TEST RUGBY RESULTS Saturday 10 March

10.03.2012
Wales 24, Italy 3 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
Ireland 32, Scotland 14 in Dublin (6 Nations)
Georgia 19, Romania 13 in Bucharest (ENC 1A)
Portugal 23, Spain 17 in Coimbra (ENC 1A)
Russia 38, Ukraine 19 in Russia (ENC 1A)
Belgium 17, Moldova 16 in Chisnau (ENC 1B)
Germany 20, Czech Republic 17 in Prague (ENC 1B)

Briefly (sort of!)
Wales put in a strong performance, especially up front, to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive. France is the only team standing in their way, providing they defeat England in Paris Sunday.

Ireland scored 4 tries to win comfortably over Scotland. It was a quality game from both sides brimming with excitement. Although they played their part Scotland’s problems continue as they just didn’t finish moves. England needs to defeat France tomorrow and France to defeat Wales next weekend if Ireland are to win the championship. Ireland would need also to defeat England at Twickenham next Saturday.

Georgia maintain the lead in ENC 1A with a controversial try and having to defend with 14 players at the end. Georgia just held on.

Portugal won the Iberian derby defeating Spain 23-17. By accounts Spain looked the better side but didn’t take their opportunities.

Belgium led Moldova 17-9 at one stage and hand to withstand a late comeback. Belgium holds the lead in ENC 1B.

Germany also had to hold on for their win. ‘After being in control at 15-0 early in the second half Germany stole the win 20-17 with a last minute try.
Germany suffered its trademark discipline problems in the 2nd half losing two players including captain Widiker to yellow cards but the sinbinning of Czech Rep no4 3mins from time gave the Germans the opportunity to get into Czech territory and get the winning try.
The German backs looked more potent but all too often turned over ball in the 2nd half and the Czechs did better to look after their possession and with penalties also have the lion share of territory to mount a comeback. Their Achilles heel was the lineout, They could hardly bag a clean lineout win and that ultimately hurt them. As far as the Germans were concerned, they could do worse than investing in getting a goal-kicking coach like Grant Fox to come over and work with their kickers technique. I am probably being charitable in saying that their goal kicking was abysmal! 1 out of 8 says it all and if half of those opportunities had been converted the Germans shouldn't have been sweating on getting the win in the last couple of minutes.’

Words thanks to ‘Yamaha Kiwi’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4013&start=0