RUGBY TEST RESULTS SATURDAY 8 MAY

08.05.2010
Japan 60, Arabian Gulf 5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Hong Kong 19, Kazakhstan 15 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Ukraine 27, Lithuania 16 in (WCQ Europe R4; Final)
Andorra 10, Switzerland 0 in Andorra La Vella (ENC 3A)
Barbados XV v British Virgin Islands in Bridgetown (Friendly)

Briefly
Japan continued on its winning way and is still way out in fron as far as gaining the No.1 Asia rugby spot and a place in the Rugby World Cup finals. The second place getter looks more interesting. This team will qualify for the repecharge rounds. Hong Kong's win over Kazakhstan has now made it even more interesting. Korea looks well out of it and in danger of relegation!

The Ukraine ended Lithuania's dream of a place in the World Cup finals with this win. It also ended Lithuania's run of 18 wins on end. All hats off to Lithuania. To me they are the team of the year.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Andorra v Switzerland

08.05.2010
Switzerland v Andorra at Andorra La Vela

Venue:

Referee: Janssens (Belgium)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
LITHUANIA	7	7	0	0	250	55	195	21
ARMENIA	8	4	0	3	152	129	24	15
SERBIA	8	3	0	5	97	230	-133	14
ANDORRA	7	2	0	5	112	173	-61	11
SWITZERLAND	6	2	0	4	79	102	-23	10

Preview
These two teams, both at the bottom of the table, will battle to avoid relegation.'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3462 says, 'Switzerland won the first game between the teams last year by 32 - 9 with three tries to nil, so should these teams finish level on points they have a big advantage. The Swiss also have a game in hand but as that is against the runaway division winners Lithuania this is pretty much a game they can't afford to lose or draw to avoid the bottom place. If Andorra win or draw - although mathematics could still come into play - they are safe barring an unlikely Swiss victory against Lithuania'.

In recent games for both sides, Andorra lost 17-26 away to Armenia whilst Switzerland defeated Armenia at home 18-0.

For the hosts Roger Font will make his 50th appearance whilst Arnaud Olive and Nuno Oliveira Teixeira will be making their test debuts.

Previous Encounters
14.03.2009 Switzerland 32-9 in Avusy (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)
05.05.2001 Switzerland 38-25 in Switzerland (WCQ Euro. Rnd A; FIRA Pool 1)
26.09.1998 Switzerland 15-14 in Andorra La Vela (FIRA D)
29.10.1992 Switzerland 10-0 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe)

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

Prediction: Switzerland by 5 points

Teams

Andorra Squad
Paul Alieu
Peter Ambor
Àlex Ballesta
Jeremy Berrier
Albert Canturri
Benjamí Fajol
Àlex Fernández
Roger Fité
Roger Font
Galaction Gagnidze
Jonathan Garcia
Marc Gispert
David Kirikaixvili
Josep Magallón
David Martínez
Franck Mitjana
Arnaud Olive
Manu Sarti-Gardes
Màxim Taurinyà
Nuno Oliveira Teixeira
Eduard Vergara
Xavier Vilasetrú
Head Coach: Michael Broad

Adapted from http://www.elperiodicdandorra.com/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=16&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=711384&idseccio_PK=254&h=

Switzerland Team not yet available

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND 8 MAY

08.05.2010
Arabian Gulf v Japan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan v Hong Kong in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Ukraine v Lithuania in (WCQ Europe R4; Final)
Andorra v Switzerland in Andorra La Vella (ENC 3A)
Barbados XV v British Virgin Islands in Bridgetown (Friendly)

Last Weekend
02.05.2010
Bermuda 26, Cayman Islands 15 in Grand Cayman (Friendly)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 24 April

24.04.2010
Moldova 28, Ukraine 19 in Anenii-Noi (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Belgium 29, Poland 8 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Hong Kong 32, Korea 8 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan 40, Arabian Gulf 28 in Almaty (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Croatia 16, Netherlands 14 in Split (ENC 2B)
Malta 27, Latvia 10 in Paola (ENC 2B)
Lithuania 77, Serbia 5 in Pancevo (ENC 3A)
Denmark 24, Austria 13 in Odense (ENC 3B)
Bulgaria 18, Greece 15 in Pernik (ENC 3C)-Updated 26.04.2010

Briefly
Well now! Talk about upsets. The form book was thrown out as favoured teams were toppled on Saturday.

