SERBIA v SLOVENIA: REC 2C

07.11.2015

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
LUXEMBOURG	5	5	0	0	115	35	80	2	22
SLOVENIA	4	3	0	1	92	53	49	2	14
AUSTRIA	6	2	0	4	98	143	-45	3	11
SERBIA	4	3	0	2	50	109	-59	0	8
DENMARK	5	0	0	5	89	114	-25	5	5

Venue: SC Makis, Belgrade

Referee: Mario Jelavic (Croatia)

Preview
Serbia has made a huge improvement so far this season compared to their dreadful results of last. At home they will be a handful.

Slovenia has made steady progress over the last few seasons but may not have enough points to overhaul Luxembourg.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Serbia 29th, Slovenia 30th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Slovenia 38.80, Serbia 36.82

Prediction: Serbia by 3 points. Score 12-9

TEAMS

Slovenia Squad

Žiga Burnik (RK Ljubljana)
Domen Dobnikar (RK Ljubljana)
Blaž Habjanič (RK Ljubljana)
Tit Hočevar (RGH Heidelberg, Germany)
Peter Kavčič (RK Ljubljana)
Matic Martinjak (RK Maribor)
Luka Medved (RK Maribor)
Grega Miljuš (RK Ljubljana)
Gal Okič (RK Ljubljana)
Blaž Pilko (RK Ljubljana)
Lewis Popadec(Winscombe RFC, England)
Sebastjan Rman (RAK Olimpija)
Enej Radelj Šemrov (RK Ljubljana)
Jaka Sajevic (RK Ljubljana)
Jernej Šercer (RK Ljubljana),
Jack Skofič (Tarleton RFC, England)
Max Skofič (Waterloo RFC, England) ,
Andrej Šubic (RK Ljubljana)
Mirt Suljič (RK Ljubljana)
Anže Troppan (RK Ljubljana)
Guillaume Trôu-poh Delmas (USO Massif, France)
Marko Udovč (RK Ljubljana)
Žiga Vrhunec (Glasgow Hutchesons Aloysians RFC, Scotland)
Rok Zaletel (RK Ljubljana)

Thanks to mili678 at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=724

Serbia Squad

1. Vladimir Đukić, 1988, (RK Rad Belgrade) 23 test caps
2. Istok Totić, 1995, (Ardrossan Academicals – Scotland) 4
3. Uroš Martinović, 1995, (RK Rad Belgrade) 0
4. Danilo Bulatović, 1982 (Dubai Sharks, UAE) 24
5. Vlado Radeka, 1995, (RK Rad Belgrade) 5
6. Aleksandar Mađanovic, 1993, (Belgrade RK Crvena Zvezda) 6
7. Milan Marinkovic, 1993, (Ardrossan Academicals, Scotland) 4
8. Boris Martic (c), 1987, (Belgrade RK Crvena Zvezda) 27
9. Julien Matijasevic, 1994, (Stade Langonnais, France) 0
10. Andrija Jankovic, 1985, (Belgrade RK Crvena Zvezda) 10
11. Aleksandar Nedeljkovic, 1994, (Belgrade RK Crvena Zvezda) 5
12. Miladin Živanov, 1988, (RK Rad Belgrade) 23
13. Aleksandar Đorđević, 1989, (Belgrade RK Crvena Zvezda) 21
14. Igor Dejanović, 1988, (RK Partizan) 15
15. Vitor LJubičić, 1991, (?) 8
16. Aleksandar LJubičić, 1995, )RK Partizan) 0
17. Predrag Vraneš, 1986,(RK Rad Belgrade) 13
18. Vlastimir Sretenović, 1991, (Belgrade RK Crvena Zvezda) 13
19. Aleksandar Krstić, 1984, (RK Partizan) 17
20. Đorđe Preradojević, 1995, (RK Partizan) 2
21. Predrag Keglić, 1996, (Belgrade RK Crvena Zvezda) 1
22. Luka Kecman, 1992, (RK Partizan) 2
23. Miloš LJubičić, 1996, (RK Partizan) 1
Coach: Michel Milovic

‘Serbia missed for this game Marko Gvozdenović (Massy RC, France) who broke hand two weeks ago. Julien Matijasevic from Federal 1 side Stade Langonnais is the first time is Serbian team.

