28.02.2009
England v Ireland
Preview
Dear old England travel to Croke Park to encounter an Irish with as much to win and as much to lose from this game.
Both teams are a tick off the pace behind Wales. Another loss would almost certainly place either of these teams out of the 6 Nations race for 2009.
Last Five Encounters
15.03.2008 England 33-10 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
14.02.2007 Ireland 43-13 in Dublin (6 Nations)
18.03.2006 Ireland 28-24 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
27.02.2005 Ireland 19-13 in Dublin (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-England 5th, Ireland 8th
Europe Table-England 2nd, Ireland 4th
Prediction: Ireland to give out some more Croke Park medicine to England, Ireland by 9 points.
Team data not available
Saturday, February 28, 2009
International Rugby: Italy v Scotland
28.02.2009
Italy v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Preview
Italy has become Scotland's worst nightmare. Italy has defeated Scotland in the last two 6 Nations matches. Firstly, it was humiliating 17-37 loss at Murrayfield in 2007, whilst last year Italy won 23-20 in Rome. Another loss on Saturday would just about end Frank Haddens tenious hold onto the coaching job and the end of some of the players' test careers. Scotland simply must win.
Last Five Encounters
25.03.2008 Italy 23-20 in Rome (6 Nations)
29.09.2007 Scotland 18-16 in St Etienne (World Cup, Pool C)
24.02.2007 Italy 37-17 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
18.03.2006 Scotland 13-10 in Rome (6 Nations)
26.02.2005 Scotland 18-10 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Scotland 7th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-Italy 5th, Scotland 6th
Prediction: Italy to continue their dominace over Scotland. Italy by 3 points.
Italy v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Preview
Italy has become Scotland's worst nightmare. Italy has defeated Scotland in the last two 6 Nations matches. Firstly, it was humiliating 17-37 loss at Murrayfield in 2007, whilst last year Italy won 23-20 in Rome. Another loss on Saturday would just about end Frank Haddens tenious hold onto the coaching job and the end of some of the players' test careers. Scotland simply must win.
Last Five Encounters
25.03.2008 Italy 23-20 in Rome (6 Nations)
29.09.2007 Scotland 18-16 in St Etienne (World Cup, Pool C)
24.02.2007 Italy 37-17 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
18.03.2006 Scotland 13-10 in Rome (6 Nations)
26.02.2005 Scotland 18-10 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Scotland 7th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-Italy 5th, Scotland 6th
Prediction: Italy to continue their dominace over Scotland. Italy by 3 points.
Test match: Russia v Romania
28.02.2009
Russia v Romania in Bucharest
Preview
The European Nations Cup 1st division is certainly warming up. Both these teams have played 2 matches for 2 wins, both top the table and both has a point difference of +31. This match is looking like being one of the key matches in this first round. Georgia is also undefeated but has a draw thrown in with its win. This match should be a cracker. Lets hope the weather is fine and a good crowd turns up.
Last Five Encounters
15.06.2008 Romania 13-12 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
15.03.2008 Russia 12-8 in Krasnodar (ENC 1)
04.11.2007 Russia 22-12 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
10.06.2006 Russia 25-24 in Krasnoyarsk (ENC 1)
26.02.2005 Romania 33-10 in Timisoara (ENC 1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Romania 17th, Russia 20th
Europe Table-Romania 9th, Russia 10th
Prediction: Russia by 7 v Romania
Team data not available
Russia v Romania in Bucharest
Preview
The European Nations Cup 1st division is certainly warming up. Both these teams have played 2 matches for 2 wins, both top the table and both has a point difference of +31. This match is looking like being one of the key matches in this first round. Georgia is also undefeated but has a draw thrown in with its win. This match should be a cracker. Lets hope the weather is fine and a good crowd turns up.
Last Five Encounters
15.06.2008 Romania 13-12 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
15.03.2008 Russia 12-8 in Krasnodar (ENC 1)
04.11.2007 Russia 22-12 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
10.06.2006 Russia 25-24 in Krasnoyarsk (ENC 1)
26.02.2005 Romania 33-10 in Timisoara (ENC 1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Romania 17th, Russia 20th
Europe Table-Romania 9th, Russia 10th
Prediction: Russia by 7 v Romania
Team data not available
Rugby Test Match: Georgia v Spain
28.02.2009
Georgia v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Preview
Georgia is still a contender for the European Nations Cup. They clawed their back to a draw against Portugal two weeks ago and really haven't shown their true form.
Spain will need to win this game if they are going get close to the leaders of this competition.
Can Spain win this game? Remember Spain gave Georgia a big fright in Tblissi last year and also won in Madrid the last time these two teams met there. What do you think?
Regret team data not available for this match.
Last Five Encounters
24.04.2008 Georgia 22-20 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
17.03.2007 Spain 31-17 in Madrid
28.10.2006 Georgia 37-23 in Madrid (WCQ Euro. R5, Pool B)
22.02.2004 Drawn 6-6 in Tarragona (ENC 1)
22.02.2003 Georgia 34-2 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Georgia 15th, Spain 21st
Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Spain 11th.
Prediction: Spain has the opportunity to turn over a Georgian team who are performing below par. Spain by 7 points.
Georgia v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Preview
Georgia is still a contender for the European Nations Cup. They clawed their back to a draw against Portugal two weeks ago and really haven't shown their true form.
Spain will need to win this game if they are going get close to the leaders of this competition.
Can Spain win this game? Remember Spain gave Georgia a big fright in Tblissi last year and also won in Madrid the last time these two teams met there. What do you think?
Regret team data not available for this match.
Last Five Encounters
24.04.2008 Georgia 22-20 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
17.03.2007 Spain 31-17 in Madrid
28.10.2006 Georgia 37-23 in Madrid (WCQ Euro. R5, Pool B)
22.02.2004 Drawn 6-6 in Tarragona (ENC 1)
22.02.2003 Georgia 34-2 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Georgia 15th, Spain 21st
Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Spain 11th.
Prediction: Spain has the opportunity to turn over a Georgian team who are performing below par. Spain by 7 points.
Test Rugby: France 21, Wales 16
Review
Just when we thought France would stumble again they didn't. They were out of the game down 3-13 and then produced a remarkable comeback that had the Parisian fans deleriously wild. It was a win that could well herald a new beginning for French rugby. As for Wales, they came back solidly late in the second half but indiscipline was their downfall. This competition is now wide open.
Just when we thought France would stumble again they didn't. They were out of the game down 3-13 and then produced a remarkable comeback that had the Parisian fans deleriously wild. It was a win that could well herald a new beginning for French rugby. As for Wales, they came back solidly late in the second half but indiscipline was their downfall. This competition is now wide open.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Test Rugby: Wales v France in Paris
27.02.2009
Wales v France in Paris (6 Nations)
Preview
Young 20 year-old centre Mathieu Bastareaud makes his debut for France. Benoit Baby will play his first game at fly half for France. Normally a centre, Baby will need to play above his best so far if he is to make an impact against the pace-setting Welsh. The Parisian crowd has not been gentle on their nation side of late as it lurches and bounces its way along in some inconsistent displays of test rugby.
Last run on to the park saw the French overcome a determined Scottish side 22-13 and with some boos from their supporters. Its was not a convincing display. The French have added an inexperienced centre and a player not known for his skills as a fly half into their team.
Wales has the advantage of a win last time these teams met and it was a very convincing 29-12. France has won the last two games between these two teams in Paris.
Last Five Encounters
15.03.2008 Wales 29-12 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
26.08.2007 France 34-7 in Paris (World Cup Warm-up)
24.02.2007 France 32-21 in Paris (6 Nations)
18.03.2006 France 21-16 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
26.02.2005 Wales 24-18 in Paris (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Wales 3rd, France 6th
Europe Table-Wales 1st, France 3rd.
Prediction: It will be a right old tussle between these European greats. I expect the unexpected from France but not enough to push the Welsh over. Wales by 12 points
Teams
France
15 Maxime Medard (Toulouse)
14 Julien Malzieu (Clermont-Auvergne)
13 Mathieu Bastareaud (Stade Francais)
12 Yannick Jauzion
11 Cedric Heymans (Toulouse)
10 Benoit Baby (Clermont-Auvergne)
9 Morgan Parra (Bourgoin)
8 Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz)
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier)
6 Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse)
5 Sebastien Chabal (Sale)
4 Lionel Nallet, Capt. (Castres)
3 Sylvain Marconnet
2 Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais)
1 Fabien Barcella (Biarritz).
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser (Leicester, England)
17 Thomas Domingo (Clermont-Auvergne)
18 Romain Millo-Chluski (Toulouse)
19 Louis Picamoles (Montpellier)
20 Sebastien Tillous-Borde (Castres)
21 Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
22 Clement Poitrenaud (Toulouse)
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont
Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Leigh Halfpenny
13 Tom Shanklin
12 Jamie Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Michael Phillips
8 Andy Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones (captain)
5 Alun-Wyn Jones
4 Ian Gough
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Dwayne Peel
21 James Hook
22 Gavin Henson
Head Coach: Warren Gatland
Wales v France in Paris (6 Nations)
Preview
Young 20 year-old centre Mathieu Bastareaud makes his debut for France. Benoit Baby will play his first game at fly half for France. Normally a centre, Baby will need to play above his best so far if he is to make an impact against the pace-setting Welsh. The Parisian crowd has not been gentle on their nation side of late as it lurches and bounces its way along in some inconsistent displays of test rugby.
Last run on to the park saw the French overcome a determined Scottish side 22-13 and with some boos from their supporters. Its was not a convincing display. The French have added an inexperienced centre and a player not known for his skills as a fly half into their team.
Wales has the advantage of a win last time these teams met and it was a very convincing 29-12. France has won the last two games between these two teams in Paris.
Last Five Encounters
15.03.2008 Wales 29-12 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
26.08.2007 France 34-7 in Paris (World Cup Warm-up)
24.02.2007 France 32-21 in Paris (6 Nations)
18.03.2006 France 21-16 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
26.02.2005 Wales 24-18 in Paris (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Wales 3rd, France 6th
Europe Table-Wales 1st, France 3rd.
Prediction: It will be a right old tussle between these European greats. I expect the unexpected from France but not enough to push the Welsh over. Wales by 12 points
Teams
France
15 Maxime Medard (Toulouse)
14 Julien Malzieu (Clermont-Auvergne)
13 Mathieu Bastareaud (Stade Francais)
12 Yannick Jauzion
11 Cedric Heymans (Toulouse)
10 Benoit Baby (Clermont-Auvergne)
9 Morgan Parra (Bourgoin)
8 Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz)
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier)
6 Thierry Dusautoir (Toulouse)
5 Sebastien Chabal (Sale)
4 Lionel Nallet, Capt. (Castres)
3 Sylvain Marconnet
2 Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Francais)
1 Fabien Barcella (Biarritz).
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser (Leicester, England)
17 Thomas Domingo (Clermont-Auvergne)
18 Romain Millo-Chluski (Toulouse)
19 Louis Picamoles (Montpellier)
20 Sebastien Tillous-Borde (Castres)
21 Francois Trinh-Duc (Montpellier)
22 Clement Poitrenaud (Toulouse)
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont
Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Leigh Halfpenny
13 Tom Shanklin
12 Jamie Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Michael Phillips
8 Andy Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones (captain)
5 Alun-Wyn Jones
4 Ian Gough
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Dwayne Peel
21 James Hook
22 Gavin Henson
Head Coach: Warren Gatland
Rugby Tests This Weekend 27-28 February
27.02.2009
Wales v France in Paris (6 Nations)
28.02.2009
England v Ireland in Dublin (6 Nations)
Russia v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Euro.R1;ENC 1)
Georgia v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Wales v France in Paris (6 Nations)
28.02.2009
England v Ireland in Dublin (6 Nations)
Russia v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Euro.R1;ENC 1)
Georgia v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Rugby Results: Portugal 44, Germany 6
21.02.2009
Portugal 44, Germany 6 in Lisbon (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)
Germany had two players yellow carded early in the game and again conceeded tries late in the match. This result easily distances Germany from the rest of the teams in the competition and they look to be the likely team heading for relegation in 2010. My prediction of a 32 point win by Portugal was not far away.
Portugal 44, Germany 6 in Lisbon (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)
Germany had two players yellow carded early in the game and again conceeded tries late in the match. This result easily distances Germany from the rest of the teams in the competition and they look to be the likely team heading for relegation in 2010. My prediction of a 32 point win by Portugal was not far away.
Friday, February 20, 2009
International Rugby: Germany v Portugal
21.02.2009
Germany v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC1)
Preview
These two teams last met ten years ago. Such has been the competition gap between these two European rugby nations that they have not met since.
At this stage of the competition this is the clash of the minnows. Both teams are languishing at the bottom of the points table although Portugal has both a match in hand and a draw to its credit.
Germany has struggled to compete since rising to this level of world rugby. They have lost to Spain, Georgia and Romania and although they've put up some stirring opposition they have not threatened the try line in the last two matches played.
Portugal were a little unlucky to draw against Georgia away. They had the game sewn up 20-13 on full time then conceeded a try at the death. That result would have been heartening for a team that captured the hearts of rugby fans around the world during the 2007 Rugby World Cup but who have failed to fire since. At home against a struggling team they should win and win comfortably.
Last Five Test Matches for Portugal
14.02.2009 v Georgia in Tblissi Drawn 20-20 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
07.02.2009 v Russia in Lisbon Lost 14-18 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
30.01.2009 v England Saxons in Sale Lost 0-66 (Friendly)
01.11.2008 v Canada in Lisbon Lost 13-21 (Friendly)
10.05.2008 v Spain in Madrid Lost 17-21 (ENC 1)
Last Five Test Matches for Germany
14.02.2009 v Romania in Heidelberg Lost 0-22 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
07.02.2009 v Georgia in Heidelberg Lost 5-38 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
15.11.2008 v Spain in Madrid Lost 11-22 (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
08.11.2008 v Welsh Clubs XV in Berlin Lost 14-27 (Friendly)
26.04.2008 v Netherlands in Amsterdam Won 27-17 (ENC 1)
Last Five Encounters Germany v Portugal
04.04.1998 Portugal 30-6 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe Pool 3)
14.05.1995 Portugal 26-16 in Heidelberg (FIRA A2)
17.04.1994 Germany 20-18 in Lisbon (FIRA A2)
30.04.1989 Germany 30-15 in Hanover (FIRA B2)
17.04.1988 Portugal 13-9 in Arcos Valdevez (FIRA B2)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Portugal 8th, Germany 12th
Prediction: Portugal by 32 points.
