TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 30-31 March

30.03.2013
Ukraine v Poland in Gdansk (WCQ Europe R4, ENC 1B)
Latvia v Andorra in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)
Finland v Greece in Athens (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)

31.03.2013
Kazakhstan v Thailand in Colombo (WCQ Asia Nations Div.1)
Sri Lanka v China Taipei in Colombo (WCQ Asia Nations Div.1)

Briefly
Now that the European Nations Cup big league has been decided (for 2013), it’s now down to the minor divisions to continue their quest to reach the top of their division by mid 2014. That will qualify them for playoffs to determine two European places in the Rugby World Cup finals (in 2015) and a repechage place.

None of the teams playing this Saturday has a realistic chance of making those positions. Nevertheless they will be out to do their best and climb as high as they can.

The Asia Nations Division 1 competition starts on Sunday. Played in Sri Lanka, the winner will be promoted to Asia 5 Nations in 2014, the other three will be eliminated from World Cup qualifying. Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan have both experienced just how tough that top level of Asian rugby is.