Moldova started it all by defeating Ukraine in front of their home crowd. With the Division 2A trophy already in their hands (they were actually awarded the title officially after the game) the Ukraine were promptly defeated.

In a close game in Split the home team were leading 16-9 towards the end before the Netherlands scored to give them the necessary points and promotion. So far the results suggest some very even divisions. Perhaps it's time to rethink how the ENC is being run. An article on this coming up soon.

Belgium were too good at home for Poland. The Moldova-Poland match is now crucial to decide promotion-relegation.

Lithuania walked all over Serbia away and so achieved its 18th successive test match victory and a new world record. They next challenge the Ukraine in the next stage of Rugby World Cup qualifying. I think the Ukrainians must be a little concerned.

Malta defeated Latvia at home whilst Denmark were too strong for Austria at home. The Greece-Bulgaria result is not yet known.

And another upset. Hong Kong easily defeated Korea 32-8 at home in a Major upset. After a good tussle Kazakhstan finally overcame The Arabian Gulf by 40-28. Apart from Japan, Asia5Nations look interestingly even so far. The battle for 2nd place and a chance for a 2011 Rugby World Cup finals place is on!

All results thanks to the guys at www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007

TEST MATCH RUGBY: Lithuanians Have An Eye On Record

24.04.2010
Lithuania v Serbia in Pancevo (ENC 3A)

Venue: Sports Center "Mladost"

Referee: Zeszustek (Poland)

Preview
The world record for the most consecutive test match wins is seventeen held jointly by South Africa and New Zealand. If Lithuania wins this game they will hold the new record. This amazing run began in October 2006 with a 37-15 win against Norway. Since then their victories has included a 6-3 upset win over the Netherlands in June last year in a World Cup qualifying game. Lithuania still has a chance of reaching the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals although the strength of the teams will be a lot stronger that what they have so far encounted. But that is all in the furure. Being the favourites against Serbia, the World record looks theirs.

Lithuania played two warm up unofficial tests against Latvia for the Baltic Cup. Lithuania won both 3 April 51-12 in Klaipedia, and 10 April 41-3. Lithuania's game against Switzerland had to be postponed due to volcanic ash preventing flights in Europe.

Serbia rests in the middle of the points table. They cannot win this division and they are not in any threat of relegation. What they will be trying to do is to gain a valuable win against one of Europe's up and coming teams.

Previous Encounter
02.05.2009 Lithuania 50-9 in Vilnius (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Lithuania 18th, Serbia 26th

Prediction: Lithuania by 20 points

Teams

Serbia Squad
Dalibor Antić (Kruševac)
Arsić (KBRK Belgrade)
Uroš Babić (RK Pobednik Belgrade)
Bajić (RK Dinamo)
Bogdanović (Kruševac)
V. Dejanović (RK Partizan)
Doroški (RK Partizan)
Vladimir Đukić (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Miloš Joksimović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Jovanovski (RK Partizan)
Boris Martić (KBRK Belgrade)
Medić (RK Partizan)
Milos Milanko (RK Žarkovo)
Milan Orlović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Aleksandar Petrović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Branimir Petrović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Ivan Rodić (KBRK Belgrade)
Nemanja Simonović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Nikola Simonović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Branko Vojvodić (KBRK Belgrade)
G. Vuković (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Miladi Zivanov (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Zogović (RK Kruševac)

Head Coach: Žagar Kristijan

Adapted from http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/

Lithuania Squad
Marius Andrijauskas (Peterborough RFUC, England)
Tomas Astrauskas (RK Šiauliai)
Rokas Daknys (BaltRex, Šiauliai)
Ignas Darkintis (Enköpings RK, Sweden)
Mindaugas Grigas (BaltRex, Šiauliai)
Vilius Kucinas (Vairas, Šiauliai)
Ignas Liukinevičius (BaltRex, Šiauliai)
Gediminas Liutkus (Vairas, Šiauliai)
Gediminas Marcišauskas (Peterborough RFUC, England)
Kęstutis Marcišauskas (Vairas, Šiauliai)
Andrius Martinskas (Enköpings RK, Sweden)
Mindaugas Misevičius (C) (Vairas, Šiauliai)
Darius Nosys (Vairas, Šiauliai)
Egidijus Petronis (Vairas, Šiauliai)
Audrius Ramančionis (Vairas, Šiauliai)
Evaldas Štitilis (Vairas, Šiauliai)
Gediminas Švoba (BaltRex, Šiauliai)
Laurynas Tipelis (BaltRex, Šiauliai)
Justas Vasliauskas (Vairas, Šiauliai)
Tomas Zibolis (BaltRex, Šiauliai)
Edvardas Zilius (Vairas, Šiauliai)

