INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TEST RESULTS 26 Feb: ENC

26.02.2011
Georgia 13, Portugal 12 in Lisbon
Romania 33, Russia 3 in Bucharest
Spain 35, Ukraine 13 in Madrid

Brief Review
Georgia just edged past a rising Portugal in Lisbon. Only one point separated the two teams. Portugal has been a bit of a surprise package in this tournament and was not taken seriously by the other teams. So far they have defeated Russia and Portugal and pushed Georgia to a one point margin.

Reports from those who were at the game or who have seen it on TV indicate that Georgia deserved to win but that Portugal are not far behind. Georgia was strong up front but matched by Portugal as the game progressed. Georgia was weak in the backs until their fly half was replaced. Georgia made far too many mistakes. Portugal could have won the game but for a missed late penalty goal attempt. There were a number of unfavourable comments about the referee.

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3703&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=60
And FIRA-AER match commissioners report http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/upload/file/1298743918_110226%20PT%20GE%20Game%20sheet.PDF

Romania were too good for a disappointing Russian team in Bucharest. This score line would indicate that Russia are going to have serious problems at the 2011 Rugby World Cup unless they make some dramatic improvements. According to reports the Russians made much of the play but made all the mistakes as well. Romania pounced on mistakes and scored from them.

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3705&start=30
And FIRA-AER match commissioners report http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/upload/file/1298738463_110226%20RO%20RU%20Game%20sheet.PDF
Videos of the tries http://www.rugby.ro/articol/video-rugby:-romania_rusia-33-3-toate-eseurile-marcate-15454/

As predicted Spain had only a few difficulties with the Ukraine in Madrid. There was a nasty brawl between front rows during the match which, and a cool down period, held up play. No match commissioners report yet.

Next Round-12 March
Romania v Georgia in Tblissi
Portugal v Spain in Madrid
Russia v Ukraine in Odessa