EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP TEST RUGBY: Cyprus Impresses

09.06.2012 Cyprus v Finland in Helsinki (ENC 2D)

Venue: Myllypuro Sports Park

Referee:

Previous Encounter 26.03.2011 Cyprus 70-10 in Pahos (ENC 2D)

Preview Cyprus is a European side on the rise. They have notched up 14 test wins in a roe and have their eyes set on two goals. Stay in their new division for 2012-14 (ENC 2C) and overtake Lithuania’s world record 18 test wins in a row. Can they do it?
Firstly they have to overcome Finland. In reality, they shouldn’t have any trouble rumbling on over their northern opponents. Finland is already relegated to ENC 3 for 2012-14 (unless the rules change). So there is nothing hinging on this game as Cyprus has already won promotion. It’s just that record!
Finland did well to hold the visiting Bulgarian 24-26 in their last match but make no mistake. Cyprus is well above them in the standard of play. Finland will do well to hold them to fifty points!

Cyprus Last Five
26.05.2012 v Greece W 72-5 in Paphos (ENC 2D)
28.04.2012 v Bulgaria W 94-3 in Pernik (ENC 2D)
08.10.2011 v Luxembourg W 48-7 in Paphos (ENC 2D)
07.05.2011 v Luxembourg W 50-0 in Luxembourg (ENC 2D)
26.03.2011 v Finland W 70-10 in Paphos (ENC 2D)

Finland Last Five 26.05.2012 v Bulgaria L 24-26 in Turku (ENC 2D)
21.04.2012 v Luxembourg L 3-26 in Luxembourg (ENC 2D)
12.11.2011 v Greece L 6-16 in Athens (ENC 2D)
11.06.2011 v Greece W 11-7 in Helsinki (ENC 2D)
14.05.2011 v Bulgaria L 10-12 in Pernik (ENC 2D)

GWC Rugby Rankings Europe Table-Cyprus 34th, Finland 38th
IRB Ranking points do not apply as Cyprus is yet to register

Prediction: Cyprus by 60 points

Teams



Cyprus Squad

George Agathocleous, Paphos Tigers
Michael Asprou*, Cardiff University
Ryan Bennet*, Paphos Tigers
Billy Cosma, Eton Manor
Fidias Efthymiou, UWE and Dings Crusuaders
Sam Emery*, Enfield Ignatians
Marcus Holden, DIOK
Alexandros Ioannou*, De Montfort University
Christo Kasabi, Enfield Ignatians
Lawrence Macrides, Chingford
Michael Maratheftis, Burton RFC
Adonis Marmaras*, Hemel Hempstead RFC
Marko Mladenovic, Stratford Upon Avon RFC
Frank Stavrou, Saracens Amateurs RFC
Stylianos Theoklitou-Panagiotou, Doncaster RUFC
Chris Thoma, Paphos Tigers
Tony Thoma (C), Wilmslow Wolves
Burhan Torgut, UWIC and Bromsgrove RFC
Dan Thrasivoulou, Derby RFC
Kiki Vatikiotis, Manchester RFC
Alex Zavallis-Roebuck, Stockport RFC

* - Denotes New Caps

http://www.cyprus-rugby.com/en/news/ann ... ad-finland )

Finland Squad not yet announced