RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP

07.11.2015

Division 1B

Moldova 25, Sweden 7 in Malmo

Sweden were considerably weakened by the decision of a number of leading players to represent Sweden in a sevens tournament. Even so they did well to hold the much respected Moldovan side who seriously underperforms away from home, usually because a number of top players are usually unavailable.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
BELGIUM	7	6	0	1	146	112	134	4	28
UKRAINE	7	5	0	2	155	111	44	2	22
MOLDOVA	6	4	0	2	180	90	90	4	20
POLAND	7	3	0	4	146	187	-41	2	15
NETHERLANDS	5	2	0	3	81	74	3	2	10
SWEDEN	8	0	0	8	87	319	-211	0	0

Division 2A

Croatia 26, Israel 21 in Netanya

Israel failed to take advantage of their home ground against Croatia although they did get a bonus point.

Israel’s next game is a very tough one away to Switzerland. They’ll be hoping for a repeat performance against front contender Czech Republic when they drew 26-26 in Prague. Croatia will host Malta next weekend.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	PT
SWITZ.	5	4	0	1	126	99	27	2	18
CZECH REP	5	3	1	1	106	82	26	3	17
CROATIA	5	4	0	3	112	124	-12	4	12
MALTA	4	2	0	2	80	89	-9	1	9
ISRAEL	5	0	1	4	98	129	-31	2	4

Division 2B

Latvia 31, Cyprus 3 in Paphos

The once invincible Cyprus team, and world record holder of the most consecutive test rugby wins, has fallen on hard times in this division. They were promoted last season but have failed to fire against the stronger opposition in this division.

Neither team is playing next weekend.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
LITHUANIA	6	6	0	0	230	107	123	6	30
LATVIA	6	4	0	2	141	108	33	3	19
CYPRUS	5	2	0	3	90	121	-25	1	9
ANDORRA	5	2	0	3	79	136	-57	0	8
HUNGARY	6	0	0	6	101	170	-69	4	4

Division 2C

Slovenia 33, Serbia 17 in Belgrade

This was the third match in the REC games this weekend in which the home side lost. Serbia were outplayed by their northern rugby rivals despite nearly scoring a fourth (and bonus) try towards the end.

The Serbs will have a tough away game against Luxembourg next weekend whilst Slovenia hosts Denmark at home.

CYPRUS v LATVIA: REC 2B

07.11.2015

Venue: Paphiako Stadium, Paphos

Referee: Nicolas Vandecauter (Belgium)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
LITHUANIA	6	6	0	0	230	107	123	6	30
LATVIA	5	3	0	4	110	105	5	2	14
CYPRUS	4	2	0	2	87	90	-3	1	9
ANDORRA	5	2	0	3	79	136	-57	0	8
HUNGARY	6	0	0	6	101	170	-69	4	4

Preview

Neither side will be able to challenge Lithuania for the title of this division. Cyprus will need the win to avoid the relegation end of the competition.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Latvia 26th, Cyprus 27th

World Rugby Rankings do not apply. Cyprus is not a full member.

Prediction: Cyprus by 6 points. Score 29-23

TEAMS

Latvia

Two changes - Raimond Krūmiņa and Davis Bajārs are replaced by Valters Rankis and Andris Andersons.

1 Guntis Cirša
2 Gundars Grieķis
3 Sandris Jauntēvs
4 Santis Podāns
5 Māris Streikišs
6 Mārtiņš Bērziņš
7 Viktors Silvoniks, (Capt.)
8 Leno Bramanis
9 Norberts Bekmanis
10 Ruslans Kotļevs
11 Vigo Valdavs
12 Krists Krūskops
13 Dāvis Jansons
14 Mārtiņš Bokišs
15 Roberts Davidsons

16 Emīls Balodis
17 Ingus Aivars
18 Elmārs Imbrass
19 Toms Asejevs
20 Kārlis Garokalns
21 Valters Raņķis
22 Andris Andersons
23 Nauris Bērziņš

http://rugbylatvia.com/?p=11281

Cyprus Squad

15. Marcus Holden
14. Steve Awah
13. Alex Zavallis-Roebuck
12. George Agathocleous
11. Phillip Tsangari
10. Michael Asprou
9. Burhan Torgut
1. Stylianos Theoklitou-Panagiotou
2. Marios Zakakiotis
3. Christos Kasabi
4. Frank Stavrou
5. Alexandros Philiotis
6. Jack Bilton
7. Marko Mladenovic (c)
8. Demetris Christopher
16. Demetris Gregoriou
17. Alexandros Ioannou
18. Solomone Tuipulotu
19. Dan McFarlane
20. Constantinos Constantinides
21. George Shaouna
22. Panagiotis Nikolaidis
23. Costas Pavlou

https://www.facebook.com/CyprusRugby/

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

07.11.2015
Sweden v Moldova in Malmo (REC 1B)
Israel v Croatia in Netanya (REC 2A)
Cyprus v Latvia in Paphos (REC 2B)
Serbia v Slovenia in Beograd (REC 2C)

08.11.2015
Colombia v Ecuador in Lima (CONSUR B)
Venezuela v Peru in Lima (CONSUR B)

Briefly
As the dust settles on the 2015 Rugby World Cup final last weekend the test rugby elsewhere continues. This month you wont be seeing the Southern Hemisphere teams touring north as they need a good rest after the tournament.