Head Coach:

Adapted from http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 17 April

17.10.2010
Latvia 31, Sweden 27 in Riga (ENC 2B)
Netherlands 19. Malta 0 in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)
Sri Lanka 23, Singapore 16 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1, Final)
Malaysia 35, China Taipei 8 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1, 3^rd/4^th/Relegation)
Switzerland v Lithuania in Switzerland (ENC 3A)-postponed
Israel 39, Greece 0 in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Briefly
Latvia edged out a weakened Swedish side in Riga to throw relegation prospects wide open in ENC 2B. Five top Swedish players could not get flights from England to Riga. Swedish RU officials were forced to ferry in extra players from Sweden-based clubs.The Netherlands were too good for a determined but tired Maltese side who had travelled by bus from England to Amsterdam, again the travel arrangements disrupted by the cloud of volcanic ash over Europe.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	7	7	0	0	205	74	131	21
CROATIA	6	5	0	1	131	83	48	16
MALTA	7	3	0	4	105	146	-41	13
SWEDEN	7	1	0	6	130	150	-47	9
LATVIA	7	1	0	6	87	210	-120	9

The Croatia-Netherlands game next weekend will be crucial to the outcome of ENC 2B. Croatia, having lost 12-18 to Netherlands in the first round will need to win by 7 points or more, and then defeat Sweden in Sweden to take the title and move to ENC 2A for 2010-12. The Netherlands just have the one game next weekend and must win to take the title.

Sweden has now lost their last three games in a row. Both Sweden and Latvia have a game to play. Latvia's is against Malta. If both Latvia and Sweden lose their next game Latvia will be relegated based on Sweden's 21-5 earlier win.

Israel gained promotion to ENC 3B for the 2010-12 competitions with a convincing 19-0 win over Greece.

In Asia, Sri Lanka will be the new team in Asia 5 Nations for 2011. They powered their way with a 23-16 win over the more fancied Singapore team. Malaysia's easy 35-8 win over China Taipei sees the Chinese side relegated to Asia Nations Division 2 for 2011.

Edited 20 April. Israel 39, Greece 0, not 19-0 as was previously posted.

RUGBY TEST POSTPONED

The scheduled rugby test between Switzerland and Lithuania, due to be played in Basel, Switzerland has been postponed due to the Lithuanian team being unable to fly to Switzerland. This was due to the volcanic ash cloud over Europe.

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

17.04.2010
Latvia v Sweden in Riga (ENC 2B)
Netherlands v Malta in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)
Singapore v Sri Lanka in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; Final)
Malaysia v China Taipei in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; 3rd-4th)
Switzerland v Lithuania in Basel (ENC 3A)
Israel v Greece in Netanya (ENC 3C)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 10 April

10.04.2010
Czech Republic 27, Ukraine 16 in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Poland v Moldova in Sochaczew (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)-postponed-death of Polish President
Armenia 20, Serbia 19, in Abovian (ENC 3A)
Israel 50, Bulgaria 10, in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Briefly
The world rugby community were saddened to hear that just prior to the test match in Sochaczew news reached the stadium that the Polish president was killed in a plane crash over Russia. The Poland v Moldova match was postponed and will be rescheduled.

The 2A ENC competition proved just how close the teams are. Last week Belgium upset Czech Republic. This week it was the Czechs' turn to upset. This time competition leaders Ukraine were upset 27-16.

Armenia struggled to overcome a tough Serbia outfit by a single point whilst Israel won easily, a little surprisingly, 50-10 over Bulgaria. Israel are now firm favourites to glide into ENC 3B for 2010-12.

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Serbians Travel to Abovian

10.04.2010
Serbia v Armenia in Abovian (ENC 3A)

Venue:

Referee: Tomas Tuma (Czech Republic)

Preview

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
LITHUANIA	6	6	0	0	173	50	148	18
SERBIA	6	3	0	3	73	133	-60	12
ARMENIA	7	3	0	3	132	110	23	12
ANDORRA	7	2	0	5	112	173	-61	11
SWITZERLAND	6	2	0	4	79	102	-23	10

In this level of competition it's a question of who will be relegated now that Lithuania are in a clear lead. All four other teams are in danger of relegation although Serbia is in least danger. Until today that is! It has been a topsy turvy right old battle between the four teams. There has been unexpected victories and unbelievable defeats. Both today's sides must win!