Teams
Portugal Squad
Antonio Aguilar (GD Direto) Age 30, 56 tests
Pedro Cabral (CR Madrid, Spain) 25, 17
João Correia, Capt. (GD Direto) 27, 41
David Dos Reis (RC Nimes, France) 31, 2
Bernardo Duarte (AEIS Agronomia) 25, 6
Valter Ferreira (OS Belenenses) ?, New cap
Gonçalo Foro (CD University Lisboa) 26, 13
Diogo Gama (SL Beneficia) 27, 15
Tiago Girão (CR Madrid, Spain) 23, 16
João Junior (CD University Lisboa) 22, 3
Pedro Leal (GD Direto) Age 24, 30
David Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 27
Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 62
Juan Murre (Sporting Nazairien Rugby, France) 28, 12
Salvador Palha (GD Direto) 24, 7
Duarte Pinto (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 38
Jose Pinto (Rugby Roma Olimpia, Italy) 27, 38
Jorge Segurado (GD Direto) 24, 4
Juan Severino (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 20
Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses) 24, 4
Cristian Spachuck (FC Auch, France) 27, 28
Gonçalo Uva (Montpellier RC, France) 23, 39
João Uva (OS Belenenses) 28, 42
Vasco Uva (GD Direto) 25, 52
Head Coach: Tomaz Morais
Germany
15. Edmorre Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg) aged 28, 6 tests
14. Benjamin Brierley (SC Frankfurt 1880) 22, 2
13. Colin Grzanna (Berliner RC) 28, 24
12. Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim) 25, 23
11. Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orléans) 25, 22
10. Kieron Davies (Ampthill RFC, England) 28, 25
9. Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg) 27, 24
8. Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg) 28, 23
7. Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim) 24, 3
6. Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England) 26, 11
5. Bobo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, South Africa) 30, 19
4. Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim) 27, 37
3. Pierre Faber (RG Heidelberg) 30, 20
2. Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg) 29, 33
1. Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans) 26, 33
Replacements
16. Benjamin Krause (SG 78/08 Hannover) 26, 26
17. Marcus Trick (SC Neuenheim) 32, 17
18. Benjamin Danso (DRD Hannover) 25, 12
19. Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg) 23, 78
20. Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1888) 27, 3
21. Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim) 23, 4
22. Christopher Liebig (Heidelberger RK) 22, New Cap
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer
With help from http://www.rugby-journal.de/index.php/basis/meldung/die_deutsche_formation_gegen_portugal/ and http://www.totalrugby.de/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showPlayers&p=6&ttid=285&Itemid=250
Germany v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC1)
Preview
These two teams last met ten years ago. Such has been the competition gap between these two European rugby nations that they have not met since.
At this stage of the competition this is the clash of the minnows. Both teams are languishing at the bottom of the points table although Portugal has both a match in hand and a draw to its credit.
Germany has struggled to compete since rising to this level of world rugby. They have lost to Spain, Georgia and Romania and although they've put up some stirring opposition they have not threatened the try line in the last two matches played.
Portugal were a little unlucky to draw against Georgia away. They had the game sewn up 20-13 on full time then conceeded a try at the death. That result would have been heartening for a team that captured the hearts of rugby fans around the world during the 2007 Rugby World Cup but who have failed to fire since. At home against a struggling team they should win and win comfortably.
Last Five Test Matches for Portugal
14.02.2009 v Georgia in Tblissi Drawn 20-20 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
07.02.2009 v Russia in Lisbon Lost 14-18 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
30.01.2009 v England Saxons in Sale Lost 0-66 (Friendly)
01.11.2008 v Canada in Lisbon Lost 13-21 (Friendly)
10.05.2008 v Spain in Madrid Lost 17-21 (ENC 1)
Last Five Test Matches for Germany
14.02.2009 v Romania in Heidelberg Lost 0-22 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
07.02.2009 v Georgia in Heidelberg Lost 5-38 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
15.11.2008 v Spain in Madrid Lost 11-22 (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
08.11.2008 v Welsh Clubs XV in Berlin Lost 14-27 (Friendly)
26.04.2008 v Netherlands in Amsterdam Won 27-17 (ENC 1)
Last Five Encounters Germany v Portugal
04.04.1998 Portugal 30-6 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe Pool 3)
14.05.1995 Portugal 26-16 in Heidelberg (FIRA A2)
17.04.1994 Germany 20-18 in Lisbon (FIRA A2)
30.04.1989 Germany 30-15 in Hanover (FIRA B2)
17.04.1988 Portugal 13-9 in Arcos Valdevez (FIRA B2)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Portugal 8th, Germany 12th
Prediction: Portugal by 32 points.
Teams
Portugal Squad
Antonio Aguilar (GD Direto) Age 30, 56 tests
Pedro Cabral (CR Madrid, Spain) 25, 17
João Correia, Capt. (GD Direto) 27, 41
David Dos Reis (RC Nimes, France) 31, 2
Bernardo Duarte (AEIS Agronomia) 25, 6
Valter Ferreira (OS Belenenses) ?, New cap
Gonçalo Foro (CD University Lisboa) 26, 13
Diogo Gama (SL Beneficia) 27, 15
Tiago Girão (CR Madrid, Spain) 23, 16
João Junior (CD University Lisboa) 22, 3
Pedro Leal (GD Direto) Age 24, 30
David Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 27
Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 62
Juan Murre (Sporting Nazairien Rugby, France) 28, 12
Salvador Palha (GD Direto) 24, 7
Duarte Pinto (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 38
Jose Pinto (Rugby Roma Olimpia, Italy) 27, 38
Jorge Segurado (GD Direto) 24, 4
Juan Severino (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 20
Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses) 24, 4
Cristian Spachuck (FC Auch, France) 27, 28
Gonçalo Uva (Montpellier RC, France) 23, 39
João Uva (OS Belenenses) 28, 42
Vasco Uva (GD Direto) 25, 52
Head Coach: Tomaz Morais
Germany
15. Edmorre Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg) aged 28, 6 tests
14. Benjamin Brierley (SC Frankfurt 1880) 22, 2
13. Colin Grzanna (Berliner RC) 28, 24
12. Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim) 25, 23
11. Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orléans) 25, 22
10. Kieron Davies (Ampthill RFC, England) 28, 25
9. Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg) 27, 24
8. Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg) 28, 23
7. Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim) 24, 3
6. Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England) 26, 11
5. Bobo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, South Africa) 30, 19
4. Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim) 27, 37
3. Pierre Faber (RG Heidelberg) 30, 20
2. Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg) 29, 33
1. Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans) 26, 33
Replacements
16. Benjamin Krause (SG 78/08 Hannover) 26, 26
17. Marcus Trick (SC Neuenheim) 32, 17
18. Benjamin Danso (DRD Hannover) 25, 12
19. Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg) 23, 78
20. Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1888) 27, 3
21. Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim) 23, 4
22. Christopher Liebig (Heidelberger RK) 22, New Cap
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer
With help from http://www.rugby-journal.de/index.php/basis/meldung/die_deutsche_formation_gegen_portugal/ and http://www.totalrugby.de/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showPlayers&p=6&ttid=285&Itemid=250
Monday, February 16, 2009
Rugby Result: Ireland 38, Italy 9
15.02.2009
Ireland 38, Italy 9 in Rome (6 Nations)
An easy but done too convincing win for Ireland. They now go to the top of the 6 Nations points table.
Ireland 38, Italy 9 in Rome (6 Nations)
An easy but done too convincing win for Ireland. They now go to the top of the 6 Nations points table.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Rugby test Match: Ireland v Italy in Rome.
15.02.2009
Ireland v Italy in Rome
Preview
Silly me backed an Italian side that were so disorganised with a forward pressed in to playing halfback that they virtually gifted the match to England. I would love to see Italy cause a major upset. They have a pack that can hold, even dominate any opposition. But oh those backs!
This is a very experienced Italian side. 7 players have played in 50 or more tests whilst another 3 have 40 or more. But we have more tinkering and fiddling with the backline, Italy's wart. Now we have another half combination. This time 33 year old Paul Griffen has been recalled to partner Luke McLean who is yet to establish himself at fly half.
Ireland travel to Rome with a good win against France under their belt. On paper they should be too strong for the Italians. Is this Irish team the one that will threaten Wales in this competition? Much as I would love Italy to win I can't see it being against Ireland.
Last Five Encounters
02.02.2008 Ireland 16-11 in Dublin (6 Nations)
24.08.2007 Ireland 23-20 in Belfast (World Cup Warm Up)
17.03.2007 Ireland 51-24 in Rome (6 Nations)
04.02.2006 Ireland 26-16 in Dublin (6 Nations)
06.02.2005 Ireland 28-17 in Rome (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Ireland 7th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-Ireland 4th, Italy 5th
Prediction: Ireland by 8 points.
Teams
Italy
15 Andrea Masi (Biarritz Olympique, France) 27, 45
14 Kane Robertson (Viadana) 28, 36
13 Gonzalo Canale (Clermont Auvergne, France) 26, 43
12 Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Francais, France) 25, 57
11 Matteo Pratichetti (Calvisano) 23, 13
10 Luke McLean (Calvisano) 21, 4
9 Paul Griffen (Calisano) 33, 38
8 Sergio Parisse, Capt (Stade Francais, France) 25, 58
7 Mauro Beragamasco (Stade Francais, France) 29, 70
6 Alessandro Zanni (Calvisano) 24, 27
5 Tommaso Reato (Rovigo) 23, 7
4 Santiago Dellapé (RC Toulon, France) 30, 53
3 Martin Castrogiovani (Leicester Tigers, England) 27, 55
2 Fabio Ongaro (Saracens, England) 31, 60
1 Salvatore Perugini (Stade Toulousain, France) 30, 56
Replacements
16 Carlo Festuccia (Racing Metro, France) 28, 46
17 Carlos Nieto (Gloucester, England) 32, 32
18 Carlo Antonio Del Fava (Ulster, Ireland) 27, 33
19 Joshua Sole (Viadana) 28, 34
20 Giulio Toniolatti (Capitolina) 24, 2
21 Gonzalo Garcia (Calvisano) 24, 6
22 Andrea Bacchetti (Rovigo) 20, New cap
Head Coach: Nik Mallett
Ireland
15 Robert Kearney (Leinster) Age 24, 12 tests
14 Tommy Bowe (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales) 24, 19
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt (Leinster) 29, 88
12 Patrick Wallace (Ulster) 29, 13
11 Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster) 21, 8
10 Ronan O'Gara (Munster) 31, 88
9 Tomas O'Leary (Munster) 25, 4
8 James Heaslip (Leinster) 24, 14
7 David Wallace (Munster) 32, 51
6 Stephen Ferris (Ulster) 23, 9
5 Paul O'Connell (Munster) 29, 58
4 Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster) 29, 51
3 John Hayes (Munster) 35, 90
2 Jeremy Flannery (Munster) 30, 27
1 Marcus Horan (Munster) 31, 62
Replacements
16 Rory Best (Ulster) 26, 28
17 Thomas Court (Ulster) 28, New Cap
18 Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster) 34, 90
19 Denis Leamy (Munster) 27, 35
20 Peter Stringer (Munster) 31, 86
21 Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster) 28, 38
22 Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers, England) 30, 59
Head Coach: Declan Kidney
For a complete list of all international rugby test matches played by both Italy and Ireland go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Ireland v Italy in Rome
Preview
Silly me backed an Italian side that were so disorganised with a forward pressed in to playing halfback that they virtually gifted the match to England. I would love to see Italy cause a major upset. They have a pack that can hold, even dominate any opposition. But oh those backs!
This is a very experienced Italian side. 7 players have played in 50 or more tests whilst another 3 have 40 or more. But we have more tinkering and fiddling with the backline, Italy's wart. Now we have another half combination. This time 33 year old Paul Griffen has been recalled to partner Luke McLean who is yet to establish himself at fly half.
Ireland travel to Rome with a good win against France under their belt. On paper they should be too strong for the Italians. Is this Irish team the one that will threaten Wales in this competition? Much as I would love Italy to win I can't see it being against Ireland.
Last Five Encounters
02.02.2008 Ireland 16-11 in Dublin (6 Nations)
24.08.2007 Ireland 23-20 in Belfast (World Cup Warm Up)
17.03.2007 Ireland 51-24 in Rome (6 Nations)
04.02.2006 Ireland 26-16 in Dublin (6 Nations)
06.02.2005 Ireland 28-17 in Rome (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Ireland 7th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-Ireland 4th, Italy 5th
Prediction: Ireland by 8 points.
Teams
Italy
15 Andrea Masi (Biarritz Olympique, France) 27, 45
14 Kane Robertson (Viadana) 28, 36
13 Gonzalo Canale (Clermont Auvergne, France) 26, 43
12 Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Francais, France) 25, 57
11 Matteo Pratichetti (Calvisano) 23, 13
10 Luke McLean (Calvisano) 21, 4
9 Paul Griffen (Calisano) 33, 38
8 Sergio Parisse, Capt (Stade Francais, France) 25, 58
7 Mauro Beragamasco (Stade Francais, France) 29, 70
6 Alessandro Zanni (Calvisano) 24, 27
5 Tommaso Reato (Rovigo) 23, 7
4 Santiago Dellapé (RC Toulon, France) 30, 53
3 Martin Castrogiovani (Leicester Tigers, England) 27, 55
2 Fabio Ongaro (Saracens, England) 31, 60
1 Salvatore Perugini (Stade Toulousain, France) 30, 56
Replacements
16 Carlo Festuccia (Racing Metro, France) 28, 46
17 Carlos Nieto (Gloucester, England) 32, 32
18 Carlo Antonio Del Fava (Ulster, Ireland) 27, 33
19 Joshua Sole (Viadana) 28, 34
20 Giulio Toniolatti (Capitolina) 24, 2
21 Gonzalo Garcia (Calvisano) 24, 6
22 Andrea Bacchetti (Rovigo) 20, New cap
Head Coach: Nik Mallett
Ireland
15 Robert Kearney (Leinster) Age 24, 12 tests
14 Tommy Bowe (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales) 24, 19
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt (Leinster) 29, 88
12 Patrick Wallace (Ulster) 29, 13
11 Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster) 21, 8
10 Ronan O'Gara (Munster) 31, 88
9 Tomas O'Leary (Munster) 25, 4
8 James Heaslip (Leinster) 24, 14
7 David Wallace (Munster) 32, 51
6 Stephen Ferris (Ulster) 23, 9
5 Paul O'Connell (Munster) 29, 58
4 Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster) 29, 51
3 John Hayes (Munster) 35, 90
2 Jeremy Flannery (Munster) 30, 27
1 Marcus Horan (Munster) 31, 62
Replacements
16 Rory Best (Ulster) 26, 28
17 Thomas Court (Ulster) 28, New Cap
18 Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster) 34, 90
19 Denis Leamy (Munster) 27, 35
20 Peter Stringer (Munster) 31, 86
21 Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster) 28, 38
22 Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers, England) 30, 59
Head Coach: Declan Kidney
For a complete list of all international rugby test matches played by both Italy and Ireland go to www.rugbyinternational.net
International Rugby Results: 14 Feb.09
14.02.2009
Wales 23, England 15 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
France 22, Scotland 13 in Paris (6 Nations)
Georgia 20, Portugal 20 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Romania 22, Germany 0 in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Reviews
Wales had to struggle to subdue and England side that rose to the occasion. Could this be the start of the England revival the fans have been waiting for. Wales are still well on track to retain their hold of the 6 Nations Chmapionship Trophy.
France stutted and splutted against a spirited but eventually outplayed Scottish side. Neither side will threaten the leaders of this competition playing this way. The French crowd booed their team for much of the game. Hard to please?
