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

RUGBY TEST: Barbados takes on the Virgins

08.05.2010
British Virgin Islands v Barbados Select XV

Venue: Garrison Savannah

Referee: George Nicholson (Barbados)

Preview
Barbados are probably not regarding this as an official test. BVI probably will but the result will not go towards IRB rankings.

Incidentally the 2010 NACRA men's championship, due to be held in Barbados, has been postponed to 2011 pending a change to the tournament format, which has to be approved by the IRB.

BVI squad that travelled to Barbados in 2009. Image thanks to www.bvirugby.com

Previous Encounters
2009 Barbados 17-12-To be confirmed (Not on my data base)-Could have also been a Barbados select XV.
15.06.1996 Barbados 10-0

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply

Prediction: Barbados Select by 10 points

Teams

British Virgin Islands Squad
Andre Adams
Mariano Marco Andres
Niall Brookes
Adam Cole
Alexander Davidson
Patrick Dennis
Stephen Dougherty
Brandon Folkes
Victor Franklin
David Griffin
Lester Hamer
Clinton Hempel
William Innes
John Keyes
Ronan Kuzjac
Christopher McKenzie
Jimmy Peters
Steven Pollard
Nicolas Recondo
Matthew Richardson
Andrew Simmonds
Sherlock Soloman
Jerome Springette
Donovan Staples
Roan Thornton
Christian Victory
Wayne Voogt
Mark Zanon

Adapted from http://www.bvirugby.com/events/bvi-squad-off-barbados-play-1539-s/

Barbados Select not as 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)

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY MATCH: Calypso Rugby

02.05.2010
Bermuda v Cayman Islands in Grand Cayman (Friendly)

Venue: South Sound Ground

Referee:

Preview
Five teams from Bermuda will land on the Cayman Islands as part of a special contest between these two nations. Bermuda will field U210, U12, U14 and U16 age group teams along with the senior side. The country with the most matches won takes the Conyers Youth Challenge Cup. The senior game is recognized as a full rugby international.

Of the 22 senior players, only ten went on Bermuda's Caribbean tour last year.

The Caymans has a home and recent history advantage over their visitors.

Full preview here at http://www.bermudasun.bm/main.asp?SectionID=8&SubSectionID=203&ArticleID=45967&TM=45837.78

When Caymans won 14-0 in 2003 it was a first time win against Bermuda. Image thanks to caymannetnews.com

Previous Encounters
30.04.2006 Caymans 37-14 in Georgetown (Bermuda Chall. Cup)
11.06.2005 Caymans 12-6 in Nassau (WCQ America R1; Caribbean Nth)
18.10.2003 Caymans 14-0 in Bermuda (Friendly)
1999 Bermuda 22-3 (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings
North America Table (NACRA)-Bermuda 4th, Cayman Islands 6th

Prediction: Caymans by 1 point

Teams

Bermuda Squad
Dustin Archibald
Lachlan Armour
Edward Barnes
David Bird
Richard Brown
Scott Brown (Mariners)
Jahan Cedenio
Paul Dobinson (Renegades)
Peter Dunkerley (Renegades)
Tom Edwards (Police)
Pieter Erasmus
Thomas Greenslade (Teachers)
Thomas Healy
Richard Holden
Michael Kane
Conor McGlynn (Renegades)
Mark Pomeroy (Mariners)
David Porter (Teachers)
David Rourke (Mariners)
Shauntino Simons
Christopher Way
Neville Zuill (Police)

Cayman Islands squad not yet available.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS FOR SATURDAY 1 MAY

01.05.2010
Japan 71, Korea 13 in Gyeongsang (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Sweden 17, Croatia 14 in Enkoping (ENC 2B)
Hungary 34, Norway 17 in Esztergom (ENC 3B)
Luxembourg v Israel in Luxembourg (ENC 3C)-no result yet

Briefly
As expected Japan proved too strong for Korea and retains their 'certainty' label for the Asia No.1 spot and a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals. The race is to see who will get the No.2 spot which earns that team a repechage place.

Sweden continued the trend in this competition by defeating the giant-killers Croatia. Croatia upset Netherlands last weekend and now suffered at the hands of Sweden. The final ENC 2B below sees Netherlands promoted to ENC 2A for 2010-12, whilst Latvia is relegated to ENC 3A.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	8	7	0	1	219	90	129	22
CROATIA	8	6	0	2	161	113	48	20
MALTA	8	4	0	4	132	156	-24	16
SWEDEN	8	2	0	6	146	164	-18	12
LATVIA	8	1	0	7	97	237	-140	10

Hungary too good for Norway in their ENC 3B clash.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
HUNGARY	7	5	0	2	185	125	60	17
DENMARK	7	4	0	3	137	134	-3	15
SLOVENIA	6	4	0	2	113	96	17	14
NORWAY	7	3	0	4	98	114	-16	13
AUSTRIA	7	1	0	4	67	130	-63	9

I'm not even going to try and work this out so I'm leaving it to a far better student of the rules of competition 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3450 ' That puts Hungary top of 3B in another closely contested division. Next up is the crucial Denmark - Slovenia game, which is 2nd vs 3rd. Hungary have the 7 - 6 advantage over Slovenia by tries scored in the head-to-head games which is tied at 43 points each. So if Slovenia win they go 2nd with possibility of 20 points if they also beat Norway. If Denmark win and Austria beat Hungary they also have inferior head2head with Hungary and will both have 18 points. So if Hungary win in Austria and reach 20 points they will win the division regardless'.

That leaves the Israel-Luxembourg result to come.

TEST RUGBY: Japan Begins Quest

01.05.2010
Japan v Korea in Daegu (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue: Gyengsang Stadium

Referee:

Last Five Encounters
16.05.2009 Japan 80-9 in Osaka (Asia5Nations)
26.04.2008 Japan 39-17 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
22.04.2007 Japan 82-0 in Tokyo (Asia Nations Div.1)
25.11.2006 Japan 54-0 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R3; 20th Asia Champ.)
22.04.2006 Japan 50-14 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R4, Div.1)

Preview
Last week Korea took a young side south to Hong Kong and crashed 8-32. Yesterday the Arabian Gulf defeated Hong Kong in Bahrain 16-9. This has left the second spot in Asian rugby up for grabs. The second Asian team will contest a repechage spot in the Rugby World Cup qualifying rounds. Now all we need is for Korea to cause what would be a huge upset by defeating Japan at home Saturday. I can't see it happening.

Japan first played Korea in a full international in 1976, winning 11-3 at the 5th Asian Championship. Japan had first played Korea in 1969 at the 1st Asia Championship, but did not recognize the game as an official test. At that time, and for a number of years, Japan only recognized the final of the Asia Championship as an official test match. Korea has managed to defeat Japan in a full test match on a handful of occasions, the last being 21-17 in 1998.In recent times though japan has won this contest fairly easily.

Japan has a strong squad with a blend of experience and youth. It is crucial that Japan put up a good show against the Koreans, to win well and set fear into the hearts of the other competing nations. This they should do.

Without knowing the details of the Korean squad and assuming it wont be greatly changed from last weekend, their chances do not look good. The Koreans have traditionally put up a good fight at home against the Japanese but recent history suggests it will all be one way traffic-Japan steam rolling ahead.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Japan 1st, Korea 4th.

Prediction: Japan by 40 points.

Teams

Japan Squad
James Arlidge (Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales) Age 30, 16 tests
Kosuke Endo (Toyota) 29, 25
Nozomu Fujita (Honda Heat) 25, New cap
Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory) 24, 10
Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe) 27, 10
Ryu Koliniasi Holani (Sanyo) 28, 8
Shota Horie (Sanyo) 24, 2
Ryo Kanazawa (Ricoh) 28, New cap
Takashi Kikutani (Capt.) (Toyota) 30, 28
Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 29, 25
Takeshi Kizu (Tokai Univ) 21, 1
Michael Leitch (Tokai Univ.) 21, 9
Shinya Makabe (Suntory) 23, 1
Kaoru Matsushita (Toyota) 26, 2
Shinsuke Nakamura (Suntory) 22, 2
Yasunori Nagatomo (Suntory) 24, New cap
Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 30, 17
Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba) 31, 37
Goshi Tachikawa (Toshiba) 33, 14
Koji Taira (Suntory) 27, 17
Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 25, 14
Toetu’u Taufa (Kintetsu) 29, 9
Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 29, 18
Masakazu Toyota (Coca-Cola) 23, 5
Alisi Tupuailei (Canon Eagles) 29, 2
Sione Vatuvei (Sanyo) 27, New cap
Koji Wada (Toyota) 25, New cap
Shaun Webb (Coca-Cola) 28, 16
Ryohei Yamanaka (Waseda Univ.) 21, New cap
Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba) 28, 20
Hiroki Yuhara (Toshiba) 26, New cap
Head Coach: John Kirwan (NZ).

