15.11.2008
Israel v Bulgaria in Pernik (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Preview
Israels last test match was against Cyprus back in early September. That match was carried over from earlier in the year, being the ENC 3C-3D playoff. The Israeli 23-14 win lifted them into ENC 3C.
This match is Bulgaria's first for the new season. Last season they were relegated from ENC 3B. The Bulgarians are a tough team to play on their home soil, managing wins at home over Austria and Norway since 2006.
Previous Encounters
08.06.2003 Bulgaria 25-23 in Ibisa, Spain (ENC 3C, Final)
21.05.2000 Israel 37-16 in Herzliya (FIRA D2)
24.04.1999 Isreal 11-10 in Sofia (FIRA D)
There was a time a few years ago when these two teams met in some stirring encounters, famous of which was the ENC 3C final back in 2003 when 3C was the emerging nations division and was held on the Spanish Island of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. A close encounter saw a Bulgarian win and a promotion. The two teams are now back together again in the same division. I suspect the Bulgarians will be too strong at home.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 32nd, Israel 37th.
Prediction: Bulgaria by 30 points
Teams
Not available
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Israel and by Bulgaria go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment