INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

26.02.2010
France v Wales in Cardiff (6 Nations)

27.02.2010
Ireland v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Scotland v Italy in Rome (6 Nations)
Romania v Russia in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Portugal v Germany in Heusenstamm (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Spain v Georgia in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Finland v Greece in Patras (ENC 3C)

Briefly
After a two week rest all the major European rugby teams are back out on the paddock. The World Cup qualifying process has reached a crucial stage for ENC 1 teams, whilst the 6 Nations International Championship also resumes.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	PT
FRANCE	2	2	0	0	51	19	+32	4
ENGLAND	2	2	0	0	44	29	+15	4
IRELAND	2	1	0	1	39	44	-5	2
WALES	2	1	0	1	48	51	-3	2
SCOTLAND	2	0	0	2	45	51	-16	0
ITALY	2	0	0	2	23	46	-23	0

The France-England clash in the last round on the 20th March is looming as the possible Championship decider. In the meantime a mouth-watering clash between Ireland and England this weekend is crucial to both teams. For Ireland a loss will virtually rule them out of contention. For England a win is vital to keep within striking distance of France.

France travels to Cardiff on Friday to face Wales. Wales bounced back two weeks ago to defeat Scotland in a game in which they produced an amazing recovery in the second half to come from behind and win. Wales will need to produce a better start to their game if they are to defeat France. The money will still be on France to win and to continue to set the pace in this competition.

Scotland and Italy will clash to virtually decide, yet again, which team will hold up the bottom of the points table and take the wooden spoon. Italy's grand performance against England two weeks ago look to be favoured to defeat Scotland on their home ground.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
GEORGIA	7	6	1	0	269	93	176	20
RUSSIA	7	5	0	1	214	107	107	19
PORTUGAL	7	3	1	3	144	114	30	14
ROMANIA	6	3	0	3	171	93	78	12
SPAIN	6	1	0	5	97	184	-87	8
GERMANY	7	0	0	7	30	313	-283	7

Romania's clash with Russia will feature in this weekend's ENC 1 clashes. Romania must win to keep its chances of gaining an automatic place in the 2011 World Cup Finals. It's crunch time for Germany. They must win against Portugal at home to keep alive its chances of staying in the ENC 1 competition for 2010-12. Portugal must hold it's third place position in order to qualify for the World Cup repecharges. A win will bring it closer to Romania who they will play on the 20th March in what could be that decider. Spain has a tough job ahead of it when it faces competition leader Georgia at home. A Georgian win looks the most likely outcome.

Finland travels to Greece to face the home side in an ENC 3C encounter.

My coverage of these games this weekend will be limited due to other commitments.

6 NATIONS RUGBY: Italy push England All The Way

14.02.2010
England 17, Italy 12 in Rome (6 Nations)

Briefly
As I predicted, Italy gave England an enormous tussle in Rome. The result will cause England's coach Martin Johnson some sleepless nights as he ponders the missed chances and general poor display by his side. On the other hand Nik Mallet will be both delighted at the result but again wondering, why can't Italy finish off sides they have within their grasp?

6 NATIONS RUGBY: England v Italy

14.02.2010
England v Italy in Rome (6 Nations)

Referee: Christophe Berdos (France)

Venue: Stadio Flaminio

Preview
Italy is not a daunting prospect for England. What England will want is a polished, strong performance ahead of their clash with Ireland next weekend. And there is the danger. Not much to play for in Rome? Better think again. Italy will be ready to pounce and a sleepy lion.

Italy would have been bitterly disappointed with their effort in the first half against Ireland. They were a much stronger outfit in the second half but were not up to more than a rousing fight back. Italy could be a different team in front of their home crowd. Go back to 2008. What a fright they gave England. Whilst I can't see Italy winning I can see a big fright coming England's way and another headache coming on for Martin Johnson.

Italy will be looking to impress in front of their home crowd. Image thanks to www.federugby.it

Last Five Encounters
07.02.2009 England 36-11 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
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)

Italy has never defeated England since they first met in 1991. The 2008 loss above by 4 points is the closest they've got.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-England 8th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-England 2nd, Italy 6th

Prediction: England by 3 points and Italy's best ever performance against them.

Teams

Italy
15 Luke McLean
14 Andrea Masi
13 Gonzalo Canale
12 Gonzalo Garcia
11 Mirco Bergamasco
10 Craig Gower
9 Tito Tebaldi
8 Alessandro Zanni
7 Mauro Bergamasco
6 Joshua Sole
5 Marco Bortolami
4 Quintin Geldenhuys
3 Martin Castrogiovanni
2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, Capt.
1 Salvatore Perugini
Replacements
16 Fabio Ongaro
17 Matias Aguero
18 Valerio Bernabo
19 Paul Derbyshire
20 Pablo Canavosio
21 Riccardo Bocchino
22 Kaine Robertson
Head Coach: Nik Mallett

Milestones
Last week Bocchino made his test debut for Italy off the bench.
Mirco Bergamasco's penaly goal last week against Ireland took him to 96 test points for Italy, only a try away from the 100 test points milestone.

England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Mark Cueto
13 Mathew Tait
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Jonny Wilkinson
9 Daniel Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Lewis Moody
6 James Haskell
5 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
4 Simon Shaw
3 Daniel Cole
2 Dylan Hartley
1 Timothy Payne
Replacements
16 Steven Thompson
17 David Wilson
18 Matthew Mullan
19 Louis Deacon
20 Steffon Armitage
21 Paul Hodgson
22 Tobias Flood
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

Milestones
Apology to Nicholas Easter. Last week I gave his age as 34. Not correct. Born 15 August 1978, makes him 31 years old.
Haskells' first try last week was his first for England. He scored another just to further celebrate the occasion.
Danny Cole made his test debut for England last week as a substitute. He makes his first start in the starting XV today.
Wilkinson remains the leading test point scorer of all time. His tally for England is now 1073, with a further 67 for the Lions, giving him a grand total of 1140, a truly remarkable record.

Jonny Wilkinson. The greatest test rugby point scorer of all time. Image thanks to www.rfu.com

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 13 February

13.02.2010
France 33, Ireland 10 in Paris (6 Nations)
Wales 31, Scotland 24 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
Russia 38, Spain 20 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1) HT 20-13
Georgia 16, Portugal 10 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Romania 67, Germany 5 in Constanta (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1) HT 20-5

Just Quickly
Ireland's 6 Nations rugby bubble was burst in Paris by a dominant French side. The French, as I predicted, rose to the occasion and played magnificent rugby, outplaying an Irish side that has been dumped back down to earth. Ireland will now go through much soul searching and team changes before they take on England next weekend. Now, that will be a game!

Frances' rugby team is now up there as possible Championship winners. The rugby test England v France looks like the BIG rugby encounter.

Wales came back from 9-21 to defeat Scotland in another amazing game of test rugby. Wales showed great fighting spirit to please the fans and now place them as a 6 Nations contender.

Russia were too strong for Spain in Madrid. Georgia struggled against Portugal without looking like losing. Portugal just can't quite deliver killer blows against Russia and Georgia. They can keep close but not win.

In appalling conditions in Constanta Germany basically held the Romanians in the first half but lack a physical presence to match the tougher Romanian forwards in the second half. Reports say mud, rain and strong winds. Just like the good old days!

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
GEORGIA	7	6	1	0	269	93	176	20
RUSSIA	7	5	0	1	214	107	107	19
PORTUGAL	7	3	1	3	144	114	30	14
ROMANIA	6	3	0	3	171	93	78	12
SPAIN	6	1	0	5	97	184	-87	8
GERMANY	7	0	0	7	30	313	-283	7

ENC Comment

From 'Natal" at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3356&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

"Pretty hard to see anyone tripping up Georgia and Russia now. I think there are just two remaining doubts:
1) Who will finish top? A question that will be decided probably by the final match in Trabzon.
2) Who will finish third? An uphill battle for Romania who realistically will have to beat either Russia or Georgia as well as their final match in Portugal to steal the spot".

Add you comment about this weekend's test rugby.

Who do you think will win the 6 Nations Championship?

Who do you think will qualify from ENC 1 for the Rugby World Cup? (3 teams)

What do you think about changing the 6 Nations-ENC 1 window from February-March, to say April-May?

6 NATIONS RUGBY: Ireland v France

13.02.2010
Ireland v France in Paris (6 Nations)

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Venue: Stade de France, St. Denis, Paris

Preview
This is one of the BIG games of this competition, if not THE BIG game. Ireland are the reigning champions of this competition whilst France are always up their either as the leading side or battling the leaders. The winner could well battle it out with England for the title.

Ireland began their quest for a second Grand Slam with an unconvincing win against Italy last weekend. The return of Ferris will give the Irish an opportunity to dominate in the loose. Whether the Irish can counter this monster of a French pack will be another thing.

The French are simply itching for this match. I'd expect them to lift their game a notch compared to the limited attacking performance displayed against Scotland. The French have the knack of playing up a level when required. They will need to do that to hold this Irish side within a sniff of another fantastic year of rugby within their grasp.

Last Five Encounters
07.02.2009 Ireland 30-21 in Dublin (6 Nations)
09.02.2008 France 26-21 in Paris ( 6 Nations)
21.09.2007 France 25-3 in Paris (World Cup, Pool D)
11.02.2007 France 20-17 in Dublin (6 Nations)
11.02.2006 France 43-31 in Paris (6 Nations)

Ireland last defeated France in Paris in 2000, winning 27-25.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-France 2nd, Ireland 3rd
Europe Table-Ireland 1st, France 3rd

Prediction: France by 3 points. And oh what a game! or it could be 3 points to France-either way!

Teams

France
15 Clement Poitrenaud
14 Vincent Clerc
13 Mathieu Bastareaud
12 Yannick Jauzion
11 Alexis Palisson
10 François Trinh-Duc
9 Morgan Parra
8 Imanol Harinordoquy
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo
6 Thierry Dusautoir, Capt.
5 Pascal Pape
4 Lionel Nallet
3 Nicolas Mas
2 William Servat
1 Thomas Domingo
Replacements
16 Dimitri Szarzewski
17 Sylvain Marconnet
18 Julien Pierre
19 Julien Bonnaire
20 Frederic Michalak
21 David Marty
22 Julien Malzieu
Head Coach: Marc Lievremont

Milestones
When Julien Pierre took the field off the bench last week he had last appeared for France, against New Zealand, in June 2007.
Bastareaud, back after a 3 month ban by the French Rugby Federation, scored his first try for France early in the first half, and then another later in the first half.

Ireland
15 Robert Kearney
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt.
12 Gordon D'Arcy
11 Keith Earls
10 Ronan O'Gara
9 Tomas O'Leary
8 James Heaslip
7 David Wallace
6 Stephen Ferris
5 Paul O'Connell
4 Leo Cullen
3 John Hayes
2 Jeremy Flannery
1 Cian Healy
Replacements
16 Rory Best
17 Thomas Court
18 Donnacha Ryan
19 Sean O'Brien
20 Eoin Reddan
21 Jonathan Sexton
22 Paddy Wallace
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

Milestones
John Hayes will be playing his 99th test match for Ireland.
O'Learys' try last week was his first test try for Ireland.
Ireland achieved its 12th straight match without loss last week with the win against Italy. This is the record for matches without a loss. Its record of straight wins goes to the teams of 2002-03 who recorded 10 straight wins from 07.09.2003 v Romania to 22.03.2003 v Wales. Irelands' 20-20 draw with Australia last November spoilt a run of, up to that game, 8 consecutive wins.

6 NATIONS RUGBY: Scotland v Wales

13.02.2010
Scotland v Wales in Cardiff (6 Nations)

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Venue: Millennium Stadium

Preview
Both Scotland and Wales lost their first 6 Nations International Championship rugby games in the first round last weekend. Whoever loses this game will almost certainly be out of Championship title contention.

Both sides have also lost their way in the past few months. Scotland were bullied in the forwards by France last week and find winning at Cardiff difficult whilst the loss of Nathan Hines will limit an already limited forward pack. The return of Euan Murray will be a blessing.

Wales allowed silly, costly errors to let their game slip away against England last week. Where is that mighty team that won the 2005 Grand Slam? The controversy over on open roof request by the canny Scots may well be a blessing if the Welsh fans show their displeasure if Wales lose.

The prospect of two struggling sides clashing will be of interest although I suspect the quality of play will be limited by both the weather and of both teams ability to player powerful rugby. This could be a close, dull contest.

Last Five Encounters
08.02.2009 Wales 26-13 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
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 at Cardiff (6 Nations)
13.03.2005 Wales 46-22 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)

Scotland last defeated Wales in Cardiff in 2002 when they won 27-22.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Scotland 6th, Wales 9th
Europe Table-Wales 4th, Scotland 5th

Prediction: Wales to finally edge out the Scots by 6 points.

Teams

Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Leigh Halfpenny
13 James Hook
12 James Roberts,
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Ryan Jones, Capt.
7 Martyn Williams
6 Andy Powell
5 Alun-Wyn Jones
4 Jonathan Thomas
3 Adam Jones
2 Gareth Williams
1 Paul James
Replacements:
16 Huw Bennett
17 Gethin Jenkins
18 Bradley Davies
19 Samuel Warburton
20 Richard Rees
21 Andrew Bishop
22 Thomas Shanklin
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

Milestones
Coming off the bench, Richard Rees made his test debut last weekend against England.
Also off the bench, Jonathan Thomas made his 50th test appearance for Wales last week.

Scotland
15 Christopher Paterson
14 Thomas Evans
13 Sean Lamont
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Rory Lamont
10 Daniel Parks
9 Christopher Cusiter, Capt.
8 John Beattie
7 John Barclay
6 Kelly Brown
5 Alistair Kellock
4 ames Hamilton
3 Euan Murray
2 Ross Ford
1 Alastair Dickinson
Replacements
16 Scott Lawson
17 Allan Jacobsen
18 Richard Gray
19 Alan MacDonald
20 Michael Blair
21 Philipl Godman
22 Max Evans
Head Coach: Andy Robinson

Milestones
Christ Paterson will make Scottish rugby history by being the first Scotsman to play 100 tests. He will become the 13th player to reach the 100 tests milestone. His three penalty goals last week gave him a total of 750 test points for Scotland, the leading Scottish test point scorer. His 750 points places him in 11th place for all time world rugby test point scorers. His 22 tries places him at the head of the list of test try scorers for Scotland.
Richard Gray made his test debut for Scotland off the bench last weekend v France.

RUGBY TEST MATCH: The Russians Travel to Spain

13.02.2010
Russia v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Referee: Timothy Hayes (Wales)

Venue: Madrid University Stadium

Preview
So what is the situation with the ENC 1 teams re qualifying for the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals? Says 'nils' from FIRA-AER forum, "In a nutshell, if Russia win and Portugal lose, basically it will leave Portugal and Romania fighting for the repechage spot while Georgia and Russia will be a daylight ahead of them".

ENC 1 Points Table 2008-10

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
GEORGIA	6	5	1	0	253	83	170	17
RUSSIA	6	5	0	1	176	87	89	16
PORTUGAL	6	3	1	2	134	98	36	13
ROMANIA	5	2	0	3	104	88	16	9
SPAIN	5	1	0	4	77	151	-74	7
GERMANY	6	0	0	6	25	246	-221	6

Table from http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Russia struggled against Portugal last weekend whilst Spain had the day off due to heavy snowfall in Bucharest. Russia easily defeated Spain in their first round encounter and will have the advantage of more test play since the two teams last met. With the same squad as played Portugal, two additions have been made to the squad.

Spain has enlisted a number of players who play for French clubs. This is a move by the Spanish Rugby Federation to lift the standard of their first team.

Last Five Encounters
08.11.2008 Russia 42-15 in Moscow (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
08.03.2008 Russia 42-16 in Krasnodar (ENC 1)
10.02.2007 Russia 39-14 in Madrid (ENC 1)
14.02.2004 Russia 36-6 in Krasnodar (ENC 1)
15.02.2003 Russia 52-19 in Madrid (ENC 1)

Data from http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Spain last defeated Russia 38-22 in an amazing game in Krasnodar in 2002. Spain had just lost to Russia 36-3 a month before and were expected to be slaughtered by the Russians. What a turnaround!

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Russia 8th, Spain 11th

Prediction: The Russians will not find the Spanish an easy team anymore. Russian to win by 6 points.

Teams

Spain Squad
Martin Aceña (CR La Vila)
Leandro Fernandez Aramburu (Ciencias Sevilla)
José Bohorquez (Ciencias Sevilla)
Rafael Camacho (Ciencias Sevilla)
Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid)
Mathieu Cidre (US Carcassonne, France)
Matthew Cook (CR La Vila)
Damien Elgoyhen (St Jean de Luz, France)
Pablo Feijoo (CRC Madrid)
Marco Pinto Ferrer (ASM Clermont Espoirs, France)
Mathieu Gratton (SC Graulhet, France)
David Gurgenadze (CRC Madrid)
Martin Heredia (Costa del Sol)
Mathieu Lopez (Stade Montois, France)
Ignacio Martin (Parma, Italy)
Pedro Martin (Aviron Bayonnais Espoirs, France)
Jesus Moreno (Union Bordeaux-Begles, France)
Jaime Nava (Alcombendas Rugby)
Alejandro Onega (CRC Madrid)
Benjamin Pardo (Valladolid RAC)
Jesus Recuerda (Ciencias Sevilla)
Cesar Sempere (Montpellier HRC, France)
Sergio Souto (El Salvador)
Julien Tourtoulou (US Colomiers, France)
Head Coach: Geoff Glynn

Adapted from http://www.ferugby.com/documento_index.php?volver=si&titulo=null&fichero=/noticias/2009-2010/02-febrero/CONVOCATORIA_Esp_Rus.pdf

Russia
Possible lineup-same as v Portugal?
15. Igor Kluchnikov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
14. Vasily Artemiev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
13. Mikhail Babaev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
12. Sergey Trishin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
11. Alexander Gvozdovskiy (Krasny Yar)
10. Yuriy Kushnarev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
9. Alexander Yanushkin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
8. Andrey Temnov (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk)
7. Andrey Ostrikov (Stade Aurillacois, France)
6. Victor Gresev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
5. Kirill Kulemin (Castres, France)
4. Alexander Voytov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
3. Evgeny Pronenko (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk)
2. Vladislav Korshunov, Capt. (VVA-Podmoskovje)
1. Carlo Maglakelidze (Impera Penza)
Replacements
16. Evgeny Matveev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
17. Alexander Khrokin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
18. Alexey Travkin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
19. Artem Fatakhov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
20. Alexander Shakirov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
21. Alexey Korobeynikov (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk)
22. Andrey Kuzin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
Head Coach: Nicolay Neyrush

Added to squad from that v Portugal
Andrey Garbuzov flanker Krasny Yar
Alexey Makovetskiy center Krasny Yar

Adapted from http://rugby.ru/news/id_1217/

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Portugal Faces Georgia

13.02.2010
Georgia v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Referee: A.Small (England)

Venue: Lisbon University Stadium

Preview
Georgia crushed Germany last weekend 77-3 in a grand display of forward power. Last weekend Russia defeated Portugal 14-10 in a scrappy game. Portugal did not play well and Russia did not make the most of their opportunities. This week Georgia will travel to Lisbon to face a Portuguese team that must win to keep close to the leaders.

The Portuguese team has been training in France this week. Their flight from Nice to Lisbon Thursday had to be postponed due to the poor weather in Europe this week. The team arrived on Friday.

In the first round Georgia struggles against the Portuguese in Tblissi drawing the game 20-20. Georgia has a very strong team travelling to Lisbon and after their big win over Germany they will be out to secure their place at the top of the ENC 1 table.

Georgia struggles to a 20-20 draw against Portugal last year. Image thanks to http://rugby-pt-lobos.blogspot.com

Last Five Encounters
14.02.2009 Drawn 20-20 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
23.02.2008 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)

Data from www.rugbyinternational.net

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Georgia 17th, Portugal 20th
Europe Table- Georgia 7th, Portugal 9th

Prediction: Georgia is a much stronger unit from last season and will win by 11 points.

