I will be away overseas 11 January to 1 February. This blog will not be updated during this time.
Come back though in February for a continued summary of 2008 and some insight into the 6 Nations and European Nations Cup international Championships.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
2008 A Year of Rugby Part 4
North America
The main features about international rugby in North America was the NAWIRA (North American and West Indies Rugby Association) World Cup qulaifying matches and the USA v Canada Churchill Cup clash.
12th Costa Rica
Costa Rica participated in the CONSUR B (South American Zone) competition in 2006, held in Caracus. They were outclassed in all their games and stayed away from international competition to rebuild. In 2008 they hosted the Cayman Islands losing 17-20 in San Juan on 17 May. This was a very good effort considering the Caymans had particpated in the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying matches in April. Coast Rica may well look to NAWIRA for future competition.
11th Saint Vincent and Grenadines
This country, like Costa Rica, re entered the international scene after a year's absence. They played Mexico at home in late March to decide the final place in the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament on Grand Cayman. The Mexicans, also playing for the first time since 2006, won easily 47-7.
10th Jamaica
Jamaica was one of a number of Caribbean nations to reappear on the international scene after a few years absence. Jamaica lost all their games but they were all close encounters, including a 3-10 loss to Guyana, one of the tournament finalists, in the first World Cup knockout match.
9th Cayman Islands
The hosts of the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament could well be disappointed with their 7th placing. They were outplayed by eventual tournament winner Trinidad and Tobago in the first match, a World Cup knockout match, then lost to newcomers Mexico in the second and then defeated Jamaica in the Shield final. Caymans then travelled to Costa Rica in May to narrowly defeat their hosts 20-17.
8th Mexico
Mexico qualified for the NAWIRA Tournament after a 47-7 win against St Vincent and Grenadines away. At the tournament they nearly caused a major upset in their first game, just losing 20-21 to Barbados in the World Cup knockout round. They then suprised the hosts Cayman Islands to win 13-7 but lost their last game to Bahamas.
7th Bahamas
The Bahamas lost their first game of the NAWIRA Tournament 13-29 to Bermuda in the World Cup qualifying knockout round. They went on to win the other two matches against Jamaica and Mexico to take the tournament's bowl prize.
6th Barbados
Barbados was the team that won the 2005 NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament, which included a 25-17 win over Trinidad and Tobago. The Barbadians went on to play the USA and Canada for a place in the World Cup Final. They lost heavily to the two North American giants but were expected to fare well again at this tournament. They started with a very shakey 21-20 win over Mexico and were humbled 0-56 against Trinidad and Tobago in the next match. A dispirited team then lost the plate final to Bermuda 6-17 to end a disappointing tournament.
5th Bermuda
Bermuda has been around the Caribbean Championship scene for over thirty years. Their most recent matches were losses to Cayman Islands and Canada Under 21 in a tournament in the Caymans in 2006. At the 2008 NAWIRA tournament they started in style defeating the Bahamas 29-13 but then lost 13-25 to eventual finalist Guyana 13-25. In their last match they defeated Barbados 17-6 to take the Plate final.
4th Guyana
Guyana had defeated Trinidad and Tobago 29-21 back in the NAWIRA Tournament in 2005. After winning their first two games at the 2008 NAWIRA tournament, the Guyanese were pitted against the Trindadians in the final. They showed great spirit in the final only to lose to the better side 24-40.
3rd Trinidad and Tobago
The Trinidadians defeated Guyana 40-24 in the final and won the right to play the CONSUR B finalist Brazil to move to the next World Cup qualifying stage. Althought they lost both legs of the games against Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago can be proud to be the champion team of the Caribbean until the next NAWIRA competition.
2nd United States
For the third year running the USA had to play second fiddle to their northern neighbours Canada. The USA lost 10-26 to Canada in Chicago in the Churchill Cup 5th/6th (Bowl) playoff.
1st Canada
Part 5 will look at Africa (CAR-Confederation Africa Rugby) placings 20th to 29th
The main features about international rugby in North America was the NAWIRA (North American and West Indies Rugby Association) World Cup qulaifying matches and the USA v Canada Churchill Cup clash.
12th Costa Rica
Costa Rica participated in the CONSUR B (South American Zone) competition in 2006, held in Caracus. They were outclassed in all their games and stayed away from international competition to rebuild. In 2008 they hosted the Cayman Islands losing 17-20 in San Juan on 17 May. This was a very good effort considering the Caymans had particpated in the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying matches in April. Coast Rica may well look to NAWIRA for future competition.
11th Saint Vincent and Grenadines
This country, like Costa Rica, re entered the international scene after a year's absence. They played Mexico at home in late March to decide the final place in the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament on Grand Cayman. The Mexicans, also playing for the first time since 2006, won easily 47-7.
10th Jamaica
Jamaica was one of a number of Caribbean nations to reappear on the international scene after a few years absence. Jamaica lost all their games but they were all close encounters, including a 3-10 loss to Guyana, one of the tournament finalists, in the first World Cup knockout match.
9th Cayman Islands
The hosts of the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament could well be disappointed with their 7th placing. They were outplayed by eventual tournament winner Trinidad and Tobago in the first match, a World Cup knockout match, then lost to newcomers Mexico in the second and then defeated Jamaica in the Shield final. Caymans then travelled to Costa Rica in May to narrowly defeat their hosts 20-17.
8th Mexico
Mexico qualified for the NAWIRA Tournament after a 47-7 win against St Vincent and Grenadines away. At the tournament they nearly caused a major upset in their first game, just losing 20-21 to Barbados in the World Cup knockout round. They then suprised the hosts Cayman Islands to win 13-7 but lost their last game to Bahamas.
7th Bahamas
The Bahamas lost their first game of the NAWIRA Tournament 13-29 to Bermuda in the World Cup qualifying knockout round. They went on to win the other two matches against Jamaica and Mexico to take the tournament's bowl prize.
