BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS v ST LUCIA; NACRA Caribbean Championship South 2

28.02.2015

Venue: Mindoo Phillip Park, Castries

Referee:

Preview
This is the first test match in this year’s NACRA Caribbean Championship.

Previous Encounters
07.06.2014 St Lucia 29-18 in Tortola (Caribbean Champ, South 2)
26.01.2013 British Virgin Islands 41-35 in Castries (Carib. Champ., South 2)

2014 NACRA Caribbean Championship, South 2
10.05.2014: Curacao 56, St Lucia 7 in Willemstadt
17.05.2014: St Vincent & Grenadines 24, Br.Virgin Islands 22 in Tortola
07.06.2014 Curacao 19, St Vincent & Grenadines 12 in Arnos Vale
21.06.2014 Curacao 42, Br Virgin islands 12 in Wilhanstadt
21.06.2014 St Lucia 26, St Vincent & Grenadines 22 in Castries

Curacao won the competition and went on to play Barbados in a South promotion-relegation match. Barbados won 29-0. Curacao remained in South 2.

GWC Rugby Rankings
NACRA Table: British Virgin Islands 12th, St Lucia 13th.

 

Prediction: St Lucia by 7 points

WALES v FRANCE: 6 Nations International Championship

28.02.2015

Venue: Parc de France, Paris

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Preview
Neither team has performed in any way memorable so far in this competition. France has managed one try in two games whilst Wales were bruised in their loss to England and struggled for most of the game against Scotland.

The team that loses would almost certainly be out on any contention of a 6 Nations title. For Wales that would be a major let down after those memorable title wins in 2012 and 2013.

This could well be an opportunity for either side (or perhaps both) to shake off the lethargy and produce a great game of rugby. Let’s hope so.

Previous Encounters
21.02.2014 Wales 27-6 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
09.02.2013 Wales 16-6 in Paris (6 Nations)
17.03.2012 Wales 16-9 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
15.10.2011 France 9-8 in Auckland (World Cup, Semi-final)
19.03.2011 France 28-9 in Paris (6 Nations)

Wales Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
14.02.2015 v Scotland W 26-23 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
07.02.2015 v England L 16-21 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
29.11.2014 v South Africa W 12-6 in Cardiff
22.11.2014 v New Zealand L 16-34 in Cardiff
15.11.2014 v Fiji W 17-13 in Cardiff

France Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
14.02.2015 v Ireland L 11-18 in Dublin (6 Nations)
07.02.2015 v Scotland W 15-8 in Paris (6 Nations)
22.11.2014 v Argentina L 13-18 in Paris
15.11.2014 v Australia W 29-26 in Paris
08.11.2014 v Fiji W 40-15 in Marseille

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table- Wales 3rd, France 11th
Europe Table- Wales 3rd, France 4th

IRB Ranking Points
Wales 81.71, France 80.27

Prediction: Wales by 3 points

France
15 Brice Dulin, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Rémi Lamerat, 12 Wesley Fofana,
11 Sofiane Guitoune, 10 Camille Lopez, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Damien Chouly,
7 Bernard Le Roux, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 5 Yoann Maestri, 4 Romain Taofifenua, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 Guilhem Guirado, 1 Eddy Ben Arous.
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Uini Atonio, 18 Vincent Debaty, 19 Jocelino Suta, 20 Loann Goujon, 21 Sebastien Tillous-Borde, 22 Rémi Talès, 23 Mathieu Bastareaud.

Head Coach: Philippe Saint-André

Wales
15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 James Roberts, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Danial Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Taulupe Faletau,
7 Samuel Warburton, (Capt.) 6 Daniel Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Luke Charteris, 3 Samson Lee, 2 Scott Baldwin, 1 Gethin Jenkins. 
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard, 17 Paul James, 18 Aaron Jarvis, 19 Bradley Davies,
20 Justin Tipuric, 21 Michael Phillips, 22 Rhys Priestland, 23 Scott Williams.

Head Coach: Warren Gatland

ITALY v SCOTLAND: 6 Nations International Championship

28.02.2015

Venue: Murrayfield

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Preview
It was inevitable that Scotland and Italy will clash to probably decide the holder of the wooden spoon for this tournament. Recent from both sides leaves us little choice.

Scotland have the advantage of the home ground. They have also put together impressive performances both against France and recently Wales. Take into account their good performances in the November internationals and it’s easy to see the impact coach Vernan Cotter has had on this side. Sadly at the moment it is just not enough. Perhaps leading up to the World Cup Scotland will come into form as there is the hint they could surprise.