This game is debut for new national coach Michel Milovic. As player he played for Narbonne, Lyon, Stade Francais, Oyonnax, Strasbourg, Nimes and France U21. Coached different clubs in Southern France and Montenegro national team.’

Thanks to ‘Luka37’ at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=724

CYPRUS v LATVIA: REC 2B

07.11.2015

Venue: Paphiako Stadium, Paphos

Referee: Nicolas Vandecauter (Belgium)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
LITHUANIA	6	6	0	0	230	107	123	6	30
LATVIA	5	3	0	4	110	105	5	2	14
CYPRUS	4	2	0	2	87	90	-3	1	9
ANDORRA	5	2	0	3	79	136	-57	0	8
HUNGARY	6	0	0	6	101	170	-69	4	4

Preview

Neither side will be able to challenge Lithuania for the title of this division. Cyprus will need the win to avoid the relegation end of the competition.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Latvia 26th, Cyprus 27th

World Rugby Rankings do not apply. Cyprus is not a full member.

Prediction: Cyprus by 6 points. Score 29-23

TEAMS

Latvia

Two changes - Raimond Krūmiņa and Davis Bajārs are replaced by Valters Rankis and Andris Andersons.

1 Guntis Cirša
2 Gundars Grieķis
3 Sandris Jauntēvs
4 Santis Podāns
5 Māris Streikišs
6 Mārtiņš Bērziņš
7 Viktors Silvoniks, (Capt.)
8 Leno Bramanis
9 Norberts Bekmanis
10 Ruslans Kotļevs
11 Vigo Valdavs
12 Krists Krūskops
13 Dāvis Jansons
14 Mārtiņš Bokišs
15 Roberts Davidsons

16 Emīls Balodis
17 Ingus Aivars
18 Elmārs Imbrass
19 Toms Asejevs
20 Kārlis Garokalns
21 Valters Raņķis
22 Andris Andersons
23 Nauris Bērziņš

http://rugbylatvia.com/?p=11281

Cyprus Squad

15. Marcus Holden
14. Steve Awah
13. Alex Zavallis-Roebuck
12. George Agathocleous
11. Phillip Tsangari
10. Michael Asprou
9. Burhan Torgut
1. Stylianos Theoklitou-Panagiotou
2. Marios Zakakiotis
3. Christos Kasabi
4. Frank Stavrou
5. Alexandros Philiotis
6. Jack Bilton
7. Marko Mladenovic (c)
8. Demetris Christopher
16. Demetris Gregoriou
17. Alexandros Ioannou
18. Solomone Tuipulotu
19. Dan McFarlane
20. Constantinos Constantinides
21. George Shaouna
22. Panagiotis Nikolaidis
23. Costas Pavlou

https://www.facebook.com/CyprusRugby/

ISRAEL v CROATIA; REC 2A

07.11.2015

Venue: Wingate Institute, Netanya

Referee: Laurent Cardona (France)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
SWITZ.	5	4	0	1	126	99	27	2	18
CZECH REP	5	3	1	1	106	82	26	3	17
MALTA	4	2	0	2	80	89	-9	1	9
CROATIA	4	1	0	3	86	103	-17	4	8
ISRAEL	4	0	1	3	77	103	-26	1	3

Preview
This bottom of the table clash sees Israel in danger of relegation

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Israel 14th, Croatia 24th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Croatia 44.83, Israel 44.20