6th Barbados
Barbados was the team that won the 2005 NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament, which included a 25-17 win over Trinidad and Tobago. The Barbadians went on to play the USA and Canada for a place in the World Cup Final. They lost heavily to the two North American giants but were expected to fare well again at this tournament. They started with a very shakey 21-20 win over Mexico and were humbled 0-56 against Trinidad and Tobago in the next match. A dispirited team then lost the plate final to Bermuda 6-17 to end a disappointing tournament.
5th Bermuda
Bermuda has been around the Caribbean Championship scene for over thirty years. Their most recent matches were losses to Cayman Islands and Canada Under 21 in a tournament in the Caymans in 2006. At the 2008 NAWIRA tournament they started in style defeating the Bahamas 29-13 but then lost 13-25 to eventual finalist Guyana 13-25. In their last match they defeated Barbados 17-6 to take the Plate final.
4th Guyana
Guyana had defeated Trinidad and Tobago 29-21 back in the NAWIRA Tournament in 2005. After winning their first two games at the 2008 NAWIRA tournament, the Guyanese were pitted against the Trindadians in the final. They showed great spirit in the final only to lose to the better side 24-40.
3rd Trinidad and Tobago
The Trinidadians defeated Guyana 40-24 in the final and won the right to play the CONSUR B finalist Brazil to move to the next World Cup qualifying stage. Althought they lost both legs of the games against Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago can be proud to be the champion team of the Caribbean until the next NAWIRA competition.
2nd United States
For the third year running the USA had to play second fiddle to their northern neighbours Canada. The USA lost 10-26 to Canada in Chicago in the Churchill Cup 5th/6th (Bowl) playoff.
1st Canada
Part 5 will look at Africa (CAR-Confederation Africa Rugby) placings 20th to 29th
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
2008 A Year of Rugby; Part 3
Oceania
Travel! For the lower nations on this table this has been a major factor in their international rugby arrangements for 2008, especially at the senior level.
Oceania is governed by FORU, The Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions. There are fourteen rugby unions affiliated to this federation. The minor unions are divided into two zones, East and West. These zones will be involved in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying process in 2009, the winner playing Samoa for a place in the Cup Finals.
Each zone holds a round robin tournament at one venue with the winners squaring off for a single winner-takes-all title. There is no promotion-relegation into the Pacific Nations Cup, which involves Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
In 2008 the Eastern Zone tournament was to be held in Rarotonga, whilst the West was to be in Noumea. It was expected that American Samoa would enter for the first time. But it all turned out to be a bit of a fizzer.
Firstly, Papua and New Guinea and Solomon Islands pulled out of the Western Zone, to be held in Noumea, at the last minute due to travel difficulties. PNG had warmed up with a 5-41 loss to Fiji 'A' in the curtain raiser to the Fiji v Samoa game at Lautoka, June 7. Wallis and Futuna also withdrew. That just left Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with the home side winning 29-20.
The Eastern Zone fared no better. Tahiti pulled out as did American Samoa leaving just the Cook Islands and Niue to play in Rarotonga. The Cook's decided only to play home-based players and lost 7-18, a mistake I'm sure they will not make in next years World Cup qualifiers.
The final in Noumea saw Niue easily win 27-5 to take the Oceania Cup for 2008.
Neither Tahiti nor Solomon Islands played international rugby in 2008 so they both drop off the table. The lower rankings look like this.
10th-Vanuatu
9th - New Caledonia
8th-Papua New Guinea
7th - Cook Islands
6th-Niue
Samoa, Tonga and Fiji played in the Pacific Nations Cup, along with Japan, Australia 'A' and New Zealand Maori.
5th-Fiji
The Fijians were unable to improve on their 5th placing in 2007. Traditionally the leading Pacific island nation over the years they have slipped against their close neighbours. An early win over Samoa was countered by an away loss to Tonga in the last fixture of the tournament, sealing Fiji's 5th ranking.
4th-Tonga
The Tongans slipped from 3rd in 2007, losing to Samoa early in the tournament but upsetting the Fijians at home to prevent a slip further to 5th place. Generally the Tongans were unable to maintain their magnificent efforts at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
3rd-Samoa
Although losing to Fiji early in the tournament, the Samoans came back strongly with a youthful side to defeat Tonga at the right time and secure 3rd place. The gap from 3rd to 2nd to the top nations was emphasised with the Samoans' 14-101 loss to New Zealand in New Plymouth
New Zealand and Australia again hold the top two positions. It is difficult to see any other Oceania nations coming anywhere near these two.
2nd-Australia
For the fourth year in a row the Aussies play second fiddle to the Kiwis who had a magnificent season, except for a slight wobble in the middle of the Tri Nations. New Zealand and Australia played four times for the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand dropped the first encounter in Sydney, but then took out the next three, including an historic meeting in Hong Kong, to keep their top position in Oceania.
1st-New Zealand.
Part 4 will see a review of North American rugby
For a complete list of all 2008 GWC Rugby Rankings, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Travel! For the lower nations on this table this has been a major factor in their international rugby arrangements for 2008, especially at the senior level.
Oceania is governed by FORU, The Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions. There are fourteen rugby unions affiliated to this federation. The minor unions are divided into two zones, East and West. These zones will be involved in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying process in 2009, the winner playing Samoa for a place in the Cup Finals.
Each zone holds a round robin tournament at one venue with the winners squaring off for a single winner-takes-all title. There is no promotion-relegation into the Pacific Nations Cup, which involves Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
In 2008 the Eastern Zone tournament was to be held in Rarotonga, whilst the West was to be in Noumea. It was expected that American Samoa would enter for the first time. But it all turned out to be a bit of a fizzer.
Firstly, Papua and New Guinea and Solomon Islands pulled out of the Western Zone, to be held in Noumea, at the last minute due to travel difficulties. PNG had warmed up with a 5-41 loss to Fiji 'A' in the curtain raiser to the Fiji v Samoa game at Lautoka, June 7. Wallis and Futuna also withdrew. That just left Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with the home side winning 29-20.
The Eastern Zone fared no better. Tahiti pulled out as did American Samoa leaving just the Cook Islands and Niue to play in Rarotonga. The Cook's decided only to play home-based players and lost 7-18, a mistake I'm sure they will not make in next years World Cup qualifiers.
The final in Noumea saw Niue easily win 27-5 to take the Oceania Cup for 2008.
Neither Tahiti nor Solomon Islands played international rugby in 2008 so they both drop off the table. The lower rankings look like this.
10th-Vanuatu
9th - New Caledonia
8th-Papua New Guinea
7th - Cook Islands
6th-Niue
Samoa, Tonga and Fiji played in the Pacific Nations Cup, along with Japan, Australia 'A' and New Zealand Maori.
5th-Fiji
The Fijians were unable to improve on their 5th placing in 2007. Traditionally the leading Pacific island nation over the years they have slipped against their close neighbours. An early win over Samoa was countered by an away loss to Tonga in the last fixture of the tournament, sealing Fiji's 5th ranking.
4th-Tonga
The Tongans slipped from 3rd in 2007, losing to Samoa early in the tournament but upsetting the Fijians at home to prevent a slip further to 5th place. Generally the Tongans were unable to maintain their magnificent efforts at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
3rd-Samoa
Although losing to Fiji early in the tournament, the Samoans came back strongly with a youthful side to defeat Tonga at the right time and secure 3rd place. The gap from 3rd to 2nd to the top nations was emphasised with the Samoans' 14-101 loss to New Zealand in New Plymouth
New Zealand and Australia again hold the top two positions. It is difficult to see any other Oceania nations coming anywhere near these two.
2nd-Australia
For the fourth year in a row the Aussies play second fiddle to the Kiwis who had a magnificent season, except for a slight wobble in the middle of the Tri Nations. New Zealand and Australia played four times for the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand dropped the first encounter in Sydney, but then took out the next three, including an historic meeting in Hong Kong, to keep their top position in Oceania.
1st-New Zealand.
Part 4 will see a review of North American rugby
For a complete list of all 2008 GWC Rugby Rankings, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
2008 A year of Rugby, Part 2
I will now look at each region and work my way through the nations of that region from the bottom up. Part 2 looks at South America, or its official IRB name CONSUR (Confederation Sudamericana de Rugby).
The 2008 CONSUR B tournament was held in Asuncion, Paraguay and signalled that nations return to international rugby after an absence of 3 years. The tournament was also part of the 2011 World Cup qualifying process, the winner playing the North American zone winner in order to proceed.
8th-Peru
Peru lost all their games and finished last. They hosted the 2007 tournament in Lima where they did well in only losing to tournament winner Brazil. They lost heavily in all their games except for the 20-25 loss to Colombia. They dropped from 6th Ranking in 2007.
7th-Colombia
Colombia hold the same ranking as in 2007, again managing to win only one of its games, a close 25-20 win over Peru. They have never got close to either Brazil nor Paraguay, the top seeds in CONSUR B.
6th-Venezuela
Venezuela was the first CONSUR B winner outside of Brazil and Paraguay to play in CONSUR A against the likes of Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. This took place in 2004 but it was a disaster. Venezuela were well below the required standard losing all the games heavily, including 147-7 against Argentina. That little experiment would not be repeated. In 2008 though, and against similiar standards, they fared better than their last in 2007. Wins over Colombia and Peru ensured a better placing, but they lost heavily to both Paraguay and Brazil.
5th-Paraguay
What a disappointment 2008 turned out for the Paraguayans. A self imposed exile from international rugby to build their strength and their finances failed in the last match of the tournament. Brazil caused a major upset to topple the hosts 15-6.
4th-Brazil
In winning this tournament Brazil won the right to play Trinidad and Tobago for the right to proceed in the 2011 World Cup qualifiers. Their 15-6 win over Paraguay was their first since 1979. They won all their other tournament matches easily. Brazil also qualified for the World Table because they played against Trinidad and Tobago, outside their region.
3rd-Chile
The Chileans failed to improve on their position from 2007. They lost 71-3 to Argentina 'A' and 46-12 to Uruguay to record a most disappointing season. Their standard has slipped since the expansive days of 2001-2004 when Chile made a huge effort to play outside their zone.
2nd-Uruguay
Uruguay cemented its place in South American rugby underneath the Argentinians with a 46-12 win at home against Chile and a 8-43 loss to Argentina 'A' in May. A trip to the USA in early November with a below par side registered a loss 43-9. Earlier, Uruguay travelled to Bucharest to play in the IRB Nations Cup. They played impressively to hold Romania 6-10, Georgia 18-20 and finally Russia 19-23.
1st-Argentina
Argentina hold their top position without being threatened. Their 'A' side did the job comfortably. Argentina is of course concentrating their efforts with the No.1 side, using the CONSUR tournaments to blood their home-based players into international rugby.
Part 3 will look at the Oceania Zone.
The 2008 CONSUR B tournament was held in Asuncion, Paraguay and signalled that nations return to international rugby after an absence of 3 years. The tournament was also part of the 2011 World Cup qualifying process, the winner playing the North American zone winner in order to proceed.
8th-Peru
Peru lost all their games and finished last. They hosted the 2007 tournament in Lima where they did well in only losing to tournament winner Brazil. They lost heavily in all their games except for the 20-25 loss to Colombia. They dropped from 6th Ranking in 2007.
7th-Colombia
Colombia hold the same ranking as in 2007, again managing to win only one of its games, a close 25-20 win over Peru. They have never got close to either Brazil nor Paraguay, the top seeds in CONSUR B.