From Ian McDonnell, RiJ Newsletter at http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Korean Squad not yet available

TEST MATCH: Sweden Safe

01.05.2010
Croatia v Sweden in Enkoping (ENC 2B)

Venue: Enkoping Rugby Club

Referee: Morton (Norway)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	8	7	0	1	219	90	129	22
CROATIA	7	6	0	1	147	97	50	19
MALTA	8	4	0	4	132	156	-24	16
LATVIA	8	1	0	7	97	237	-140	10
SWEDEN	7	1	0	6	130	150	-47	9

Preview
There is not a great deal hinging on this test match. Both teams are safely in Division 2B for the 2010-12 tournament. A win to Croatia would not be enough to overtake the Netherlands on the table, whilst Sweden has enough points on aggregate to send Latvia down to ENC 3A.

Croatia played strongly last weekend to inflict the first loss of the competition to leaders Netherlands. It wasn't enough to knock the Dutch off the top of the ladder as The Netherlands has a better points aggregate between the two teams.

For Sweden a win would give the team a great boost in their last game of the season, and a good platform for the new competition.

Previous Encounter
02.05.2009 Croatia 23-13 in Split (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Croatia 19th, Sweden 23rd

Prediction: Croatia by 16 points

Teams

Sweden Squad
Thomas Ardvisson (Bordeaux, France)
Ivar Bengtsson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Tobias Borg (Enköping RK)
Andrew Daish (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Robert Dibell (Enköping RK)
Ian Gowland (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Daniel Legge (Cambridge RFC, England))
Rikard Johansson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Timothy Johansson (Enköping RK)
Robert Nave (Enköping RK)
Stefan Obradovic (Attila)
Ricky Okpu (Enköping RK)
Richard Örnberg (Vänersborg RK)
Viktor Pettersson (Enköping RK)
Lee Sandberg (North Walsham RFC, England)
Paul Sullivan (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Alexander Taylor, Capt. (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Sebastian Taylor (Old Haberdashers RFC, England)
Mathias Thorhand (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Jim Wetterström (Enköping RK)
Peter Wiklund (Vänersborg RK)
Matthew Youngman (Enköping RK)
Head Coach: Mike Tatu

Adapted from http://www.erk.nu/

Croatia Squad
Carl Banks (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Ante Blažević Bandov (RK Nada)
Mate Borozan (RK Nada)
Nick Brajkovich (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Tomislav Burazin (RK Nada)
Tonči Buzov (RK Nada)
Goran Čulić (RK Nada)
Dominik Draženović (RK Mladost)
Tvrtko Dumančić (RK Mladost)
Duje Grubišić (RK Nada)
Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)
Špiro Matić (RK Nada)
Andrej Mihalj (RK Mladost)
Filip Mijić (RK Zagreb)
Ivan Nola (Waitemata RFC, NZ)
Ante Olujić (RK Nada)
Alek Osmanović (RK Makarska Riviera)
Ivan Rešetar (RK Nada)
Ivica Šimić (RK Makarska Riviera)
Ivan Šuta (RK Mladost)
Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)
Filip Ujaković (RK Mladost)
Michael Zovko (Souths RFC, Australia)
Head Coach: Jakša Lovreta

Adapted from http://nada-rugby.hr/content/view/9289/2/

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Norwegians Travel to Hungary