Prediction: Israel by 8 points. Score 26-18

TEAMS

Croatia squad

Ilija Biškić (Mladost Zagreb)
Denis Brečić (Mladost Zagreb)
Tomislav Burazin (Nada Split)
Krešimir Čorić (Nada Split)
Željko Galić (Zagreb)
Marko Grčić (Hull RUFC, England)
Dušan Hakaraia (Waitemata RFC, New Zealand
Dario Jurčević (Hull RUFC, England)
Luka Jureško (Zagreb)
Nik Jurišić (Capt.) (Mladost Zagreb)
Luka Lerotić (Nada Split)
Frane Marčić (Hull RUFC, England)
Ivan Miljak (Canterbury RFC, England)
Jason Newton (South African club)
Luka Perlain (Old Dunstonians RFC, England)
Ivo Perić (Nada Split)
Juraj Popović (Nada Split)
Luka Rosso (Nada Split)
Dylan Rowe (Burgos, Spain)
Antonio Stojanovski (Lokomotiva Zagreb)
Ivan Šuta (Mladost Zagreb)
Vinko Udovičić (Mladost Zagreb)
Shane Vinac (New Zealand club)

’Croatia will miss their captain Tonči Buzov who was seriously injured while playing in Scotland but is now getting better, fly-half Jai Ayoub (Australia) and flanker Mario Ozich (East Grinstead, ENG).’

Thanks to ‘Tarara’ at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=722

Israel

15. Eitan Humphreys-21.02.1990
14. Yuval Zidani-01.08.1995
13. Amit Kakoun-27.12.1988
12. Jonathan Radashkovich-24.06.1988
11. Ori Abutbul-02.05.1994
10. Vitali Pryimak-29.05.1986
9. Shai Hacohen-22.02.1992
8. Michael Eli-21.04.1989
7. Gilad Goldenstein-25.08.1985
6. Jonathan Shaki-10.05.1983, Capt.
5. Thomas Burden-09.08.1995
4. Ushangi Manjavidze-13.04.1986
3. Matan Brosh-12.04.1981
2. Omri Iotan-10.08.1984
1. Nathan Amos-11.08.1978

Replacements
16. Sela Arnsberg-07.04.1994
17. Adam Rosenberg-02.12.1984
18. Itshak Hanania-12.08.1982
19. Gur Yam-01.03.1994
20. Alon Okon-13.11.1985
21. Fabian Maguid-08.02.1986
22. Levan Gikashvili-02.05.1995
23. Guy Brengler-03.01.1994

Head Coach: Raanan Penn

Send by iphone thanks to Julian Shapiri, Manager Israeli team.

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

07.11.2015
Sweden v Moldova in Malmo (REC 1B)
Israel v Croatia in Netanya (REC 2A)
Cyprus v Latvia in Paphos (REC 2B)
Serbia v Slovenia in Beograd (REC 2C)

08.11.2015
Colombia v Ecuador in Lima (CONSUR B)
Venezuela v Peru in Lima (CONSUR B)

Briefly
As the dust settles on the 2015 Rugby World Cup final last weekend the test rugby elsewhere continues. This month you wont be seeing the Southern Hemisphere teams touring north as they need a good rest after the tournament.

The Rugby Europe Championship continues with four tests on Saturday. On Sunday sees the start of CONSUR B, or South American Championship, Division B. That tournament, being held in Lima, Peru, is the second tier of South American rugby behind Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil and Paraguay.

Later in November Germany will visit Brazil for a test match. December will be busy with CONSUR C being held in San Salvador whilst in early December Germany will play their second test in Brazil.

This weekend
Sweden faces front runner Moldova in an attempt to improve on its earlier results this season against Belgium and Poland. It wont be enough to avoid relegation.

Israel and Croatia will battle to avoid the relegation area. Israel drew with Czech Republic away in their last match and are beginning to adjust to this new level of European test rugby. Croatia won the first leg match against Israel but could struggle playing away. Croatia warmed up with a 5-39 loss to Oxford University last weekend.

