Hungary v Slovenia: Test Rugby-World Cup Qualifying; European Nations Cup Division 2C

27.10.2012
Hungary v Slovenia in Ljubliana (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)

Venue: Oval, Gunclje

Referee: Kaloxilos (Greece)

Preview
Slovenia were relegated from ENC 2B at the end of the 2010-12 competition. They were placed 4th out of five teams and were due to face Denmark (placed 2nd in ENC 2C) in a promotion-relegation playoff. Slovenia decided to forfeit that game and were thus relegated.

Slovenia had gained promotion to the then ENC 3B at the end of the 2006-08 competition. At that time they were at a peak in their strength but began to slip after that.

Relegation will give them the opportunity to rebuild. ‘Slovenia lost 87 - 0 to Croatia in a friendly warm-up on the 20th [October], this was 4 x 20mins so probably not officially recognised as a test match.’ Thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4178

Hungary had the honour of hosting the initial 2015 Rugby World Cup European section of qualifying games. As well as displaying the Webb Ellis Trophy they defeated Bulgaria 28-23. They thus have the advantage of alreday playing together this season.

Slovenia were disappointed with the team efforts over the last few seasons. Rumours were aplenty of discord within the union. Hopefully that has been sorted and a new start is welcomed. Whether they can overcome their visitors is another matter.

Last Five Encounters
10.10.2009 Hungary 17-11 in Pecs (ENC 3B)
13.09.2008 Slovenia 32-26 in Ljubliana (WCQ Europe; ENC 3B)
08.10.2005 Hungary 15-12 in Ljubliana (ENC 3B)
06.11.2004 Slovenia 41-0 in Ljubliana (WCQ Europe R2, Pool A)
16.10.1999 Slovenia 27-3 in Budapest (FIRA Div. D1)

These two teams first met back in 1993. Hungary winning 36-6 in Budapest in a FIRA B2 competition rugby test match.

Slovenia Last Five P 5, L 5
14.04.2012 v Austria L 5-19 in Ljubliana (Friendly)
17.03.2012 v Switzerland L 0-85 in Nyon (ENC 2B)
12.11.2011 v Andorra L 6-15 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
29.10.2011 v Serbia L 0-52 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
30.04.2011 v Switzerland L 10-33 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)

Hungary Last Five P 5, 2, L 3
06.10.2012 v Bulgaria W 28-23 in Kecskemet (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 2C)
23.06.2012 v Bulgaria L 26-29 in Pernik (ENC 2C Playoff)
19.05.2012 v Norway W 28-14 in Oslo (ENC 2C)
21.04.2012 v Israel L 5-44 in Ezstergom (ENC 2C)
05.11.2011 v Austria L 7-38 in Vienna (ENC 2C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Slovenia 29th, Hungary 31st

IRB Ranking Points
Slovenia 38.30, Hungary 37.66

Prediction: Slovenia by 8 points

TEAMS

Slovenia Squad

1. Miklič Luka

2. Sambol Lovro

3. Hočevar Tit

4. Javornik Pečnik Žiga

5. Krsmanovič Žarko

6. Gombač Simon

7. Miljuš Grega

8. Jovič Damjan

9. Radelj Šemrov Enej

10. Ahačič Damijan

11. Šubic Andrej

12. Suljič Dali

13. Habjanič Blaž

14. Jovanovič Dragan

15. Sajevic Jaka

16. Pilko Blaž

17. Javornik Iztok

18. Zukič Maks

19. Sitar Nejc

20. Magušar Urban

21. Tanko Boštjan

22. Mihelič Igor

23. Horvat David

 

http://rugby.si/content/prva-jesenska-tekma-za-evropsko-prvenstvo-skupine-2c-proti-mad%C5%BEarski

Hungary Squad

HECKEL Zoltán Esztergomi Vitézek
MÁTHÉ Zoltán Battai Bulldogok
NAGY Roland Esztergomi Vitézek
PLUHÁR Dániel Battai Bulldogok
BIHARI Mátyás Exiles
KOVÁCS-GODA István Esztergomi Vitézek
SZABÓ Tamás Fit World Szeged
GECSE Dániel KENT (Anglia)
BÍRÓ Gábor Esztergomi Vitézek
BÁRDOS András Fit world Szeged
PRÁGAI András Fit world Szeged
DELI Robert Battai Bulldogok
JÁMBOR Attila Esztergomi Vitézek
GYENES Ede Exiles
KARC Harmadik Exiles
BRAND Andre Exiles
TÓTH Dániel Attila
KARC RÉFI Attila
KARC KÖTELES Péter Battai Bulldogok
KARC JUHÁSZ Imre Battai Bulldogok
TÓTH Máté Battai Bulldogok
GELECSÁK Dániel Esztergomi Vitézek
KOLLER Zoltán Esztergomi Vitézek
BÁN Gergő Battai Bulldogok
NÉMETH Krisztián Exiles 
KARC PÁSZTOR Tibor Exiles
LLOYD Gareth Exiles
KATONA Jonathán Battai Bulldogok
TEISENHOFFER László Battai Bulldogok
GYURCSIK Achilles Battai Bulldogok
ÓDOR Tamás Anglia
KENDI Gábor Battai Bulldogok
JUNG Szilárd Battai Bulldogok
KRISKÓ Tibor Battai Bulldogok
COLETT Gregoire Esztergomi Vitézek
NAGYHEGYESI Szabolcs
KARC PRAKTER Attila Battai Bulldogok
SOÓS Tibor Dániel

Since this squad was published ‘…Andre Brand, Dan Toth, István Kovács-Goda, Dániel Gecse and András Bárdos are unavailable.’
Thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4178