Serbia' situation does not look good for today's game. They are travelling with only twenty players and they face and Armenian team difficult to defeat at home and buoyed by their 26-17 win over Andorra last weekend.

It's going to be a right old ding dong encounter.

Previous Encounters
13.09.2008 Armenia 41-0 in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)
25.05.2008 Serbia 19-8 in Belgrade (ENC 3A)
10.05.2008 Armenia 25-0 in Yerevan (ENC 3A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Armenia 24th, Serbia 26th

Prediction: Armenia by 14 points.

Teams

Serbia Squad
Dalibor Antić (Kruševac)
Arsić (KBRK Belgrade) *
Uroš Babić (RK Pobednik Belgrade)
Bogdanović (Kruševac) *
V. Dejanović (RK Partizan) *
Vladimir Đukić (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Miloš Joksimović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Jovanovski (RK Partizan)
Marko Kapor (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Boris Martić (KBRK Belgrade)
Milos Milanko (Žarkovo)
Milan Orlović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Aleksandar Petrović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Branimir Petrović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Milan Rastovac (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Ivan Rodić (KBRK Belgrade)
Nemanja Simonović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Nikola Simonović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Branko Vojvodić (KBRK Belgrade)
Miladi Zivanov (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Head Coach: Žagar Kristijan

Dejan Tasić and Nenad Matejić of RK Partizan unable to travel at the last minute after selection.

* indicates players not previously on any of my lists-possibly new caps.

http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/

Armenia Squad not available

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

09.04.2010
Tunisia v Arabian Gulf in Dubai (Friendly)

10.04.2010
Czech Republic v Ukraine in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Poland v Moldova in Poland (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Serbia v Armenia in Abovian (ENC 3A)
Bulgaria v Israel in Netanya (ENC 3C)

Briefly
Tunisia travels to the Middle East as part of their World Cup qualifying bid. They face Romania in June as part of the repechage phase og qualifying. Arabian Gulf will use the game to prepare for its clashes in the Asia5Nations competition and hopefully a place in the World Cup finals.

The race to find the winner of ENC 2A resumes this Saturday. Ukraine, Czech Republic, Moldova and Poland play matches with the Ukraine sitting as hot favourite. The winner of ENC 2A will play Lithuania in May to find the other repecharge qualifier.

Serbia travels to Armenia where the local team defeated Andorra last weekend to pull itself further away from relegation. Serbia needs to win as four teams in this division battle to prevent relegation.

Bulgaria travels to Israel to face the home side who are yet to be defeated in this division. Israel are looking as favourites to be promoted to Division 3B for 2010-12.

TEST RUGBY: ENC 3A

03.04.2010
Andorra v Armenia in Abovyan (ENC 3A)

Venue: Abovyan City Stadium

Referee: Petrescu (Romania)

Preview
The battle to avoid relegation begins in the Armenian city of Abovian. Four out of the five teams are possible contenders for relegation to ENC 3B for 2010-12. Lithuania is way out on front and cannot be overtaken.

It's difficult to gauge the strength of these two teams as there is almost no current information on the internet. Andorra caused a major upset when these teams met in the first round. Andorra won by 36-10 against a team that had held the Lithuanians to a narrow loss only weeks earlier. This has been the only encounter between these two nations.

Recent tests by these two teams would indicate Andorra has an advantage. Andorra defeated Serbia 21-7 in November whilst Andorra lost 0-18 to Switzerland. Armenia does not do well in their away games but are a tough team at home. They lost by only 5 points to Lithuania at home and won well against Switzerland at home. But Andorra is playing away, Armenia has home advantage, a big factor at this level of international rugby.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
LITHUANIA	6	6	0	0	173	50	148	18
SERBIA	6	3	0	3	73	133	-60	12
SWITZERLAND	6	2	0	4	79	102	-23	10
ANDORRA	6	2	0	4	95	147	-52	10
ARMENIA	6	2	0	3	105	93	-13	9

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Andorra 24th, Armenia 27th

Prediction: Armenia has it's back to the wall and will be tough at home. It is reported that Andorra will not be sending their strongest side away. A win to Armenia by 7 points.