6th-Venezuela
Venezuela was the first CONSUR B winner outside of Brazil and Paraguay to play in CONSUR A against the likes of Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. This took place in 2004 but it was a disaster. Venezuela were well below the required standard losing all the games heavily, including 147-7 against Argentina. That little experiment would not be repeated. In 2008 though, and against similiar standards, they fared better than their last in 2007. Wins over Colombia and Peru ensured a better placing, but they lost heavily to both Paraguay and Brazil.
5th-Paraguay
What a disappointment 2008 turned out for the Paraguayans. A self imposed exile from international rugby to build their strength and their finances failed in the last match of the tournament. Brazil caused a major upset to topple the hosts 15-6.
4th-Brazil
In winning this tournament Brazil won the right to play Trinidad and Tobago for the right to proceed in the 2011 World Cup qualifiers. Their 15-6 win over Paraguay was their first since 1979. They won all their other tournament matches easily. Brazil also qualified for the World Table because they played against Trinidad and Tobago, outside their region.
3rd-Chile
The Chileans failed to improve on their position from 2007. They lost 71-3 to Argentina 'A' and 46-12 to Uruguay to record a most disappointing season. Their standard has slipped since the expansive days of 2001-2004 when Chile made a huge effort to play outside their zone.
2nd-Uruguay
Uruguay cemented its place in South American rugby underneath the Argentinians with a 46-12 win at home against Chile and a 8-43 loss to Argentina 'A' in May. A trip to the USA in early November with a below par side registered a loss 43-9. Earlier, Uruguay travelled to Bucharest to play in the IRB Nations Cup. They played impressively to hold Romania 6-10, Georgia 18-20 and finally Russia 19-23.
1st-Argentina
Argentina hold their top position without being threatened. Their 'A' side did the job comfortably. Argentina is of course concentrating their efforts with the No.1 side, using the CONSUR tournaments to blood their home-based players into international rugby.
Part 3 will look at the Oceania Zone.
Monday, December 15, 2008
2008: A year of Rugby. Part 1
2008 A year of Rugby will follow in a number of parts as Rugbyinternational looks at rugby around the world at the international level.
Part 1: What is GWC Rugby Rankings?
My Rugby Ranking system is simplicity to a fault. It's so easy it defies all the technically enhanced computer generated systems led of course by the IRB Ranking System.
The IRB System is now so respected that it determines the placings of the top Rugby nations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. That seeding system was completed with the 2008 November round of international rugby tests and the resulting draw for that tournament was made in early December.
The only real grizzle I have with such a system is that teams who never play each other are all ranked in together. For the top tier of nations that is not really a problem as they mostly play each other in a clalendar season. When you go beyond that level teams who never play each other are ranked together. To me that is just not logical.
So about 5 years ago I came up with a simple system of ranking nations in geographical groups, which is where most teams below the top tier play. So I grouped teams in the following areas.
Europe
North America
South America
Asia
Oceania
Africa
The rankings follow the old tennis ladder system. If you defeat a team above you on the ladder, you move to their position, and then all teams move down. If you draw with a team above you you go to the position imediately below, with all teams in between moving down.
The rankings are readjusted at the end of any tournament. In the 6 Nations tournament, if team No.1 is defeated by team No.6 in the last round there may not be a change if, on the points table there is no change. Small adjustments can be made.
All teams are ranked in their geographical zones, and then if they play a test match across the regions they then enter the World Table as well, which of course is the premier table. For example, both Hong Kong and Tunisia entered the World Table earlier in the year as they played two tests, home and away. Hong Kong is in the Asian zone whilst Tunisia is in the African. Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago also entered the World Table for 2008 because they played against each other in Rugby World Cup qualifying matches.
A team must play a test match within a calendar year to remain on any table. Teams drop out of the World Table for the same reason. No play, no gain.
The ladder philosophy is very simple. You are only as good as the last game you played.
You can view the completed GWC Rugby Ranking tables at www.rugbyinternational.net.
Post your views on the various ranking systems around. Post the links here and others can view and discuss. Look forwards to hearing from you.
Part 1: What is GWC Rugby Rankings?
My Rugby Ranking system is simplicity to a fault. It's so easy it defies all the technically enhanced computer generated systems led of course by the IRB Ranking System.
The IRB System is now so respected that it determines the placings of the top Rugby nations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. That seeding system was completed with the 2008 November round of international rugby tests and the resulting draw for that tournament was made in early December.
The only real grizzle I have with such a system is that teams who never play each other are all ranked in together. For the top tier of nations that is not really a problem as they mostly play each other in a clalendar season. When you go beyond that level teams who never play each other are ranked together. To me that is just not logical.
So about 5 years ago I came up with a simple system of ranking nations in geographical groups, which is where most teams below the top tier play. So I grouped teams in the following areas.
Europe
North America
South America
Asia
Oceania
Africa
The rankings follow the old tennis ladder system. If you defeat a team above you on the ladder, you move to their position, and then all teams move down. If you draw with a team above you you go to the position imediately below, with all teams in between moving down.
The rankings are readjusted at the end of any tournament. In the 6 Nations tournament, if team No.1 is defeated by team No.6 in the last round there may not be a change if, on the points table there is no change. Small adjustments can be made.
All teams are ranked in their geographical zones, and then if they play a test match across the regions they then enter the World Table as well, which of course is the premier table. For example, both Hong Kong and Tunisia entered the World Table earlier in the year as they played two tests, home and away. Hong Kong is in the Asian zone whilst Tunisia is in the African. Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago also entered the World Table for 2008 because they played against each other in Rugby World Cup qualifying matches.
A team must play a test match within a calendar year to remain on any table. Teams drop out of the World Table for the same reason. No play, no gain.
The ladder philosophy is very simple. You are only as good as the last game you played.
You can view the completed GWC Rugby Ranking tables at www.rugbyinternational.net.
Post your views on the various ranking systems around. Post the links here and others can view and discuss. Look forwards to hearing from you.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Test Rugby results 6 Dec.
