SPAIN v CHILE: Friendly test

21.11.2015

Venue: Stadium Campos del Malecón, Torrelavega

Previous Encounters
09.11.2013 Spain 26-3 in Santiago
15.08.2007 Spain 30-25 in Santiago
24.07.1999 Chile 20-18 in Santiago
26.08.1995 Chile 28-23 in Santiago

Spain Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
18.07.2015 v Kenya L 27-36 in Nairobi (Friendly)
21.06.2015 v Namibia W 20-3 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
17.06.2015 v Argentina XV L 6-15 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
12.06.2015 v Romania L 9-35 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
21.03.2015 v Germany W 48-16 in Madrid (REC 1A)

Chile Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
09.05.2015 v Uruguay W 30-15 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
03.05.2015 v Paraguay W 35-25 in Asuncion (CONSUR A)
25.04.2015 v Brazil W 32-3 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
25.05.2014 v Argentina L 12-73 in Santiago (CONSUR Cup)
10.05.2014 v Uruguay L 13-55 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply-Chile not on world table

World Rugby Ranking Points
Spain 61.54, Chile 57.34

Prediction: Spain by 17 points. Score 31-14

TEAMS

Spain

15. Sergi Aubanell (Stade Aurillacois, France) 12 Tests
14. Ignacio Contardi (AS Maconnaise, France) 7
13. Thibaut Alvarez (RC Aubenas Vals, France) 3
12. Thibaut Visensang (Aviron Bayonnaise, France) 3
11. Sebastien Ascarat (US Mountauban, France) 8
10. Bradley Linklater (Getxo Artea) 5
09. Guillaume Rouet (Aviron Bayonnais, France) 6
08. Jaime Nava (Stade Djonaise, France) 56
07. Gautler Gibouin (US Mountauban, France) 23
06. David Barrera (RC Vannetais, France) 17
05. Jesus Recuerda (UAL Lib) 36
04. Anibal Bonan (Stade Bagnares, France) 14
03. Jonathan Garcia (CS Bourgoin-Jallieu, France) 0
02. Benat Auzqui (Union Bordeaux Bègles, France) 20
01. Fernando Lopez (RC Massy, France) 7
Replacements
16. Francisco Blanco (Complutense Cisneros) 6
17. Juan Anaya (Galwegians, Ireland) 19
18. Xerom Civil (Union Bordeaux Bègles, France) 0
19. David Gonzalez (U S O Nivernaise, France) 6
20. Javier de Juan (Bathco Santander) 10
21. Gregory Maiquez (Bourg en Bresse, France) 6
22. Antoine Sanchez (CSR El Salvador) 1
23. Gauthier Minguillón (Union Bordeaux Bègles, France) 3

Head Coach: Santiago Santos

Adapted from http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4&start=100 and http://ferugby.es/noticias2.php?titulo=Leones contra Cóndores en Torrelavega

Chile Squad

Hernan Amigo (U.Catalica) 4 tests
Sergio Jorge Bascuñán (Old Macks) 3
Felipe Eduardo Bassaletti (Los Troncos) 5
Felipe Burgos (Troncos) 9
Nicholas Bursic (COBS) 3
Matías Cabrera (Cisneros, Spain) 5
Pablo Casas (PWCC) 0
Matías Contreras (Alumni RC) 4
Francisco De La Fuente (Stade Bagnères, France) 1
Sergia De La Fuente (Waipu RFC, New Zealand) 5
Francisco Jose Gonzalez (Sporting RC) 9
Inaki Gurruchaga (Old Johns) 0
Jose Ignacio Larenas (U.Catolica) 9
Leonardo Montoya (Stade Rouennais Rugby, France) 1
Cristóbal Niedmann (PWCC) 8
Matías Nordenflycht (COBS)
Roberto Oyarzun (Old Navy) 8
Simon Pardakhty (Stade Rodez Aveyron, France) 4
Sebastian Parra (U.Catolica) 0
Juan Pablo Perrotta (Univ. Catolica) 21
Raimundo Piwonka (PWCC) 0
Javier Richard (COBS) 6
Benjamín Soto (Stade Francais) 14
Francisco Urroz (Old Reds) 3
Franco Velarde (Vina RC) 0
Claudio Zamorano (Stade Francais) 8
Italo Zunino (COBS) 7
Head Coach: Paul Healey

Adapted from http://www.feruchi.cl/index.php?id=12&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=3815&tx_ttnews[backPid]=7&cHash=b9989f68d9