Teams are not available.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS; 26-27 February

27.02.2010
Ireland 20, England 16 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Italy 16, Scotland 12 in Rome (6 Nations)
Russia 21, Romania 21 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Portugal 69, Germany 0 in Heusenstamm (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Georgia 17, Spain 9 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)
Greece 31, Finland 10 in Patras (ENC 3C)

26.02.2010
France 26, Wales 20 in Cardiff (6 Nations)

Briefly
Ireland struck back following their Paris disaster two weeks earlier to defeat England at Twickenham. This result keeps alive Ireland's hope of retaining the 6 Nations Trophy. It also eliminates England as a contender.

France will need to fall dramatically for them not to take the title. They had to withstand a typical Welsh comeback to remain undefeated. The Grand Slam looks to be within their grasp.

Italy finally won a 6 Nations game. Again it was Scotland who suffered at the hands of the Azzuri in Rome. Woeful Scotland looks like being a wooden spoon holder this season.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	PD	PT
FRANCE	3	3	0	0	77	39	+38	6
ENGLAND	3	2	0	1	60	49	+11	4
IRELAND	3	2	0	1	59	60	-1	4
WALES	3	1	0	2	68	77	-9	2
ITALY	3	1	0	2	39	58	-19	2
SCOTLAND	3	0	0	3	57	67	-10	0

6 Nations Next Round

13.03.2010
Ireland v Wales in Dublin
England v Scotland at Murrayfield
14.03.2010
France v Italy in Paris

Russia and Romania fought out a dramatic 21-21 all draw in Bucharest. The quality of play was not high but the thrilling finish was dramatic. The result means Russia automatically qualifies for the 2011 Rugby World Cup Finals. This will be Russia's first time at a Rugby World Cup finals tournament. Romania looks a likely repecharge contender.

Georgia maintained its lead in the European Nations Cup with a close 17-9 win against Spain. Spain would have to be one of the most improved European teams this season.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
GEORGIA	8	7	1	0	286	102	184	23
RUSSIA	8	5	1	1	235	128	107	22
PORTUGAL	8	4	1	3	213	114	99	17
ROMANIA	7	3	1	3	192	114	78	15
SPAIN	7	1	0	6	106	201	-96	9
GERMANY	8	0	0	8	30	382	-283	8

World Cup Qualifying Round 5, ENC 1 Next Round

13.03.2010
Romania v Georgia in Bucharest
Spain v Portugal in Madrid
Russia v Germany in Sochi

Greece continued its winning way in ENC 3C with a comfortable 31-10 win over visitors Finland. Bulgaria leads the competition but Greece has a game in hand.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
BULGARIA	6	4	0	2	134	97	37	14
GREECE	5	4	0	1	111	77	34	13
ISRAEL	4	4	0	0	136	26	110	12
LUXEMBOURG	6	2	0	4	72	112	-40	10
FINLAND	7	0	0	7	73	224	-120	7

ENC 3C Next Games

13.03.2010
Greece v Luxembourg in Greece (venue TBC)

Test Rugby: Andorra Fights Against Relegation

29.11.2009
Serbia v Andorra at Andorra La Vela (ENC 3A)

Venue: Camp del Consell.

Referee: Hoyer (Netherlands)

Preview
The promotion relegation race in this division is now on. Armenia's loss to Switzerland last weekend drew it back into the group most likely to produce the relegated team. Lithuania won this pool due to Armenia's defaulting that game.

Andorra is at the bottom of the table. They lost their test match against Serbia away in December last year. Since then they have defeated Armenia, who were thought to be a threat to the Lithuanians, but lost to Switzerland and Lithuania. They must win against Serbia to help their cause.

Serbia started the season with a disastrous 0-41 loss to Armenia, but recovered to defeat Andorra and then Switzerland twice. They must be favoured to win this match.

Previous Encounters
06.12.2008 Serbia 32-7 in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)
04.05.2002 Yugoslavia 19-5 in Andorra La Vela (FIRA B, Pool A)
14.10.2000 Andorra 12-9 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe R1; FIRA Pool 3)
04.05.1996 Yugoslavia 30-12 in Vrsac (FIRA B2)
20.05.2000 Andorra 9-3 in Split (FIRA C)

Note: Serbia was known as Yugoslavia to 2003.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Serbia 24th, Andorra 26th