06.12.2008
Serbia 32, Andorra 7 in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Cyprus 24, Monaco 3 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
Serbia 32, Andorra 7 in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Cyprus 24, Monaco 3 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Rugby Test: Monaco v Cyprus
06.12.2008
Monaco v Cyprus in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
Venue: Happy Valley, RAF Episkopi, Near Limassol
Previews
Cyprus come into this test match with an impressive 37-3 win over Azerbaijan away last weekend. A clear win over Monaco here will put the Cypriots up there with Bosnia Herzegovina as competition leaders.
These two teams met for the first time in October last year at the ENC 3D tournament held in Cyprus. On that occassion Cyprus won 19-10. Cypris won that tournament and qualified to play Israel in a 3C/3D playoff in September. The result placed Cyprus back into ENC 3D and out of World Cup qualification. They will be out to make amends.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Cyprus 39th, Monaco 41st.
Prediction: Cyprus by 15 points.
Teams not available
Monaco v Cyprus in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
Venue: Happy Valley, RAF Episkopi, Near Limassol
Previews
Cyprus come into this test match with an impressive 37-3 win over Azerbaijan away last weekend. A clear win over Monaco here will put the Cypriots up there with Bosnia Herzegovina as competition leaders.
These two teams met for the first time in October last year at the ENC 3D tournament held in Cyprus. On that occassion Cyprus won 19-10. Cypris won that tournament and qualified to play Israel in a 3C/3D playoff in September. The result placed Cyprus back into ENC 3D and out of World Cup qualification. They will be out to make amends.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Cyprus 39th, Monaco 41st.
Prediction: Cyprus by 15 points.
Teams not available
Test Rugby: Andorra v Serbia
06.12.2008
Andorra v Serbia in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Preview
Andorra and Serbia have both had a shocker start to the new competition. Andorra lost 10-26 to competition high-roller and new comer Lithuania at home. Serbia crashed 0-41 to Armenia at this same venue back in September after defeating Armenia 19-8 back in May! Picking form is going to be tricky.
Andorra are without some of their leading players due to injury. Heading into Serbia for the first time the Andorrans will find this assignment tough although they will be slight favourites. There is no information available about the make up of the Serbian side.
These two teams have not met before.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Andorra 24th, Serbia 27th
Prediction: Andorra by 6 points
Teams
David Martinez
Roger Font
Xavier Vilasetru
Joan Castellon
Franck Mitjana
Oscar Cabanes
Ritchie Ortega
Marcos Cellone
Josef Chelidze
Paul Alieu
David Kirikashvili
Toni Carmona
Peter Ambor
Waki Tchatokey
Fabian Tonino
Jonathan Garcia
Eduard Vergara
Sergi Lucas
Roger Fite
Marc Gispert
Flavien Sayo
Maxim Taurinya
Anthony Gaulin
Benjami Fajol
Roberto Gimenez
Emmanuel Sarti-Gardes
Gerard Sotera
Head Coach:
Special thanks to ‘AndorranFanClub’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2950
For Andorra: Taurinyà, Magallón, Jonathan Garcia, Lucas, Paul Alieu and Carmona are all injured, Thanks to 'Quentin'.
Serbia-Not available
Andorra v Serbia in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Preview
Andorra and Serbia have both had a shocker start to the new competition. Andorra lost 10-26 to competition high-roller and new comer Lithuania at home. Serbia crashed 0-41 to Armenia at this same venue back in September after defeating Armenia 19-8 back in May! Picking form is going to be tricky.
Andorra are without some of their leading players due to injury. Heading into Serbia for the first time the Andorrans will find this assignment tough although they will be slight favourites. There is no information available about the make up of the Serbian side.
These two teams have not met before.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Andorra 24th, Serbia 27th
Prediction: Andorra by 6 points
Teams
David Martinez
Roger Font
Xavier Vilasetru
Joan Castellon
Franck Mitjana
Oscar Cabanes
Ritchie Ortega
Marcos Cellone
Josef Chelidze
Paul Alieu
David Kirikashvili
Toni Carmona
Peter Ambor
Waki Tchatokey
Fabian Tonino
Jonathan Garcia
Eduard Vergara
Sergi Lucas
Roger Fite
Marc Gispert
Flavien Sayo
Maxim Taurinya
Anthony Gaulin
Benjami Fajol
Roberto Gimenez
Emmanuel Sarti-Gardes
Gerard Sotera
Head Coach:
Special thanks to ‘AndorranFanClub’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2950
For Andorra: Taurinyà, Magallón, Jonathan Garcia, Lucas, Paul Alieu and Carmona are all injured, Thanks to 'Quentin'.
Serbia-Not available
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
December-January
The months of December and January are the quietest months of international rugby around the world. There are a few more games to be played, mostly in the European Championship, known as the European Nations Cup. They are in the lower divisions.
The international action hots up again in February when the 6 Nations International Championship for 2009 gets underway, and the European Nations Cup fires up, especially in Division 1 games.
So what is this blog going to do for two months? I've made a list below. If there are aspects of the international game you want to know about then you can add a question in the comments box.
Here we go..
The international action hots up again in February when the 6 Nations International Championship for 2009 gets underway, and the European Nations Cup fires up, especially in Division 1 games.
So what is this blog going to do for two months? I've made a list below. If there are aspects of the international game you want to know about then you can add a question in the comments box.
Here we go..
- A review of international rugby in 2008
- A summary of the European Nations Cup, which is sort of mid-season now.
- A best of for 2008 (best try, best player, most improved team, biggest upset..all ideas I think I'll pinch from the FIRA-AER forum)
- Just what is this 'GWC Rugby Rankings' you see on every game preview.
- A summary of the final table of GWC Rankings 2008
- In January a preview of the 6 Nations Championship
- A look at the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour.
- A look at the 2011 Rugby World Cup Qualifying process and where it is up to.