The Rugby Europe Championship continues with four tests on Saturday. On Sunday sees the start of CONSUR B, or South American Championship, Division B. That tournament, being held in Lima, Peru, is the second tier of South American rugby behind Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Brazil and Paraguay.

Later in November Germany will visit Brazil for a test match. December will be busy with CONSUR C being held in San Salvador whilst in early December Germany will play their second test in Brazil.

This weekend
Sweden faces front runner Moldova in an attempt to improve on its earlier results this season against Belgium and Poland. It wont be enough to avoid relegation.

Israel and Croatia will battle to avoid the relegation area. Israel drew with Czech Republic away in their last match and are beginning to adjust to this new level of European test rugby. Croatia won the first leg match against Israel but could struggle playing away. Croatia warmed up with a 5-39 loss to Oxford University last weekend.

Cyprus and Latvia clash in Cyprus in a Division 2B test match. Cyprus, holder of the world record of 24 consecutive test match wins up to 2014, were promoted from Division 2C the same season. Their results at this level have been mixed. Latvia has also had a mixed season, have played one more test than Cyprus. Neither team fared well against competition Lithuania who are unassailable at the top of this division.

Balkan rugby rivals Slovenia and Serbia clash in Beograd. Serbia had a disastrous start to the 2014-15 season but a change of management after Christmas has seen them win against Denmark and Austria.Slovenia is tucked just behind the undefeated Luxembourg ( to whom they lost to in the first leg) but has a game in hand. I expect this to be a close result.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS SATURDAY 2 MAY

02.05.2015
Japan 41, Hong Kong 0 in Tokyo (ARC Top 3)
Andorra 14, Latvia 5 in Riga (REC 2B)
Lithuania 26, Cyprus 20 in Paphos (REC 2B)
British Virgin Is v Curacao in New Town (NACRA Carib.Cup, Sth)-Result to come

REC 2B: LITHUANIA v CYPRUS

02.05.2015

Venue: Paphiako Stadium, Paphos

Referee: Mario Jelavic (Croatia)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
LITHUANIA	3	3	0	0	118	55	63	3	15
LATVIA	3	2	0	1	66	81	-15	1	9
CYPRUS	3	2	0	1	67	64	3	0	8
ANDORRA	3	1	0	2	48	82	-34	0	4
HUNGARY	4	0	0	4	76	94	-18	4	4

Preview
These two teams appear to be the favourites in this competition despite Cyprus’ loss earlier to Latvia. Lithuania will be aiming to get back into Division 2A for the 2016-18 competition.

Lithuania will have stars Ignas Darkintis and Gediminas Marcisauskas returning from England for this crucial game. They gave a strong display against undefeated Latvia last weekend.

Cyprus will be very strong at home. They have never lost at home, winning 14 tests matches on the trot. They will find Lithuania their biggest challenge at home since 2007 when they started playing test rugby.

These two teams have never met before in a test rugby match.

Lithuania Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
25.04.2015 v Latvia W 46-11 in Riga (REC 2B)
25.10.2014 v Hungary W 38-29 in Siauliai (REC 2B)
18.10.2014 v Andorra W 34-15 in Andorra La vela (REC 2B)
26.04.2014 v Switzerland W 24-18 in Vilnius (ENC 2A)
19.04.2014 v Croatia L 21-25 in Zagreb (ENC 2A)

Cyprus Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
29.03.2015 v Hungary W 17-15 in Szazhalombatta (REC 2B)
15.11.2014 v Latvia L 20-39 in Riga (REC 2B)
01.11.2014 v Andorra W 30-10 in Paphos (REC 2B)
17.05.2014 v Hungary W 46-13 in Paphos (ENC 2C)
26.04.2014 v Bulgaria W 46-15 in Sofia (ENC 2C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Lithuania 23rd, Cyprus 26th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Do not apply. Cyprus is not a full member of World Rugby