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)

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

NATIONS CUP: Final Day

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

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

NATIONS CUP

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

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

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

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

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

TEAMS

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

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

Entrenadores: Felipe Contepomi y Ricardo Le Fort

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

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

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

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

Romania Squad

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

Coach: Lynn Howells

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

Namibia

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

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

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP 1A

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

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

GERMANY v SPAIN: REC 1A

21.03.2015

Venue: Madrid

Last Five Encounters
20.03.2010 Spain 21-17 in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
15.11.2008 Spain 22-11 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
27.05.2006 Spain 36-10 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R3A; Playoff 2nd leg)
13.05.2006 Germany 18-6 in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R3A; Playoff 1st leg)
26.04.1998 Spain 24-9 in Hanover (WCQ Europe Pool 3)

Germany last defeated Spain in Spain way back in 1957! They won 16-3 in Barcelona. They won in Madrid in 1952 by 17-8.

Spain Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
14.03.2015 v Portugal W 19-8 in Coimbra (REC 1A)
28.02.2015 v Georgia L 13-26 in Madrid (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Romania L 8-29 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Russia W 43-20 in Madrid (REC 1A)
22.06.2014 v Argentina Jaguars L 7-41 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)

Germany Last Five P 5, L 5 
14.03.2015 v Romania L 12-17 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
28.02.2015 v Portugal L 3-8 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Russia L 22-46 in Pforzheim (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Georgia L 8-64 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
29.10.2014 v Namibia L 20-58 in Windhoek

Germany has lost their last six test matches. Their last victory was against Netherlands in May last year.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table:
Europe Table:

World Rugby Ranking Points

Prediction: Spain by 27 points: Score 44-17

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

SPAIN v PORTUGAL: REC 1A

14.03.2015

Venue: Coimbra

Referee: Matt Carley (England)

Preview
There is nothing like a local derby clash. These two Iberian neighbours have a long rugby history going back to the 1930’s. Recent form would suggest a close game.

At this stage of the competition neither side is a real contender for top honours. They sit in the middle of the table. A win for both sides is vital to keep within striking distance of the leaders.

Portugal has played two very different games in their last two matches. They defended brilliantly against Georgia and held the hosts 15-20. Then two weeks ago they struggled at home to overcome bottom team Germany. They are a difficult team to predict.

Spain has been showing signs of improved consistency this season. However each time the selectors sit down to plan their team they are forced to make changes. It appears to be a problem having so many players involved in the French club competitions.

I predict this will be a very close game.

Other Preview
http://www.rugbyeurope.eu/article-736.htm

Last Five Encounters
15.03.2014 Spain 28-24 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
16.03.2013 Drawn 9-9 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
10.03.2012 Portugal 23-17 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
12.03.2011 Spain 25-10 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
13.03.2010 Portugal 33-15 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

These two Iberian neighbours have a long test rugby history that goes back to 1935.

Spain Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
28.02.2015 v Georgia L 13-26 in Madrid (REC 1A)
14.02.2015 v Romania L 8-29 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Russia W 43-20 in Madrid (REC 1A)
22.06.2014 v Argentina Jaguars L 7-41 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
18.06.2014 v Emerging Italy L 0-37 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)

Portugal Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
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
15.03.2014 v Spain L 24-28 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Spain 21st, Portugal 22nd
Europe Table: Spain 10th, Portugal 11th

Rugby World Ranking Points
Spain 61.61, Portugal 58.37

Prediction: Spain by 1 point

TEAMS

Spain Squad
Francisco Blanco Alonso (CR Cisneros)
Sergi Aubanell (Stade Aurillacois, France)
David Barrera-Howarth (Tricastin Pierrelate-St Paul, France)
Frederico Castiglioni (Gernika RT)
Julen Goia (Biarritz Olympique, France)
David Gonzalez (US Olympique Nivernaise, France))
Joseph Hutchinson (US Bressane, France)
Franck Labbe (Lormont, France)
Anaya Lazaro (Bathco Santader)
Javier Carrion Llorens (Bathco Santader)
Gregory Maiquez (US Bressane, France)
Gauthier Minguillon (U Bordeau Begles, France)
Jesús Moreno (Montluçon Rugby, France)
Facundo Munilla (RC Toulonnaise, France)
Jaime Nava (Périgueux RC, France)
Agustin Ortiz (Naffaroa France)
Javier De Juan Roldan (Bathco Santader)
Jesus Recuerda, Capt. (Pays d'Aix, France)
Mathieu Roca (Stade Rodez Aveyron, France)
Manuel Mora Ruíz (RAC Valladolid)
Igor Genua Sistiaga (Hernani CRE)
Daniel Snee (RAC Valladolid)
Thibaut Visensang (Aviron Bayonnais, France)
Head Coach: Santiago Santos