In a reportedly awful game Georgia managed a draw with Portugal. Georgia had all the territory but failed to convert that into the extra points that could have won them the game. Georgia are the holders of the European Nations Cup but they need to find the 'on' button to the game plan. Portugal will not win games without possession and territory. Today they were lucky they got away with a draw.
Romania continued its advance along the winning path. Germany played well but could not convert possession into points. They will continue to struggle until they can score points.
What are your views on the games this weekend? Did you see them? Post your views here
Wales 23, England 15 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
France 22, Scotland 13 in Paris (6 Nations)
Georgia 20, Portugal 20 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Romania 22, Germany 0 in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Reviews
Wales had to struggle to subdue and England side that rose to the occasion. Could this be the start of the England revival the fans have been waiting for. Wales are still well on track to retain their hold of the 6 Nations Chmapionship Trophy.
France stutted and splutted against a spirited but eventually outplayed Scottish side. Neither side will threaten the leaders of this competition playing this way. The French crowd booed their team for much of the game. Hard to please?
In a reportedly awful game Georgia managed a draw with Portugal. Georgia had all the territory but failed to convert that into the extra points that could have won them the game. Georgia are the holders of the European Nations Cup but they need to find the 'on' button to the game plan. Portugal will not win games without possession and territory. Today they were lucky they got away with a draw.
Romania continued its advance along the winning path. Germany played well but could not convert possession into points. They will continue to struggle until they can score points.
What are your views on the games this weekend? Did you see them? Post your views here
Friday, February 13, 2009
Rugby Test: England v Wales
14.02.2009
England v Wales in Cardiff.
Preview
Wales are riding the top of the European rugby world at present. They are so far on track to repeat their 6 Nations Championship win and Grand Slam last season. The thought of a wobbly English side must be mouthwatering to a Welsh side always eager to inflict painfull victories over their traditional 'enemy'.
England took advantage of a disorganised Italian side last weekend and posted a much needed win. Not all is well with the execution of game plans. England will need to play well above recent form to make any impact against Wales. A thunderous reception awaits England at the stadium in Cardiff.
Last Five Encounters
02.02.2008 Wales 26-19 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
04.08.2007 England 62-5 at Twickenham (World Cup Warm Up)
17.03.2007 Wales 27-18 at cardiff (6 Nations)
04.02.2006 England 47-13 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
05.02.2005 Wales 11-9 (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Wales 3rd, England 5th
Europe Table-Wales 1st, England 2nd
Prediction: Wales by 16 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage (London Irish) Age 24, 5 tests
14 Paul Sackey (London Wasps) 29, 20
13 Michael Tindall (Gloucester) 30, 56
12 Riki Flutey (London Wasps) 28, 5
11 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) 28, 25
10 Andrew Goode (CA Brive, France) 28, 10
9 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers) 26, 23
8 Nicholas Easter (Harlequins) 33, 21
7 Joseph Worsley (London Wasps) 31, 67
6 James Haskell (London Wasps) 23, 13
5 Nicholas Kennedy (London Irish) 27, 3
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt. (Saracens) 28, 45
3 Phillip Vickery (London Wasps) 32, 69
2 Lee Mears (Bath Rugby) 29, 29
1 Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) 29, 28
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) 22, 5
17 Julian White (Leicester Tigers) 35, 45
18 Thomas Croft (Leicester Tigers) 22, 9
19 Luke Narraway (Gloucester) 25, 5
20 Paul Hodgson (London Irish) 26, 1
21 Tobias Flood (Leicester Tigers) 22, 18
22 Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks) 22, 24
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
Wales
15 Lee Byrne (Neath Swansea Ospreys) Age 28, 23 Tests
14 Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues) 19, 4
13 Thomas Shanklin Cardiff Blues) 29, 59
12 James Roberts Cardiff Blues) 21, 7
11 Shane Williams (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 31, 62
10 Stephen Jones (Lanelli Scarlets) 31, 76
9 Michael Phillips (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 26
8 Andrew Powell (Cardiff Blues) 27, 5
7 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues) 33, 85
6 Ryan Jones, Capt. (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 28, 26
5 Alun-Wyn Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 27
4 Ian Gough (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 32, 56
3 Adam Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 27, 53
2 Matthew Rees (Lanelli Scarlets) 28, 23
1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) 28, 64
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 25, 18
17 John Yapp (Cardiff Blues) 25, 11
18 Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons) 25, 10
19 Dafydd Jones (Lanelli Scarlets) 28, 35
20 Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks, England) 27, 65
21 James Hook (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 30
22 Andrew Bishop (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 4
Head Coach: Warren Gatland
For a complete lists of all international rugby test matches played by both England and Wales go to www.rugbyinternational.net
England v Wales in Cardiff.
Preview
Wales are riding the top of the European rugby world at present. They are so far on track to repeat their 6 Nations Championship win and Grand Slam last season. The thought of a wobbly English side must be mouthwatering to a Welsh side always eager to inflict painfull victories over their traditional 'enemy'.
England took advantage of a disorganised Italian side last weekend and posted a much needed win. Not all is well with the execution of game plans. England will need to play well above recent form to make any impact against Wales. A thunderous reception awaits England at the stadium in Cardiff.
Last Five Encounters
02.02.2008 Wales 26-19 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
04.08.2007 England 62-5 at Twickenham (World Cup Warm Up)
17.03.2007 Wales 27-18 at cardiff (6 Nations)
04.02.2006 England 47-13 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
05.02.2005 Wales 11-9 (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Wales 3rd, England 5th
Europe Table-Wales 1st, England 2nd
Prediction: Wales by 16 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage (London Irish) Age 24, 5 tests
14 Paul Sackey (London Wasps) 29, 20
13 Michael Tindall (Gloucester) 30, 56
12 Riki Flutey (London Wasps) 28, 5
11 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) 28, 25
10 Andrew Goode (CA Brive, France) 28, 10
9 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers) 26, 23
8 Nicholas Easter (Harlequins) 33, 21
7 Joseph Worsley (London Wasps) 31, 67
6 James Haskell (London Wasps) 23, 13
5 Nicholas Kennedy (London Irish) 27, 3
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt. (Saracens) 28, 45
3 Phillip Vickery (London Wasps) 32, 69
2 Lee Mears (Bath Rugby) 29, 29
1 Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) 29, 28
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) 22, 5
17 Julian White (Leicester Tigers) 35, 45
18 Thomas Croft (Leicester Tigers) 22, 9
19 Luke Narraway (Gloucester) 25, 5
20 Paul Hodgson (London Irish) 26, 1
21 Tobias Flood (Leicester Tigers) 22, 18
22 Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks) 22, 24
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
Wales
15 Lee Byrne (Neath Swansea Ospreys) Age 28, 23 Tests
14 Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues) 19, 4
13 Thomas Shanklin Cardiff Blues) 29, 59
12 James Roberts Cardiff Blues) 21, 7
11 Shane Williams (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 31, 62
10 Stephen Jones (Lanelli Scarlets) 31, 76
9 Michael Phillips (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 26
8 Andrew Powell (Cardiff Blues) 27, 5
7 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues) 33, 85
6 Ryan Jones, Capt. (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 28, 26
5 Alun-Wyn Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 27
4 Ian Gough (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 32, 56
3 Adam Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 27, 53
2 Matthew Rees (Lanelli Scarlets) 28, 23
1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) 28, 64
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 25, 18
17 John Yapp (Cardiff Blues) 25, 11
18 Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons) 25, 10
19 Dafydd Jones (Lanelli Scarlets) 28, 35
20 Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks, England) 27, 65
21 James Hook (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 30
22 Andrew Bishop (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 4
Head Coach: Warren Gatland
For a complete lists of all international rugby test matches played by both England and Wales go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Test rugby: Scotland v France in Paris
14.02.2009
Scotland v France in Paris (6 Nations)
Preview
Scotland have an uphill battle against a French side that has been threatening to break loose at any moment. Scotland require some old hands to play to steady the ship. Players like Hines and Murray in the forwards and Patterson in the backs.
France have yet to show some decent recent results. There have been promises of great things to come and calls for patience made recently by players and coaching staff. Problem is the Parisian crowd is not too forgiving. Players and coaches know this so they will be under great pressure to perform and perform well on Saturday. Heads will roll if France lose. And how do France usually perform under pressure. Well, not to well actually!
Last Five Encounters
03.02.2008 France 27-6 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
07.03.2007 France 46-19 in Paris (6 Nations)
05.02.2006 Scotland 20-16 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
05.02.2005 France 16-9 in Paris (6 Nations)
21.03.2004 France 31-0 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Scotland 6th, France 8th
Europe Table-France 3rd, Scotland 6th
Prediction: France by 17
Teams
Scotland
15 Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh Gunners) Age 28, 45 Tests
14 Simon Danielli (Ulster, Ireland) 30, 16
13 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors) 25, 2
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 26, 12
11 Thomas Evans (Glasgow Warriors) 25, 3
10 Phillip Godman (Edinburgh Gunners) 26, 13
9 Michael Blair, Capt. (Edinburgh Gunners) 27, 54
8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais, France) 29, 62
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 21, 8
6 Alistair Strokosch (Gloucester, England) 26, 7
5 James Hamilton (Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 19
4 Jason White (Sale Sharks, England) 30, 70
3 Alastair Dickinson (Gloucester, England) 24, 8
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Gunners) 24, 25
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Gunners) 30, 34
Replacements
16 Douglas Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 28, 24
17 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 24, New Cap
18 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 26, 26
19 Scott Gray (Northampton Saints, England) 30, 5
20 Christopher Cusiter (Perpignan, France) 26, 40
21 Christopher Paterson (Gloucester, England) 30, 91
22 Nicholas De Luca ( Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 6
Head Coach: Frank Hadden
Injured List: Simon Webster, Geoff Cross
France
15 Clement Poitrenaud (Stade Toulousain) age 26, 32 tests
14 Maxime Medard (Stade Toulousain) 21, 4
13 Benoit Baby (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 7
12 Yannick Jauzion (Stade Toulousain) 30, 56
11 Cedric Heymans (Stade Toulousain) 30, 44
10 Lionel Beauxis (Stade Français) 22, 12
9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde (Castres) 23, 5
8 Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz Olympique) 29, 52
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier) 22, 12
6 Thierry Dusautoir (Stade Toulousain) 27, 18
5 Romain Millo-Chluski (Stade Toulousain) 25, 5
4 Lionel Nallet, Capt. (Castres) 32, 44
3 Nicolas Mas (Perpignan) 28, 22
2 Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français) 25, 31
1 Fabien Barcella (Auch) 25, 3
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser (Leicester, England) 24, 6
17 Renaud Boyoud (US Dax) 28, 2
18 Sebastien Chabal (Sale, England) 30, 42
19 Louis Picamoles (Montpellier) 22, 9
20 Morgan Parra (Bourgoin) 20, 5
21 Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan) 22, 1
22 Julien Malzieu (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 7
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont
For complete lists of all international rugby tests results for both Scotland and France go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Scotland v France in Paris (6 Nations)
Preview
Scotland have an uphill battle against a French side that has been threatening to break loose at any moment. Scotland require some old hands to play to steady the ship. Players like Hines and Murray in the forwards and Patterson in the backs.
France have yet to show some decent recent results. There have been promises of great things to come and calls for patience made recently by players and coaching staff. Problem is the Parisian crowd is not too forgiving. Players and coaches know this so they will be under great pressure to perform and perform well on Saturday. Heads will roll if France lose. And how do France usually perform under pressure. Well, not to well actually!
Last Five Encounters
03.02.2008 France 27-6 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
07.03.2007 France 46-19 in Paris (6 Nations)
05.02.2006 Scotland 20-16 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
05.02.2005 France 16-9 in Paris (6 Nations)
21.03.2004 France 31-0 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Scotland 6th, France 8th
Europe Table-France 3rd, Scotland 6th
Prediction: France by 17
Teams
Scotland
15 Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh Gunners) Age 28, 45 Tests
14 Simon Danielli (Ulster, Ireland) 30, 16
13 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors) 25, 2
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 26, 12
11 Thomas Evans (Glasgow Warriors) 25, 3
10 Phillip Godman (Edinburgh Gunners) 26, 13
9 Michael Blair, Capt. (Edinburgh Gunners) 27, 54
8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais, France) 29, 62
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 21, 8
6 Alistair Strokosch (Gloucester, England) 26, 7
5 James Hamilton (Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 19
4 Jason White (Sale Sharks, England) 30, 70
3 Alastair Dickinson (Gloucester, England) 24, 8
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Gunners) 24, 25
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Gunners) 30, 34
Replacements
16 Douglas Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 28, 24
17 Moray Low (Glasgow Warriors) 24, New Cap
18 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 26, 26
19 Scott Gray (Northampton Saints, England) 30, 5
20 Christopher Cusiter (Perpignan, France) 26, 40
21 Christopher Paterson (Gloucester, England) 30, 91
22 Nicholas De Luca ( Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 6
Head Coach: Frank Hadden
Injured List: Simon Webster, Geoff Cross
France
15 Clement Poitrenaud (Stade Toulousain) age 26, 32 tests
14 Maxime Medard (Stade Toulousain) 21, 4
13 Benoit Baby (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 7
12 Yannick Jauzion (Stade Toulousain) 30, 56
11 Cedric Heymans (Stade Toulousain) 30, 44
10 Lionel Beauxis (Stade Français) 22, 12
9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde (Castres) 23, 5
8 Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz Olympique) 29, 52
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier) 22, 12
6 Thierry Dusautoir (Stade Toulousain) 27, 18
5 Romain Millo-Chluski (Stade Toulousain) 25, 5
4 Lionel Nallet, Capt. (Castres) 32, 44
3 Nicolas Mas (Perpignan) 28, 22
2 Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français) 25, 31
1 Fabien Barcella (Auch) 25, 3
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser (Leicester, England) 24, 6
17 Renaud Boyoud (US Dax) 28, 2
18 Sebastien Chabal (Sale, England) 30, 42
19 Louis Picamoles (Montpellier) 22, 9
20 Morgan Parra (Bourgoin) 20, 5
21 Maxime Mermoz (Perpignan) 22, 1
22 Julien Malzieu (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 7
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont
For complete lists of all international rugby tests results for both Scotland and France go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Australian Bushfire Appeal
As many of you are aware the Australian State of Victoria suffered life taking and massive property destruction. I stayed in Melbourne overnight on my way home from NZ 31 Jan-1 Feb with friends only a suburb away from Kinglake which was devastated including huge loss of life. My friends are now harbouring a friend from that suburb who only just managed to save herself, her cat and her car. Everything else gone!! The survivors need help.
The Australian and now World community have rallied to support the people of Victoria. You can do this at this web site
http://www.redcross.org.au/
The Australian and now World community have rallied to support the people of Victoria. You can do this at this web site
http://www.redcross.org.au/
International Rugby: Portugal v Georgia
14.02.2009
Portugal v Georgia in Tblissi
Preview
The differences between the European Nations Cup Division 1 teams were not that great last weekend. Germany apart, the teams have looked fairly even on the scoreboard.
Portugal is desperately trying to find the spirit and form that took them to the 2007 Rugby World Cup. There closely fought lose to Russia at home was heartening. But this weekend they travel to rugby-made Georgia where the home team awaits and winning by visiting teams is a rare occurance.
