ENC RUGBY: Bulgaria v Cyprus

12.03.2011
Bulgaria v Cyprus in Paphos (ENC 2D)

Venue: Pafiakos Stadium

Referee: Frasineanu (Romania)

Preview
These two teams have never met before. Both teams are undefeated in this division and both have won comfortably over Greece recently. This match is building as a clash of the leaders.

Cyprus has home advantage and has won their last eight matches. Their 33-13 over Greece in November came as a surprise as the Greeks were a highly favoured side at this level. Cyprus won so convincingly that they stepped into their shoes as the favoured side. Not bad for a nation who only started their international rugby matches in 2007.

Cyprus caused a major upset in 2007 when they defeated Greece 39-3 in their first international rugby test.

Bulgaria have also reached a highly respected position at this level. They have won their last three test matches, including two in a row against neighbours Greece. The Bulgarians do not travel well. They will find Cyprus a handful away.

Bulgaria were successful against Luxembourg in their last outing. Image thanks to www.352luxmag.lu

Without team lists it’s difficult to pin point strengths and weaknesses for both sides.

Bulgaria Last Five
13.11.2010 v Luxembourg W 18-8 in Luxembourg (ENC 2D)
06.11.2010 v Greece W 25-22 in Pernik (ENC 2D)
24.04.2010 v Greece W 18-15 in Pernik (ENC 3C)
10.04.2010 v Israel L 10-50 in Netanya (ENC 3C)
24.10.2009 v Luxembourg W 25-12 in Pernik (ENC 3C)

Cyprus Last Five
20.11.2010 v Greece W 33-13 in Athens (ENC 2D)
27.03.2010 v Bosnia Herzegovina W 15-0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)
06.03.2010 v Azerbaijan W 59-0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)
14.11.2009 v Monaco W 44-5 in Menton(ENC 3D)
21.03.2009 v Bosnia Herzegoivina W 8-6 in Zenica (ENC 3D)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Bulgaria 34th, Cyprus 35th

Prediction: Cyprus by 3 points

Teams not available