Cyprus and Latvia clash in Cyprus in a Division 2B test match. Cyprus, holder of the world record of 24 consecutive test match wins up to 2014, were promoted from Division 2C the same season. Their results at this level have been mixed. Latvia has also had a mixed season, have played one more test than Cyprus. Neither team fared well against competition Lithuania who are unassailable at the top of this division.

Balkan rugby rivals Slovenia and Serbia clash in Beograd. Serbia had a disastrous start to the 2014-15 season but a change of management after Christmas has seen them win against Denmark and Austria.Slovenia is tucked just behind the undefeated Luxembourg ( to whom they lost to in the first leg) but has a game in hand. I expect this to be a close result.

NEW ZEALAND 34, AUSTRALIA 17: Rugby World Cup Final

IS THIS THE GREATEST RUGBY TEAM

EVER ?

New Zealand has rewritten Rugby World Cup record books by defeating Australia in the final at Twickenham. They have now won three Rugby World Cup titles and the last two in a row. They withstood a determined second half comeback by Australia and then did what they do best; applied pressure in the last 15-20 minutes to score two tries and take the Cup.

It was a superb performance both on attack and importantly on defence. They held out all but two Australian attacks and did not allow the Australian renown loose forward trio to dominate.

This has to be the greatest All Black team ever and also the greatest rugby team ever to grace the paddocks of world rugby. This team will never play together again as several legends will be either retiring or playing out their careers overseas. McCaw is yet to make up his mind and is on a world record 148 test caps. Conrad Smith, Nonu and Carter are off to European clubs whilst 37 year old Mealamu hangs up his boots.

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 2B

31.10.2015
Lithuania 49, Andorra 17 in Vilnius (REC 2B)
Latvia 39, Hungary 10 in Riga (REC 2B)

Review
Easy wins for the Baltic nations at home. Lithuania cannot be overtaken with the remaining games to play.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
LITHUANIA	6	6	0	0	230	107	123	6	30
LATVIA	5	3	0	4	110	105	5	2	14
CYPRUS	4	2	0	2	87	90	-3	1	9
ANDORRA	5	2	0	3	79	136	-57	0	8
HUNGARY	6	0	0	6	101	170	-69	4	4

To Play
07.11.2015 Cyprus v Latvia in Paphos
28.11.2015 Andorra v Cyprus in Andorra La Vela
26.03.2016 Andorra v Latvia in Andorra La Vela
09.04.2016 Cyprus v Hungary in Paphos
16.04.2016 Latvia v Lithuania in Riga
23.04.2016 Lithuania v Cyprus in Vilnius
14.05.2016 Hungary v Andorra in Hungary

AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND: World Cup Final

31.10.2015

Venue: Twickenham

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Preview
This is the game we have been waiting for for nearly four years. Here it is. The 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

We have the two best teams at this tournament in the final. One of these teams will make history. Whoever wins will become the first team to win three Rugby World Cup titles. If New Zealand wins they will be the first team to win successive titles. There is so much at stake the wait has been unbearable!

New Zealand has been the class act. Slowish to get going they sprang to life with the thumping of France in the quarter final. The semi-final against South Africa was won by two points although New Zealand looked a deserving winner. They came into the tournament as the hot favourites to retain the title and have consistently been at the top of the World Rugby Rankings for the last five years. It will take a super special team to beat them.

Could Australia be that team? Yes, most certainly. The self belief that has built up in this team since Cheika took over as head coach has transformed them from a motley crew into a well motivated, skilful team. They also started quietly with wins over Fiji and Uruguay. But then they disposed of hosts England and pushed them out of the tournament. Next they defeated Wales in a bruising encounter and the belief grew. They were lucky to win against Scotland even though they were the better side. That was an off day. And finally they were most convincing in their semi final win against Argentina.

This is very close to call. I believe the All Blacks will just have the edge. Theirs will be a nervy performance first half but I expect them to settle in the second, apply the pressure and win the last twenty minutes. But it will be close!