Italy has also shown a few glimpses of sparkle but that’s all it has been. No longer is their aging forward pack (Parisse apart) a dangerous menace in games. After a few bright performances over the last few seasons 2014-15 so far has been a disaster for the Azzuri. They have recieved a set back with injuries to experienced players Castrogiovanni and Masi, whilst Sarto is also injured.

Previous Encounters
22.02.2014 Scotland 22-20 in Rome (6 Nations)
22.06.2013 Scotland 30-29 in Pretoria (Quadrangular Tournament)
09.02.2013 Scotland 34-10 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
17.03.2012 Italy 13-6 in Rome (6 Nations)
20.08.2011 Scotland 23-12 at Murrayfield (World Cup Warm-up)

The last time Italy defeated Scotland was in 2007. Italy won an amazing game 37-17

Italy Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
14.02.2015 v England L 17-47 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
07.02.2015 v Ireland L 3-26 in Rome (6 Nations)
22.11.2014 v South Africa L 6-22 in Padova
14.11.2014 v Argentina L 18-20 in Genoa
08.11.2014 v Samoa W 24-13 in Ascoli Piceno

Scotland Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
14.02.2015 v Wales L 23-26 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
07.02.2015 v France L 8-15 in Paris (6 Nations)
22.11.2014 v Tonga W 37-12 at Kilmarnock
15.11.2014 v New Zealand L 16-24 at Murrayfield
08.11.2014 v Argentina W 41-31 at Murrayfield

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Scotland 6th, Italy 8th
Europe Table: Italy 5th, Scotland 6th

IRB Ranking Points
Scotland 77.11, Italy 71.19

Prediction: Scotland by 13 points.

Teams

Scotland
15 Stuart Hogg, 14 Thomas Seymour, 13 Mark Bennett, 12 Alexander Dunbar, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Peter Horne, 9 Greig Laidlaw, (Capt.), 8 John Beattie,
7 Blair Cowan, 6 Robert Harley, 5 Jonnathan Gray, 4 Timothy Swinson, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Alasdair Dickinson.
Replacements
16 Fraser Brown, 17 Ryan Grant, 18 Geoffrey Cross, 19 Benjamin Toolis,
20 Hamish Watson, 21 Samuel Hidalgo-Clyne, 22 Greig Tonks, 23 Matthew Scott.

Head Coach; Vern Cotter

Italy
15 Luke McLean, 14 Michele Visentin, 13 Luca Morisi, 12 Enrico Bacchin,
11 Giovambattista Venditti, 10 Kelly Haimona, 9 Edoardo Gori, 8 Sergio Parisse, 7 Simone Favaro, 6 Francesco Minto, 5 Joshua Furno, 4 George Fabio Biagi, 3 Dario Chistolini, 2 Leonardo Ghiraldini, 1 Matias Aguero.
Replacements
16 Andrea Manici, 17 Alberto De Marchi, 18 Lorenzo Cittadini, 19 Marco Fuser, 20 Samuela Vunisa, 21 Guglielmo Palazzini, 22 Tommaso Allan, 23 Giulio Bisegni.

Head Coach: Jacques Brunel

GEORGIA v SPAIN : Rugby Europe Championship, Division 1A

28.02.2014

Venue: Madrid

Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)

Preview
Traditionally Georgia has won comfortably against Spain but of late they have struggled. Spain has lifted their game with new coach Santos and are using their France-based players wisely.

Spain began this competition well with a good win over Russia but the old problem of selection issues saw the team weakened against Romania who won comfortably. Spain would have been encourage by the fight Portugal showed against Georgia two weeks ago.

In the Spanish lineup Barrera and Heredia are out injured and replaced by Mora and Lopez.

Georgia introduce two new caps into their side. They are scrum half Lobzhanidze and win Khutsishvili, both local players.