01.05.2010
Norway v Hungary at Esztergom (ENC 3B)

Venue: Esztergom RFC, Vasas Stadion

Referee: Butsenin (Latvia)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
DENMARK	7	4	0	3	137	134	-3	15
HUNGARY	6	4	0	2	151	108	43	14
SLOVENIA	6	4	0	2	113	96	17	14
NORWAY	6	3	0	3	81	80	1	12
AUSTRIA	7	1	0	4	67	130	-63	9

Preview
This division is still wide open. Four teams still have a chance to take the honours and win promotion to Division 3A. Hungary and Slovenia command a good hold, each with two loses and with a game in hand. Competition leader Denmark won against Austria last weekend but are a game behind Hungary and Slovenia. Although behind the others Norway still has a mathematical chance for promotion. There has been a few upsets so anything is possible. All matches count.

Hungary won their first encounter against Norway away 26-15 and thus hold a physiological advantage. I would expect them to have a strong team for this home game

Previous Encounters
27.09.2008 Hungary 26-15 in Oslo (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3B)
27.10.2007 Hungary 5-3 in Szekesfhervan (ENC 3B)
07.10.2006 Hungary 13-8 in Stavanger (ENC 3B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Hungary 30th, Norway 31st

Prediction: Hungary will be too strong for the Norwegians on their home turf. Hungary by 14 points

Teams

Norway Squad
Kristoffer Borsheim (Stavanger RK)
James Buncle (London Scottish RFC, England)
Glenn Collins (Oslo RK)
Alex Diessner (Stavanger RK)
Lewis Eaton (Stavanger RK)
Andreas Fyri (Oslo RK)
Joseph Greenshields (Bergen RK)
Robert Greig (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)
Andrei Hanger (Cheltenham RFC, England)
Karl Harper (Oslo RK)
Neal Hughes (Stavanger RK)
William Hume (Bergen RK)
Francis Hunt (Oslo RK)
Stein Ove Kristensen (Trondheim RK)
Eivind Lunde (Stavanger RK)
Pascal Raclin (Oslo RK)
Oliver Rogers (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)
Neil Ryan (Tønsberg RK)
Stian Røstberg (Bergen RK)
Michael Shelley (Bergen RK)
Fredrik Skovly (Oslo RK)
Håkon Stengrimsen (Holstebro RK)

Head Coach: John Chappell

Adapted from http://www.rugby.no/les.asp?ID=737

Hungarian Squad not yet available

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Israel May Struggle.

01.05.2010
Israel v Luxembourg in Luxembourg (ENC 3C)

Venue: Josy Barthel Stadium

Referee: Murinello (Portugal)

Image thanks to www.rugby.lu

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
ISRAEL	6	6	0	0	205	36	169	18
GREECE	8	5	0	3	143	123	20	18
BULGARIA	8	5	0	3	162	162	0	18
LUXEMBOURG	7	2	0	5	81	129	-48	11
FINLAND	7	0	0	7	73	224	-120	7

Preview
Israel will travel without seven key players from the squad that was so convincing against Greece. Roi Alterlevi, Nathan Amos, Gilad Goldstein, Julien Maffi, Alon Okon, Mordechai Radashkovich and Yonatan Radashkovich are either injured or unavailable for the trip north. This has placed considerable pressure on selections, especially in the forwards. Regular back and captain Nimrod Kaplan moves into the forwards at number eight, whilst Ran Berzak, David Jacobi, Eyal Koren, Fabian Maguid, Ziv Melling and Adam Rubin have been brought into the squad to cover those unavailable.

Luxembourg lost 14-42 to Belgium A a few weeks ago. They have managed only two wins in the two years, both against Finland who will be relegated at the end of the competition.

Israel were too good for Luxembourg when they played in Israel in the first round, winning 30-0. Although I would expect Israel to win they have a much changed and younger team from two weeks ago.

Previous Encounters
21.03.2009 Israel 30-0 in Netanya (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3C)
03.05.2008 Israel 20-12 in Netanya (ENC 3C)
20.05.2007 Luxembourg 25-16 in Cessange (ENC 3C)
29.10.2005 Luxembourg 19-3 in Cessange (ENC 3C)
01.06.2002 Luxembourg 31-19 in Cessange (FIRA B, Pool B)

These two teams first met in 1996. Israel won, in Herzliya, by 20-12 in FIRA B5 match.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Israel 28th, Luxembourg 36th

Prediction: Israel by 7 points.