Georgia made hard work of Germany away last weekend. They seem to struggle against the weaker sides and save their true spirit for the big challenges. Portugal may find their host underprepared.
Last Five Encounters
13.02.2008 Georgia 11-6 in Lisbon (ENC 1)
02.02.2008 Georgia 31-3 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
25.11.2006 Drawn 11-11 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff, 2nd leg)
11.11.2006 Georgia 17-3 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff 1st leg)
11.03.2006 Georgia 40-0 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Georgia 15th, Portugal 21st
Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Portugal 11th
Prediction: Georgia by 14 points
Teams
Portugal
15 Pedro Leal (GD Direto) Age 24, 29 tests
14 David Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 26
13 Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses) 24, 3
12 Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 61
11 Gonçalo Foro (CD University Lisboa) 26, 12
10 Pedro Cabral (CR Madrid, Spain) 25, 16
9 Jose Pinto (Rugby Roma Olimpia, Italy) 27, 37
8 Eduardo Acosta (GD Direto) 30, 8
7 Vasco Uva (GD Direto) 25, 51
6 Tiago Girão (CR Madrid, Spain) 23, 15
5 Gonçalo Uva (Montpellier RC, France) 23, 38
4 David Penalva (FC Auch, France) 28, 25
3 Cristian Spachuck (FC Auch, France) 27, 27
2 João Correia, Capt. (GD Direto) 27, 40
1 Jorge Segurado (GD Direto) 24, 3
Replacements
16 Juan Murre (Sporting Nazairien Rugby, France) 28, 12
17 Bernardo Duarte (AEIS Agronomia) 25, 6
18 Juan Severino (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 19
19 Valter Ferreira (OS Belenenses ) ?, New Cap
20 Salvador Palha (GD Direto) 24, 6
21 Duarte Pinto (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 37
22 Diogo Gama (SL Beneficia) 27, 14
Head Coach: Tomaz Morais
Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili (Massy, France) Age 25, 29 Tests
14 Irakli Machkhaneli (Agen, France) 27, 29
13 Davit Kacharava (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 23, 22
12 Tedore Zibzibadze (Périgueux, France) 28, 37
11 Giorgi Shkinin (Hooligana) 25, 30
10 Lasha Malaghuradze (Beziers, France) 22, 11
9 Irakli Abuseridze, Capt (Orléans, France) 31, 55
8 Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier, France) 24, 30
7 Gia Labadze (Toulon, France) 35, 48
6 Giorgi Chkhaidze (Racing Metro, France) 27, 30
5 Kakhaber Uchava (Farul Constanta, Romania) 32, 12
4 Ilia Zedginidze (Aix-en-Provence, France) 31, 50
3 Goderdzi Shvelidze (Montauban, France) 30, 46
2 Akvsent Giorgadze (Castres, France) 31, 52
1 David Kubriashvili (Toulon, France) 22, 5
Replacements
16 Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 13
17 Davit Khinchagishvili (Brive, France) 25, 19
18 Dimitri Basilaia (Morlass, France) 23, 8
19 Rati Urushadze (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 33, 32
20 Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 36
21 Irakli Giorgadze (Dax, France) 26, 32
22 Otar Barkalaia (VPC, Andorra) 24, 35
Head Coach: Tim Lane
Thanks to friends from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3016
For complete lists of all international rugby test results for both Portugal and Georgia go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Portugal v Georgia in Tblissi
Preview
The differences between the European Nations Cup Division 1 teams were not that great last weekend. Germany apart, the teams have looked fairly even on the scoreboard.
Portugal is desperately trying to find the spirit and form that took them to the 2007 Rugby World Cup. There closely fought lose to Russia at home was heartening. But this weekend they travel to rugby-made Georgia where the home team awaits and winning by visiting teams is a rare occurance.
Georgia made hard work of Germany away last weekend. They seem to struggle against the weaker sides and save their true spirit for the big challenges. Portugal may find their host underprepared.
Last Five Encounters
13.02.2008 Georgia 11-6 in Lisbon (ENC 1)
02.02.2008 Georgia 31-3 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
25.11.2006 Drawn 11-11 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff, 2nd leg)
11.11.2006 Georgia 17-3 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff 1st leg)
11.03.2006 Georgia 40-0 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Georgia 15th, Portugal 21st
Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Portugal 11th
Prediction: Georgia by 14 points
Teams
Portugal
15 Pedro Leal (GD Direto) Age 24, 29 tests
14 David Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 26
13 Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses) 24, 3
12 Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 61
11 Gonçalo Foro (CD University Lisboa) 26, 12
10 Pedro Cabral (CR Madrid, Spain) 25, 16
9 Jose Pinto (Rugby Roma Olimpia, Italy) 27, 37
8 Eduardo Acosta (GD Direto) 30, 8
7 Vasco Uva (GD Direto) 25, 51
6 Tiago Girão (CR Madrid, Spain) 23, 15
5 Gonçalo Uva (Montpellier RC, France) 23, 38
4 David Penalva (FC Auch, France) 28, 25
3 Cristian Spachuck (FC Auch, France) 27, 27
2 João Correia, Capt. (GD Direto) 27, 40
1 Jorge Segurado (GD Direto) 24, 3
Replacements
16 Juan Murre (Sporting Nazairien Rugby, France) 28, 12
17 Bernardo Duarte (AEIS Agronomia) 25, 6
18 Juan Severino (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 19
19 Valter Ferreira (OS Belenenses ) ?, New Cap
20 Salvador Palha (GD Direto) 24, 6
21 Duarte Pinto (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 37
22 Diogo Gama (SL Beneficia) 27, 14
Head Coach: Tomaz Morais
Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili (Massy, France) Age 25, 29 Tests
14 Irakli Machkhaneli (Agen, France) 27, 29
13 Davit Kacharava (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 23, 22
12 Tedore Zibzibadze (Périgueux, France) 28, 37
11 Giorgi Shkinin (Hooligana) 25, 30
10 Lasha Malaghuradze (Beziers, France) 22, 11
9 Irakli Abuseridze, Capt (Orléans, France) 31, 55
8 Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier, France) 24, 30
7 Gia Labadze (Toulon, France) 35, 48
6 Giorgi Chkhaidze (Racing Metro, France) 27, 30
5 Kakhaber Uchava (Farul Constanta, Romania) 32, 12
4 Ilia Zedginidze (Aix-en-Provence, France) 31, 50
3 Goderdzi Shvelidze (Montauban, France) 30, 46
2 Akvsent Giorgadze (Castres, France) 31, 52
1 David Kubriashvili (Toulon, France) 22, 5
Replacements
16 Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 13
17 Davit Khinchagishvili (Brive, France) 25, 19
18 Dimitri Basilaia (Morlass, France) 23, 8
19 Rati Urushadze (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 33, 32
20 Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 36
21 Irakli Giorgadze (Dax, France) 26, 32
22 Otar Barkalaia (VPC, Andorra) 24, 35
Head Coach: Tim Lane
Thanks to friends from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3016
For complete lists of all international rugby test results for both Portugal and Georgia go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Test Match: Romania v Germany
14.02.2009
Romania v Germany in Heidelberg
Preview
Germany faces another giant of a forward pack from Romania this weekend. The Germans displayed spirit and determination aplenty last weekend. They will need more than that to hold a Romanian team itching for a good win to help keep them up with the competition leaders.
Prediction: Romania by 16 points
Teams
Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti) 22, 16
14. Catalin Fercu (Steaua Bucuresti) 21, 22
13. Adrian Barbuliceanu (Dinamo Bucuresti) 24, 3
12. Csaba Gal (Dinamo Bucuresti) 23, 12
11. Stefan Ciuntu (Dinamo Bucuresti) 22, 8
10. Dorin Manole (Universitate Cluj) 22, 1
9. Petre Mitu (Montauban, France) 31, 38
8. Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanta) 24, 5
7. Stelian Burcea, Capt. (Dinamo Bucuresti) 24, 11
6. Florin Corodeanu (Saint Marcelline Sport, France) 31, 55
5. Cristian Petre (Beziers, France) 28, 58
4. Valentin Poparlan (Dinamo Bucuresti) 21, 7
3. Paulica Ion (Bath, England) 25, 29
2. Florin Teasca (Dinamo Bucuresti) 29, 4
1. Nicolae Nere (Steaua Bucuresti) 27, 4
Replacements
16. Catalin Beca (Dinamo Bucuresti) 23, 1
17. Silviu Florea (Montauban, France) 31, 20
18. Alexandru Giucal (Perpignan Espiors, France) ?, New Cap
19. Andrei Gorcioaia (Universitate Cluj) 21, New Cap
20. Valentin Calafeteanu (Dinamo Bucuresti) 23, 17
21. Ionut Dimofte (Steaua Bucuresti) 23, 26
22. Ionut Botezatu (Baia Mare) ?, New Cap
Head Coach:
Germany
15. Edmorre Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg) aged 28, 5 tests
14. Benjamin Brierley (SC Frankfurt 1880) 22, 1
13. Benjamin Simm (SG 78/08 Hannover) 23, 8
12. Colin Grzanna (Berliner RC) 28, 23
11. Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orléans) 25, 21
10. Kieron Davies (Bedford RFC, England) 28, 24
9. Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg) 27, 23
8. Robert Mohr (La Rochelle, France) 30, ?
7. Michael Poppmeier (Lazio Rom, Italy) 26, 1
6. Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England) 26, 10
5. Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim) 27, 36
4. Bobo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, South Africa) 30, 18
3. Pierre Faber (RG Heidelberg) 30, 19
2. Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg) 29, 32
1. Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans) 26, 32
Replacements
16. Benjamin Krause (SG 78/08 Hannover) 26, 25
17. Damien Tussac (RC Toulon, France) Age ?, 1
18. Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg) 28, 22
19. Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg) 23, 7
20. Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim) 24, 2
21. Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim) 25, 22
22. Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim) 23, 3
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer
Line up source: totalrugby.de):
For complete lists of all international rugby test matches played by both Germany and Romania go to www.rugbyinternational.net.
Romania v Germany in Heidelberg
Preview
Germany faces another giant of a forward pack from Romania this weekend. The Germans displayed spirit and determination aplenty last weekend. They will need more than that to hold a Romanian team itching for a good win to help keep them up with the competition leaders.
Prediction: Romania by 16 points
Teams
Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti) 22, 16
14. Catalin Fercu (Steaua Bucuresti) 21, 22
13. Adrian Barbuliceanu (Dinamo Bucuresti) 24, 3
12. Csaba Gal (Dinamo Bucuresti) 23, 12
11. Stefan Ciuntu (Dinamo Bucuresti) 22, 8
10. Dorin Manole (Universitate Cluj) 22, 1
9. Petre Mitu (Montauban, France) 31, 38
8. Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanta) 24, 5
7. Stelian Burcea, Capt. (Dinamo Bucuresti) 24, 11
6. Florin Corodeanu (Saint Marcelline Sport, France) 31, 55
5. Cristian Petre (Beziers, France) 28, 58
4. Valentin Poparlan (Dinamo Bucuresti) 21, 7
3. Paulica Ion (Bath, England) 25, 29
2. Florin Teasca (Dinamo Bucuresti) 29, 4
1. Nicolae Nere (Steaua Bucuresti) 27, 4
Replacements
16. Catalin Beca (Dinamo Bucuresti) 23, 1
17. Silviu Florea (Montauban, France) 31, 20
18. Alexandru Giucal (Perpignan Espiors, France) ?, New Cap
19. Andrei Gorcioaia (Universitate Cluj) 21, New Cap
20. Valentin Calafeteanu (Dinamo Bucuresti) 23, 17
21. Ionut Dimofte (Steaua Bucuresti) 23, 26
22. Ionut Botezatu (Baia Mare) ?, New Cap
Head Coach:
Germany
15. Edmorre Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg) aged 28, 5 tests
14. Benjamin Brierley (SC Frankfurt 1880) 22, 1
13. Benjamin Simm (SG 78/08 Hannover) 23, 8
12. Colin Grzanna (Berliner RC) 28, 23
11. Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orléans) 25, 21
10. Kieron Davies (Bedford RFC, England) 28, 24
9. Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg) 27, 23
8. Robert Mohr (La Rochelle, France) 30, ?
7. Michael Poppmeier (Lazio Rom, Italy) 26, 1
6. Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England) 26, 10
5. Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim) 27, 36
4. Bobo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, South Africa) 30, 18
3. Pierre Faber (RG Heidelberg) 30, 19
2. Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg) 29, 32
1. Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans) 26, 32
Replacements
16. Benjamin Krause (SG 78/08 Hannover) 26, 25
17. Damien Tussac (RC Toulon, France) Age ?, 1
18. Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg) 28, 22
19. Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg) 23, 7
20. Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim) 24, 2
21. Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim) 25, 22
22. Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim) 23, 3
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer
Line up source: totalrugby.de):
For complete lists of all international rugby test matches played by both Germany and Romania go to www.rugbyinternational.net.
Test Rugby This Weekend 14-15 February
14.02.2009
Scotland v France in Paris (6 Nations)
England v Wales in Cardiff (6 Nations)
Portugal v Georgia in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Romania v Germany in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
15.02.2009
Ireland v Italy in Rome (6 Nations)
We have another fantastic weekend of international rugby coming up. Both Scotland and France lost their opening games of the 6 Nations Tournament. A second loss will virtually eliminate that team from title contention. Both teams will be desperate to win, especially a heavily critisised French team playing in front of an unforgiving home crowd.
England is the team Wales loves to win, especially at home. England must win to keep their championship hopes alive. This will be the clash of the weekend.
Portugal travels to Georgia in what will be a difficult game for the visitors. Georgia is a handful at the best of times and on their home turf almost unbeatable.
Romania travels to Germany. The Germans showed great spirit and determination against Georgia last weekend but face yet another of the most formidible forward packs at this level.
On Sunday Ireland travel to Rome in what should be a straight forward win.
So who are the winners this weekend? Post your thoughts here.
Scotland v France in Paris (6 Nations)
England v Wales in Cardiff (6 Nations)
Portugal v Georgia in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Romania v Germany in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
15.02.2009
Ireland v Italy in Rome (6 Nations)
We have another fantastic weekend of international rugby coming up. Both Scotland and France lost their opening games of the 6 Nations Tournament. A second loss will virtually eliminate that team from title contention. Both teams will be desperate to win, especially a heavily critisised French team playing in front of an unforgiving home crowd.
England is the team Wales loves to win, especially at home. England must win to keep their championship hopes alive. This will be the clash of the weekend.
Portugal travels to Georgia in what will be a difficult game for the visitors. Georgia is a handful at the best of times and on their home turf almost unbeatable.
Romania travels to Germany. The Germans showed great spirit and determination against Georgia last weekend but face yet another of the most formidible forward packs at this level.
On Sunday Ireland travel to Rome in what should be a straight forward win.
So who are the winners this weekend? Post your thoughts here.
Monday, February 9, 2009
British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa 2
Squad of 35 Players after Round 1 of 6 Nations
I have made a few changes to my squad. Make your selections on this blog.
