CUP OF NATIONS: Portugal v Zimbabwe

21.11.2015
Portugal v Zimbabwe in Hong Kong

Results So Far
13.11.2015
Russia 23, Portugal 12
Hong Kong 30, Zimbabwe 11

17.11.2015
Russia 50, Zimbabwe 5
Hong Kong 13, Portugal 6

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BPL	BPT	PT
RUSSIA	2	2	0	0	73	17	56	0	1	9
HONG KONG	2	2	0	0	43	17	26	0	1	9
PORTUGAL	2	0	0	2	18	36	-18	1	0	1
ZIMBABWE	2	0	0	2	16	80	-64	0	0	0

Preview

This tournament is exactly what world rugby reeds. Test matches between nations of different regions so as to bring some sense into world rugby rankings.

This match is the playoff for 3rd-4th. Both teams have disappointed at this tournament with both teams looking for their first win.

This is the first time these two nations have meet in a test rugby match.

GWC Rankings
World Table: Zimbabwe 25th, Portugal 26th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Zimbabwe 55.28, Portugal 55.26

Prediction: This will be close. Portugal by 3 points. Score 21-18

TEAMS

Portugal Squad

Michael Andrade (Western Province, South Africa)
Francisco Appleton (CD Univ.Lisboa)
Tomás Appleton (Darligton Mowden Park RFC, England)
Pedro Bettencourt Ávila (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France)
Manuel Costa (CD Univ.Lisboa)
Francisco Domingues (Provence Rugby, France)
Thibault De Freitas (ASV Lavaur, France)
David dos Reis (RC Nimois, France)
Francisco Fernandes (AS Béziers Rugby)
José Lima (US Carcassonne, France)
João Lino (CD Univ.Lisboa)
Miguel Macedo (CD Univ.Lisboa)
Francisco Pinto Magalhães (CD Univ.Lisboa)
Duarte Marques (AEIS Técnico)
Bruno Medeiros (CD Univ.Lisboa)
Tomás Noronha (CD Univ.Lisboa)
Bruno Rocha (AEIS Técnico)
Francisco Silva (GD Direito)
João Diogo Silva (AA Coimbra)
Francisco Sousa (GDS Cascais)
Michael Tadjer (RC SU Agen, France)
Diogo Van den Toorn (CD Univ.Lisboa)
Salvador Vassalo (GDS Cascais)
Maxime Vaz (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France)
Francisco Viera (CD Univ.Lisboa)
Miguel Vilaça (CD Univ.Lisboa)

Adapted from http://www.fpr.pt/ficheiros_site_fpr/imagens/noticias/2015114182911.%203%20-%20Hong%20Kong%20Cup%20of%20Nations.pdf

Zimbabwe Squad

Ngonidzashe Chibuwe*
Tafadzwa Chitokwindo
Jan Ferreira (Spanish Club)
Stephan Hunduza
Charles Jiji
David Kapuya*
Kuziva Kazembe*
Brian Makamure
Tichafara Makwanya (vice-captain)
Malvern Maparura*
Tafadzwa Mhende (Harare Sports Club)
Farai Mudariki
Tatenda Murwira
Denford Mutamangira (captain)
Royal Mwale
Nico Nyemba
Riaan O’Neil
Andrew Rose
Alva Senderayi*
Gerald Sibanda
Sanele Sibanda
Gabriel Sipapati*
Manasah Sita (German Club)
Biselele Tshamala
Lungile Tshuma (USA Club)
Martin Wolfenden (Coventry RFC, England)
*New caps
Head Coach: Cyprian Mandenge

http://rugby.co.zw/2015/11/09/sables-off-to-hong-kong-cup-of-nations/

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 21 November

21.11.2015
Portugal v Zimbabwe in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong v Russia in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)
Spain v Chile in Torrelavega (Friendly)
Malta v Czech Republic in Valette (REC 2A)
Guatemala v El Salvador in Guatemala City (Herman Arrúa Cup)

2015 CUP OF NATIONS: Day 1

13.11.2015
Russia 23, Portugal 12 in Hong Kong
Hong Kong 30, Zimbabwe 11 in Hong Kong

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BPL	BPT	PT
HONG KONG	1	1	0	0	30	11	19	0	1	5
RUSSIA	1	1	0	0	23	12	11	0	0	4
PORTUGAL	1	0	0	1	12	23	-11	0	0	0
ZIMBABWE	1	0	0	1	11	30	-19	0	0	0

Data from www.rugbyinternational.net

Tournament favourites Hong Kong (hosts) and Russia got their campaign up and running with wins on day one. Hong Kong also got the only bonus point of the day whilst Zimbabwe seemed to struggle with the damp and humid conditions.

