patrik Kovacs (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) New Cap
Pavel Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) 3
Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) 3
Josef Kučera (RK Petrovice, Czech Republic) 1
Michal Kučera (Náměšť na Hané, Czech Republic) 1
Tomáš Kurka (RC Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) 3
Martin Majovský (RC Slovan Bratislava) 2
Marcel Mana (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) 5@
Jan Mandičák (RK Petrovice) New Cap
Martin Mihálik (RC Slovan Bratislava) 1
Viktor Ondroušek (RC Jimi Vyškov, Czech Republic) 5@
Patrik Poledna (Náměšť na Hané, Czech Republic) 4
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan Bratislava) 4
Anthony Puverle (RC Slovan Bratislava) 5@
Jaroslav Stoklásek (RC Zlín, Czech Republic) 5*@
Marek Ujček (RC Slovan Bratislava) New Cap
Head Coach: Pavel Lištván
http://slovan.rugby.cz/slovensko-vs-bosna-hercegovina

* Added to squad
@ Have played in all Slovak tests to date.

Bosnia Herzegovina
Not available

For complete lists of all Slovakia and of all Bosnia Herzegovina test results, go to www.rugbyinternational.net