Fullbacks
Lee Byrne (Wales)
Geordan Murphy (Ireland)
Wingers
Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Chris Patterson (Scotland)
Shane Williams (Wales)
Centres
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Thomas Shanklin (Wales)
Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland)
Flyhalves
Stephan Jones (Wales)
Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
Scrum Halves
Mike Blair (Scotland)
Mike Phillips (Wales)
Danny Care (England)
Number 8
Andy Powell (Wales)
Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
Loose Forwards
David Wallace (Ireland)
John Barclay (Scotland)
Martyn Williams (Wales)
Stephan Ferris (Ireland)
Ryan Jones (Wales-Captain)
Dafydd Jones (Wales)
Lock Forwards
Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Nathan Hines (Scotland)
Alan Wyn Jones (Wales)
Steve Borthwick (England)
Props
Phil Vickery (England)
Euan Murray (Scotland)
Andrew Sheridan (England)
Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Adam Jones (Wales)
Hookers
Ross Ford (Scotland)
Rory Best (Ireland)
Mathew Rees (Wales)
Some of my selections are off the scene with injuries. With one round gone these players will need to play soon and show form to stay on my list.
Chris Patterson, Danny Care, Nathan Hines and Euan Murray.
My team now has four Jones' and less English players.
I have made a few changes to my squad. Make your selections on this blog.
Fullbacks
Lee Byrne (Wales)
Geordan Murphy (Ireland)
Wingers
Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Chris Patterson (Scotland)
Shane Williams (Wales)
Centres
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Thomas Shanklin (Wales)
Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland)
Flyhalves
Stephan Jones (Wales)
Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
Scrum Halves
Mike Blair (Scotland)
Mike Phillips (Wales)
Danny Care (England)
Number 8
Andy Powell (Wales)
Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
Loose Forwards
David Wallace (Ireland)
John Barclay (Scotland)
Martyn Williams (Wales)
Stephan Ferris (Ireland)
Ryan Jones (Wales-Captain)
Dafydd Jones (Wales)
Lock Forwards
Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Nathan Hines (Scotland)
Alan Wyn Jones (Wales)
Steve Borthwick (England)
Props
Phil Vickery (England)
Euan Murray (Scotland)
Andrew Sheridan (England)
Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Adam Jones (Wales)
Hookers
Ross Ford (Scotland)
Rory Best (Ireland)
Mathew Rees (Wales)
Some of my selections are off the scene with injuries. With one round gone these players will need to play soon and show form to stay on my list.
Chris Patterson, Danny Care, Nathan Hines and Euan Murray.
My team now has four Jones' and less English players.
Rugby Result: Wales 26, Scotland 13
08.02.2009
Wales 26, Scotland 13 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Wales managed a 26-13 win over Scotland at Murrayfield with the local team again disappointing their fans. Injuries and a ten minute stint in the sin bin for debutant prop Cross sealed Scotland's fate.
Wales 26, Scotland 13 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Wales managed a 26-13 win over Scotland at Murrayfield with the local team again disappointing their fans. Injuries and a ten minute stint in the sin bin for debutant prop Cross sealed Scotland's fate.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
International Rugby: Wales v Scotland
08.02.2009
Wales v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Preview
Wales are the team to beat. 6 Nations champion and Grand Slam winner for 2007-08 and the only team to inflict defeat a Southern Hemisphere (excluding Argentina) nation in November, Wales arrive in Edinburgh the champions of Europe. All they have to do is play to that reputation and they should win comfortably. But to take a win against Scotland at Murrayfield for granted at any time is courting disaster. Look what happened in 2007! With basically the same side that defeated Australia (with Phillips and Bennett added for strength) Wales looks the winner on paper.
Last Five Tests Played by Wales
29.11.2008 v Australia W 21-18 in Cardiff
22.11.2008 v New Zealand L 9-29 in Cardiff
14.11.2008 v Canada W 34-13 in Cardiff
08.11.2008 v South Africa L 15-20 in Cardiff
14.06.2008 v South Africa L 21-37 in Pretoria
Scotland fans will be wondering just what will this Scottish side of theirs dish out this time? Following their team is like riding a roller coaster-up and down! After their great win against Argentina in Buenos Aires last year the team's performances were great against South Africa, then poor against New Zealand. So. Up and down. here we go again. What will it be today?
Last Five Tests Played by Scotland
22.11.2008 v Canada W 41-0 in Aberdeen
15.11.2008 v South Africa L 10-14 at Murrayfield
08.11.2008 v New Zealand L 6-32 at Murrayfield
14.06.2008 v Argentina W 26-14 in Buenos Aires
07.06.2008 v Argentina L 15-21 in Rosario
Last Five Encounters Wales v Scotland
09.02.2008 Wales 30-15 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
10.02.2007 Scotland 21-9 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
12.02.2006 Wales 28-18 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
13.03.2005 Wales 46-22 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
14.02.2004 Wales 23-10 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Wales 3rd, Scotland 6th
Europe Table-Wales 1st, Scotland 6th
Prediction: Wales by 12 points
Teams
Scotland
15 Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh Gunners) Age 28, 44 Tests
14 Simon Webster (Edinburgh Gunners) 27, 31
13 Benjamin Cairns (Edinburgh Gunners) 23, 5
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 26, 11
11 Sean Lamont (Northampton Saints, England) 26, 32
10 Phillip Godman (Edinburgh Gunners) 26, 12
9 Michael Blair, Capt. (Edinburgh Gunners) 27, 53
8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais, France) 29, 61
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 21, 7
6 Allister Hogg (Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 46
5 James Hamilton (Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 18
4 Jason White (Sale Sharks, England) 30, 69
3 Geoffrey Cross (Edinburgh Gunners) 26, New Cap
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Gunners) 24, 24
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Gunners) 30, 33
Replacements
16 Douglas Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 28, 23
17 Alastair Dickinson (Gloucester, England) 24, 7
18 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 26, 25
19 Scott Gray (Northampton Saints, England) 30, 4
20 Christopher Cusiter (Perpignan, France) 26, 39
21 Christopher Paterson (Gloucester, England) 30, 90
22 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors) 25, 1
Head Coach: Frank Hadden
Geoff Cross wins his first test cap for Scotland.
Wales
15 Lee Byrne (Neath Swansea Ospreys) Age 28, 22 Tests
14 Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues) 19, 3
13 Thomas Shanklin Cardiff Blues) 29, 58
12 James Roberts Cardiff Blues) 21, 6
11 Shane Williams (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 31, 61
10 Stephen Jones (Lanelli Scarlets) 31, 75
9 Michael Phillips (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 26
8 Andrew Powell (Cardiff Blues) 27, 4
7 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues) 33, 84
6 Ryan Jones, Capt. (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 28, 26
5 Alun-Wyn Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 26
4 Ian Gough (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 32, 55
3 Adam Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 27, 52
2 Matthew Rees (Lanelli Scarlets) 28, 22
1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) 28, 63
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 25, 17
17 John Yapp (Cardiff Blues) 25, 10
18 Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons) 25, 9
19 Dafydd Jones (Lanelli Scarlets) 28, 34
20 Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks, England) 27, 64
21 James Hook (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 29
22 Andrew Bishop (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 3
Head Coach: Warren Gatland
The injured list
Gavin Henson (after selection), Ian Evans
Wales v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Preview
Wales are the team to beat. 6 Nations champion and Grand Slam winner for 2007-08 and the only team to inflict defeat a Southern Hemisphere (excluding Argentina) nation in November, Wales arrive in Edinburgh the champions of Europe. All they have to do is play to that reputation and they should win comfortably. But to take a win against Scotland at Murrayfield for granted at any time is courting disaster. Look what happened in 2007! With basically the same side that defeated Australia (with Phillips and Bennett added for strength) Wales looks the winner on paper.
Last Five Tests Played by Wales
29.11.2008 v Australia W 21-18 in Cardiff
22.11.2008 v New Zealand L 9-29 in Cardiff
14.11.2008 v Canada W 34-13 in Cardiff
08.11.2008 v South Africa L 15-20 in Cardiff
14.06.2008 v South Africa L 21-37 in Pretoria
Scotland fans will be wondering just what will this Scottish side of theirs dish out this time? Following their team is like riding a roller coaster-up and down! After their great win against Argentina in Buenos Aires last year the team's performances were great against South Africa, then poor against New Zealand. So. Up and down. here we go again. What will it be today?
Last Five Tests Played by Scotland
22.11.2008 v Canada W 41-0 in Aberdeen
15.11.2008 v South Africa L 10-14 at Murrayfield
08.11.2008 v New Zealand L 6-32 at Murrayfield
14.06.2008 v Argentina W 26-14 in Buenos Aires
07.06.2008 v Argentina L 15-21 in Rosario
Last Five Encounters Wales v Scotland
09.02.2008 Wales 30-15 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
10.02.2007 Scotland 21-9 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
12.02.2006 Wales 28-18 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
13.03.2005 Wales 46-22 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
14.02.2004 Wales 23-10 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Wales 3rd, Scotland 6th
Europe Table-Wales 1st, Scotland 6th
Prediction: Wales by 12 points
Teams
Scotland
15 Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh Gunners) Age 28, 44 Tests
14 Simon Webster (Edinburgh Gunners) 27, 31
13 Benjamin Cairns (Edinburgh Gunners) 23, 5
12 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors) 26, 11
11 Sean Lamont (Northampton Saints, England) 26, 32
10 Phillip Godman (Edinburgh Gunners) 26, 12
9 Michael Blair, Capt. (Edinburgh Gunners) 27, 53
8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais, France) 29, 61
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors) 21, 7
6 Allister Hogg (Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 46
5 James Hamilton (Edinburgh Gunners) 25, 18
4 Jason White (Sale Sharks, England) 30, 69
3 Geoffrey Cross (Edinburgh Gunners) 26, New Cap
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh Gunners) 24, 24
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Gunners) 30, 33
Replacements
16 Douglas Hall (Glasgow Warriors) 28, 23
17 Alastair Dickinson (Gloucester, England) 24, 7
18 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors) 26, 25
19 Scott Gray (Northampton Saints, England) 30, 4
20 Christopher Cusiter (Perpignan, France) 26, 39
21 Christopher Paterson (Gloucester, England) 30, 90
22 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors) 25, 1
Head Coach: Frank Hadden
Geoff Cross wins his first test cap for Scotland.
Wales
15 Lee Byrne (Neath Swansea Ospreys) Age 28, 22 Tests
14 Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues) 19, 3
13 Thomas Shanklin Cardiff Blues) 29, 58
12 James Roberts Cardiff Blues) 21, 6
11 Shane Williams (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 31, 61
10 Stephen Jones (Lanelli Scarlets) 31, 75
9 Michael Phillips (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 26
8 Andrew Powell (Cardiff Blues) 27, 4
7 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues) 33, 84
6 Ryan Jones, Capt. (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 28, 26
5 Alun-Wyn Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 26
4 Ian Gough (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 32, 55
3 Adam Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 27, 52
2 Matthew Rees (Lanelli Scarlets) 28, 22
1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) 28, 63
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 25, 17
17 John Yapp (Cardiff Blues) 25, 10
18 Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons) 25, 9
19 Dafydd Jones (Lanelli Scarlets) 28, 34
20 Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks, England) 27, 64
21 James Hook (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 29
22 Andrew Bishop (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 3
Head Coach: Warren Gatland
The injured list
Gavin Henson (after selection), Ian Evans
Test Rugby Results 7 Feb
07.02.2009
England 36, Italy 11 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Ireland 30, France 21 in Dublin (6 Nations)
Georgia 38, Germany 5 in Heidelberg (WCQ Eur. R1; ENC 1:
Romania 19, Spain 10 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1:
Russia 18, Portugal 14 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
England 36, Italy 11 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Ireland 30, France 21 in Dublin (6 Nations)
Georgia 38, Germany 5 in Heidelberg (WCQ Eur. R1; ENC 1:
Romania 19, Spain 10 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1:
Russia 18, Portugal 14 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Test Match: Russia v Portugal
07.02.2009
Russia v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Last Five Encounters
01.02.2008 Russia 41-26 in Krasnodar (ENC 1)
12.05.2007 Russia 21-13 in Lisbon (ENC 1)
28.10.2006 Portugal 26-23 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5, Pool A)
13.06.2006 Russia 37-17 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)
25.02.2006 Drawn 19-19 in Lisbon (ENC 1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Russia 19th, Portugal 21st
Europe Table-Russia 9th, Portugal 11th
Prediction: Russia by 8 points
Teams
Russia
15. Igor Kluchnikov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
14. Andrey Kuzin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
13. Mikhail Babaev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
12. Sergey Trishin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
11. Alexander Gvozdovsky (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk)
10. Yuri Kushnarev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
9. Victor Motorin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
8. Victor Gresev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
7. Evgeny Matveev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
6. Andrey Ostrikov (Agen, France)
5. Kirill Kulemin (Castres, France)
4. Alexander Voitov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
3. Evgeny Pronenko (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk)
2. Vladislav Korshunov, Capt. (VVA-Podmoskovje)
1. Alexander Khrokin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
16. Vladimir Botvinnikov (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk)
17. Andrey Garbuzov (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk)
18. Alexey Travkin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
19. Artem Fatakhov (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk)
20. Alexander Yanushkin (Slava Moscow) (now VVA)
21. Dmitry Gerasimov (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk)
22. Vasily Artemyev (Univ.College, Dublin, Ireland)
Head Coach: Nikolay Nerush
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3001
Will be played at Lisbon University Ground in Lisbon
Preperations: Russian team in South African training camp most of January, returned to Russian Jan 26th and then flew to Portugal 30 Jan.
Portugal in England, lost 0-66 to England Saxons in Sale Jan 30th.
Portugal
Eduardo Acosta
Pedro Cabral
João Correia, Capt.
Aderito Esteves
Gonçalo Foro
Tiago Girão
João Junior
Pedro Leal
David Mateus
Diogo Mateus
Juan Murre
Salvador Palha
David Penalva
Duarte Pinto
Jose Pinto
Jorge Segurado
Juan Severino
Pedro Silva
Cristian Spachuck
Gonçalo Uva
João Uva
Vasco Uva
Head Caoch: Tomaz Morais,
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3001
Russia v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Last Five Encounters
01.02.2008 Russia 41-26 in Krasnodar (ENC 1)
12.05.2007 Russia 21-13 in Lisbon (ENC 1)
28.10.2006 Portugal 26-23 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5, Pool A)
13.06.2006 Russia 37-17 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)
25.02.2006 Drawn 19-19 in Lisbon (ENC 1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Russia 19th, Portugal 21st
Europe Table-Russia 9th, Portugal 11th
Prediction: Russia by 8 points
Teams
Russia
15. Igor Kluchnikov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
14. Andrey Kuzin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
13. Mikhail Babaev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
12. Sergey Trishin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
11. Alexander Gvozdovsky (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk)
10. Yuri Kushnarev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
9. Victor Motorin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
8. Victor Gresev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
7. Evgeny Matveev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
6. Andrey Ostrikov (Agen, France)
5. Kirill Kulemin (Castres, France)
4. Alexander Voitov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
3. Evgeny Pronenko (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk)
2. Vladislav Korshunov, Capt. (VVA-Podmoskovje)
1. Alexander Khrokin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
16. Vladimir Botvinnikov (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk)
17. Andrey Garbuzov (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk)
18. Alexey Travkin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
19. Artem Fatakhov (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk)
20. Alexander Yanushkin (Slava Moscow) (now VVA)
21. Dmitry Gerasimov (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk)
22. Vasily Artemyev (Univ.College, Dublin, Ireland)
Head Coach: Nikolay Nerush
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3001
Will be played at Lisbon University Ground in Lisbon
Preperations: Russian team in South African training camp most of January, returned to Russian Jan 26th and then flew to Portugal 30 Jan.
