ANDORRA v SERBIA: World Cup Qualifying Europe R2 European Nations Cup Division 2B

03.11.2012
Andorra v Serbia in Belgrade (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)

Venue: FC Milicionar Makis

Referee: Grzegorz Michalik (Poland)

Preview
This is the second rugby test match in ENC 2B this weekend.

In the past few years Andorra has had the winning advantage over Serbia even winning away earlier this year.

Serbia won well at home against Latvia but lost away to Israel earlier last month.

‘I think our boys (Serbia of course) will play the same game as against Latvia.
There was no serious injuries, and maybe one change at inside center.. I would like to see the young Ljubicic playing. Very exciting style..
I was at Latvia game, and have to say that i did not see Serbia team so disciplined for a while. I think good fitness and coach Grujic are responsible
Coach Grujic is experimenting with the positions a lot. Regular inside center Djordjević is playing his best rugby at backrow (for his club he is still inside center ). Also regular winger from last season is now playing hooker for the national side !?
There are a few very experienced players (Rastovac at nr. 9, Kapor at nr. 10, few players taking part from the bench..), and some good youngsters (group that has won the sevens tournament in Latvia last year).. Should be tight.
Weather is predicted sunny with the wind, the pitch is in the great condition.
If Serbia repeat discipline and eager showed against Latvia - should be Serbia by 7 to 14..’

From ‘Boris’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4187

Andorra (in hoops) were defeated by Switzerland by one point back in March. The team has drawn against Denmark and lost to Israel so far this season.
Image thanks to en.suisserugby.com

Previous Encounters
14.04.2012 Andorra 9-7 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
19.02.2011 Andorra 42-25 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)
29.11.2009 Andorra 21-7 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 3A)
06.12.2008 Serbia 32-7 in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)

Serbia Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
27.10.2012 v Latvia W 39-21 in Belgrade (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)
13.10.2012 v Israel L 22-48 in Netanya (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)
21.04.2012 v Croatia L 14-45 in Belgrade (Friendly)
14.04.2012 v Andorra L 7-9 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
12.11.2011 v Switzerland L 19-27 in Monthey (ENC 2B)

Andorra Last Five P 5, W 1, D 1, L 3
27.10.2012 v Israel L 5-26 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)
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)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Serbia 23rd, Andorra 27th

IRB Ranking Points
Andorra 40.86, Serbia 40.78

Prediction: Serbia by 3 points

TEAMS

Andorra Squad
Cabanes, Àlex Fernández, Kirikaixvili, Ambor, Carmona, Arasanz, Roger i Joan Fité, Jonathan Garcia, Esteve Pérez, Gispert, Tosatti, Martínez, Olive, Berrier, Cassé, Dolsa, Canturri, Gadnidze, Estevenet, Cristian Garcia, Abelló.

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4187

Serbia Squad
Official squad not available