- How about a quiz with some prizes?
- A look at some other rugby blogs from around the world.
- The web sites I most use to build my data base of international rugby.
Gee Wizz, I thought I might have a rest over December-January. That's not going to happen. Well, after all, there are a lot of rugby fans out there busting to find out more about this game of rugby.
So, fire your questions/ideas at me.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Test Results: 29 November
29.11.2008
New Zealand 32, England 6 at Twickenham
Wales 21, Australia 18 in Cardiff
Bulgaria 18, Luxembourg 10 in Luxembourg City (WCQ Euro.R2:ENC2A)
Cyprus 37, Azerbaijan 3 in Baku (ENC 3D)
New Zealand 32, England 6 at Twickenham
Wales 21, Australia 18 in Cardiff
Bulgaria 18, Luxembourg 10 in Luxembourg City (WCQ Euro.R2:ENC2A)
Cyprus 37, Azerbaijan 3 in Baku (ENC 3D)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Rugby Test: New Zealand v England
29.11.2008
New Zealand v England at Twickenham
Preview
After last week's hammering by the Springbox and a flood of criticism from the Press you would think Martin Johnson and his team would be cringing in their rugby boots at the thought of a rampant All Black side. Well, rugby is a funny game and we have seen this English side bounce back before. Remember the 2007 Rugby World Cup? South Africa defeated England 36-0. England then bounced back to defeat Australia 12-10 and then to play South Africa again in the final. After all, one of Martin Johnson's bleak looks would be enough to motivate any player to play better. I expect England to put up a much stronger display but they are a very inexperienced side and they will be playing the best rugby side in the world.
The All Blacks are clever enough to know that England has bounced back before. They will be expecting a much tougher England side determined to make amends for last weekend's disaster. The New Zealanders have commented that they can still up their game by 20%. Well, look out England if they do. This team is playing excellent rugby at the moment and has swept all before it on this tour. I can't see England getting close.
Last Five Encounters
21.06.2008 New Zealand 44-12 in Christchurch
14.06.2008 New Zealand 37-20 in Auckland
05.11.2006 New Zealand 41-20 at Twickenham
19.11.2005 New Zealand 23-19 at Twickenham
19.06.2004 New Zealand 36-12 in Auckland.
The last time England defeated New Zealand was the one off test in Wellington in June 2003. England won 15-13 and then went on to win the World Cup in Australia four months later. The last time England defeated New Zealand at Twickenham was in November 2002 when they won 31-28. This was the time when England was at its height.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, England 5th
Prediction: New Zealand by 28 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Paul Sackey
13 James Noon
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Tobias Flood
9 Daniel Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Michael Lipman
6 James Haskell
5 Nicholas Kennedy
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery,
2 Lee Mears
1 Timothy Payne.
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Matthew Stevens
18 Thomas Croft
19 Thomas Rees
20 Harold Ellis
21 Daniel Cipriani
22 Daniel Hipkiss
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina
14 Joseph Rokocoko
13 Conrad Smith
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Daniel Carter
9 James Cowan
8 Rodney So'oialo
7 Richard McCaw, Capt.
6 Jerome Kaino
5 Alistair Williams
4 Bradley Thorn
3 Neemia Tialata
2 Keven Mealamu
1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements
16 Hikawera Elliot
17 John Afoa
18 Anthony Boric
19 Kieran Read
20 Piri Weepu
21 Stephen Donald
22 Isaia Toeava
Head Coach: Graham Henry
New Zealand v England at Twickenham
Preview
After last week's hammering by the Springbox and a flood of criticism from the Press you would think Martin Johnson and his team would be cringing in their rugby boots at the thought of a rampant All Black side. Well, rugby is a funny game and we have seen this English side bounce back before. Remember the 2007 Rugby World Cup? South Africa defeated England 36-0. England then bounced back to defeat Australia 12-10 and then to play South Africa again in the final. After all, one of Martin Johnson's bleak looks would be enough to motivate any player to play better. I expect England to put up a much stronger display but they are a very inexperienced side and they will be playing the best rugby side in the world.
The All Blacks are clever enough to know that England has bounced back before. They will be expecting a much tougher England side determined to make amends for last weekend's disaster. The New Zealanders have commented that they can still up their game by 20%. Well, look out England if they do. This team is playing excellent rugby at the moment and has swept all before it on this tour. I can't see England getting close.
Last Five Encounters
21.06.2008 New Zealand 44-12 in Christchurch
14.06.2008 New Zealand 37-20 in Auckland
05.11.2006 New Zealand 41-20 at Twickenham
19.11.2005 New Zealand 23-19 at Twickenham
19.06.2004 New Zealand 36-12 in Auckland.
The last time England defeated New Zealand was the one off test in Wellington in June 2003. England won 15-13 and then went on to win the World Cup in Australia four months later. The last time England defeated New Zealand at Twickenham was in November 2002 when they won 31-28. This was the time when England was at its height.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, England 5th
Prediction: New Zealand by 28 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Paul Sackey
13 James Noon
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Tobias Flood
9 Daniel Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Michael Lipman
6 James Haskell
5 Nicholas Kennedy
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery,
2 Lee Mears
1 Timothy Payne.
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Matthew Stevens
18 Thomas Croft
19 Thomas Rees
20 Harold Ellis
21 Daniel Cipriani
22 Daniel Hipkiss
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina
14 Joseph Rokocoko
13 Conrad Smith
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Daniel Carter
9 James Cowan
8 Rodney So'oialo
7 Richard McCaw, Capt.
6 Jerome Kaino
5 Alistair Williams
4 Bradley Thorn
3 Neemia Tialata
2 Keven Mealamu
1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements
16 Hikawera Elliot
17 John Afoa
18 Anthony Boric
19 Kieran Read
20 Piri Weepu
21 Stephen Donald
22 Isaia Toeava
Head Coach: Graham Henry
Test Rugby: Australia v Wales
29.11.2008
Australia v Wales in Cardiff
Preview
Australia is looking to emulate the South Africans and, probably, the New Zealanders, in winning all tests on this tour. So far all the Southern Hemisphere sides (except Argentina) have won all their games in the North. If Australia and New Zealand can win tomorrow it will create a clean-sweep the likes of which has not happened before.