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

Portugal

1 - Francisco Fernandes
2 - Lionel Campergue
3 - Tony Martins
4 - Diogo Toorn
5 - Miguel Vilaça
6 - Salvador Vassalo
7 - Vasco Uva
8 - Francisco Sousa
9 - Francisco Pinto Magalhães
10 - Nuno Penha e Costa
11 - Gonçalo Foro
12 - Tomás Appleton
13 - Francisco Appleton
14 - Tomás Noronha
15 - Duarte Marques

SUPLENTES
16 - Bruno Medeiros
17 - Nuno Taful
18 - Bruno Rocha
19 - Afonso Sousa
20 - João Travassos
21 - Thibault de Freitas
22 - Maxime Tonietta
23 - Rodrigo Figueiredo

Head Coach: João Pinto

http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/index.asp?opm=25&id=11592&id2=25

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

GEORGIA v SPAIN : Rugby Europe Championship, Division 1A

28.02.2014

Venue: Madrid

Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)

Preview
Traditionally Georgia has won comfortably against Spain but of late they have struggled. Spain has lifted their game with new coach Santos and are using their France-based players wisely.

Spain began this competition well with a good win over Russia but the old problem of selection issues saw the team weakened against Romania who won comfortably. Spain would have been encourage by the fight Portugal showed against Georgia two weeks ago.

In the Spanish lineup Barrera and Heredia are out injured and replaced by Mora and Lopez.

Georgia introduce two new caps into their side. They are scrum half Lobzhanidze and win Khutsishvili, both local players.

Last Five Encounters
14.06.2014 Georgia 23-13 in Tbilisi (IRB Tbilisi Cup)
08.03.2014 Georgia 24-17 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
09.03.2013 Georgia 61-18 in Tbilisi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
11.02.2012 Spain 25-18 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
12.02.2011 Georgia 60-0 in Tbilisi (ENC 1A)

Georgia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
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
08.11.2014 v Tonga L 9-23 in Tbilisi

Spain Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
14.02.2015 v Romania L 8-29 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Russia W 43-20 in Madrid (REC 1A)
22.06.2014 v Argentina Jaguars L 7-41 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
18.06.2014 v Emerging Italy L 0-37 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
14.06.2014 v Georgia L 13-23 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table- Georgia 15th, Spain 21st 
Europe Table- Georgia 7th, Spain 9th

IRB Ranking Points
Georgia 70.76, Spain 62.04

Prediction: Georgia by 10 points

Teams

Georgia

1.Mikheil Nariashvili (Montelier, 21 caps)
2. Zura Zhvania (Stade Francais, 13 caps)
3. David Zirakashvili (ASM Clermont, 44 caps)
4. Vakhtang Maisuradze (Albi, 22 caps)
5. Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes, 44 caps)
6. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili (Batumi RC, GEO, 16 caps)
7. Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy, 44 caps)
8. Beka Bitsadze (Locomotive RC, GEO, 9 caps)
9. Vasil Lobzhanidze (Armazi RC, GEO, Uncapped)
10. Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Saracens, GEO, 34 caps)
11. Alexandre Khutsishvili (Kochebi RC, GEO, Uncapped)
12. Merab Sharikadze (Aurilliac, 28 caps)
13. David Kacharava (Enisey STM, 76 caps)
14. Sandro Todua (Lelo Saracens, GEO, 45 caps)
15. Giorgi Aptsiauri (AIA RC, GEO, 1 cap)

Substitutes

16. Shalva Mamukashvili (Sale Sharks, 27 caps)
17. Levan Chilachava (Toulon, 18 caps)
18. David Kubriashvili (Stade Francais, 38 caps)
19. Kote Mikautadze (Toulon, 26 caps)
20. Dimitri Basilaia (Perpignan, 36 caps)
21. Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi RC, GEO, 28 caps)
22. Lasha Malaguradze (Bagnier, 51 caps)
23. Tamaz Mcedlidze (Agen, 21 caps)

Head Coach: Milton Haig

Adapted from http://site.rugby.ge/en/news-view/?newsid=4161&callerModID=17363&Title=Georgian_match_day_squad_announced_to_face_Germany