Reports
http://www.worldrugby.org/news/123242
http://www.hkrugby.com/news/hong-kong-and-russia-take-early-leads-in-inaugural-hkru-cup-of-nations

Next Two Days

17.11.2015
Zimbabwe v Russia in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong v Portugal in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)

21.11.2015
Portugal v Zimbabwe in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong v Russia in Hong Kong (Cup of Nations)

WORLD TEST RUGBY UPDATE

31.05.2015
England XV 72, Barbarians (UK) RFC 12 at Twickenham (Non test)

30.05.2015
Kenya 41, Portugal 15 in Nairobi (Friendly)

Briefly
It’s great to see the Portugal v Kenya fixtures taking place. These cross-continental test fixtures are vital for the growth of the game world-wide. Spain will be the next team to visit Nairobi later in July.

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP 1A

21.03.2015
Georgia 15, Romania 6 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
Russia 21, Portugal 8in Sochi (REC 1A)
Spain 48, Germany 16 in Madrid (REC 1A)

Briefly
Georgia are the 2015 REC winners. They battled to a hard fought win against Romania. Russia and Spain comfortably won their final games.

PORTUGAL v RUSSIA: REC 1A

21.03.2015

Venue: Sochi

Referee:

last Five Encounters
08.03.2014 Russia 34-18 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
09.03.2013 Russia 31-23 in Coimbra (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
11.02.2012 Russia 33-32 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
12.02.2011 Portugal 21-19 in Sochi (ENC 1A)
06.02.2010 Russia 14-10 in Sochi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Portugal Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
14.03.2015 v Spain L 8-19 in Coimbra (REC 1A)
28.02.2015 v Germany W 8-3 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
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

Russia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
14.03.2015 v Georgia L 0-33 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
28.02.2015 v Romania W 16-13 in Krasnodar (REC 1A)
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

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Russia 19th, Portugal 22nd
Europe Table: Russia 8th, Portugal 11th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Russia 64.65, Portugal 57.40

Prediction: Russia by 8 points: Score 35-27

TEAMS

Not available

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP 1A

14.03.2015
Georgia 33, Russia 0 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
Spain 19, Portugal 8 in Coimbra (REC 1A)
Romania 17, Germany12 in Heidelberg (REC 1A)

Reviews
After a slow and sluggish start Georgia proved too strong for Russia in Tbilisi. Georgia remain undefeated so far in this competition.

Spain won the Iberian derby in the university city of Coimbra whilst Romania had to struggle against a much improved German side.

Next weekend is the final round

21.03.2015
Georgia v Romania in Bucharest
Portugal v Russia in Sochi
Germany v Spain in Madrid

SPAIN v PORTUGAL: REC 1A

14.03.2015

Venue: Coimbra

Referee: Matt Carley (England)

Preview
There is nothing like a local derby clash. These two Iberian neighbours have a long rugby history going back to the 1930’s. Recent form would suggest a close game.

At this stage of the competition neither side is a real contender for top honours. They sit in the middle of the table. A win for both sides is vital to keep within striking distance of the leaders.

Portugal has played two very different games in their last two matches. They defended brilliantly against Georgia and held the hosts 15-20. Then two weeks ago they struggled at home to overcome bottom team Germany. They are a difficult team to predict.

Spain has been showing signs of improved consistency this season. However each time the selectors sit down to plan their team they are forced to make changes. It appears to be a problem having so many players involved in the French club competitions.

I predict this will be a very close game.

Other Preview
http://www.rugbyeurope.eu/article-736.htm

Last Five Encounters
15.03.2014 Spain 28-24 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
16.03.2013 Drawn 9-9 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
10.03.2012 Portugal 23-17 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
12.03.2011 Spain 25-10 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
13.03.2010 Portugal 33-15 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

These two Iberian neighbours have a long test rugby history that goes back to 1935.