Wales will be desperate to win. The put pressure on their opponents in all their November tests but have been unable to consistently keep that pressure up for 80 minutes. The best they kept for New Zealand, dominating the first half but were unable to do so for the second. They will be wanting to play like that for the whole match.
Australia just keeps getting better and better. Robbie Deans has made a bi difference with this youngish side and they pose a big threat to Wales. They key will be in the forwards where the tight five can dominate and the loosies are quick to the breakdowns. Australia will be hard to defeat.
Last Five Encounters
15.09.2007 Australia 32-20 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool B)
02.06.2007 Australia 31-0 in Brisbane
26.05.2008 Australia 29-23 in Sydney
04.11.2006 Drawn 29-29 in Cardiff
26.11.2005 Wales 24-22 in cardiff
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 3rd, Wales 4th
Prediction: Australia by 4 points.
Teams
Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Mark Jones
13 Thomas Shanklin
12 James Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Andrew Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones, Capt.
5 Alun-Wyn Jones
4 Ian Gough
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Martin Roberts
21 James Hook
22 Andrew Bishop
Head Coach; Warren Gatland
Australia
15 Drew Mitchell
14 Peter Hynes
13 Ryan Cross
12 Stirling Mortlock, Capt.
11 Digby Ioane
10 Matthew Giteau
9 Luke Burgess
8 Richard Brown
7 Phillip Waugh
6 Hugh McMeniman
5 Nathan Sharpe
4 Mark Chisholm
3 Alistair Baxter
2 Stephen Moore
1 Benn Robinson
Replacements
16 Adam Freier
17 Matthew Dunning
18 Dean Mumm
19 George Smith
20 Samuel Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Lote Tuqiri/Adam Ashley-Cooper
Head Coach: Robbie Deans
Australia v Wales in Cardiff
Preview
Australia is looking to emulate the South Africans and, probably, the New Zealanders, in winning all tests on this tour. So far all the Southern Hemisphere sides (except Argentina) have won all their games in the North. If Australia and New Zealand can win tomorrow it will create a clean-sweep the likes of which has not happened before.
Wales will be desperate to win. The put pressure on their opponents in all their November tests but have been unable to consistently keep that pressure up for 80 minutes. The best they kept for New Zealand, dominating the first half but were unable to do so for the second. They will be wanting to play like that for the whole match.
Australia just keeps getting better and better. Robbie Deans has made a bi difference with this youngish side and they pose a big threat to Wales. They key will be in the forwards where the tight five can dominate and the loosies are quick to the breakdowns. Australia will be hard to defeat.
Last Five Encounters
15.09.2007 Australia 32-20 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool B)
02.06.2007 Australia 31-0 in Brisbane
26.05.2008 Australia 29-23 in Sydney
04.11.2006 Drawn 29-29 in Cardiff
26.11.2005 Wales 24-22 in cardiff
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 3rd, Wales 4th
Prediction: Australia by 4 points.
Teams
Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Mark Jones
13 Thomas Shanklin
12 James Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Andrew Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones, Capt.
5 Alun-Wyn Jones
4 Ian Gough
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Martin Roberts
21 James Hook
22 Andrew Bishop
Head Coach; Warren Gatland
Australia
15 Drew Mitchell
14 Peter Hynes
13 Ryan Cross
12 Stirling Mortlock, Capt.
11 Digby Ioane
10 Matthew Giteau
9 Luke Burgess
8 Richard Brown
7 Phillip Waugh
6 Hugh McMeniman
5 Nathan Sharpe
4 Mark Chisholm
3 Alistair Baxter
2 Stephen Moore
1 Benn Robinson
Replacements
16 Adam Freier
17 Matthew Dunning
18 Dean Mumm
19 George Smith
20 Samuel Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Lote Tuqiri/Adam Ashley-Cooper
Head Coach: Robbie Deans
Rugby Test: Bulgaria v Luxembourg
29.11.2008
Bulgaria v Luxembourg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Preview
Bulgaria are in trouble. Their condidence is low after their shock loss at home to Israel and they rarely play well away from home.
Luxembourg drooped their first game away against Finland so has a grand opportunity to win this vital home fixture.
Previous Encounters
24.04.2004 Luxembourg 39-5 (ENC 3B)
18.10.1997 Luxembourg 39-6 in Sofia (FIRA Bronze A)
1993 Bulgaria 16-13 in Luxembourg (FIRA C1)
1989 Bulgaria 13-4 in Sofia (FIRA C)
1988 Bulgaria 14-4 in Luxembourg (FIRA C)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 33rd, Luxembourg 35th
Prediction: Luxembourg by 3 points.
Teams
Not available
Bulgaria v Luxembourg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Preview
Bulgaria are in trouble. Their condidence is low after their shock loss at home to Israel and they rarely play well away from home.
Luxembourg drooped their first game away against Finland so has a grand opportunity to win this vital home fixture.
Previous Encounters
24.04.2004 Luxembourg 39-5 (ENC 3B)
18.10.1997 Luxembourg 39-6 in Sofia (FIRA Bronze A)
1993 Bulgaria 16-13 in Luxembourg (FIRA C1)
1989 Bulgaria 13-4 in Sofia (FIRA C)
1988 Bulgaria 14-4 in Luxembourg (FIRA C)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 33rd, Luxembourg 35th
Prediction: Luxembourg by 3 points.