Spain

1. Franck Labbe
2. Beñat Auzqui
3. Jesús Moreno
4. David González
5. Jesús Recuerda (c)
6. Gautier Gibouin
7. Ignacio Villanueva
8. Jaime Nava
9. Guillaume Rouet
10. Daniel Snee
11. Sergi Aubanell
12. Thibaut Visensang
13. Marcos Poggi
14. Julen Goia
15. Bradley Linklater

Suplentes
16. Agustín Ortiz
17. Juan Anaya
18. Fernando López
19. Manuel Mora
20. Javier de Juan
21. Ángel López
22. Pablo Fontes
23. Pablo Feijóo

Head Coach: Santiago Santos

Adapted from http://www.ferugby.es/noticias2.php?titulo=Alineaciones España-Georgia

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.

SPAIN v ROMANIA: Rugby Europe Championship, Division 1A

14.02.2015

Venue: Bucharest

Referee: David Wilkinson ( Ireland)

Preview
Following last weekend’s matches this encounter could be a cracker. Sadly it’s debatable as to whether Spain has their strongest team in Bucharest with some players being recalled (or sent) to their professional clubs in France. I was hoping for a real ding-dong clash between to up and coming Spaniards and the number two team in this competition. I’m not so confident now.

Last Five Encounters
22.02.2014 Romania 32-6 in Cluj (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
23.02.2013 Romania 25-15 in Gijon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
17.03.2012 Spain 13-12 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
19.03.2011 Romania 64-8 in Bucharest (ENC 1A)
27.03.2010 Romania 48-3 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Spain has never defeated Romania in Bucharest.

Spain Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
07.02.2015 v Russia W 43-20 in Madrid (REC 1A)
22.06.2014 v Argentina Jaguars L 7-41 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
18.06.2014 v Emerging Italy L 0-37 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
14.06.2014 v Georgia L 13-23 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
15.03.2014 v Portugal W 28-24 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

Romania Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
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
22.06.2014 v Emerging Ireland L 10-31 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table- Romania 17th, Spain 21st
Europe Table-Romania 8th. Spain 9th

IRB Ranking Points
Romania 68.00, Spain 62.22 

Prediction: Spain with a slim chance but Romania eventually by 8 points.

Teams

Spain

1. Fernando López
2. Marco Pinto
3. Jesús Moreno
4. Iñaki Villanueva
5. Jesús Recuerda (c)
6. David Barrera
7. Gautier Gibouin
8. Jaime Nava
9. Guillaume Rouet
10. Daniel Snee
11. Sebastien Ascarat
12. Martín Heredia
13. Marcos Poggi
14. Julen Goia
15. Ángel López
Subs:
16. Agustín Ortiz 17. Juan Anaya 18. Francisco Javier Sanz 19. David González 20. Javier de Juan 21. Gregory Maiquez 22. Pablo Fontes 23. Pablo Feijóo

’4 changes from the winning team against Russia. The entire front row changes. Labbe and Auzqui returned to Bordeaux. Javier Sanz goes to the bench. Fernando Lopez take the loosehead spot, newcomers Marco Pinto (Beziers) and Jesus Moreno (Montluçon) will start.Angel Lopez replace Pedro Martin at fullback.’ ‘Olivier’ at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4&start=50

Romania

1.Mihaita Lazar (Castres Olympique/FRA),
2. Otar Turashvili (Farul Constanta),
3. Andrei Ursache (Carcassonne/FRA),
4. Valentin Poparlan (Timisoara),
5. Marius Antonescu (Tarbes/FRA),
6. Viorel Lucaci (Steaua Bucharest),
7. Valentin Ursache (Oyonnax/FRA),
8. Mihai Macovei (captain - Massy/FRA),
9. Valentin Calafeteanu (Timisoara),
10. Danut Dumbrava (Steaua Bucharest),
11. Ionut Botezatu (Baia Mare),
12. Csaba Gal (Cluj),
13. Robert Dascalu (Steaua Bucharest),
14. Adrian Apostol (Farul Constanta),
15. Catalin Fercu (Saracens/ENG),
16. Andrei Radoi (Ealing Trailfinders/ENG),
17. Constantin Pristavita (Baia Mare),
18. Horatiu Pungea (Lyon/FRA),
19. Marius Sirbe (Blagnac),
20. Stelian Burcea (Timisoara),
21. Grigoras Diaconescu (Steaua Bucharest),
22.Florin Ionita (Steaua Bucharest),
23. Dorin Manole (Orthez/FRA)