Spain Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
28.02.2015 v Georgia L 13-26 in Madrid (REC 1A)
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)

Portugal Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
28.02.2015 v Germany W 8-3 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
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)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Spain 21st, Portugal 22nd
Europe Table: Spain 10th, Portugal 11th

Rugby World Ranking Points
Spain 61.61, Portugal 58.37

Prediction: Spain by 1 point

TEAMS

Spain Squad
Francisco Blanco Alonso (CR Cisneros)
Sergi Aubanell (Stade Aurillacois, France)
David Barrera-Howarth (Tricastin Pierrelate-St Paul, France)
Frederico Castiglioni (Gernika RT)
Julen Goia (Biarritz Olympique, France)
David Gonzalez (US Olympique Nivernaise, France))
Joseph Hutchinson (US Bressane, France)
Franck Labbe (Lormont, France)
Anaya Lazaro (Bathco Santader)
Javier Carrion Llorens (Bathco Santader)
Gregory Maiquez (US Bressane, France)
Gauthier Minguillon (U Bordeau Begles, France)
Jesús Moreno (Montluçon Rugby, France)
Facundo Munilla (RC Toulonnaise, France)
Jaime Nava (Périgueux RC, France)
Agustin Ortiz (Naffaroa France)
Javier De Juan Roldan (Bathco Santader)
Jesus Recuerda, Capt. (Pays d'Aix, France)
Mathieu Roca (Stade Rodez Aveyron, France)
Manuel Mora Ruíz (RAC Valladolid)
Igor Genua Sistiaga (Hernani CRE)
Daniel Snee (RAC Valladolid)
Thibaut Visensang (Aviron Bayonnais, France)
Head Coach: Santiago Santos

Adapted from http://www.ferugby.es/

Portugal

1 - Francisco Fernandes
2 - Lionel Campergue
3 - Tony Martins
4 - Diogo Toorn
5 - Miguel Vilaça
6 - Salvador Vassalo
7 - Vasco Uva
8 - Francisco Sousa
9 - Francisco Pinto Magalhães
10 - Nuno Penha e Costa
11 - Gonçalo Foro
12 - Tomás Appleton
13 - Francisco Appleton
14 - Tomás Noronha
15 - Duarte Marques

SUPLENTES
16 - Bruno Medeiros
17 - Nuno Taful
18 - Bruno Rocha
19 - Afonso Sousa
20 - João Travassos
21 - Thibault de Freitas
22 - Maxime Tonietta
23 - Rodrigo Figueiredo

Head Coach: João Pinto

http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/index.asp?opm=25&id=11592&id2=25

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND; 14-15 March

14.03.2015
Ireland v Wales in Cardiff (6 Nations)
Scotland v England at Twickenham (6 Nations; Calcutta Cup)
Russia v Georgia in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
Spain v Portugal in Lisbon (REC 1A)
Romania v Germany in Heidelberg (REC 1A)
Moldova v Belgium in Brussels (REC 1B)
Ivory Coast v Senegal in Toulouse (Friendly)

15.03.2015
France v Italy in Rome (6 Nations; Garibaldi Cup)

Briefly
The 6 Nations International Championship heads into the fourth round this weekend. Ireland head to Wales in what could decide the competition winner. Ireland needs to win to keep their ‘Grand Slam’ intentions alive.

Scotland travels to Twickenham to face England in the traditional Calcutta match. Both sides lost two weekends ago but Scotland’s performance against Italy was woeful. Expect a big lift from the Scots for this one.

Sunday’s France v Italy clash in Rome has a mouth watering prospect of a possible Italian win. Playing at home lifts the Italians and after defeating Scotland two weeks ago they are on a high. France has lost to Ireland and Wales and are struggling.

The Rugby Europe Championship continues with the Russia-Georgia clash being top of the bill. Georgia hasn’t set the world on fire in their last two encounters whilst Russia has defeated Germany and Romania to lift their performances. These two nations actually fought a war only a few years ago. The Russians can expect a ‘warm’ reception in Tbilisi.

The Spain-Portugal clash looks even but Spain has been playing the better rugby lately but Portugal has got the home advantage.

Romania should have too much strength for a struggling Germany.

Moldova travelled to Amsterdam two weeks ago with a weakened squad and lost. They do not travel well. If they lose to Belgium this weekend their hopes for promotion to the elite level of European rugby will take a dive yet again.