Teams
Not available
Test Rugby: Cyprus v Azerbaijan
29.11.2008
Cyprus v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)
Preview
ENC 3D is the last/newest division formed by FIRA-AER. Previously a single venue played host in a tournament format. For the first time this division, for 2008-10, is played out as the other divisions. Although the teams do not qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying tests the competition is fierce. The aim is, after two seasons, to win the division and automatically qualify for promotion to Division 3C.
Azerbaijan tavelled last weekend to Zenica to face the Bosnians with an undermanned side, having to leave ten front-line players behind due to injuries or work committments. The lost 7-18, putting up a garnd fight in a game many, including myself, thought they would lose by an avalanche.
Cyprus will play their second game of the season. In September they travelled to Israel to play for a place in the next division up. Unfortunately for them, they lost 14-23. This meant they stayed in ENC 3D whilst Israel went up to ENC 3C. The Cypriates could field a very strong side providing their top players can travel.
Azerbaijan will be working on improving from their loss last week and may be just a little too strong for the visitors.
Previous Encounter
28.10.2007 Cyprus 29-0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 39th, Azerbaijan 42nd.
Prediction: Cyprus by 7 points
Teams not available
Cyprus v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)
Preview
ENC 3D is the last/newest division formed by FIRA-AER. Previously a single venue played host in a tournament format. For the first time this division, for 2008-10, is played out as the other divisions. Although the teams do not qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying tests the competition is fierce. The aim is, after two seasons, to win the division and automatically qualify for promotion to Division 3C.
Azerbaijan tavelled last weekend to Zenica to face the Bosnians with an undermanned side, having to leave ten front-line players behind due to injuries or work committments. The lost 7-18, putting up a garnd fight in a game many, including myself, thought they would lose by an avalanche.
Cyprus will play their second game of the season. In September they travelled to Israel to play for a place in the next division up. Unfortunately for them, they lost 14-23. This meant they stayed in ENC 3D whilst Israel went up to ENC 3C. The Cypriates could field a very strong side providing their top players can travel.
Azerbaijan will be working on improving from their loss last week and may be just a little too strong for the visitors.
Previous Encounter
28.10.2007 Cyprus 29-0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 39th, Azerbaijan 42nd.
Prediction: Cyprus by 7 points
Teams not available
Friday, November 28, 2008
Test rugby this weekend.
29.11.2008
New Zealand v England at Twickenham
Australia v Wales in Cardiff
Luxembourg v Bulgaria in Cessange (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Azerbaijan v Cyprus in Baku (ENC 3D)
New Zealand v England at Twickenham
Australia v Wales in Cardiff
Luxembourg v Bulgaria in Cessange (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Azerbaijan v Cyprus in Baku (ENC 3D)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Test Result: South Africa 42, England 6
South Africa recorded a win on Saturday that saw England suffer their heaviest defeat ever at Twickenham.
Comment.
This must be a severe set back for Martin Johnson and his team. Just what went wrong and why? English fans must have had nowhere to look coming out of Twickenham last Saturday. Just how angry are they? So many questions after such a loss.
What is your comment? Post your views here.
Comment.
This must be a severe set back for Martin Johnson and his team. Just what went wrong and why? English fans must have had nowhere to look coming out of Twickenham last Saturday. Just how angry are they? So many questions after such a loss.
What is your comment? Post your views here.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
My Apologies
I have been only occasionally able to work on updating this blog this week due to work committments. Also because of work committments the usual data for each test player in team lists will not be available. Unfortunately my busiest month in my job coincides with the busiest test rugby month of the year. Such is life!
Latest International Rugby Results: 22 Nov.
Updated
22.11.2008
New Zealand 29, Wales 9 in Cardiff
South Africa 42, England 6 at Twickenham
Australia 18, France 13 in Paris
Ireland 17, Argentina 3 in Dublin
Pacific Islands 45, Italy 17 inReggio Emilia
Japan 32, United States 17 in Tokyo
Scotland 41, Canada 0 in Aberdeen
Uruguay 46, Chile 12 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Czech Republic 11, Moldova 9 in Prague (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)
Israel 25, Greece 10 in Kfissia (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina 18, Azerbaijan 7 in Zenica (ENC 3D)
22.11.2008
New Zealand 29, Wales 9 in Cardiff
South Africa 42, England 6 at Twickenham
Australia 18, France 13 in Paris
Ireland 17, Argentina 3 in Dublin
Pacific Islands 45, Italy 17 inReggio Emilia
Japan 32, United States 17 in Tokyo
Scotland 41, Canada 0 in Aberdeen
Uruguay 46, Chile 12 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Czech Republic 11, Moldova 9 in Prague (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)
Israel 25, Greece 10 in Kfissia (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina 18, Azerbaijan 7 in Zenica (ENC 3D)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Test Rugby: Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina
22.11.2008
Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)
Preview
Earlier in the season Bosnia crushed Monaco 52-5 and last October Monaco crushed Azerbaijan 41-3. The arithematic does not look good for the visiting Azerbaijanies. Bosnia look to be way ahead in this division and Azerbaijan will struggle.
Previous Encounters
14.05.2006 Bosnia & H. 28-7 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
30.04.2005 Azerbaijan 11-6 in Baku (ENC 3C)
16.04.2005 Bosnia & H. 36-17 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia & H. 38th, Azerbaijan 42nd.
Prediction: Bosnia & H. by 70 points.
Teams not available
Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)
Preview
Earlier in the season Bosnia crushed Monaco 52-5 and last October Monaco crushed Azerbaijan 41-3. The arithematic does not look good for the visiting Azerbaijanies. Bosnia look to be way ahead in this division and Azerbaijan will struggle.
Previous Encounters
14.05.2006 Bosnia & H. 28-7 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
30.04.2005 Azerbaijan 11-6 in Baku (ENC 3C)
16.04.2005 Bosnia & H. 36-17 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia & H. 38th, Azerbaijan 42nd.
Prediction: Bosnia & H. by 70 points.
Teams not available
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
Posts