Portugal in England, lost 0-66 to England Saxons in Sale Jan 30th.
Portugal
Eduardo Acosta
Pedro Cabral
João Correia, Capt.
Aderito Esteves
Gonçalo Foro
Tiago Girão
João Junior
Pedro Leal
David Mateus
Diogo Mateus
Juan Murre
Salvador Palha
David Penalva
Duarte Pinto
Jose Pinto
Jorge Segurado
Juan Severino
Pedro Silva
Cristian Spachuck
Gonçalo Uva
João Uva
Vasco Uva
Head Caoch: Tomaz Morais,
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3001
Test Rugby: Romania v Spain
07.02.2009
Romania v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Last Five Encounters
23.02.2008 Romania 17-11 in Madrid (ENC 1)
10.03.2007 Romania 50-14 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
14.10.2006 Romania 43-20 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5, Pool B)
06.03.2004 Romania 50-10 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
08.03.2003 Romania 31-6 in Madrid (ENC 1)
Spain last defeated Romania in 1992, winning 6-0 in Madrid.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Romania 16th, Spain 20th
Europe Table-Romania 8th, Spain 10th
Prediction: Romania by 22 points
Teams
Spain Squad
Juan Rafael Alvarez (Bera Bera RT)
César Bernasconi (CRC Madrid)
José Mª.Bohorquez CR Ciencias)
Aníbal Bonan (Vrac Valladolid)
Juan Cano (CRC Madrid)
Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid)
Damien Elgoyhen (Avion Bayonnais, France)
Pablo Feijoo (CRC Madrid)
Leandro Fernández-Aramburu CR Ciencias)
Juan Gonzalez (CRC Madrid)
Sebastián Hattori CR Ciencias)
David Hernandez (Getxo Artea RT)
Ion Insausti (CRC Madrid)
Ignacio Martin (Gran Parma RC, Italy)
Igor Mirones (Getxo Artea RT)
David Mota (CRC Madrid)
Jaime Nava (CE Salvador)
Martín Jeremías Palumbo (Getxo Artea RT)
Romain Roques (Stade Dijonnais, France)
Javier Salazar (CRC Madrid)
César Sempere (CRC Madrid)
Sergio Souto (CE Salvador)
Julien Tourtoulou (Colomiers RC, France)
Diego Zarzosa (CE Salvador)
Head Coach: Ged Glynn Squad
Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti)
14. Catalin Fercu (Steaua Bucuresti)
13. Adrian Barbuliceanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
12. Catalin Dascalu (Steaua Bucuresti)
11. Madalin Lemnaru (Arad)
10. Ionut Dimofte (Steaua Bucuresti)
9. Petre Mitu (Montauban, France)
8. Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanta)
7. Stelian Burcea, Capt. (Dinamo Bucuresti)
6. Florin Corodeanu (Saint Marcelline Sport, France)
5. Alin Coste (Narbonne, France)
4. Laurent Giucal
3. Paulica Ion (Bath, England)
2. Florin Tasca (Dinamo Bucuresti)
1. Nicolae Nere (Steaua Bucuresti)
Replacements
16. Catalin Beca
17. Silviu Florea (Montauban, France)
18. Valentin Poparlan (Dinamo Bucuresti)
19. Daniel Ianus (Steaua Bucuresti)
20. Valentin Calafeteanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
21. Dorin Manole (Universitate Cluj)
22. Stefan Ciuntu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
Head Coach:
Romania v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Last Five Encounters
23.02.2008 Romania 17-11 in Madrid (ENC 1)
10.03.2007 Romania 50-14 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
14.10.2006 Romania 43-20 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5, Pool B)
06.03.2004 Romania 50-10 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
08.03.2003 Romania 31-6 in Madrid (ENC 1)
Spain last defeated Romania in 1992, winning 6-0 in Madrid.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Romania 16th, Spain 20th
Europe Table-Romania 8th, Spain 10th
Prediction: Romania by 22 points
Teams
Spain Squad
Juan Rafael Alvarez (Bera Bera RT)
César Bernasconi (CRC Madrid)
José Mª.Bohorquez CR Ciencias)
Aníbal Bonan (Vrac Valladolid)
Juan Cano (CRC Madrid)
Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid)
Damien Elgoyhen (Avion Bayonnais, France)
Pablo Feijoo (CRC Madrid)
Leandro Fernández-Aramburu CR Ciencias)
Juan Gonzalez (CRC Madrid)
Sebastián Hattori CR Ciencias)
David Hernandez (Getxo Artea RT)
Ion Insausti (CRC Madrid)
Ignacio Martin (Gran Parma RC, Italy)
Igor Mirones (Getxo Artea RT)
David Mota (CRC Madrid)
Jaime Nava (CE Salvador)
Martín Jeremías Palumbo (Getxo Artea RT)
Romain Roques (Stade Dijonnais, France)
Javier Salazar (CRC Madrid)
César Sempere (CRC Madrid)
Sergio Souto (CE Salvador)
Julien Tourtoulou (Colomiers RC, France)
Diego Zarzosa (CE Salvador)
Head Coach: Ged Glynn Squad
Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti)
14. Catalin Fercu (Steaua Bucuresti)
13. Adrian Barbuliceanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
12. Catalin Dascalu (Steaua Bucuresti)
11. Madalin Lemnaru (Arad)
10. Ionut Dimofte (Steaua Bucuresti)
9. Petre Mitu (Montauban, France)
8. Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanta)
7. Stelian Burcea, Capt. (Dinamo Bucuresti)
6. Florin Corodeanu (Saint Marcelline Sport, France)
5. Alin Coste (Narbonne, France)
4. Laurent Giucal
3. Paulica Ion (Bath, England)
2. Florin Tasca (Dinamo Bucuresti)
1. Nicolae Nere (Steaua Bucuresti)
Replacements
16. Catalin Beca
17. Silviu Florea (Montauban, France)
18. Valentin Poparlan (Dinamo Bucuresti)
19. Daniel Ianus (Steaua Bucuresti)
20. Valentin Calafeteanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
21. Dorin Manole (Universitate Cluj)
22. Stefan Ciuntu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
Head Coach:
Rugby test: Georgia v Germany
07.02.2009
Georgia v Germany in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
The Germans are new to this level of international rugby. They won the right to play in this division due to the first place the ENC 2A Division they gained, played 2006-08. Their first match was a 11-22 loss to Spain in Madrid last November. They will find the Georgians very difficult to handle. This is all about learning to play the game at a greater pace against heavier energy-sapping forwards. The Germans will see this game as pivotal in their development having put so much energy and resources in to finally reaching this level of international rugby. A loss by less than 20 points will almost seem like a victory.
Germany's Last Five Tests
15.11.2008 v Spain Lost 11-22 in Madrid (ENC 1)
08.11.2008 v Welsh Clubs XV Lost 14-27 in Berlin
26.04.2008 v Netherlands Won 27-17 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
19.04.2008 v Ukraine Won 13-5 in Hannover (ENC 2A)
24.11.2007 v Moldova Won 34-5 in Heidelberg (ENC 2A)
Georgia travel to Germany with a squad full of players who went to the 2007 Rugby World Cup and many more experienced at the top level of the European Nations Cup. This is the team that won ENC 1 2006-08 and the only real advantage Germany has is that they will play on home soil. Other than that it looks all very one-sided.
Georgia's Last Five Test Matches
14.11.2008 v Scotland 'A' Lost 3-69 in Glasgow
20.06.2008 v Italy 'A' Won 25-3 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
15.06.2008 v Uruguay Won 20-18 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
11.06.2008 v Emerging Springbox Lost 3-11 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
26.04.2008 v Spain Won 22-20 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
Previous Encounters Between Germany and Georgia
15.10.1995 Georgia 14-3 in Tblissi (FIRA B1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Germany 12th.
Prediction: Georgia by 40 points.
Teams
Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili (Massy, France) Age 25, 28 Tests
14 Irakli Machkhaneli (Agen, France) 27, 28
13 Davit Kacharava (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 23, 21
12 Irakli Giorgadze (Dax, France) 26, 31
11 Irakli Chkhikvadze (Aia) 21, 11
10 Lasha Malaghuradze (Beziers, France) 22, 10
9 Irakli Abuseridze, Capt (Orléans, France) 31, 54
8 Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier, France) 24, 29
7 Rati Urushadze (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 33, 31
6 Giorgi Chkhaidze (Racing Metro, France) 27, 29
5 Kakhaber Uchava (Farul Constanta, Romania) 32, 11
4 Ilia Zedginidze (Aix-en-Provence, France) 31, 49
3 Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont Auvergne, France) 25, 18
2 Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 12
1 Goderdzi Shvelidze (Montauban, France) 30, 45
Replacements
16 Akvsent Giorgadze (Castres, France) 31, 51
17 Davit Khinchagishvili (Brive, France) 25, 18
18 Gia Labadze (Toulon, France) 35, 47
19 Dimitri Basilaia (Morlass, France) 23, 7
20 Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 35
21 Tedore Zibzibadze (Périgueux, France)
22 Otar Barkalaia (VPC, Andorra) 24, 34
Head Coach: Tim Lane
Twelve of these players last took the field when Georgia lost 3-69 to Scotland ‘A’ in Glasgow last November. Some old veterans return to the Georgian side. Both Labadze and Akvsent Giorgadze last played for Georgia at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Ilia Zedginidze will play his 50th test for Georgia.
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3000&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15 and to http://www.rugby.ge/KA2009/0205_GerRazmi.htmReferee: Graham Knox (Scotland)
Germany
15. Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim) Age 23, 2 Tests
14. Benjamin Brierley (SC Frankfurt 1880) 22, New Cap
13. Benjamin Simm (SG 78/08 Hannover) 23, 7
12. Edmorre Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg) 28, 4
11. Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orléans) 25, 20
10. Kieron Davies (Bedford RFC, England) 28, 23
9. Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg) 27, 22
8. Michael Poppmeier (Lazio Rom, Italy) 26, New Cap
7. Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim) 24, 1
6. Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England) 26, 19
5. Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim) 27, 35
4. Bobo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, South Africa) 30, 17
3. Pierre Faber (RG Heidelberg) 30, 18
2. Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg) 29, 31
1. Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans) 26, 31
Replacements
16. Benjamin Krause (SG 78/08 Hannover) 26, 24
17. Damien Tussac (RC Toulon, France) Age ?, New Cap
18. Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg) 28, 21
19. Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg) 23, 6
20. Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1880) 27, 2
21. Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim) 25, 21
22. James Reid (Barking RFC, England) 24
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer
Please note: Test caps are unofficial. They derive from my own records, plus those found for 2006-08 at http://www.totalrugby.de/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showPlayers&p=6&ttid=285&Itemid=250, plus v Welsh Clubs XV played last November but not included in above.
Georgia v Germany in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
The Germans are new to this level of international rugby. They won the right to play in this division due to the first place the ENC 2A Division they gained, played 2006-08. Their first match was a 11-22 loss to Spain in Madrid last November. They will find the Georgians very difficult to handle. This is all about learning to play the game at a greater pace against heavier energy-sapping forwards. The Germans will see this game as pivotal in their development having put so much energy and resources in to finally reaching this level of international rugby. A loss by less than 20 points will almost seem like a victory.
Germany's Last Five Tests
15.11.2008 v Spain Lost 11-22 in Madrid (ENC 1)
08.11.2008 v Welsh Clubs XV Lost 14-27 in Berlin
26.04.2008 v Netherlands Won 27-17 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
19.04.2008 v Ukraine Won 13-5 in Hannover (ENC 2A)
24.11.2007 v Moldova Won 34-5 in Heidelberg (ENC 2A)
Georgia travel to Germany with a squad full of players who went to the 2007 Rugby World Cup and many more experienced at the top level of the European Nations Cup. This is the team that won ENC 1 2006-08 and the only real advantage Germany has is that they will play on home soil. Other than that it looks all very one-sided.
Georgia's Last Five Test Matches
14.11.2008 v Scotland 'A' Lost 3-69 in Glasgow
20.06.2008 v Italy 'A' Won 25-3 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
15.06.2008 v Uruguay Won 20-18 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
11.06.2008 v Emerging Springbox Lost 3-11 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
26.04.2008 v Spain Won 22-20 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
Previous Encounters Between Germany and Georgia
15.10.1995 Georgia 14-3 in Tblissi (FIRA B1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Germany 12th.
Prediction: Georgia by 40 points.
Teams
Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili (Massy, France) Age 25, 28 Tests
14 Irakli Machkhaneli (Agen, France) 27, 28
13 Davit Kacharava (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 23, 21
12 Irakli Giorgadze (Dax, France) 26, 31
11 Irakli Chkhikvadze (Aia) 21, 11
10 Lasha Malaghuradze (Beziers, France) 22, 10
9 Irakli Abuseridze, Capt (Orléans, France) 31, 54
8 Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier, France) 24, 29
7 Rati Urushadze (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 33, 31
6 Giorgi Chkhaidze (Racing Metro, France) 27, 29
5 Kakhaber Uchava (Farul Constanta, Romania) 32, 11
4 Ilia Zedginidze (Aix-en-Provence, France) 31, 49
3 Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont Auvergne, France) 25, 18
2 Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 12
1 Goderdzi Shvelidze (Montauban, France) 30, 45
Replacements
16 Akvsent Giorgadze (Castres, France) 31, 51
17 Davit Khinchagishvili (Brive, France) 25, 18
18 Gia Labadze (Toulon, France) 35, 47
19 Dimitri Basilaia (Morlass, France) 23, 7
20 Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 35
21 Tedore Zibzibadze (Périgueux, France)
22 Otar Barkalaia (VPC, Andorra) 24, 34
Head Coach: Tim Lane
Twelve of these players last took the field when Georgia lost 3-69 to Scotland ‘A’ in Glasgow last November. Some old veterans return to the Georgian side. Both Labadze and Akvsent Giorgadze last played for Georgia at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Ilia Zedginidze will play his 50th test for Georgia.