Prediction: Serbia by 12

Teams

Andorra squad (to be reduced to 22)
Marc Abelló
Paul Alieu
Peter Ambor
Alex Ballesta
Miquel Barbolla
Jeremy Berrier
Albert Canturri
Antoni Carmona
Marcos Cellone
Óscar Corbalán
Benjamin Fajol
Joan Fité
Roger Fité
Roger Font
Jonathan Garcia
Bonaventura Gaset
Antony Gaulin
Marc Gispert
Josep Magallón
Didac Martínez
Frank Mitjana
Esteve Pérez
Jaume Rifà
Manu Sartí
Maxim Taurinyà
Nuno José Oliveira Teixeira
Iosif Txelidze
Xavier Vilasetrú
Head Coach:

http://www.elperiodicdandorra.com/defau ... _PK=254&h= Thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3305

Serbia Squad
Dalibor Antić (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Nemanja Babić (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Uroš Babić (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Igor Dejanović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Aleksandar Đorđević (KBRK Belgrade
Srđan Doroški (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Vladimir Đukić (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Miloš Joksimović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Marko Kapor (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Nenad Matejić (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Marko Milosavljević (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Milan Orlović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Branimir Petrović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Aleksandar Petrović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Milan Rastovac (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Ivan Rodić (KBRK Belgrade)
Nemanja Simonović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Nikola Simonović (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Dejan Tasić (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Branko Vojvodić (KBRK Belgrade)
Miladi Zivanov (RC Pobednik Belgrade)
Miloš Zogović (RC Partizan Belgrade)
Head Coach: Žagar Kristijan

http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/ and thanks to ‘drugby’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3305

Test Rugby Result: Switzerland Too Good

22.11.2009
Switzerland 18, Armenia 0 in Yverdon (ENC 3A)

Review
This loss now puts Armenia in the relegation danger zone along with Andorra. What has happened to Armenia? This time last year they'd won comfortably over Serbia and Switzerland, then pushed Lithuania 19-24. This year they withdraw from their fixture v Lithuania and now lose 0-18 to Switzerland away.

Images from the game. Thanks to www.suisserugby.com. There are more pics on the link
Thanks also to 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3292&p=27121#p27121

Test Rugby: Switzerland Travels to Armenia

22.11.2009
Switzerland v Armenia in Yverdon (ENC 3A)

Venue: Yverdon-les-Bains, Vuagères

Referee: Gallastegi (Spain)

Preview
Armenia mysteriously withdrew from their scheduled game against Division leaders Lithuania earlier this month. Having given Lithuania the title as a result, the Armenians are home to Switzerland in a battle to avoid relegation. Switzerland and Andorra are both on 7 points whilst Armenia is on 8.

Armenia defeated Switzerland 35-15 last time they met.

Previous Encounters
18.10.2008 Armenia 35-15 in Abovian (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)
06.10.2007 Armenia 28-15 in Nyon (ENC 3A)
30.09.2006 Switzerland 29-16 in Vienne (ENC 3A)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Switzerland 25th, Armenia 27th

Prediction: Armenia by 15 points

Teams

Switzerland squad
Clement Bartschi
Schelte Betten
Joshua Bjornson
Francis Booth
Cyril Cafiero
Jacky Dervey
David Flück
Oliver Gerber
Nicholas Guyou
Mathieu Guyou-Kreis
Geoffrey Johnson
Ludovic Keller
Eric Laval
Victor McClean
Ryan Naude
Jesse Nicholas
Ali Nouri
David Reber
Bastien Saschet
Yannik Staubli
Leo Vera
Daniel Weigh
Frank Vincent
Iain Wise
Head Coach: Steve Smith

http://www.suisserugby.com/news/suisse- ... er/60.html

Armenia Squad
Makinadjian Ancelin
Gregory Apelian
Karnik Avedikian
Raffy Axarlian
Lawrence Bebrossian
Gregory Derderian
Hovanes Erenan
William Guerlach
Lawrence Hairabetian
Gregory Jonathan
David Kehirian
Eric Lawrence
Oundjian Tapol
Gregory Torossian
Eric Tournaire
Ralph Vartabedian
Gregory Vartanian
Pierre Alexandre Vignaut
Nicolas Vincent
Head Coach: Jean-Jacques Bos

http://www.rugby-armenia.com/breve.php3?id_breve=49

Rugby Test Match: Serbia v Switzerland

24.10.2009
Serbia v Switzerland in Belgrade (ENC 3A)

Venue: Ada Ciganlija

Referee: Tuma (Czech Republic)

Preview
The outcome of this match has little bearing on the outcome of this Division. Lithuania looks a certain winner since Armenia forfeited their game, due 31 October, against the leaders. The main concern for these two teams is to avoid relegation.

Serbia has the psychological advantage of already defeating Switzerland away in the first round.