Teams


Israel Squad
Nesi Abravanel
Oren Alt
Amir Beutler
Ran Berzak
Oren Brodhurst
Matan Brosh
Michael Eli
Stav Gurtovoy
Oz Hayman
David Jacobi
Amit Kakoun
Nimrod Kaplan (Capt.)
Eyal Koren
Omri Lotan
Fabian Maguid
Guy Matisis
Ziv Melling
Omer Halfi Mendelsohn
Adrian Rainstein
Adam Rubin
Jonathan Shaki
Miron Shtiglitz

Head Coach: Raanan Penn

Luxembourg squad not available as yet

TEST RUGBY RESULT: Arabian Gulf Cause Upset

30.01.2010
Arabian Gulf 16, Hong Kong 9 in Bahrain (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Briefly
Wow! Another upset. The battle for the vital second place is on. But what if Korea does the unthinkable and upsets Japan today Saturday. Suddenly there is a lot of interest in Asian rugby.

RUGBY TEST: Hong Kong in the Middle East

30.04.2010
Hong Kong v Arabian Gulf in Bahrain (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue: Bahrain RFU Club

Referee:

Preview
Both teams showed some impressive form last weekend. Both teams need to win this crucial encounter for different reasons.

Last Weekend in Almaty, The Arabian Gulf held the strong Kazakhstan team until the dying stages of the match. The locals ran away with two quick tries in the last minutes of the game. It was a disappointing experience for the Arabian Gulf team. They must win at home on Friday to have any hope of competiting for the second Asian World Cup position.

Hong Kong must win this match away if it is to have a chance for that second spot. A good win last weekend will be all for naught if they don't win against the least favoured team in this competition. “We must come back with nothing less than a win. The Arabian Gulf will be strong and well organized and will be extremely motivated for their first home match of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations. We have to improve on our Korea performance to ensure a win in Bahrain", said Hong Kong coach Dai Rees. First choice prop Nigel Hobler is the only injury from the game v Korea with Alex Baddely being brought to the bench. No.8 Simon Leung will captain the side again.

Hong Kong Simon Leung was inspirational against Korea. Image thanks to www.agrfu.com

Previous Encounters
26.04.2008 Hong Kong 20-12 in Al Ain (Asia5Nations)
09.05.2004 Hong Kong 12-5 in Hong Kong (Asia Tournament)
20.04.2002 Arabian Gulf 17-7 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R1, Pool B)
26.01.2001 Arabian Gulf 55-22 in Dubai (Friendly)
18.06.2000 Hong Kong 21-20 in Hong Kong (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Hong Kong 26th, Arabian Gulf 28th
Asia Table-Hong Kong 3rd, Arabian Gulf 5th

Prediction: Hong Kong by 14 points

Teams

Hong Kong
15. Alex McQueen
14. Salom Yiu Kam Shing
13. Rowan Varty
12. Simon Hempel (vice captain)
11. Tom McQueen
10. Keith Robertson
9. Tim Alexander
8. Simon Leung Ho Yam (captain)
7. Mark Wright
6. Nick Hewson
5. Charles French
4. Nigel Clarke
3. Jack Bennett
2. Jon Abel
1. Peter Spizziri
Replacements
16. Alex Ng Wai Shing
17. Alex Baddeley
18. Renaud Chavanis
19. Kwok Ka Chun
20. So Hok Ken
21. James Kibble
22. Tsang Hing Hung
Head Coach: Dai Rees

Arabian Gulf:
15. James Love
14. Ross Stapleton
13. Trent Eastgate
12. Taif DeLamie
11. Joshua Sherrin
10. Duncan Murray
9. Jonathon MacDonald
8. David Clark
7. Byron Kraemer
6. Edward LePine – Williams
5. Jason Voyce
4. Michael Cox-Hill (captain)
3. Nicholas Croker
2. Rory Power
1. Michael Riley
Replacements
16. Daniel Heal
17. Mark Gathercole
18. Steven Little
19. Karl Sutcliffe
20. Sean Hurley
21. Paul Beard
22. Nicholas DiMarco
Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