In a friendly encounter in France Senegal faces their African cousins the Ivory Coast. I’d expect all players to be France-based. Both these African nations will contest the African Cup Division 1B in early July.

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 1A and 1B

28.02.2015
Georgia 26, Spain 13 in Madrid (REC 1A)
Russia 16, Romania 13 in Russia (REC 1A)
Portugal 8, Germany 3 in Lisbon (REC 1A)
Netherlands 18, Moldova 10 in Amsterdam (REC 1B)

Review
Russia caused the upset of the day with a 16-13 win in Krasnodar. Romania were on the back foot from the start when coach Lyn Howells, all the management staff and one player failed to get visa clearances.

Georgia managed to overcome a greatly improved Spain in Madrid whilst Portugal struggled all the way against another big improver Germany.

Moldova again showed their weakness when playing away from home. Without top players they showed a lack of depth and went down to Netherlands. Until Moldova can solve these problems they will really struggle if they get promoted to Division 1A

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

RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP (REC) Saturday 14 February

14.02.2015
Georgia 20, Portugal 15 in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
Romania 29, Spain 8 in Bucharest (REC 1A)
Russia 46, Germany 22 in Pforzheim (REC 1A)

Briefly
Georgia made very heavy weather of their game against Portugal in Tbilisi. Portugal played a very effective defensive game against a side that struggled to dominate.

Romania ran out comfortable winners against Spain. Some comments..
’Haven't seen the entire match, just the second half, but as a summary:
-for the first time we [Romania] managed to mix our game up; 3/4 played surprisingly well despite we scored 4 tries using the maul
-our scrum was a bit shaky, but after 20 minutes or so the Spanish were lifted up
-obviously the Spain's hammering over Russia wasn't a fluke, they are way better then last year
-few spectators I don't know how many ‘
by ‘Kiroshi’ at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9&start=350

Germany lead Russia 22-15 with 22 minutes to go and suddenly the flood gates opened. Russia’s fitness was superior in those last 15 minutes and Germany simply collapsed. Those who saw the game say this was a much better display by Germany excluding that last quarter.

PORTUGAL v GEORGIA: Rugby Europe Championship, Division 1A

14.02.2015

Venue: Tbilisi

Referee: Vlad Iordachescu (Romania)

Preview
Unless Georgia gags on this one I can’t Portugal getting anywhere near. If Georgia take this encounter seriously they should win easily. On paper they are another level up from their opponents.

Last Five Encounters
08.02.2014 Georgia 34-9 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
09.02.2013 Georgia 25-12 in Tbilisi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
25.02.2012 Georgia 22-7 in Tbilisi (ENC 1A)
26.02.2011 Georgia 13-12 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
13.02.2010 Georgia 16-10 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1)

Portugal last defeated Georgia in 2005, winning 18-14 in Lisbon and last defeated Georgia in Tbilisi the previous year 19-14.

Portugal Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
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)
22.02.2014 v Belgium W 19-6 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

Georgia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
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
22.06.2014 v Emerging Italy W 34-10 in Tbilisi (IRB Tbilisi Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table- Georgia 15th, Portugal 22nd
Europe Table- Georgia 7th, Portugal 11th

IRB Ranking Points
Georgia 70.76, Portugal 57.04

Prediction: Georgia by 24 points

Teams

Portugal

15 Pedro Ávila
14 Manuel Murteira
13 Francisco Appleton
12 Tomás Appleton
11 Tomás Noronha
10 Nuno (Penha e) Costa
9 Francisco (Pinto) Magalhães
1 Francisco Fernandes
2 Mike Tadjer
3 Tony Martins
4 David dos Reis
5 Miguel Vilaça
6 Vasco Uva^Capt
7 Julien Bardy
8 Francisco Sousa

16 Bruno Medeiros
17 Nuno Taful
18 Bruno Rocha
19 Diogo Toorn
20 Salvador Vassalo
21 Maxime Tonietta
22 Duarte Marques

23 Manuel (Vilela) Pereira

Georgia

15 Merab Kvirikashvili
14 Tamaz Mtchedlidze
13 David Katcharava
12 Merab Sharikadze
11 Muraz Giorgadze
10 Lasha Malaghuradze
9 Giorgi Begadze
1 Kakha Asieshvili
2 Zurab Zhvania
3 Levan Chilachava
4 Giorgi Chkhaidze
5 Kote Mikautadze
6 Dimitri Basilaia
7 Shalva Sutiashvili^Capt
8 Lasha Lomidze