Teams

Portugal Squad
Eduardo Acosta (GD Direito)
António Aguilar (GD Direito)
Pedro Cabral (CD University Lisboa)
Lionel Campergue (Pau, France)
João Correia, Capt. (GD Direito)
Francisco Fernandes (Tyrosse)
Gonçalo Foro (CD University Lisboa)
Joe Gardener (Agronomia)
João Júnior (CD University Lisboa)
Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses)
Pedro Leal (GD Direito)
Frederico Oliveira (CD University Lisboa)
David Mateus (OS Belenenses)
Juan Murre (Auch, France)
Salvador Palha (GD Direito)
David Penalva (Auch, France)
José Pinto (GD Direito)
Juan Severino (Agronomia)
Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses)
Conrad Stickling (Cascais, France)
Gonçalo Uva (GD Direito)
Vasco Uva (GD Direito)
Head Coach: Tomaz Morais

Adapted from http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/noticia.asp?opm=25&id=7862&id2=25

In
David Mateus BELENENSES
Eduardo Acosta GD DIREITO
Lionel Campergue PAU (FRA)

Out
Cardoso Pinto (Agronomia)
Tiago Girão (CD University Lisboa)
Thomas da Costa (Lourdes, France)

Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili (Figeac, France)
14 Malkhaz Urjukashvili (Figeac, France)
13 Davit Katcharava (Nice Cote d'Azur, France)
12 Tedo Zibzibadze (Perigueux, France)
11 Irakli Machkhaneli (Saint-Etienne, France)
10 Lasha Malaghuradze (Béziers, France)
9 Irakli Abuseridze, Capt. (Auxerre, France)
8 Besarion Udesiani (Saint-Etienne, France)
7 Giorgi Chkhaidze (Montpellier, France)
6 Grigol Labadze (Marseille-Vitrolles, France)
5 Ilia Zedginidze (Carqueiranne Hyeres, France)
4 Giorgi Nemsadze (Massy, France)
3 Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont Auvergne, France)
2 Akvsent Giorgadze (Castres, France)
1 Davit Khinchagishvili (Brive, France)
Replacements
16 Anton Peikrishvili (Agen, France)
17 Davit Kubriashvili (Toulon, France)
18 Levan Datunashvili (Aurillac, France)
19 Lasha Tavartkiladze (Farul Constanta, Romania)
20 Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania)
21 Irakli Giorgadze (Champberry, France)
22 Alexandre Todua (Lelo)
Head Coach: Tim Lane

Adapted from, and thanks to http://www.heavensgame.com/fira-aer/2010-european-nations-cup-portugal-v-georgia

I recommend you visit Jeremy's site http://www.heavensgame.com/. Jeremy is dedicated to rugby around the world, being particularly interested in the development of the game away from the 'mainstream' nations. He also covers the cross nation competitions, especially in Europe.

RUGBY TEST: ENC 1 Germany v Romania

13.02.2010
Germany v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Referee: Passacantando (Italy)

Venue: Constructorul-Cleopatra Stadium

Preview
The snow has continued to fall in Bucharest. It's been cold and icy all this week. As a result the game has been transferred to the seaside city of Constanta. The decision was made by the Romanian Rugby Federation with FIRA-AER's approval. This situation, and last week's postponement, has raised the question, by DRV Director Volker Himmer, of playing the ENC games away from the cold month of February to later in the season. A point I heartily agree with. The forecast for Constanta is for rain, and heavy rain at that. Conditions will not be easy.

Snow again in Bucharest. Just like last week. Game moves to Constanta. Image thanks to www.rugby.ro

For Germany the World Cup dream is over. Well and truly! Its 77-3 thrashing by Georgia last week highlighted the gap between ENC 1 and the division below, ENC 2A. So now for Germany any hope of remaining in the European Nations Cup 1st division will be dependent on the outcome of the two remaining home games. With the focus now on the games against Portugal and Spain, they will want to make a good showing in this game. The beginning of the campaign to remain in ENC begins here in Constanta.

The Germans have had to go away from Tblissi and have a major rethink. They have brought in some experienced forwards in Mohr, Trick and Brenner. The last time Germany played in Bucharest they lost 6-60 to Romania. Unless the Germans can lift their game I fear the score line will be something similar.

Romania has kept much to the same squad that couldn't play against Spain last week. They will want to put in a very good performance. Romania must catch competition leaders Georgia and Russia if they are to make the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals. If they miss out it would be for the first time since the first World Cup in 1987.

The Romanians played Germany in snow in Heidelberg last year, and won 22-0. Image thanks to www.totalrugby.de

Last Five Encounters
14.02.2009 Romania 22-0 in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
02.05.1994 Romania 60-6 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe)
27.03.1983 Romania 26-12 in Heidelberg (FIRA A)
04.04.1982 Romania 60-18 in Bucharest (FIRA A)
27.10.1973 Romania 33-9 in Heidelberg (FIRA Nations Cup)

Germany first played Romania in 1936, and won 37-9!

Data from www.rugbyinternational.net

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Romania 21st, Germany 25th
Europe Table-Romania 10th, Germany 12th

Prediction: A better showing by Germany but the Romanians will prevail by 30 points.

Teams

Romania
15. Iulian Dumitras (Albi, France)
14. Ionut Botezatu (Baia Mare)
13. Ionut Dimofte (Baia Mare)
12. Robert Dascalu (Steaua Bucuresti)
11. Catalin Fercu (Arad)
10. Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti)
9. Lucian Sirbu (Somillau, France)
8. Mihai Macovei (Baia Mare)
7. Ovidiu Tonita (Perpignan, France)
6. Stelian Burcea (Arad)
5. Cristian Petre (AS Beziers, France)
4. Sorin Socol, Capt. (FC Oloronais, France)
3. Silviu Florea (US Montauban, France)
2. Marius Tincu (Perpignan, France)
1. Bogdan Balan (US Montauban, France)
Replacements
16. Paulica Ion (London Irish, England)
17. Bogdan Zebega (Steaua Bucuresti)
18. Valentin Ursache (Baia Mare)
19. Daniel Carpo (Constanta Farul)
20. Valentin Calafeteanu (Arad)
21. Stefan Ciuntu (Baia Mare)
22. Constantin Gheara (Constanta Farul)
23. Dragos Dima (FC Oloronais, France)
Head Coach: Serge Lairle

Germany Squad
Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg)
Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg)
Kieron Davies (Ampthill RUFC, England)
Robert Elloway (Cornish Pirates, England)
Mustafa Güngör, Capt. (RG Heidelberg)
Raphael Hackl (Berliner RC)
Alexander Hauck (SC Frankfurt 1880)
Lukas Hinds-Johnson (RK 03 Berlin)
James Houston (SC Frankfurt 1880)
Benjamin Krause (Hannover 78)
Christopher Liebig (Heidelberger RK)
Steffen Liebig (Heidelberger RK)
Alexander Metz (TSV Handschuhsheim)
Robert Mohr (RC Rochelais-Atlantique, France)
Raphael Pyrasch (Hannover 78)
Benjamin Simm (Hannover 78)
Mark Sztyndera (SC Frankfurt 1880)
Edmoore Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg)
Marcus Trick (SC Neuenheim)
Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Prato, Italy)
Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans, France)
Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg)
Head Coach: Rudolph Finsterer

Thanks to http://www.rugby-journal.de/index.php/basis/meldung/rumaenien_gegen_deutschland_in_constanza/

Out
Shalva Didebashvili (unavailable)
Daniel Preussner
Patrick Schliwa
Rolf Wacha
Lukas Rosenthal
Matthieu Franke

In
Robert Mohr
Marcus Trick
Alexander Metz
Christopher Liebig
Robert Elloway
Kehoma Brenner

TEST RUGBY RESULT: France 18, Scotland 9

07.02.2010
France 18, Scotland 9 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)

6 NATIONS RUGBY: FRANCE V SCOTLAND

07.02.2010
France v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Preview
A lot of discussion has taken place about these two teams. Both are at crossroads. Scotland is rebuilding with a new coach whereas France looks to have finally settled on a team.

