ISRAEL V ANDORRA: World Cup Qual.-Europe R 2 European Nations Cup Division 2B

27.10.2012
Israel v Andorra at Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)

Venue: Camp del MICG

Referee: K.Lambrechts (Belgium)

Preview
This is the first of two rugby test matches in the European Nations Cup 2B division and the World Cup qualifying Round 2 section.

Israel, recently promoted to Division 2B, has already made it’s mark in this Division. Two weeks ago they defeated the visiting Serbian side 48-22.

Israeli rugby has certainly grown with the strength in their national side. They did very well to progress beyond expectations in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying process. They surprised by defeating Slovenia at the time but eventually lost to Lithuania and were eliminated.

Andorra did well to hold the other newly promoted side Denmark to a draw also two weeks ago.

Other previews
http://www.rtva.ad/noticia.aspx?id=40349 (in Catalian)
http://www.ynet.co.il/articles/0,7340,L-4296466,00.html (In Hebrew)
Thanks to Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4179

Previous Encounter
12.06.1999 Andorra 19-13 in Raanana (FIRA Pool D)

Israel Last Five P 5, W 5
13.10.2012 v Serbia W 48-22 in Netanya (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)02.06.2012 v Denmark W 15-0 in Netanya (ENC 2C)
21.04.2012 v Hungary W 44-5 in Ezstegom (ENC 2C)
22.10.2011 v Austria W 28-26 in Vienna (ENC 2C)
29.10.2011 v Norway W 27-11 in Netanya (ENC 2C)

Israel has won its last six rugby test matches.

Andorra Last Five P 5, W 2, D 1, L 2
13.10.2012 v Denmark D 6-6 in Odense (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)
26.05.2012 v Croatia L 8-44 in Andorra la Vela (ENC 2A Playoff)
14.04.2012 v Serbia W 9-7 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
26.11.2011 v Switzerland L 21-22 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)
12.11.2011 v Slovenia W 15-6 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Andorra 25th, Israel 27th

IRB Ranking Points
Andorra 42.54, Israel 44.38

Prediction: Israel by 15 points

 

Neither team squad is available.