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3000&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15 and to http://www.rugby.ge/KA2009/0205_GerRazmi.htmReferee: Graham Knox (Scotland)
Germany
15. Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim) Age 23, 2 Tests
14. Benjamin Brierley (SC Frankfurt 1880) 22, New Cap
13. Benjamin Simm (SG 78/08 Hannover) 23, 7
12. Edmorre Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg) 28, 4
11. Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orléans) 25, 20
10. Kieron Davies (Bedford RFC, England) 28, 23
9. Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg) 27, 22
8. Michael Poppmeier (Lazio Rom, Italy) 26, New Cap
7. Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim) 24, 1
6. Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England) 26, 19
5. Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim) 27, 35
4. Bobo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, South Africa) 30, 17
3. Pierre Faber (RG Heidelberg) 30, 18
2. Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg) 29, 31
1. Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans) 26, 31
Replacements
16. Benjamin Krause (SG 78/08 Hannover) 26, 24
17. Damien Tussac (RC Toulon, France) Age ?, New Cap
18. Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg) 28, 21
19. Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg) 23, 6
20. Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1880) 27, 2
21. Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim) 25, 21
22. James Reid (Barking RFC, England) 24
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer
Please note: Test caps are unofficial. They derive from my own records, plus those found for 2006-08 at http://www.totalrugby.de/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showPlayers&p=6&ttid=285&Itemid=250, plus v Welsh Clubs XV played last November but not included in above.
Rugby Test: France v Ireland
07.02.2009
France v Ireland at Croke Park, Dublin
France is probably the most likely team to challenge Wales for the 6 Nations title for 2009. But can Ireland finally rise above some very ordinary form to create a 'Croke Park Special' and win this test match? So what do you think? Which team will win?
Post your comment now.
Preview
The team of experience verses the new and mostly untried. This is the mix of the teams when they run onto Croke Park tomorrow.
Ireland has a new coach but that's about all. The team has five players with 85 test matches or more to their credit. Unfortunately this experienced combination has hardly caused a stir since their exit from the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The team is based upon the European Champion side Munster and they are mostly in the forwards or the inside backs. This pack outplayed Argentina in November which is saying something.The brittleness and pedestrian nature of the backs ( 1 try scored in 3 tests last November) has caused Paddy Wallace to be employed at inside centre. This is not a backline that will excite. Will we get much of the same durgid rugby from Ireland we have come to expect?
Ireland's Last Five Tests
22.11.2008 v Argentina in Dublin Won 17-3
15.11.2008 v New Zealand in Dublin Lost 3-22
08.11.2008 v Canada in Limerick Won 55-0
11.06.2008 v Australia in Melbourne Lost 12-18
07.06.2008 v New Zealand in Wellington Lost 11-21
France, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. The team consists of two players with more than 50 caps and whole lot more with ten or less. France looked far more solid up front in their November tests that they have for a while and the backline looks like it could spring an attack at any time soon. That's what the coaching staff want France to go back to, the good old days of French flare. Will we see it from France in Dublin. If they do they will walk the old solid Irish pack all over Croke Park.
France's Last Five Tests
22.11.2008 v Australia in Paris Lost 13-18
15.11.2008 v Pacific Islands in Marseilles Won 42-17
08.11.2008 v Argentina in Marseilles Won 12-6
05.07.2008 v Australia in Brisbane Lost 10-40
28.06.2008 v Australia in Sydney Lost 13-34
Last Five test Results between France and Ireland
09.02.2008 France 26-21 in Paris (6 Nations)
21.09.2007 France 25-3 in Paris (World Cup Warm Up)
11.02.2007 France 20-17 in Dublin (6 Nations)
11.02.2006 France 43-31 in Paris (6 Nations)
12.03.2005 France 26-19 in Dublin (6 Nations)
Ireland's last win was 15-12 in Dublin 2003.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Ireland 7th, France 8th
Europe Table-France 3rd, Ireland 4th
Prediction: France by 8 points
Teams
Ireland
15 Robert Kearney (Leinster) Age 24, 11 tests
14 Tommy Bowe (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales) 24, 18
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt (Leinster) 29, 87
12 Patrick Wallace (Ulster) 29, 12
11 Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster) 21, 7
10 Ronan O'Gara (Munster) 31, 87
9 Tomas O'Leary (Munster) 25, 3
8 James Heaslip (Leinster) 24, 13
7 David Wallace (Munster) 32, 50
6 Stephen Ferris (Ulster) 23, 8
5 Paul O'Connell (Munster) 29, 57
4 Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster) 29, 50
3 John Hayes (Munster) 35, 89
2 Jeremy Flannery (Munster) 30, 26
1 Marcus Horan (Munster) 31, 61
Replacements
16 Rory Best (Ulster) 26, 27
17 Thomas Court (Ulster) 28, New Cap
18 Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster) 34, 90
19 Denis Leamy (Munster) 27, 34
20 Peter Stringer (Munster) 31, 85
21 Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster) 28, 37
22 Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers, England) 30, 58
Head Coach: Declan Kidney
Tom Court makes his test debut for Ireland. An amazing five players have played in 85 tests or more for Ireland.
France
15 Clement Poitrenaud (Stade Toulousain) age 26, 32 tests
14 Julien Malzieu (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 6
13 Florian Fritz (Stade Toulousain) 24, 13
12 Yannick Jauzion (Stade Toulousain) 30, 55
11 Maxime Medard (Stade Toulousain) 21, 3
10 Lionel Beauxis (Stade Français) 22, 11
9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde (Castres) 23, 4
8 Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz Olympique) 29, 51
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier) 22, 11
6 Thierry Dusautoir (Stade Toulousain) 27, 17
5 Lionel Nallet, Capt. (Castres) 32, 42
4 Sebastien Chabal (Sale, England) 30, 41
3 Benoit Lecouls (Stade Toulousain) 30, 5
2 Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français) 25, 30
1 Lionel Faure (Sale, England) 30, 6
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser (Leicester, England) 24, 5
17 Nicolas Mas (Perpignan) 28, 21
18 Romain Millo-Chluski (Stade Toulousain) 25, 4
19 Louis Picamoles (Montpellier) 22, 8
20 Morgan Parra (Bourgoin) 20, 4
21 Benoit Baby (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 6
22 Cedric Heymans (Stade Toulousain) 30, 43
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont
Beauxis last played test rugby for France v Argentina in the 2007 Rugby World Cup playoff. Fritz last played for France v Italy at the start of the 2007 6 Nations competition.
France v Ireland at Croke Park, Dublin
France is probably the most likely team to challenge Wales for the 6 Nations title for 2009. But can Ireland finally rise above some very ordinary form to create a 'Croke Park Special' and win this test match? So what do you think? Which team will win?
Post your comment now.
Preview
The team of experience verses the new and mostly untried. This is the mix of the teams when they run onto Croke Park tomorrow.
Ireland has a new coach but that's about all. The team has five players with 85 test matches or more to their credit. Unfortunately this experienced combination has hardly caused a stir since their exit from the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The team is based upon the European Champion side Munster and they are mostly in the forwards or the inside backs. This pack outplayed Argentina in November which is saying something.The brittleness and pedestrian nature of the backs ( 1 try scored in 3 tests last November) has caused Paddy Wallace to be employed at inside centre. This is not a backline that will excite. Will we get much of the same durgid rugby from Ireland we have come to expect?
Ireland's Last Five Tests
22.11.2008 v Argentina in Dublin Won 17-3
15.11.2008 v New Zealand in Dublin Lost 3-22
08.11.2008 v Canada in Limerick Won 55-0
11.06.2008 v Australia in Melbourne Lost 12-18
07.06.2008 v New Zealand in Wellington Lost 11-21
France, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. The team consists of two players with more than 50 caps and whole lot more with ten or less. France looked far more solid up front in their November tests that they have for a while and the backline looks like it could spring an attack at any time soon. That's what the coaching staff want France to go back to, the good old days of French flare. Will we see it from France in Dublin. If they do they will walk the old solid Irish pack all over Croke Park.
France's Last Five Tests
22.11.2008 v Australia in Paris Lost 13-18
15.11.2008 v Pacific Islands in Marseilles Won 42-17
08.11.2008 v Argentina in Marseilles Won 12-6
05.07.2008 v Australia in Brisbane Lost 10-40
28.06.2008 v Australia in Sydney Lost 13-34
Last Five test Results between France and Ireland
09.02.2008 France 26-21 in Paris (6 Nations)
21.09.2007 France 25-3 in Paris (World Cup Warm Up)
11.02.2007 France 20-17 in Dublin (6 Nations)
11.02.2006 France 43-31 in Paris (6 Nations)
12.03.2005 France 26-19 in Dublin (6 Nations)
Ireland's last win was 15-12 in Dublin 2003.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Ireland 7th, France 8th
Europe Table-France 3rd, Ireland 4th
Prediction: France by 8 points
Teams
Ireland
15 Robert Kearney (Leinster) Age 24, 11 tests
14 Tommy Bowe (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales) 24, 18
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt (Leinster) 29, 87
12 Patrick Wallace (Ulster) 29, 12
11 Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster) 21, 7
10 Ronan O'Gara (Munster) 31, 87
9 Tomas O'Leary (Munster) 25, 3
8 James Heaslip (Leinster) 24, 13
7 David Wallace (Munster) 32, 50
6 Stephen Ferris (Ulster) 23, 8
5 Paul O'Connell (Munster) 29, 57
4 Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster) 29, 50
3 John Hayes (Munster) 35, 89
2 Jeremy Flannery (Munster) 30, 26
1 Marcus Horan (Munster) 31, 61
Replacements
16 Rory Best (Ulster) 26, 27
17 Thomas Court (Ulster) 28, New Cap
18 Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster) 34, 90
19 Denis Leamy (Munster) 27, 34
20 Peter Stringer (Munster) 31, 85
21 Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster) 28, 37
22 Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers, England) 30, 58
Head Coach: Declan Kidney
Tom Court makes his test debut for Ireland. An amazing five players have played in 85 tests or more for Ireland.
France
15 Clement Poitrenaud (Stade Toulousain) age 26, 32 tests
14 Julien Malzieu (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 6
13 Florian Fritz (Stade Toulousain) 24, 13
12 Yannick Jauzion (Stade Toulousain) 30, 55
11 Maxime Medard (Stade Toulousain) 21, 3
10 Lionel Beauxis (Stade Français) 22, 11
9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde (Castres) 23, 4
8 Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz Olympique) 29, 51
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier) 22, 11
6 Thierry Dusautoir (Stade Toulousain) 27, 17
5 Lionel Nallet, Capt. (Castres) 32, 42
4 Sebastien Chabal (Sale, England) 30, 41
3 Benoit Lecouls (Stade Toulousain) 30, 5
2 Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français) 25, 30
1 Lionel Faure (Sale, England) 30, 6
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser (Leicester, England) 24, 5
17 Nicolas Mas (Perpignan) 28, 21
18 Romain Millo-Chluski (Stade Toulousain) 25, 4
19 Louis Picamoles (Montpellier) 22, 8
20 Morgan Parra (Bourgoin) 20, 4
21 Benoit Baby (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 6
22 Cedric Heymans (Stade Toulousain) 30, 43
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont
Beauxis last played test rugby for France v Argentina in the 2007 Rugby World Cup playoff. Fritz last played for France v Italy at the start of the 2007 6 Nations competition.
Test Rugby: Italy v England
07.02.2009
Italy v England at Twickenham
Just imagine England getting the fright of their life. Just imagaine Italy creating another chapter in the horror story that is England test rugby at the moment. Can Italy upset England at Twickenham in the first 6 Nations encounter for 2009?
What do you think? Post your comments here now.
Preview
England must win this game and win it well if they are to begin to erase the horror of their Autumn campaign. England lost to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand by wide margins, leaving their fans bewildered after the euphoria of the change of direction expected under Martin Johnson. Places in the British and Irish Lions will also be up for grabs at the end of the 6 Nations Tournament. England need to perform consistantly well if they are to command a presence in that squad. There is still that fragility and brittleness about this side and the inclusion of Andy Goode, so long out of the mix, has an air of uncertainty about the side.
Last Five Test Matches
29.11.2008 v New Zealand at Twickenham Lost 6-32
22.11.2008 v South Africa at Twickenham Lost 6-42
15.11.2008 v Australia at Twickenham Lost 14-28
08.11.2008 v Pacific Islands at Twickenham Won 39-13
21.06.2008 v New Zealand (2nd test) at Christchurch Lost 12-44
Italy have a steady and developing (still?) look about their squad. They have built their pack into one of the most formidable in the world with a huge number of very experienced players. It is in the backs and especially the inside backs that Italy has weaknesses. For this game, the lack of depth at scrum half sees the placing of a loose forward in this position. They have yet to make any real impact in the 6 Nations tournament since joining in 2000. Their rugby fans would be looking for a rise in standards of play and consistency in results. If ever Italy can knock the Poms over this could be their chance.
Last Five Tests played
22.11.2008 v Pacific Islands at Reggio Emilia Lost 17-25
15.11.2008 v Argentina at Turin Lost 14-22
08.11.2008 v Australia in Padova Lost 20-30
28.06.2008 v Argentina in Cordoba Won 13-12
21.06.2008 v South Africa in Capetwon Lost 0-26
Last Five Encounters England v Italy
10.02.2008 England 23-19 in Rome (6 Nations)
10.02.2007 England 20-7 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
11.02.2006 England 31-16 in Rome (6 Nations)
12.03.2005 England 39-7 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
15.02.2004 England 50-9 in Rome (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-England 5th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-England 2nd, Italy 5th
Prediction: Italy by 7 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage (London Irish) Age 24, 4 tests
14 Paul Sackey (London Wasps) 29, 19
13 James Noon (Newcastle) 29, 37
12 Riki Flutey (London Wasps) 28, 4
11 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) 28, 24
10 Andrew Goode (CA Brive, France) 28, 9
9 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers) 26, 22
8 Nicholas Easter (Harlequins) 33, 20
7 Steffon Armitage (London Irish) 23, 0
6 James Haskell (London Wasps) 23, 12
5 Nicholas Kennedy (London Irish) 27, 2
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt. (Saracens) 28, 44
3 Phillip Vickery (London Wasps) 32, 68
2 Lee Mears (Bath Rugby) 29, 28
1 Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) 29, 27
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) 22, 4
17 Julian White (Leicester Tigers) 35, 44
18 Thomas Croft (Leicester Tigers) 22, 8
19 Joseph Worsley (London Wasps) 31, 66
20 Benjamin Foden (Northampton Saints) 23, 0
21 Shane Geraghty (London Irish) 22, 2
22 Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks) 22, 24
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
Goode last played for England v South Africa in November 2006, whilst 35 year old White makes a comeback after last appearing for England v Wales in the 6 Nations match of 2007. Geraghty also last appeared for England v Wales in 2007.
Trinidadian born Steffon Armitage in the starting XV and Foden from the bench will make their test debuts.