Andy Robinson has been gradually building this Scotland team into a winning combination. The pivotal match was that against Australia in November, won 9-8. The belief within this squad appears stronger than prior. Not accustomed to winning their first match in this competition, a win today is need to both change that mind set and boost the confidence needed for Scotland to have one of their best seasons for a while.

France has simply got to stop the game of yoyo-brilliant one match, awful the next. This sort of play was best exampled last November. The French were so strong against South Africa, and so weak against the All Blacks ( to be fair, I didn't think the French were that bad; the All Blacks were just fantastic). Although the French coach has chopped and changed his team again-new back three, recalled old middle row in scrum, new recalled prop-it is hoped that he has settled on a squad to last, well hopefully, until the 2011 World Cup.

Last Five Encounters
14.02.2009 France 22-13 in Paris (6 Nations)
03.02.2008 France 27-6 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
17.03.2007 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)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-France 2nd, Scotland 6th
Europe Table-France 3rd, Scotland 5th

Prediction: Unfortunately for Scotland, France rarely play two shockers in row. France by 10 points

Teams

Scotland
15 Christopher Paterson
14 Thomas Evans
13 Max Evans
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Sean Lamont
10 Philipl Godman
9 Christopher Cusiter, Capt.
8 John Beattie
7 John Barclay
6 Kelly Brown
5 Alastair Kellock
4 Nathan Hines
3 Moray Low
2 Ross Ford
1 Alasdair Dickinson
Replacements
16 Scott Lawson
17 Allan Jacobsen
18 Richard Gray
19 Alan MacDonald
20 Rory Lawson
21 Alexander Grove
22 Hugo Southwell
Head Coach: Andy Robinson

Milestones
If he plays, Richard Gray will make his test debut.
Paterson will play his 99th test for Scotland. Of all the test players in this year's 6 Nations tournament in the nervous nineties, he could well be the first to reach his century. At 741 points he is the leading Scottish test points scorer.
Hugo Southwell, Scott Lawson, Alasdair Dickinson and Kelly Brown all return to the team after missing the November tests.

France
15 Clement Poitrenaud
14 Benjamin Fall
13 Mathieu Bastareaud
12 Yannick Jauzion
11 Aurélien Rougerie
10 Francois Trinh-Duc
9 Morgan Parra
8 Imanol Harinordoquy
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo
6 Thierry Dusautoir, Capt.
5 Pascal Pape
4 Lionel Nallet
3 Nicolas Mas
2 William Servat
1 Thomas Domingo
Replacements
16 Dimitri Szarzewski
17 Luc Ducalcon
18 Julien Pierre
19 Julien Bonnaire
20 Frederic Michalak
21 David Marty
22 Vincent Clerc
Head Coach:

Milestones
Poitrenaud, Rougerie and Michalak return after long absences from the test side. For 29 year old Rougerie, he last played a test for France against Italy back in March 2008.
If they take the field, Pierre and Ducalcon will make their test debuts.
Nallet will play his 50th test for France.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 6 February

06.02.2010
England 27, Wales 17 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Ireland 29, Italy 11 in Dublin (6 Nations)
Russia 14, Portugal 10 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5, ENC 1)
Romania v Spain in Bucharest-Postponed
Georgia 77, Germany 3 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Today
07.02.2010
France v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)

6 NATIONS RUGBY: WALES TAKE ON ENGLAND AT TWICKENHAM

06.02.2010
Wales v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Venue: Twickenham

Preview
Very few nations gather themselves more for a sporting clash than when Wales take on the English at rugby union. It's all to do with history. The Welsh trek to Twickenham is nothing short of a holy pilgrimage. Thousands of Welshmen will descend on London today, many without tickets. No matter. It's all part of the experience just to be there when England fall before the mighty Welsh dragon.

And will England fall? They have become a very predictable outfit. All forces to the front, grind the opposition forwards into the ground and then feed off the mistakes, score points. Very much an old All Black formula. They now have a better than even chance of achieving that against Wales now that Lion Gethin Jenkins has withdrawn. So they will probably master the Welsh pack. Can they turn this good work into points? The grand master Jonny Wilkinson could weave wonders and place the ball where he wants it. I'm not convinced the men outside him can score tries.

Wales has slipped since their 2008 Grand Slam year. Without a solid front row against England they will struggle. They could well have the edge in the backline. I'd expect Wales to throw the ball wide, inside, outside, anywhere, away from those English forwards and into a surer hand in the backs. Welsh backline flare against English grunt up front.

Twickenham celebrates its 100th birthday of international rugby this Saturday. Image thanks to wikipaedia

Last Five Encounters
14.02.2009 Wales 23-15 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
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 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
04.02.2006 England 47-13 at Twickenham (6 Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-England 8th, Wales 9th
Europe Table-England 2nd, Wales 4th

Prediction: England to just squeeze past the Welsh, to win by 7 points.

Teams

England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Mark Cueto
13 Mathew Tait
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Jonny Wilkinson
9 Daniel Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Lewis Moody
6 James Haskell
5 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
4 Simon Shaw
3 David Wilson
2 Dylan Hartley
1 Timothy Payne
Replacements
16 Steven Thompson
17 Daniel Cole
18 Louis Deacon
19 Steffon Armitage
20 Paul Hodgson
21 Tobias Flood
22 Benjamin Foden
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

Milestones
There are a couple of grand old men of English rugby in this team. At 36 years old Simon Shaw is the oldest player in the tournament today. 34 year old Nicholas Easter is not far behind.
Jonny Wilkinson has most test caps at 73. His 1058 points is still the most for any player of any country. His nearest rival is playing for Ireland. Ronan O'Gara has 929. Wilkinsons' closest rival is actually Dan Carter, New Zealand, on 994. Carter won't be playing test rugby again until June.
If Dan Cole plays, he will be making his test debut.
England first played a test match at Twickenham exactly 100 years ago, against Wales.

Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Thomas James
13 James Hook
12 James Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Ryan Jones, Capt.
7 Martyn Williams
6 Andrew Powell
5 Luke Charteris
4 Alun-Wyn Jones
3 Adam Jones
2 Gareth Williams
1 Paul James
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett
17 Rhys Gill
18 Bradley Davies
19 Jonathan Thomas
20 Richard Rees
21 Andrew Bishop
22 Leigh Halfpenny
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

Milestones
Wales has its share of oldies. Martyn Williams is now aged 34, whilst Shane Williams and Stephen Jones are 32.
Whilst not in Ireand's league of players in their nineties for test caps, Wales does have Martyn Williams playing his 92nd test and Stephen Jones his 84th.
If they play, bench sitters Richard Rees and Rhys Gill will make their test debuts.

6 NATIONS RUGBY: IRELAND V ITALY

06.02.2010
Italy v Ireland in Dublin

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Venue: Croke Park

Preview
Both teams will be without key players. The team affected less will be the winner on the day.

Italy are without their charismatic leader Sergio Parisse who is one of Europe's best number eights. One player does make a team but a team without one of its main cogs will struggle. They won't struggle in the tight. Italy has one of the best packs around. They will struggle in the loose and they will still struggle in the backs despite Nik Malletts latest injection of new/newer talent.

Ireland may also struggle up front. They are without lock forward Donncha O'Callaghan and loosie Denis Leamy. Two rookies will take their places. Kidney has taken a bit of a risk also in placing D'Arcy in instead of Grand Slam man Patrick Wallace. Ireland's advantage here is the greater depth they have and its this that will carry the day.

Last Five Encounters
15.02.2009 Ireland 38-9 in Rome (6 Nations)
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)
Italy has never defeated Ireland since it joined the International Championship in 2000. Prior to that, Italy defeated Ireland 37-22 in Bologna, December 1997.

GWC Rugby Rankings:
World Table-Ireland 3rd, Italy 10th
Europe Table-Ireland 1st, Italy 6th

Prediction: I just can't see Italy getting near enough to Ireland. Ireland to win by 15 points.

Teams

Ireland
15 Robert Kearney
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt.
12 Gordon D'Arcy
11 Andrew Trimble
10 Ronan O'Gara
9 Tomas O'Leary
8 James Heaslip
7 David Wallace
6 Kevin McLaughlin
5 Paul O'Connell
4 Leo Cullen
3 John Hayes
2 Jerry Flannery
1 Cian Healy.
Replacements
16 Rory Best
17 Tom Court
18 Donncha Ryan
19 Sean O'Brien
20 Eoin Reddan
21 Patrick Wallace
22 Keith Earls
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

Milestones
Three players will add to their test caps in the nineties. Veteran prop John Hayes will play his 98thtest, Brian O'Driscoll his 97th, whilst Ronan O'Gara plays his 94th. Kevin McLaughlin makes his test debut. On 929 points, Ronan O'Gara is closing in on the 1000 test points for Ireland.

Italy
15 Luke McLean
14 Kaine Robertson
13 Gonzalo Canale
12 Gonzalo Garcia
11 Mirco Bergamasco
10 Craig Gower
9 Tito Tebaldi
8 Alessandro Zanni
7 Mauro Bergamasco
6 Joshua Sole
5 Quintin Geldenhuys
4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava
3 Martin Castrogiovanni
2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, Capt.
1 Salvatore Perugini
Replacements
16 Fabio Ongaro
17 Matias Aguero
18 Marco Bortolami
19 Paul Derbyshire
20 Simon Picone
21 Riccardo Bocchino
22 Andrea Masi
Head Coach: Nik Mallett

Milestones
Bocchino, if he plays, will make his test debut.
Mauro Bergamasco will play his 80th test for Italy. He is only 3 tests away from Carlos Checchinato who played 83 tests between 1990 and 2004, and who lies in second place behind the great Troncon. If he plays, Marco Bortolami will not be far behind on 78 tests.

TEST RUGBY: PORTUGAL TRAVELS TO RUSSIA

06.02.2010
Portugal v Russia in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Referee: F.Maciello (France)

Venue: Metreveli Stadium

Preview
Portugal and Russia will face each other in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, selected to host this rugby test match due to its warmer than elsewhere in Russia climate. Russia will look to consolidate its position just behind Georgia and above Romania in this competition. Portugal lies behind Romania and above Spain. A win to Portugal will push it closer to the leaders and a vital World Cup qualifying playoff position.

Sochi from the Black Sea. Rugby in Russia in a warmer climate. Image thanks to http://en.wikipedia.org

The Russian squad training and playing in Southern Africa during January including a test against Namibia.
v Blue Bulls Xv Lost 21-36 (The Bulls' team was not their strongest)
23.01 v Namibia in Windhoek, Lost 15-30.

Portugal had two warm up games against English sides in January.
25.01 v Oxford University in Lisbon Won 24-18
31.01 v English Students in Lisbon Won 21-18

Last Five Encounters
07.02.2009 Russia 18-14 in Lisbon (WCQ Euroe R5; ENC 1)
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)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Portugal 19th, Russia 20th
Europe Table-Portugal 8th, Russia 9th

Prediction: Portugal to give the Russian Bears a big surprise, winning by 7 points.

Teams

Russia

15. Igor Kluchnikov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
14. Vasily Artemiev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
13. Mikhail Babaev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
12. Sergey Trishin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
11. Alexander Gvozdovskiy (Krasny Yar)
10. Yuriy Kushnarev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
9. Alexander Yanushkin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
8. Andrey Temnov (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk)
7. Andrey Ostrikov (Stade Aurillacois, France)
6. Victor Gresev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
5. Kirill Kulemin (Castres, France)
4. Alexander Voytov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
3. Evgeny Pronenko (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk)
2. Vladislav Korshunov, Capt. (VVA-Podmoskovje)
1. Carlo Maglakelidze (Impera Penza)
Replacements
16. Evgeny Matveev (VVA-Podmoskovje)
17. Alexander Khrokin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
18. Alexey Travkin (VVA-Podmoskovje)
19. Artem Fatakhov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
20. Alexander Shakirov (VVA-Podmoskovje)
21. Alexey Korobeynikov (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk)
22. Andrey Kuzin (VVA-Podmoskovje)

Head Coach: Nicolay Neyrush

Adapted from http://rugby.ru/news/id_1215/
and thank to ‘nnu’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3342&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30

Portugal
15. Joe Gardener (Agronomia)
14. Frederico Oliveira (CD University Lisboa)
13. Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses)
12. Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses)
11. António Aguilar (GD Direito)
10. Cardoso Pinto (Agronomia)
9. José Pinto (GD Direito)
8. Juan Severino (Agronomia)
7. Vasco Uva (GD Direito)
6. Tiago Girão (CD University Lisboa)
5. David Penalva (Auch, France)
4. Conrad Stickling (Cascais, France)
3. Juan Murre (Auch, France)
2. João Correia (cap.) (GD Direito)
1. Francisco Fernandes (Tyrosse)
Replacements
16. João Júnior (CD University Lisboa)
17. Thomas da Costa (Lourdes, France)
18. Gonçalo Uva (GD Direito)
19. Salvador Palha (GD Direito)
20. Pedro Leal (GD Direito)
21. Pedro Cabral (CD University Lisboa)
22. Gonçalo Foro (CD University Lisboa)