16 Shalva Mamukashvili
17 Mikho Nariashvili
18 David Zirakashvili
19 Giorgi Nemsadze
20 Giorgi Tkhilaishvili

21 Vaso Lobzhanidze
22 Lasha Khmaladze
23 Giorgi Aptsiauri

http://site.rugby.ge/en/news-view/?newsid=4175&callerModID=17363&Title=Georgian%20match%20day%20squad%20announced%20to%20face%20Portugal

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Rugby Europe Championship

07.02.2015
Romania 37, Portugal 10 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
Spain 43, Russia 18 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
Georgia 64, Germany 8 in Heusenstamm (ENC 1A)

Briefly
Romania and Georgia continued to dominate this tournament. Romania easily accounted for Portugal in Lisbon whilst Georgia thumped Germany in Germany.

Spain raised a few eyebrows when they convincingly defeated Russia in Madrid. Making full use of their French-based contingent Spain could well threaten the two leading nations.

Draw Next Weekend
Portugal v Georgia in Tbilisi
Spain v Romania in Bucharest-This will be interesting!
Russia v Germany in Pforzheim-Battle of the wooden spooners?

ROMANIA v PORTUGAL: RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 1A

07.02.2015

Venue: Lisbon

Referee: Luke Pearce (England)

Preview
Romania’s aim is to present itself as the number 1 nation of Rugby Europe. To do this they must defeat Georgia twice. They must also defeat the other teams in this competition. Today they have to dispatch Portugal playing away.

‘It is not the strongest team. Some key players are missing such as Vlaicu (Farul Constanta) who is injured, Catalin Fercu (Saracens - Premiership), Paulica Ion (Perpignan - Pro D2), Alin Coste (Carcassonne - Pro D2), Andrei Ursache (Carcassonne - Pro D2) probably they were not released by their clubs.’ ‘
‘Berber’ http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9&start=350

Portugal would appear to be a strong combination with a number of the France-based players available.

Last Five Encounters
01.02.2014 Romania 24-0 in Ploiesti (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
02.02.2013 Romania 19-13 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
04.02.2012 Romania 15-7 in Bucharest (ENC 1A)
05.02.2011 Portugal 24-17 in Lisbon (ENC 1A)
20.03.2010 Romania 20-9 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5l ENC 1)

Romania has dominated the Portuguese both home and away since 2011. That Portuguese win was only the second in a long line of test matches between these two nations going back to 1967.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Romania 17th, Portugal 22nd 
Europe Table: Romania 8th, Portugal 11th

IRB Ranking Points
Romania 67.38, Portugal 58.56

Prediction: Romania by 7 points

Teams

Portugal
15- Duarte Marques (AEIS Tecnico)
14- Francisco Appleton (CDUL)
13- Pedro Ávila (AS Clermont Avergerne, France)
12- José Lima (US Carcassone, France)
11- Tomás Appleton (CDUL)
10- Nuno P. Costa (CDUL)
9- Francisco P. Magalhães (CDUL)
8- Vasco Uva (GD Direito)
7- Julien Bardy (ASM Clermont Avergerne, France)
6- Filipe Pereira (CDUL)
5- Salvador Vassalo (GDS Cascais)
4- Rafael Simões (GDS Cascais)
3- Bruno Rocha (AEIS Técnico)
2- Nuno Taful (GDS Cascais)
1- Bruno Medeiros (CDUL)
Replacements
16- José Almeida (RC Lousã)
17- Vasco Marques (CDUP)
18- José Leal da Costa (AEIS Agronomia)
19- Diogo Toorn (CDUL)
20- Francisco Sousa (GDS Cascais)
21- Maxime Tonieta (Oyannax, France)
22- Tomás Noronha (CDUL)
23- Manuel Murteira (AEIS Agronomia)

Adapted from http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/index.asp?opm=25&id=11534&id2=25