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9&start=350

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

SPANISH SQUAD v RUSSIA: RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 1A

Spanish squad to face Russia as at 21.01.2015

Props
Franck Labbe (CA Lormont, France)
Fernando Lopez (RC Massy, France)
Agustin Ortiz (US Nafarroa, France)
Francisco Javier Sanz (Bathco Independiente)

Hookers
Juan Anaya (Bathco Independiente)
Beñat Auzqui (Union Bordeaux-Bègles, France)

Locks
David Gonzalez (USO Nevers, France)
Jesus Recuerda (Pays d'Aix RC, France)
Iñaki Villanueva (CR Cisneros)

Backrow
David Barrera-Howart (RC Tricastin, France)
Gauthier Gibouin (US Montauban, France)
Mathieu Roca (Stade Rodez, France)
Thibaut Visensang (Aviron Bayonnais, France)

Scrumhalves
Pablo Feijoo (CR Cisneros)
Guillaume Rouet (Aviron Bayonnais, France)

Flyhalf
Dan Snee (Valladolid RAC)

Centres
Angel Lopez (CR Cisneros)
Jaime Nava (CA Périgueux, France)

Wingers
Sébastien Ascarat (FC Auch, France)
Julen Goia (Biarritz Olympique, France)
Marcos Poggi (CA Lormont, France)

Fullback
Bradley Linklater (Gexto RT)

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

Changes
02/02/2015
‘Some changes in the squad. Thibault Visensang is finally out and won't make his debut. Mathieu Roca is also out. So now the back row is not the best possible at all...Javier de Juan and Santiago Tobal are in.
Martin Heredia finally in.’ Olivier at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4&start=25

04/02/2015
http://ferugby.es/noticias2.php?titulo= ... a%F1a%20XV
‘Selection for Russia start to become a bad usual joke for T2 Nations...
Monday Pablo Fontes and Pedro Martin replaced Santiago Tobal (who was called on Friday) and Bradley Linklater. Yesterday, Sebastien Ascarat (Montauban) and Pablo Fontes (Pau)

04/02/2015
‘Sebastien Ascarat and Pablo Fontes arrived late and on tuesday (yesterday) the group trained together. This two players still train together with the group, the changes were Pablo Fontes and Pedro Martin replacing Santiago Tobal and Brad Linklater’.
‘Marino’ http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4&start=25

WCQ EUROPE R5; ENC 1A 15 MARCH

15.03.2014
Georgia 22, Romania 9 in Tiblisi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A; Antim Cup)
Spain 28, Portugal 24 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
Russia 34, Belgium 20 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

Review

2012-2014 CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION & WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
GEORGIA	10	9	1	0	286	106	180	3	0	41
ROMANIA	10	8	1	1	242	106	136	4	0	38
RUSSIA	10	6	0	4	219	249	-30	2	2	28
SPAIN	10	2	2	6	159	243	-84	1	2	15
PORTUGAL	10	2	1	7	145	222	-77	0	2	12
BELGIUM	10	0	1	9	134	259	-125	2	2	6

2014 CHAMPIONSHIP
	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
GEORGIA	5	5	0	0	151	45	106	2	0	22
ROMANIA	5	4	0	1	128	41	87	3	0	19
RUSSIA	5	3	0	2	109	133	-24	2	0	14
SPAIN	5	2	0	3	87	114	-27	1	1	10
PORTUGAL	5	1	0	4	70	126	-56	0	1	5
BELGIUM	5	0	0	5	42	128	-86	0	1	1

Romania were outplayed in Tbilisi by Georgia. Georgia wins the 2014 European Nations Cup, wins the overall WCQ Europe R5 and thus joins the same pool as New Zealand at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals.

Spain came from 21-6 behind to win against Portugal in Lisbon whilst Russia won comfortably against Belgium. Belgium is relegated to ENC 1B for 2014-2016.

WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A. Other Games 15 March

15.03.2014
Spain v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
Russia v Belgium in Brussels (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

Preview
Spain and Portugal will play their annual local derby fixture. These are usually closely hard-fought encounters with the result rarely having a bearing on any tournament outcome.

Prediction: Portugal by 3 points

Belgium has already been relegated to ENC 1B for the 2014-16 ENC competition. I’m sure a win over the visiting Russian side may prove a point but realistically the Belgians just have not performed well enough to stay in this competition.

Prediction: Russia by 3 points