Serbia Squad to play Switzerland. Image thanks to http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/

Last Five Encounters
04.04.2009 Serbia 12-6 in Nyon (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
24.11.2007 Switzerland 13-5 in Belgrade (ENC 3A)
07.10.2006 Switzerland 30-9 in Nyon (ENC 3A)
19.03.2005 Drawn 11-11 in Belgrade (WCQ Europe R2, Pool B)
1997 Switzerland 29-13 in Nyon (FIRA Silver)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Serbia 24th, Switzerland 25th

Prediction: Serbia by 12 points

Teams

Switzerland Squad
Schelte Betten
Francis Booth
Cyril Cafiero
Samuel Dorthe
Benjamin Faudot
Oliver Gerber
Allesio Giorgerini
Matthieu Guyou-Kreis
Nicolas Guyou
Geoffrey Johnson
Ludovic Keller
Erik Laval
Ismael Meyer
Jessie Nicholas
Aymeric Pont
Sebastien Sachet
Adrian Stadelmann
Yannick Stäubli
Leohann-Alberto Vera-Solorzano
Frank Vincent
Ian Wise
Simon Wood

http://www.suisserugby.com/news/le-groupe-suisse-en-serbie,46.html
Thanks to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3242

Serbian team list is not available at present.

Test Rugby: Lithuania Should Win

10.10.2009
Andorra v lithuania in Šiauliai (ENC 3A)

Venue: Centriniame Stadione

Referee: Pikhovkin (Russia)

Image thanks to http://rugby.lt

Preview
Lithuania has been riding a grand high since qualifying for the next round of World Cup qualifiers. A sensation 6-3 win over a higher-ranked Netherlands in May saw the Lithuanians celebrate on the streets of Riga well into the night. Well, if they didn't then they should have.

Lithuania's main problem in this match is going to be motivation.

Andorra arrives in Lithuania with only a squad of twenty, which has been their norm when they travel.

Andorra Faces an uphill battle with only 20 players. Image thanks to http://rugby.lt

Previous Encounters
08.11.2008 Lithuania 26-10 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)
19.10.1996 Andorra 54-24 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe Pool 3, Rnd A)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Lithuania 18th, Andorra 26th

Prediction: Lithuania by 40 points

Teams:

Andorra
15. Roger Fité
14. Alexandre Ballesta
13. Bonaventura Gaset
12. Jonathan Garcia
11. Joan Fité
10. Peter Ambor
9. Paul Alieu
8. Jeremy Berrier
7. David Kirikashvili
6. Roger Font
5. Nuno José Oliveira Teixeira
4. Jaume Rifà
3. Alexandre Alcarraz
2. David Martinez
1. Xavier Vilasetrú
Replacements
16. Marc Gispert
17. Josep Magallon
18. Antony Gaulin
19. Albert Canturri
20. Miquel Barbolla

Head Coach:
http://rugby.lt/naujienos/paskelbtos-andoros-ir-lietuvos-rinktiniu-sudetys/comment-page-1#comment-512

Lithuania
15. Mindaugas Grigas (Šiaulių BaltRex)
14. Tomas Zibolis (Šiaulių BaltRex)
13. Richardas Stankus (Šiaulių Vairas)
12. Justinas Vasiliauskas (Šiaulių Vairas)
11. Žygimantas Radžius (Šiaulių Salda)
10. Paulius Šertvytis (Šiaulių BaltRex)
9. Kęstutis Ryškus (Šiaulių Vairas)
8. Kęstutis Marcišauskas (Šiaulių Vairas)
7. Vilius Kucinas (Šiaulių Vairas)
6. Darius Nosys (Šiaulių Vairas)
5. Edmundas Ščavinskas (Šiaulių BaltRex)
4. Tomas Prekevičius (Kauno Ąžuolas)
3. Marius Andrijauskas (Peterborough RUFC, England)
2. Dainius Baltrukėnas (Panevėžio Ryšių statyba)
1. Laurynas Tipelis (Šiaulių BaltRex)
Replacements
16. Tomas Astrauskas (Šiaulių Salda)
17. Mindaugas Misevičius (Šiaulių Vairas)
18. Egidijus Petronis (Šiaulių Vairas)
19. Maksimas Guseinovas (Peterborough RUFC, England)
20. Evaldas Štitilis (Šiaulių Vairas)
21. Audrius Ramančionis (Šiaulių Vairas)
22. Edvardas Žilius (Šiaulių Vairas)
Head Coach:

Prekevičius makes his test debut.

http://rugby.lt/naujienos/paskelbtos-andoros-ir-lietuvos-rinktiniu-sudetys

International Test Rugby Results This Weekend 8-9 May

08.05.2009
Argentina 'A' 67, Namibia 8 in Buenos Aires

09.05.2009
Ukraine 32, Moldova 0 in Kiev (WCQ Euro. R4; ENC 2A)
Korea 36, Hong Kong 34 in Seoul (Asia 5 Nations)
Kazakhstan 22, Singapore 19 in Singapore (Asia 5 Nations)
Lithuania 24, Armenia 19 in Abovian (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)
Israel 26, Slovenia 19 in Netanya (WCQ Euro.R1 Playoff)

Comments
I was disappointed in the Namibian result. I didn't check the team list but I wonder if key players were not available. Not to take anything away from the Argentinians. Their depth of players is amazing. This team will be a major player in this year's Churchill Cup.

Ukraine's win over Moldova was expected but not by that margin. The FIRA-AER forum posts did suggest that a number of Moldovans who ply their trade in Russia would be missing. Two of the Russian clubs would need their players for either a crucial club match, or that they would be in a club training camp in England. I commented prior on the importance of this game, or even the first round of 2A results. Thanks to 'Mouton' I have been corrected and both ENC 1 and ENC 2A play into 2010 until qualifiers for the Rugby World Cup 2011 are found.

Some of the major eyebrow-raising results this weekend, though, came from Asia. Korea were leading HK 31-3 at one stage before the boys from the Sevens City staged the mother of all comebacks. They only just failed.

In Singapore the locals gave the giant-killers from last week Kazakhstan, a huge fright. Whilst not including a few of last weeks key players, the Kazahks were still expected to win comfortably. I don't think that japan faces any real threat from the other teams in this competition but certainly Korea has being drawn back into the pack. The results are very encouraging for Asian rugby.

Back to rugby in Europe, Lithuania continued its stretch of wins to fourteen in a row with this win over Armenia. They also take out the World Cup honours in ENC 3A and now face Israel.

Israel defeated Slovenia 26-19 at home in another big upset. The Israelies continue their rise in European rugby and now face the mighty Lithuanians in what should be a great game.

Test Match: Big Clash of the East Europeans

09.05.2009
Lithuania v Armenia in Abovian (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 3A)

Preview
Lithuania and Armenia clash in what is effectively the final in this division. Lithuania only needs to draw to qualify for the next round of World Cup 2011 qualification. Armenia must win to proceed. The winner will play the winner of the Slovenia-Israel clash, also on today.


In their latest match in this tournament Armenia lost to Andorra 10-36 in one of the biggest upsets in European rugby. Up to that match Armenia had virtually swept all before it including big wins over Serbia and Switzerland.




Lithuania's rise in European rugby has been nothing short of staggering. Firstly they were only promoted to ENC 3A at the beginning of this season. Since then thay have swept all the teams away. Their 50-9 win last weekend over Serbia was their 13th win on the trot since October 2006. In fact their last loss was against Armenia when they lost 3-18 in June 2006. Armenia were promoted to 3A only to find the Lithuanians in turn promoted.

The winning streak includes two big wins over neighbour Latvia who box in a division ABOVE Lithuania. What is remarkable is that the team can only draw on a small number of local clubs plus a few Lithuanians playing overseas.

Previous Encounter
04.06.2006 Armenia 18-3 in Siauliai (ENC 3B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Lithuania 21st, Armenia 27th

Prediction: Lithuania by 8

Teams

Lithuania Squad
Tomas Astrauskas (RC Salda Siauliai)
Dainius Baltrukenas (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Ernestas Bartkevicius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Aleksandras Čiuchlejus (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Ignas Darkintius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Mindaugas Grigas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Kestutis Marcisauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Andrius Martinskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Darius Nosys (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Žygimantąs Radžiųs (RC Salda Siauliai)
Kestutis Ryskus (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Edmundas Scavinskas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Paulius Šertvitis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Richardas Stankus (RC Salda Siauliai)
Evaldas Štitilis (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Tomas Stungį (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Andrius Sutkus (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Gediminas Svoba (RC Salda Siauliai)
Adrius Tatorius (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Laurynas Tipelis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Justinas Vasiliauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Edvardas Žilius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Head coach - Anatolijus Smirnovas

http://www.kaunas.lt/regbis

Armenia Squad not available