Romania

1. Mihaita Lazar (Castres Olympique - Top14, 42 caps)
2. Otar Turashvili (Farul Constanta, 13 caps)
3. Horatiu Pungea (Lyon - Top14, 21 caps)
4. Valentin Poparlan (Timisoara, 40 caps)
5. Marius Sirbe (Blagnac - Federale1, 32 caps)
6. Viorel Lucaci (Steaua Bucharest, 33 caps)
7. Valentin Ursache (Oyonnax - Top14, 56 caps)
8. Mihai Macovei (Massy - ProD2, 57 caps)
9. Valentin Calafeteanu (Timisoara, 65 caps)
10. Danut Dumbrava (Steaua Bucharest, 63 caps)
11. Ionut Botezatu (Baia Mare, 19 caps)
12. Csaba Gal (U Cluj, 75 caps)
13. Robert Dascalu (Steaua Bucharest, 46 caps)
14. Ionut Dumitru (Steaua Bucharest, 14 caps)
15. Dorin Manole (Orthez - Federale2, 20 caps)
16. Andrei Radoi (Ealing Trailfinders - NL1, 37 caps)
17. Constantin Pristavita (Baia Mare, 9 caps)
18. Alexandru Tarus (Timisoara, 3 caps)
19. Marius Antonescu (Tarbes - ProD2, 2 caps)
20. Sandu Burcea (Timisoara, 44 caps)
21. Grigoras Diaconescu (Steaua Bucharest, uncapped)
22. Florin Ionita (Steaua Bucharest, 11 caps)
23. Adrian Apostol (Farul Constanta, 11 caps)

Thanks to ‘Berber’ http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9&start=350

PORTUGUESE RUGBY SQUAD v ROMANIA: RUGBY EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 1A

Portugal squad for Romania as at 04/01/205

Bernardo Campelo AEIS Agronomia
Bruno Medeiros CDUL
Bruno Rocha AEIS Técnico
Duarte Foro CDUL
Duarte Gil CDUL
Diogo Toorn CDUL
Eric dos Santos Biarritz
Filipe Pereira CDUL
Francisco Silva GD Direito
Francisco Sousa GDS Cascais
Francisco Appleton CDUL
Francisco P. Magalhães CDUL
José Leal da Costa AEIS Agronomia
José Lima US Carcassone XV
José Almeida RC Lousã
Julien Bardy ASM Clermont
João Almeida CDUL
João Silva GD Direito
Manuel Murteira AEIS Agronomia
Manuel Pereira GD Direito
Maxime Tonieta Oyannax
Miguel Vilaça CDUL
Nuno P. Costa CDUL
Nuno Taful GDS Cascais
Pedro Ávila AS Clermont
Rafael Simões GDS Cascais
Rodrigo Figueiredo CDUP
Salvador Vassalo GDS Cascais
Tiago Girão CDUL
Tomás Appleton CDUL
Tomás Noronha CDUL
Vasco Marques CDUP
Vasco Uva GD Direito
Duarte Marques AEIS Tecnico
Strong squad with Bardy, Tonietta, Lima, Avila.

Thanks to ‘Olivier’ http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=370

WCQ EUROPE R5; ENC 1A 15 MARCH

15.03.2014
Georgia 22, Romania 9 in Tiblisi (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A; Antim Cup)
Spain 28, Portugal 24 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)
Russia 34, Belgium 20 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

Review

2012-2014 CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION & WORLD CUP QUALIFYING
	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
GEORGIA	10	9	1	0	286	106	180	3	0	41
ROMANIA	10	8	1	1	242	106	136	4	0	38
RUSSIA	10	6	0	4	219	249	-30	2	2	28
SPAIN	10	2	2	6	159	243	-84	1	2	15
PORTUGAL	10	2	1	7	145	222	-77	0	2	12
BELGIUM	10	0	1	9	134	259	-125	2	2	6

2014 CHAMPIONSHIP
	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
GEORGIA	5	5	0	0	151	45	106	2	0	22
ROMANIA	5	4	0	1	128	41	87	3	0	19
RUSSIA	5	3	0	2	109	133	-24	2	0	14
SPAIN	5	2	0	3	87	114	-27	1	1	10
PORTUGAL	5	1	0	4	70	126	-56	0	1	5
BELGIUM	5	0	0	5	42	128	-86	0	1	1

Romania were outplayed in Tbilisi by Georgia. Georgia wins the 2014 European Nations Cup, wins the overall WCQ Europe R5 and thus joins the same pool as New Zealand at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals.

Spain came from 21-6 behind to win against Portugal in Lisbon whilst Russia won comfortably against Belgium. Belgium is relegated to ENC 1B for 2014-2016.