On the injured list: Daniel Care, Michael Tindall
Italy
15 Andrea Masi (Biarritz, France) 27, 45
14 Kane Robertson (Viadana) 28, 35
13 Gonzalo Canale (Clermont Auvergne, France) 26, 42
12 Gonzalo Garcia (Calvisano) 24, 5
11 Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Francais, France) 25, 56
10 Andrea Marcato (Benetton Treviso) 25, 11
9 Mauro Beragamasco (Stade Francais, France) 29, 67
8 Sergio Parisse, Capt (Stade Francais, France) 25, 57
7 Alessandro Zanni (Calvisano) 24, 26
6 Joshua Sole (Viadana) 28, 33
5 Marco Bortolami (Gloucester, England) 28, 70
4 Santiago Dellapé (Toulon, France) 30, 52
3 Martin Castrogiovani (Leicester Tigers, England) 27, 54
2 Fabio Ongaro (Saracens, England) 31, 58
1 Salvatore Perugini (Toulouse, France) 30, 55
Replacements
16 Carlo Festuccia (Racing Metro, France) 28, 45
17 Carlos Nieto (Gloucester, England) 32, 29
18 Tommaso Reato (Rovigo) 23, 6
19 Jean-Francois Montauriol (Casinò di Venezia) 24, 0
20 Giulio Toniolatti (Almaviva UR Capitolina) 24, 1
21 Luke McLean (Calvisano) 21, 3
22 Matteo Pratichetti (Calvisano) 23, 10
Head Coach: Nik Mallett
Mauro Beragamasco’s selection at scrum half, after spending most of his international career on the side of the scrum, is a very rare occurrence of a forward being selected as a back at this level of international rugby.
Referee: mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Italy v England at Twickenham
Just imagine England getting the fright of their life. Just imagaine Italy creating another chapter in the horror story that is England test rugby at the moment. Can Italy upset England at Twickenham in the first 6 Nations encounter for 2009?
What do you think? Post your comments here now.
Preview
England must win this game and win it well if they are to begin to erase the horror of their Autumn campaign. England lost to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand by wide margins, leaving their fans bewildered after the euphoria of the change of direction expected under Martin Johnson. Places in the British and Irish Lions will also be up for grabs at the end of the 6 Nations Tournament. England need to perform consistantly well if they are to command a presence in that squad. There is still that fragility and brittleness about this side and the inclusion of Andy Goode, so long out of the mix, has an air of uncertainty about the side.
Last Five Test Matches
29.11.2008 v New Zealand at Twickenham Lost 6-32
22.11.2008 v South Africa at Twickenham Lost 6-42
15.11.2008 v Australia at Twickenham Lost 14-28
08.11.2008 v Pacific Islands at Twickenham Won 39-13
21.06.2008 v New Zealand (2nd test) at Christchurch Lost 12-44
Italy have a steady and developing (still?) look about their squad. They have built their pack into one of the most formidable in the world with a huge number of very experienced players. It is in the backs and especially the inside backs that Italy has weaknesses. For this game, the lack of depth at scrum half sees the placing of a loose forward in this position. They have yet to make any real impact in the 6 Nations tournament since joining in 2000. Their rugby fans would be looking for a rise in standards of play and consistency in results. If ever Italy can knock the Poms over this could be their chance.
Last Five Tests played
22.11.2008 v Pacific Islands at Reggio Emilia Lost 17-25
15.11.2008 v Argentina at Turin Lost 14-22
08.11.2008 v Australia in Padova Lost 20-30
28.06.2008 v Argentina in Cordoba Won 13-12
21.06.2008 v South Africa in Capetwon Lost 0-26
Last Five Encounters England v Italy
10.02.2008 England 23-19 in Rome (6 Nations)
10.02.2007 England 20-7 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
11.02.2006 England 31-16 in Rome (6 Nations)
12.03.2005 England 39-7 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
15.02.2004 England 50-9 in Rome (6 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-England 5th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-England 2nd, Italy 5th
Prediction: Italy by 7 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage (London Irish) Age 24, 4 tests
14 Paul Sackey (London Wasps) 29, 19
13 James Noon (Newcastle) 29, 37
12 Riki Flutey (London Wasps) 28, 4
11 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) 28, 24
10 Andrew Goode (CA Brive, France) 28, 9
9 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers) 26, 22
8 Nicholas Easter (Harlequins) 33, 20
7 Steffon Armitage (London Irish) 23, 0
6 James Haskell (London Wasps) 23, 12
5 Nicholas Kennedy (London Irish) 27, 2
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt. (Saracens) 28, 44
3 Phillip Vickery (London Wasps) 32, 68
2 Lee Mears (Bath Rugby) 29, 28
1 Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) 29, 27
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) 22, 4
17 Julian White (Leicester Tigers) 35, 44
18 Thomas Croft (Leicester Tigers) 22, 8
19 Joseph Worsley (London Wasps) 31, 66
20 Benjamin Foden (Northampton Saints) 23, 0
21 Shane Geraghty (London Irish) 22, 2
22 Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks) 22, 24
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
Goode last played for England v South Africa in November 2006, whilst 35 year old White makes a comeback after last appearing for England v Wales in the 6 Nations match of 2007. Geraghty also last appeared for England v Wales in 2007.
Trinidadian born Steffon Armitage in the starting XV and Foden from the bench will make their test debuts.
On the injured list: Daniel Care, Michael Tindall
Italy
15 Andrea Masi (Biarritz, France) 27, 45
14 Kane Robertson (Viadana) 28, 35
13 Gonzalo Canale (Clermont Auvergne, France) 26, 42
12 Gonzalo Garcia (Calvisano) 24, 5
11 Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Francais, France) 25, 56
10 Andrea Marcato (Benetton Treviso) 25, 11
9 Mauro Beragamasco (Stade Francais, France) 29, 67
8 Sergio Parisse, Capt (Stade Francais, France) 25, 57
7 Alessandro Zanni (Calvisano) 24, 26
6 Joshua Sole (Viadana) 28, 33
5 Marco Bortolami (Gloucester, England) 28, 70
4 Santiago Dellapé (Toulon, France) 30, 52
3 Martin Castrogiovani (Leicester Tigers, England) 27, 54
2 Fabio Ongaro (Saracens, England) 31, 58
1 Salvatore Perugini (Toulouse, France) 30, 55
Replacements
16 Carlo Festuccia (Racing Metro, France) 28, 45
17 Carlos Nieto (Gloucester, England) 32, 29
18 Tommaso Reato (Rovigo) 23, 6
19 Jean-Francois Montauriol (Casinò di Venezia) 24, 0
20 Giulio Toniolatti (Almaviva UR Capitolina) 24, 1
21 Luke McLean (Calvisano) 21, 3
22 Matteo Pratichetti (Calvisano) 23, 10
Head Coach: Nik Mallett
Mauro Beragamasco’s selection at scrum half, after spending most of his international career on the side of the scrum, is a very rare occurrence of a forward being selected as a back at this level of international rugby.
Referee: mark Lawrence (South Africa)
Friday, February 6, 2009
British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour to South Africa
Quick, quick...we must do this quickly!!
Quickly pick your 35 players ( the experts are saying the party will number about this) who you think, at this stage, just before the 6 Nations kicks off, will make the tour. We can each review the team at the conclusion of each round. Your final selection can be made in a period from 22 March up until the day before the final selection is made (Date to be confirmed). I'll organise a prize for the contributor who gets either all 35 players correct or the closest.
Don't forget to include your captain. You can also vary the number of players for each position. It's up to you
So to get you going, here are my 35 players selected prior to 6 Nations Round 1.
Fullbacks
Lee Byrne (Wales)
Geordan Murphy (Ireland)
Wingers
Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Chris Patterson (Scotland)
Shane Williams (Wales)
Centres
Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Tom Shanklin (Wales)
Fly Halves
Stephen Jones (Wales)
Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
Scrum Halves
Mike Blair (Scotland)
Mike Phillips (Wales)
Danny Care (England)
Number Eights
Ryan Jones (Wales) (Captain)
Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
Loose Forwards
David Wallace (Ireland)
John Barclay (Scotland)
Martyn Williams (Wales)
Stephen Ferris (Ireland)
Thomas Croft (England)
Lock Forwards
Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Nathan Hines (Scotland)
Alan Wyn Jones (Wales)
Steve Borthwick (England)
Prop Forwards
Phil Vickery (England)
Euan Murray (Scotland)
Andrew Sheridan (England)
Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Julian White (England)
Hookers
Lee Mears (England)
Ross Ford (Scotland)
Rory Best (Ireland)
I'm looking forwards to viewing your selections. Come on, less than 12 hours or so before the kick off!!
Quickly pick your 35 players ( the experts are saying the party will number about this) who you think, at this stage, just before the 6 Nations kicks off, will make the tour. We can each review the team at the conclusion of each round. Your final selection can be made in a period from 22 March up until the day before the final selection is made (Date to be confirmed). I'll organise a prize for the contributor who gets either all 35 players correct or the closest.
Don't forget to include your captain. You can also vary the number of players for each position. It's up to you
So to get you going, here are my 35 players selected prior to 6 Nations Round 1.
Fullbacks
Lee Byrne (Wales)
Geordan Murphy (Ireland)
Wingers
Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Chris Patterson (Scotland)
Shane Williams (Wales)
Centres
Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Tom Shanklin (Wales)
Fly Halves
Stephen Jones (Wales)
Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
Scrum Halves
Mike Blair (Scotland)
Mike Phillips (Wales)
Danny Care (England)
Number Eights
Ryan Jones (Wales) (Captain)
Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
Loose Forwards
David Wallace (Ireland)
John Barclay (Scotland)
Martyn Williams (Wales)
Stephen Ferris (Ireland)
Thomas Croft (England)
Lock Forwards
Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Nathan Hines (Scotland)
Alan Wyn Jones (Wales)
Steve Borthwick (England)
Prop Forwards
Phil Vickery (England)
Euan Murray (Scotland)
Andrew Sheridan (England)
Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Julian White (England)
Hookers
Lee Mears (England)
Ross Ford (Scotland)
Rory Best (Ireland)
I'm looking forwards to viewing your selections. Come on, less than 12 hours or so before the kick off!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
International rugby: Wales v Scotland
08.02.2009
Wales v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Wales comes into this competition on top of the European rugby scene. They were the only team to prevent a Southern Hemisphere clean-sweep last November when they defeated Australia. So can they carry this form on to win another 6 Nations title? Are Wales that good? And can Scotland rise to cause what would be a major upset?
Post your opinions here now.
Wales v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Wales comes into this competition on top of the European rugby scene. They were the only team to prevent a Southern Hemisphere clean-sweep last November when they defeated Australia. So can they carry this form on to win another 6 Nations title? Are Wales that good? And can Scotland rise to cause what would be a major upset?
Post your opinions here now.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Test Rugby This Weekend 7-8 February
We got a little taste of international rugby in late January with England Saxons taking the sword to Portugal 66-0 in Sale, Northern England and tiny Monaco recording a 38-12 win over Azerbaijan. This weekend it's time for the BIG GAMES
07.02.2009
Italy v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
France v Ireland in Dublin (6 Nations)
Georgia v Germany in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1, ENC 1)
Romania v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Russia v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
08.02.2009
Wales v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
07.02.2009
Italy v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
France v Ireland in Dublin (6 Nations)
Georgia v Germany in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1, ENC 1)
Romania v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Russia v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
08.02.2009
Wales v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Monday, February 2, 2009
2008 A Year of Rugby Part 5
CAR Nations 20th-28th
Benin
Benin did not participate in international rugby in either 2007 and 2008 and thus falls off the ladder.
28th Burundi
Burundi played two matches in 2008, both at home in Bujumbura. The first was against a Belgian Club side made up mainly of Congolese. The Kibubu RFC played in place of the side from Congo who pulled out of the CAR Development Cup, South, Pool A tournament. Burundi went on to lose 5-7 to neighbour Rwanda.
27th Swaziland
Swaziland's only game in 2008 was against Botswana in Gaborone to decide who would move on to the World Cup qualifying matches for Africa. The 7-25 loss eliminated Swaziland.
26th Algeria
Algeria played its first ever international rugby test against Tunisia 'B' in Nabeul. The Algerians won 8-7. They also played club sides in France and look set to enter the CAR competitions soon.
25th Rwanda
Rwanda travelled to Bujumbura to play in the CAR Development Trophy, South, Pool A. They defeated the home side Burundi 7-5. Unfortunately they were unable to play the winner of the other CAR South winner.
24th Mali
Mali played its first international rugby test in 2003. Since then they have failed to make much impression in the local tournaments. in 2008 the team travelled to Accra, Ghana to play in the North Zone, Pool B. All the games were low-scoring affairs, and although they drew 3-3 with Niger they lost their other games.
23rd Chad
Chad first played international rugby in 2006. They won their first ever test match 10-0 against Mali in the CAR Development Trophy Tournament in Accra, Ghana. The Chadians lost their two other games.
22nd-Togo
Togo won two of their three games in the 2007 CAR Castel Beer cup matches in the tournament played in Lagos. They won only one match in this years tournament, thus slipping to 22nd on the African ladder.
21st Ghana
As host of this years CAR Tournament for Africa's minor nations, the Ghanese were expected to do well. They lost to Burkino Faso by one point but it was enough to push them out of the final. They won their other two games comfortably.
20th Burkino Faso
Winners of the CAR Castel Beer Trohpy, North Pool B tournament in 2007, the Fasians were expected to challenge strongly for the title in 2008. They defeated Chad easily in their first game but only just won 9-8 against hosts Ghana in the second. Niger was too strong for them in the final.
For a full list of all the above nations international rugby results go to www.rugbyinternational.net.
Next I will cover Africa from 10th to 19th place
Benin
Benin did not participate in international rugby in either 2007 and 2008 and thus falls off the ladder.
28th Burundi
Burundi played two matches in 2008, both at home in Bujumbura. The first was against a Belgian Club side made up mainly of Congolese. The Kibubu RFC played in place of the side from Congo who pulled out of the CAR Development Cup, South, Pool A tournament. Burundi went on to lose 5-7 to neighbour Rwanda.
27th Swaziland
Swaziland's only game in 2008 was against Botswana in Gaborone to decide who would move on to the World Cup qualifying matches for Africa. The 7-25 loss eliminated Swaziland.
26th Algeria
Algeria played its first ever international rugby test against Tunisia 'B' in Nabeul. The Algerians won 8-7. They also played club sides in France and look set to enter the CAR competitions soon.
25th Rwanda
Rwanda travelled to Bujumbura to play in the CAR Development Trophy, South, Pool A. They defeated the home side Burundi 7-5. Unfortunately they were unable to play the winner of the other CAR South winner.
24th Mali
Mali played its first international rugby test in 2003. Since then they have failed to make much impression in the local tournaments. in 2008 the team travelled to Accra, Ghana to play in the North Zone, Pool B. All the games were low-scoring affairs, and although they drew 3-3 with Niger they lost their other games.
23rd Chad
Chad first played international rugby in 2006. They won their first ever test match 10-0 against Mali in the CAR Development Trophy Tournament in Accra, Ghana. The Chadians lost their two other games.
22nd-Togo
Togo won two of their three games in the 2007 CAR Castel Beer cup matches in the tournament played in Lagos. They won only one match in this years tournament, thus slipping to 22nd on the African ladder.
21st Ghana
As host of this years CAR Tournament for Africa's minor nations, the Ghanese were expected to do well. They lost to Burkino Faso by one point but it was enough to push them out of the final. They won their other two games comfortably.
20th Burkino Faso
Winners of the CAR Castel Beer Trohpy, North Pool B tournament in 2007, the Fasians were expected to challenge strongly for the title in 2008. They defeated Chad easily in their first game but only just won 9-8 against hosts Ghana in the second. Niger was too strong for them in the final.
For a full list of all the above nations international rugby results go to www.rugbyinternational.net.
Next I will cover Africa from 10th to 19th place
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