Head Coach: Tomaz Morais

Adapted from http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/noticia.asp?opm=25&id=7847&id2=25
and thanks to ‘mestre’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3342&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30

For complete lists of all international rugby test matches played by Russia and Portugal go to www.rugbyinternational.net

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: SPAIN NEEDS TO WIN

06.02.2010
Spain v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Venue: Stadium Arcul de Triumf

Preview
At the halfway stage of this competition it looks like Spain and Germany will battle to avoid relegation. Their clash on the 20th of March could well be the decider. Spain will want to take advantage of a poor Romanian season so far and win this match, thus moving a little away from the relegation zone.

Romania has continued with its old policy of including France-based players when selecting the national side. Many old hands are back in business. Romania struggled in June during the IRB Nations Cup, even with many of its France-based players selected. Their 19-24 defeat by Italy 'A' was a close game but their 6-33 loss to the same team in November was of particular concern. Teams from ENC 1 would gauge their development by the results of matches against any Italian team. This is due to Italy's place in the 6 Nations-usually at the bottom of the table.

This slide in form by Romania has not lifted the spirit of Bucharesti fans, especially as they need to fire since losing their top ENC spot to Russia and Georgia during Round 1. In fact at this stage, Romania are is gross danger of losing their place at a Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1987. A good win on Saturday is vital.

Spain has continued to struggle below the top teams in this competition, Georgia, Russia and Romania. In the first round they could only defeat Germany. I note that more Spanish players are plying their trade with French clubs. Like Romania and Georgia, this may have to be the pathway for Spanish progress.

If Spain is going to have a chance to bump the Romanians this will be it. Spain will want to cash in on poor recent Romanian form. It will be tough.

Snow is forecast for this game on Saturday. Heavy falls during the week prompted all available hands to shift the snow including the Romania Rugby president, Alin Petrache

Heavy snow fell in Bucharest during the week. Image thanks to www.ro

Last Five Encounters
07.02.2009 Romania 19-10 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
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)
Spain last defeated Romania in 1992. In Madrid they won 6-0.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Romania 10th, Spain 11th

Prediction: A tough uncompromising clash. It will be close but Romania to win by 7 points.

Teams

Romania Squad

Forwards:
Cezar Popescu (Saint Medard en Jalles, France)
Dragos Dima (FC Oloronais, France)
Silviu Florea (US Montauban, France)
Paulica Ion (London Irish, England)
Mihai Lazar (Saint Etienne Caserugby, France)
Marius Tincu (Perpignan, France)
Andrei Radoi (CSM Baia Mare)
Socol Sorin (FC Oloronais, France)
Augustin Petrichei (UR Marmande Castaeljaloux, France)
Cristian Petre (AS Beziers, France)
Valentin Ursache (CSM Baia Mare)
Stelian Burcea (CSU Arad)
Daniel Carpo (RCJ Constanta Farul)
Mihai Macovei (CSM Baia Mare)
Ovidiu Tonita (Perpignan, France)
Alexandru Manta (Lyon, France)
Sergiu Ursache (Casino di Venezia, Italy)

Backs
Lucian Sirbu (Somillau, France)
Valentin Calafeteanu (CSU Arad)
Iulian Dumitras (Albi, France)
Daniel Dumbrava (CSA Steaua Bucuresti)
Ionut Dimofte (CSM Baia Mare)
Csaba Gal (CSM Baia Mare)
Robert Dascalu (CSA Steaua Bucuresti)
Constantin Gheara (RCJ Constanta Farul)
Ionel Cazan (CSA Steaua Bucuresti)
Catalin Fercu (CSU Arad)
Stefan Ciuntu (CSM Baia Mare)
Catalin Nicolae (RCJ Constanta Farul)
Florin Vlaicu (CSA Steaua Bucuresti)
Ionut Botezatu (CSM Baia Mare)
Head Coach:

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3343&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

Spain Squad

Forwards
Martin Aceña (CR La Vila)
José-Maria Bohorquez (Ciencias Sevilla)
Rafael Camacho (Ciencias Sevilla)
Mathieu Cidre (US Carcassonne, France)
Matthew Cook (CR La Vila)
Damien Elgohyen (St Jean de Luz Olympique, France)
Leandro Fernandez-Aramburu (Ciencias Sevilla)
David Gurgenadze (CRC Madrid)
Jesus Moreno (Union Bordeaux-Bègles, France)
Alejandro Onega (CRC Madrid)
Marco Pinto (ASM Clermont Espoirs, France)
Jesus Recuerda (Ciencias Sevilla)
Sergio Souto (Cetransa El Salvador)
Julien Tourtoulou (US Colomiers, France)

Backs
Pablo Feijoo (CRC Madrid)
Mathieu Lopez (Stade Montois, France)
Cesar Sempere (Montpellier HRC, France)
Mathieu Gratton (SC Graulhet, France)
Martin Heredia (Costa del Sol RC)
Benjamin Pardo (Valladolid RAC)
Jaime Nava (Alcombendas Rugby)
Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid)
Pedro Martin (Aviron Bayonnais Espoirs, France)
Ignacio Martin (Overmarch Parma, Italy)
Head Coach:

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3343&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

For a complete list of all international test rugby results for Romania and Spain, go to www.rugbyinternational.net

RUGBY TEST: GERMANY WILL STRUGGLE

06.02.2010
Germany v Georgia in Tblissi (WCQ Europe, Round 5; ENC 1)

Referee: Pechambert (France)

Venue: National Stadium

Preview
Playing a rugby test against Georgia on their home turf is a daunting prospect. For Germany, struggling at this level of international rugby competition, it could become a matter of survival on the rugby ground.

This will a particularly difficult match for Germany as they are missing a number of regulars from last season. They would appear to be in a rebuilding phase, especially up front. To have to rebuild half way through a competition is not an easy task. The Germans did not play a test during the November window and their only warm up game, v British Army, was cancelled due to the bad weather.

Georgia played two matches in November( v Argentina 'A' and v Italy 'A') plus played three matches in the USA in June(Churchill Cup). They are well ahead of their rivals as far as preparation goes. Georgia has at their disposal a very strong line up with most regulars available. They will just have too much experience and strength up front for the visitors.