Prediction: Lithuania by 9 points. Score 26-17

TEAMS

Lithuania

1. Augustinas Terleckas-11.7.1985 (VAR Vilnius)
2. Tomas Zibolis-6.10.1981 (Baltrex, Siaulia)
3. Ignas Darkintis-8.2.1989 (Ealing Trailfinders RFC, England)
4. Julius Sutkus-9.2.1990 (Baltrex, Siauliai)
5. Naglis Duncikas-13.2.1986 (Azuolas, Kaunas)
6. Martynas Liansbergas-18.5.1994 (Baltrex, Siauliai)
7. Justinas Urbonas-27.3.1992 (Vairas, Siauliai)
8. Zygimantas Radzius-30.6.1990, Capt. (Baltrex, Siauliai)
9. Mindaugas Misevicius-11.2.1982 (Vairas, Siauliai)
10. Dovydas Taujanskas-14.7.1994 (Hartpury College, England)
11. Donatas Vilimavicius-11.9.1993 (Vairas, Siauliai)
12. Kestutis Marcisauskas-24.7.1985 (Vairas, Siauliai)
13. Justinas Vasiliauskas-10.7.1985 (Vairas, Siauliai)
14. Mantautas Vilimavicius-18.8.1992 (Vairas, Siauliai)
15. Vytaras Bloskys-30.8.1991 (Baltrex, Siauliai)

Replacements

1. Daivaras Jonatits-14.3.1992 (Vairas, Siauliai)
2. Modestas Bekeris-3.1.1990 (Vairas, Siauliai)
3. Airidas Savickas-24.8.1994 (Baltrex, Siauliai)
4. Nerijus Maciulis-4.4.1993 (Vairas, Siauliai)
5. Domantas Tautkus-2.6.1993 (Azuolas, Kaunas)
6. Dainius Tamaliunas-29.4.1993 (Azuolas, Kaunas)
7. Gediminas Marcisauskas-4.6.1982 (Peterborough RFC, England)
8. Ignas Jankaitis-4.1.1990 (Baltrex, Siauliai)

Head Coach: Ntando Majokweni Manyosha

Team sheet thanks to Tomas Bieliauskas, Lithuania RF

Players not included from v Latvia

Marius Andrijauskas-22.7.1980 (Shelford RC, England)
Jonas Mikalcius-1.5.1994 (Hartpury College, England)
Lukas Radzevicius-21.3.1993 (Baltrex, Siauliai)
Dominykas Matuzevicius-20.8.1995 (Baltrex, Siauliai)

Cyprus Squad

George Agathokleous *
Jack Anthony
Michael Aspros
Stevie Awah
Ryan Bennett
Jack Bilton
Stavros Economou 
Fidias Efthymiou
Alexander Filiotis
Christos Ioannou
Christos Kasapis
Matthew King
Konstantinos Konstantinidis
John Loizou
Dan McFarlane
Mark Mladenovic (Captain)
Panagiotis Nikolaidis
Stelios Panayiotou
Jonathan Pettemeridis*
Luke Phrixus
Anthony Thomas
Burham Torgut
Marios Zakakiotis

Adapted from http://www.nonstopjournal.com.cy/index.php/athlitika/8842-cyprus-rugby-mall

Only two remaining players from Cyprus’ first test match, v Greece, March 2007.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS SATURDAY 28 MARCH

28.03.2015
Belgium 71, Sweden 10 in Brussels (REC 1B)
Cyprus 17, Hungary 15 in Szazhalombatta (REC 2B)

Briefly
A huge win, as predicted, by Belgium over Sweden. Not a happy start for new Swedish coach former England test prop Tim Payne.

Cyprus again found Hungary a tough nut to crack in Hungary.

Next Game
04.04-Hungary v Andorra in Andorra La Vela

HUNGARY v CYPRUS: REC 2B

2015.03.28

Venue: Szazhalombatta

Referee: Štepán Cekal (Czech Republic)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
LITHUANIA	2	2	0	0	72	44	28	2	10
LATVIA	2	2	0	0	55	34	21	1	9
CYPRUS	2	1	0	1	50	49	1	0	4
HUNGARY	2	0	0	2	43	54	-11	2	2
ANDORRA	2	0	0	2	25	64	-39	0	0

Played So Far

18.10.2014	LITHUANIA	34	ANDORRA	15	ANDORRA LA VELA
25.10.2014	LITHUANIA	38	HUNGARY	29	SIAULIAI
01.11.2014	CYPRUS	30	ANDORRA	10	PAPHOS
02.11.2014	LATVIA	16	HUNGARY	14	HUNGARY
22.11.2014	LATVIA	39	CYPRUS	20	RIGA

Data from www.rugbyinternational.net

Preview
Cyprus’ last outing was their first loss in 23 tests breaking their 22 winning run, a world record for all rugby test matches.

This could well be a very close match.

Previous Encounters
17.05.2014 Cyprus 46-13 in Paphos (ENC 2C)
20.04.2013 Cyprus 16-15 in Esztergom (ENC 2C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Cyprus 26th, Hungary 33rd

World Rugby Ranking Points
Do not apply. Cyprus is not a full member of World Rugby.

Prediction: Cyprus by 6 points: Score 20-14

TEAMS

 

Not available