Prediction: New Zealand by 4 points. Score 23-19

TEAMS

Australia
15 Israel Folau, 14 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 13 Tevita Kuridrani, 12 Matthew Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 William Genia, 8 David Pocock, 7 Michael Hooper, 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Robert Simmons, 4 Kane Douglas,
3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Stephen Moore (Capt.), 1 Scott Sio.
Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 James Slipper, 18 Gregory Holmes, 19 Dean Mumm, 20 Benjamin McCalman, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Matthew Toomua, 23 Kurtley Beale.
Head Coach: Michael Chieka

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick,
3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joseph Moody.
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Charles Faumuina, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Sonny Bill Williams.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 2B

31.10.2015
Lithuania v Andorra in Vilnius

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
LITHUANIA	5	5	0	0	181	90	101	5	25
CYPRUS	4	2	0	2	87	90	-3	1	9
LATVIA	4	2	0	4	71	95	-24	1	9
ANDORRA	4	2	0	2	62	87	-25	0	8
HUNGARY	5	0	0	5	91	131	-40	4	4

  

Preview

Notwithstanding a major disaster in the Lithuanian rugby camp it is difficult not to expect that they will be promoted for the 2015-16 Rugby Championship. Playing at home to Andorra should see the locals chalk up another victory and retain their unblemished record.

Andorra has won its last two games in this competition. The win away against Latvia was most impressive.

Andorran National Rugby Team. Image thanks to http://vpcandorra.com

Previous Encounters
18.10.2014 Lithuania 34-15 in Andorra La Vela (REC 2B)
10.10.2009 Lithuania 40-12 in Siuilia (ENC 3A)
08.11.2008 Lithuania 26-10 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)
19.10.1996 Andorra 54-24 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe Pool 3, Rnd A)

Andorra Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
12.05.2015 v Latvia W 14-5 in Riga (REC 2B)
04.04.2015 v Hungary W 23-18 in Andorra La Vela (REC 2B)
01.11.2014 v Cyprus L 10-30 in Paphos (REC 2B)
18.10.2014 v Lithuania L 15-34 in Andorra La Vela (REC 2B)
12.04.2014 v Israel L 16-20 in Netanya (ENC 2B)

Lithuania Last Five P 5, W 5
24.10.2015 v Hungary W 37-15 in Esztergom (REC 2B)
02.05.2015 v Cyprus W 26-20 in Paphoa (REC 2B)
25.04.2015 v Latvia W 46-11 in Riga (REC 2B)
25.10.2014 v Hungary W 38-29 in Siauliai (REC 2B)
18.10.2014 v Andorra W 34-15 in Andorra La vela (REC 2B)

Lithuania has won its last 6 rugby test matches.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Lithuania 23rd, Andorra 25th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Lithuania 48.64, Andorra 43.10

Prediction: Lithuania by 20 points. Score 35-15

TEAMS

Andorra Squad

Peter Ambor
Marc Arasanz
Bruno Comas (Primera selecció)
Matt Dawson
Esteve Dolsa
Eduard Estevenet
Joan Fité
Roger Fité
Jonathan Garcia
Julien Ginesta
Edisher Jamrulidze
Liam Jordan
Kim Jordan (Primera selecció)
Tiago Macedo
Joan Martí (Primera selecció)
Gerard Menardia
Daniel Raya
Giorgii Rekhviashvili
Eric Risco
Gerard Soteras
Marc Torrent
Stefano Tosatti
Marc Vilella (Primera selecció)

http://vpcandorra.com/2015/10/27/llistat-de-seleccionats-pel-partit-dels-isards-contra-lituania-el-31102015/

Lithuania Squad not available

Latvia v Hungary in Riga

Hungary have a difficult away game against middle of the table Latvia. Hungary may face relegation back to REC 2C at the end of the season unless they can pick up a few more wins. Latvia defeated Hungary 16-14 in Hungary in round 1.

Latvia to win by 15 points. Score 31-16.

Team lists not available