Georgia were too physical for the Germans when they last met.
Image thanks to 'FLIDTA RISXVA' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3341

Previous Encounters
07.02.2009 Georgia 38-5 in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
15.10.1995 Georgia 14-3 in Tblissi (FIRA B1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Georgia 17th, Germany 25th
Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Germany 12th

Prediction: Georgia by 40 points

Teams

Germany
15 Raphael Hackl (Berliner RC)
14 Mark Sztyndera (SC Frankfurt 1880)
13 Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Prato, Italy)
12 Edmoore Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg)
11 Benjamin Simm (DSV 78 Hannover)
10 Kieron Davies (Ampthill RUFC)
9 Mustafa Güngör, Capt. (RG Heidelberg)
8 Alexander Hauck (SC Frankfurt 1880)
7 Shalva Didebashvili (SC Neuenheim)
6 James Ben Houston (SC Frankfurt 1880)
5 Daniel Preussner (SC Frankfurt 1880)
4 Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg)
3 Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg)
2 Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans, France)
1 Benjamin Krause (DSV 78 Hannover)
Replacements
16 Patrick Schliwa (Heidelberger RK)
17 Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1880)
18 Lukas Hinds-Johnson (RK 03 Berlin)
19 Lukas Rosenthal (RK 03 Berlin)
20 Rafael Pyrasch (DSV 78 Hannover)
21 Steffen Liebig (Heidelberger RK)
22 Matthieu Franke (RC Orléans, France)

Head Coach: Rudolph Finsterer

Adapted from http://www.totalrugby.de/content/view/2494/37/
And..http://www.rugby-journal.de/index.php/basis/meldung/kader_fuer_spiel_gegen_georgien/

Missing regulars from 2008-09
Benjamin Brierley (wing), Bodo Sieber (lock), Timothy Kasten (flank), Jens Schmidt (lock and captain), Kehoma Brenner (flank) and Pierre Faber (prop).

Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili
14 Malkhaz Urjukashvili
13 Davit Katcharava
12 Irakli Giorgadze
11 Irakli Machkhaneli
10 Lasha Malaghuradze
9 Irakli Abuseridze
8 Besarion Udesiani
7 Giorgi Chkhaidze
6 Grigol Labadze
5 Ilia Zedginidze
4 Giorgi Nemsadze
3 Davit Zirakashvili
2 Akvsent Giorgadze
1 Davit Khinchagishvili
Replacements
16 Iuri Natriashvili
17 Kubriashvili
18 Levan Datunashvili
19 Lasha Tavartkiladze
20 Bidzina Samkharadze
21 Tedo Zibzibadze
22 Alexandre Todua

Head Coach:

Adapted from http://www.rugby.ge/2010_mokled/0205_GEO4GER-XV.htm
And.. http://www.rugby.ge/2010_mokled/0125_GEO4GER.htm
with help from ‘Oliver’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3341

Missing
Gorgodze out with a ban, Prop Kubriashvli from Toulon, Rati Urushadze and Goderzi Shvelidze.

For a complete list of all international test rugby results for both Germany and Georgia, go to www.rugbyinternational.net

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

International rugby is about to get underway again after the long Christmas and New Year break. It's been very cold up in Europe during this time. Traditionally February and March can be even colder so I do hope the weather is, from now, kinder.

This weekend sees the start of the 6 Nations International Championship and the resumption of the European Nations Cup, Division 1. This division also acts as World Cup qualifiers.

06.02.2010
England v Wales at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Ireland v Italy in Dublin (6 Nations)
Russia v Portugal in Russia (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Romania v Spain in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Georgia v Germany in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)

07.02.2010
Scotland v France at Murrayfield

6 NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Will Italy Lift?

Italy's 2009 6 Nations International Championship campaign was disappointing to say the least. They were expected to rumble Scotland again, even though this test was played at Murrayfield, and push all other contenders. But it didn't happen.

Italy certainly pushed Wales all the way at home. The Welsh just got away 20-15. This was the game Italy should have won. They didn't and a very dispirited Azzura were taken apart by France in the next game. No wins, no points and back to holding the wooden spoon.

The strength of Italian rugby at present is their forward pack. This pack is able to match or dominate their opponents. The thorn for the Italians is their backline. They are weak in the pivots, their defence is brittle and they lack confidence in ending good moves in tries.

Leaving a few tired and injured old campaigners at home, Italy then ventured to Australia and New Zealand. It could have been a disaster but it wasn't. With them went a new pivot group in former rugby league recruit Craig Gower and a ferret of a scrum half in Tebaldi. Admittedly against rusty Wallabies and a new-look All Black side (minus Richie McCaw), the Italians played well and were a very solid, if unspectacular, outfit. The new players performed well, and this gave a lift to the Italians. The November tests would give some indication as far as progress made.

What a test it was going to be. To play New Zealand and South Africa first up, both sides hardened and tuned from their Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup battles, was going to place the Azzuri in true perspective.

With the return of their old veterans up front, and in front of 80,000 fans, the Italians pushed the All Blacks in Milan before losing 6-20. Things were looking up. Next up South Africa. Without quite reaching the heights of the previous Saturday, they still performed well enough despite losing 10-32. The Italians finally broke their long losing sequence against a weak Samoan side a week later. Never mind, a win is a win and the boost to confidence assured. But how will all this stack up in the tough 6 Nations competition?

Italy have got to defeat either England or Scotland at home. This is their only real prospect for 2010. They must also perform well away. One of those wins will probably keep them away from the wooden spoon, whilst to win both would place Italy in its best 6 Nations points position ever. Their biggest challenge is to be able to do this without their famous leader Sergio Parisse whose injury will keep him out of all the 6 Nations games.

It's time for Italy to lift.

Can coach Nik Mallet help lift the Italians. Image thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

PREDICTION: One win at home, no wooden spoon and some ground regained.

The Squad
Matias Aguero
Mauro Bergamasco
Mirco Bergamasco
Riccardo Bocchino
Marco Bortolami
Gonzalo Canale
Martin Castrogiovanni
Lorenzo Cittadini
Paul Derbyshire
Carlo Antonio Del Fava
Simone Favaro
Gonzalo Garcia
Quintin Geldenhuys
Leonardo Ghiraldini (Capt.)
Craig Gower
Luke McLean
Andrea Marcato
Andrea Masi
Fabio Ongaro
Antonio Pavanello
Salvatore Perugini
Simon Picone
Matteo Pratichetti
Kaine Robertson
Michele Sepe
Alberto Sgarbi
Josh Sole
Tito Tebaldi
Manoa Vosawai
Alessandro Zanni
Head Coach: Nik Mallett

Out Injured: Sergio Parisse (for whole of 6 Nations), Francesco Minto (after being originally selected to the squad)
Out not selected: Ignacio Rouye, Carlos Nieto, Andrea Lo Cicero, Santiago Dellapé, Carlo Festuccia, Luciano Orquera, Pablo Canavosio, Paul Griffen
Recalled: Andrea Marcato, Andrea Masi, Manoa Vosawai
Newcomers: Lorenzo Cittadini, Michele Sepe, Lorenzo Cittadini, Riccardo Bocchino (new cap)