Last Five Encounters
14.06.2014 Georgia 23-13 in Tbilisi (IRB Tbilisi Cup)
08.03.2014 Georgia 24-17 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
09.03.2013 Georgia 61-18 in Tbilisi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
11.02.2012 Spain 25-18 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
12.02.2011 Georgia 60-0 in Tbilisi (ENC 1A)

Georgia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
14.02.2015 v Portugal W 20-15 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Germany W 64-8 in Heusenstamm (REC 1A)
23.11.2014 v Japan W 35-24 in Tbilisi
16.11.2014 v Ireland L 7-49 in Dublin
08.11.2014 v Tonga L 9-23 in Tbilisi

Spain Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
14.02.2015 v Romania L 8-29 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Russia W 43-20 in Madrid (REC 1A)
22.06.2014 v Argentina Jaguars L 7-41 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
18.06.2014 v Emerging Italy L 0-37 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
14.06.2014 v Georgia L 13-23 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table- Georgia 15th, Spain 21st 
Europe Table- Georgia 7th, Spain 9th

IRB Ranking Points
Georgia 70.76, Spain 62.04

Prediction: Georgia by 10 points

Teams

Georgia

1.Mikheil Nariashvili (Montelier, 21 caps)
2. Zura Zhvania (Stade Francais, 13 caps)
3. David Zirakashvili (ASM Clermont, 44 caps)
4. Vakhtang Maisuradze (Albi, 22 caps)
5. Giorgi Nemsadze (Tarbes, 44 caps)
6. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili (Batumi RC, GEO, 16 caps)
7. Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy, 44 caps)
8. Beka Bitsadze (Locomotive RC, GEO, 9 caps)
9. Vasil Lobzhanidze (Armazi RC, GEO, Uncapped)
10. Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo Saracens, GEO, 34 caps)
11. Alexandre Khutsishvili (Kochebi RC, GEO, Uncapped)
12. Merab Sharikadze (Aurilliac, 28 caps)
13. David Kacharava (Enisey STM, 76 caps)
14. Sandro Todua (Lelo Saracens, GEO, 45 caps)
15. Giorgi Aptsiauri (AIA RC, GEO, 1 cap)

Substitutes

16. Shalva Mamukashvili (Sale Sharks, 27 caps)
17. Levan Chilachava (Toulon, 18 caps)
18. David Kubriashvili (Stade Francais, 38 caps)
19. Kote Mikautadze (Toulon, 26 caps)
20. Dimitri Basilaia (Perpignan, 36 caps)
21. Giorgi Begadze (Kochebi RC, GEO, 28 caps)
22. Lasha Malaguradze (Bagnier, 51 caps)
23. Tamaz Mcedlidze (Agen, 21 caps)

Head Coach: Milton Haig

Adapted from http://site.rugby.ge/en/news-view/?newsid=4161&callerModID=17363&Title=Georgian_match_day_squad_announced_to_face_Germany

Spain

1. Franck Labbe
2. Beñat Auzqui
3. Jesús Moreno
4. David González
5. Jesús Recuerda (c)
6. Gautier Gibouin
7. Ignacio Villanueva
8. Jaime Nava
9. Guillaume Rouet
10. Daniel Snee
11. Sergi Aubanell
12. Thibaut Visensang
13. Marcos Poggi
14. Julen Goia
15. Bradley Linklater

Suplentes
16. Agustín Ortiz
17. Juan Anaya
18. Fernando López
19. Manuel Mora
20. Javier de Juan
21. Ángel López
22. Pablo Fontes
23. Pablo Feijóo

Head Coach: Santiago Santos

Adapted from http://www.ferugby.es/noticias2.php?titulo=Alineaciones España-Georgia

ROMANIA v RUSSIA: Rugby Europe Championship, Division 1A

28.02.2015

Venue: Krasnodar

Referee: Ian Davies (Wales)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
ROMANIA	2	2	0	0	66	18	48	2	10
GEORGIA	2	2	0	0	84	23	61	1	9
SPAIN	2	1	0	1	51	49	2	1	5
RUSSIA	2	1	0	1	66	65	1	1	5
PORTUGAL	2	0	0	2	25	57	-32	1	1
GERMANY	2	0	0	2	30	110	-80	0	0

Preview
Romania leads the points table at this stage whilst Russia props up the middle. Romania, along with Georgia, are the favourites in this competition.

Romania has had the edge over the Russian’s in recent test history. Since the 2011 Rugby World Cup (in which Russia attended for the first time) Russia has slipped in performances. Against Germany two weeks ago they were well behind until the last quarter. From there they romped away from a tired and eventually ragged German outfit. They will struggle against the Romanians in the forwards.

Romania will continue to build their performances leading up to their clash with Georgia.

Last Five Encounters
18.06.2014 Romania 20-18 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
08.02.2014 Romania 34-3 in Krasnodar (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
08.06.2013 Romania 30-20 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
09.02.2013 Romania 29-14 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
25.02.2012 Romania 25-0 in Sotchi (ENC 1A)

Russia last defeated Romania in 2009 winning 28-19 in Bucharest. In 2008 Russia defeated Romania 12-8 in Krasnodar.

Romania Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
14.02.2015 v Spain W 29-8 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Portugal W 37-10 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
22.11.2014 v Canada W 18-9 in Bucharest
15.11.2014 v Japan L 13-18 in Bucharest
08.11.2014 v United States in Bucharest L 17-27

Russia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
14.02.2015 v Germany W 46-22 in Pforzheim (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Spain L 20-48 in Madrid (REC 1A)
15.11.2014 v Hong Kong W 39-27 in Hong Kong
08.11.2014 v Hong Kong W 31-10 in Hong Kong
12.10.2014 v Uruguay L 27-36 in Montevideo (WCQ Repechage R2)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Romania 17th, Russia 19th
Europe Table-Romania 8th, Russia 10th

Rugby World Ranking Points
Romania 68.19, Russia 63.57

Prediction: Romania by 12 points.

Teams

Russia

1-Sergey Novoselov (Enisey-STM)
2- Stanislav Selsky (Enisey-STM)
3- Innokenty Zykov (Enisey-STM)
4- Denis Antonov (Slava-CSP)
5- Andrey Ostrikov (Sale Sharks, England)
6- Andrey Temnov (Enisey-STM, captain)
7- Pavel Butenko (Enisey-STM)
8- Viktor Gresev (Krasny Yar)
9- Alexey Shcherban (Enisey-STM)
10- Ramil Gaisin (Enisey-STM)
11- Igor Kurashov (Enisey-STM)
12- Vladimir Rudenko (Krasny Yar)
13- Dimitry Gerasimov (Enisey-STM)
14- Mikhail Babaev (VVA Saracens)
15- Vasily Artemyev (Krasny Yar)
16- Vladislav Korshunov (VVA Saracens)
17- Alexey Volkov (VVA Saracens)
18- Andrey Igretsov (Slava-CSP)
19- Artem Fatakhov (VVA Saracens)
20- Andrey Garbuzov (Krasny Yar)
21- Rushan Yagudin (Krasny Yar)
22- Andrey Otrokov (Krasny Yar)
23- Yuri Kushnarev (Enisey-STM)

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=374

Romania

1Mihăiţă Lazăr
2. Andrei Rădoi
3. Horaţiu Pungea
4. Valentin Popârlan
5. Marius Sîrbe
6. Viorel Lucaci (căpitan)
7. Vlad Nistor
8. Stelian Burcea
9. Valentin Calafeteanu
10. Dănuţ Dumbravă
11. Ionuţ Botezatu
12. Csaba Gal
13. Robert Dascălu
14. Adrian Apostol
15. Dorin Manole.

Rezerve vor fi:
16. Otar Turaşvili
17. Constantin Pristaviţă
18. Alexandru Ţăruş
19. Marius Antonescu
20. Andrei Gorcioaia
21. Grigoraş Diaconescu
22. Florin Ioniţă
23. Sabin Strătilă

Head Coach: Lyn Howells

http://www.cugetliber.ro/stiri-sport-care-este-primul-xv-al-stejarilor-in-meciul-cu-rusia-248523

GERMANY v PORTUGAL. Rugby Europe Championship

28.02.2015

Venue: Lisbon

Referee:Giuseppe Vivarini (Italy)

Preview

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
ROMANIA	2	2	0	0	66	18	48	2	10
GEORGIA	2	2	0	0	84	23	61	1	9
SPAIN	2	1	0	1	51	49	2	1	5
RUSSIA	2	1	0	1	66	65	1	1	5
PORTUGAL	2	0	0	2	25	57	-32	1	1
GERMANY	2	0	0	2	30	110	-80	0	0

Germany and Portugal hold up the bottom of the ladder in this competition. On present form both look to be the contenders for relegation in 2016. That is a long way off but this encounter today could well give some indication as to where these two teams sit.

Germany travels to Lisbon without some keys players. Robert Mohr and Alan Kessen are out injured. Damien Tussas (US Montauban, France) and Matthias Schösser (Aberdeen, Scotland) are not available. Some players do return. Samy Füchsel (Heidelberger RK) Umberto Pilla (Rugby San Dona, Italy), Captain Sean Armstrong, back Anjo Buckman (Heidelberger RK), Phil Szczesny (Hannover 78) and Kieron Manawatu (SC 1880 Frankfurt).

Portugal stumbled at home to Romania in the first round but gave Georgia a hell of a fright in Tbilisi two weeks ago. They showed excellent defence and constantly put Georgia off their game. If they continue to improve Germany may well find them a handful.

Last Five Encounters
27.02.2010 Portugal 69-0 in Heusenstamm (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
12.02.2009 Portugal 44-6 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
04.04.1998 Portugal 30-6 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe Pool 3, Round B)
13.05.1995 Portugal 26-16 in Heidelberg (FIRA A2)
17.04.1994 Germany 20-18 in Lisbon (FIRA A2)

Germany Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
14.02.2015 v Russia L 22-46 in Pforzheim (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Georgia L 8-64 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
29.10.2014 v Namibia L 20-58 in Windhoek
24.05.2014 v Russia L 20-31 in Hamburg (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff)
10.05.2014 v Netherlands W 17-7 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe R4 Playoff)

Portugal Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
14.02.2015 v Georgia L 15-20 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
07.02.2015 v Romania L 10-37 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
22.11.2014 v Namibia W 29-20 in Lisbon
15.03.2014 v Spain L 24-28 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
08.03.2014 v Russia L 18-34 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Portugal 22nd, Germany 27th
Europe Table-Portugal 11th, Germany 15th

Rugby World Ranking Points
Portugal 57.94, Germany 55.30

Prediction: Portugal by 28 points

Teams

Portugal Squad
1 Afonso Sousa GDS Cascais
2 Bruno Medeiros CDUL
3 Diogo Toorn CDUL
4 Duarte Marques AEIS Técnico
5 Francisco Fernandes Béziers
6 Francisco Sousa GDS Cascais
7 Francisco Appleton CDUL
8 Francisco Pinto de Magalhães CDUL
9 Gonçalo Foro CDUL
10 Julien Bardy ASM Clermont
11 João Almeida CDUL
12 João Bernardo Afonso GDS Cascais
13 João Travassos GD Direito
14 Maxime Tonieta US Oynnax
15 Miguel Vilaça CDUL
16 Mike Tadjer RC Massy
17 Nuno Penha e Costa CDUL
18 Nuno Taful GDS Cascais
19 Pedro Ávila AS Clermont
20 Salvador Vassalo GDS Cascais
21 Tomás Appleton CDUL
22 Tony Martins Limoges
23 Vasco Uva GD Direito
24 José Almeida RC Lousã

Head Coach:João Pinto

Adapted from http://www.fpr.pt/ficheiros_site_fpr/imagens/noticias/Convocatória%20nº.16%20Preparação%20-Portugal%20vs%20Alemanha-%20treino%20dia%2026%20Fev.pdf

Germany Squad

Heidelberger RK: Arthur Zeiler, Alexander Widiker, Samy Füchsel, Kehoma Brenner, Sean Armstrong, Hendrik van der Merwe, Clemens von Grumbkow, Steffen Liebig, Robert Hittel, Anjo Buckman

TV Pforzheim: Rob May, Jeremy Te Huia
Hannover 78: Phil Szczesny
Heidelberger TV: Benedikt Scherrer
SC 1880 Frankfurt: Kieron Manawatu
False Bay (SA): Michael Poppmeier
M-Three Rugby San Dona (I): Umberto Pilla
US Colmiers (F): Chris Hilsenbeck
USA Perpignan (F): Tim Menzel
SO Chambéry (F): Julius Nostadt
CA St. Etienne (F): Chris Howells
USON Rugby Plus SASP (F): Paul Bosch
Stourbridge RFC (ENG): Dale Garner

Head Coach: Kobus Potgieter

MOLDOVA v NETHERLANDS Rugby Europe Championship, Division 1B

28.02.2015

Venue: Amsterdam

Referee: Paulo Duarte (Portugal)

Preview

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
MOLDOVA	3	3	0	0	134	48	86	3	15
POLAND	3	2	0	1	63	73	-10	1	9
BELGIUM	2	2	0	0	48	31	17	0	8
UKRAINE	3	1	0	2	70	54	16	1	5
NETHERLANDS	2	0	0	2	29	32	-3	2	2
SWEDEN	3	0	0	3	25	131	-106	0	0

Although at opposite ends of the points table these two teams could well be closer than that. Moldova has the perfect record so far and look likely contenders for promotion in 2016.

The Netherlands, newly promoted, have began with two impressive displays, losing by one point to Poland and by two points to Belgium. Not bad for a team playing in Division two last season.

Moldova travels away with what appears to be a constant problem. They just can’t field a strong team on the road. ‘So, no M Cobilas, no V Cobilas, no Arhip, no Mahu, no Felston, no Cavcaliuc, no Golubenco.’. These players have all been listed by their professional clubs as playing this weekend. So much for the international window. The last time Moldova played Netherlands in Amstredam the same thing happened and look at the score.

Moldova’s only bright spot is their powerful scrum, even with out the Cobilas brothers. If the Netherlands can hold them in the scrum they are in with a chance of winning.

Last Five Encounters
07.04.2012 Netherlands 40-26 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
30.04.2011 Moldova 22-15 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
17.11.2007 Moldova 15-13 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
25.11.2006 Moldova 43-7 in Chisinau (ENC 2A)
12.11.2005 Moldova won 30-27 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R3, Pool A)

Moldova Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
22.11.2014 v Sweden W 57-8 in Chisinau (REC 1B)
15.11.2014 v Poland W 48-25 in Chisinau (REC 1B)
08.11.2014 v Ukraine W 29-15 in Chisinau (REC 1B)
26.04.2014 v Czech Republic L 19-37 in Prague (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1B)
12.04.2014 v Ukraine W 28-8 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1B)

Netherlands Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
21.02.2015 v Belgium L 21-23 in Amsterdam (REC 1B)
18.10.2014 v Poland L 8-9 in Warsaw (REC 1B)
10.05.2014 v Germany L 7-17 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe R4, Playoff)
12.04.2014 v Croatia W 45-13 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
05.04.2014 v Malta W 33-10 in Valette (ENC 2A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Moldova 14th, Netherlands 19th

IRB Ranking Points
Moldova 55.38, Netherlands 51.17

Prediction: Expect an upset. Netherlands by 9 points

 

Teams Not available

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

28.02.2015
Wales v France in Paris (6 Nations)
Italy v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Georgia v Spain in Madrid (REC 1A)
Romania v Russia in Russia (REC 1A)
Germany v Portugal in Lisbon (REC 1A)
Moldova v Netherlands in Amsterdam (REC 1B)

01.03.2015
England v Ireland in Dublin (6 Nations)

Briefly
It’s the England-Ireland clash on Sunday that is the talk across the rugby world. These two teams are ranked 1 and 2 in Europe and both are right up there in the world rankings as well. It will be enormous!

Elsewhere Wales and France will slug it out in Paris. Whoever loses will be out of any hopes of a 6 Nations Championship title. Italy and Scotland will again be clashing to sort out who may hold the wooden spoon at the end of the competition.

The Rugby Europe Championship continues with all teams playing on Saturday. Georgia were very sluggish against Portugal at home last weekend and will need to fire up against Spain away. The Spanish showed against Russia that they could be team on the rise. Romania will be too strong for Russia whilst the Germany-Portugal clash in Lisbon will be interesting.

The Netherlands showed last weekend that they are up to the standard required at REC 1B level in their two outings. Moldova are the favourites in this Division but are notoriously poor playing away. This could be another interesting encounter.

BELGIUM 23, NETHERLANDS 21

A much closer result than most expected. Netherlands were awarded three yellow cards during the match, the last on full time from which Belgium scored the winning points.

REC Division 1B Points Table

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
MOLDOVA	3	3	0	0	134	48	86	3	15
POLAND	3	2	0	1	63	73	-10	1	9
BELGIUM	2	2	0	0	48	31	17	0	8
UKRAINE	3	1	0	2	70	54	16	1	5
NETHERLANDS	2	0	0	2	29	32	-3	2	2
SWEDEN	3	0	0	3	25	131	-106	0	0

Fixtures Ahead
28.02.2015 Moldova v Netherlands in Amsterdam
14.03.2015 Moldova v Belgium in Brussels
28.03.2015 Sweden v Belgium in Brussels
18.04.2015 Poland v Belgium in Brussels
09.05.2015 Ukraine v Poland in Warsaw
23.05.2015 Netherlands v Ukraine in Ukraine
30.05.2015 Sweden v Netherlands in Amsterdam

Data from www.rugbyinternational.net

 

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