Team lists adapted from http://www.agrfu.com/news.php?newsid=221

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 30 April-2 May

30.04.2010
Hong Kong v Arabian Gulf in Bahrain (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

01.05.2010
Japan v Korea in Gyeongsung (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Sweden v Croatia in Enkoping (ENC 2B)
Hungary v Norway in Esztergom (ENC 3B)
Luxembourg v Israel in Luxembourg (ENC 3C)

02.05.2010
Cayman Islands v Bermuda 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

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP RUGBY: Ukraine plays Moldova

24.04.2010
Ukraine v Moldova in Anenii–Noi

Venue: Stadionul Raional

Referee: Carp (France)

Preview
The result of this match has little bearing on outcomes. ENC 2A for 2010-12 will have an extra team which will mean no team will be relgated. What will be interesting is to see if Ukraine can carry some good form leading up to its World Cup playoffs against Lithuania.

Previous Encounters
09.05.2009 Ukraine 32-0 in Kiev (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)
03.05.2008 Ukraine 14-9 in Chisinau (ENC 2A)
05.05.2007 Moldova 17-16 in Kiev (ENC 2A)
1996 Ukraine 38-0 in Kiev (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Ukraine 14th, Moldova 15th

Prediction: Ukraine by 10 points.

Teams

Moldova Squad
Dumitru Arhip (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 12.11.1988, Age 21
Victor Arhip (Farul Constanţa, Romania) 24.02.1990, Age 19
*Anton Bajutin (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 17.04.1985, Age 24
Andrian Baltag (Farul Constanţa, Romania) 30.01.1987, Age 23
*Vasile Bolea (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine) 27.10.1982, Age 27
Alexandru Bulgac (Farul Constanţa, Romania) 14.06.1987, Age 22
Ion Buşila (USEFS Blumarine) 02.04.1986, Age 23
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine) 08.12.1984, Age 25
Sergiu Castraveţ (RC Lokomotiv “Spartak’’ Russia) 29.12.1987, Age 22
Nicolae Chirilă (Imperia Penza, Russia) 30.07.1980, Age 29
Maxim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia) 12.06.1986, Age 23
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia) 30.07.1983, Age 26
*Vitalie Coropcean (UTM Chişinău) 31.10.1982, Age 28
Alexei Cotruţă (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia) 27.08.1979, Age 31
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania) 07.03.1989, Age 21
*Vitalii Gira (UTM Chişinău) 18.06.1984, Age 25
*Alexandru Colţ (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 22.06.1985, Age 24
*Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău) 22.12.1982, Age 27
Veaceslav Lozinschi (USEFS Blumarine) 25.06.1988, Age 21
Alexandru Matveev (USEFS Blumarine) 05.03.1989, Age 20
*Octavian Manoli (UTM Chişinău) 07.02.1983, Age 26
Oleg Perpeliţă (RC Lokomotiv “Spartak’’ Russia) 18.06.1983, Age 26
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia) 10.12.1985, Age 24
*Pavel Titarenco (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol) 21.04.1985, Age 24
Veaceslav Titica (Krasny Yar, Russia) 14.02.1983, Age 27
Eduard Toderică (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol) 13.09.1988, Age 22
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine) 24.06.1979, Age 30
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine) 23.04.1984, Age 25

Head Coach: Vasile Ravenco

*New to squad for this match

http://rugby.org.ua/index.php?newsid=518

Not included from squad that didn’t play Poland
Vitalie Baleca (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Breazu (R.C. Ciorescu)
Ghenadi Evteev (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Alexandru Gagauz (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Mihai Gheorghieş (UTM Chişinău)
Ştefan Leca (USEFS Blumarine)
Alexandru Sîscan (UTM Chişinău)

Ukraine Squad (To be Reduced)
Віта Dotsenko (RC Aviator)
Sergei Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vasil Hlushchenko (RC Epokha-Polytechnic)
Nikolai Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Lytvynenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Denis Masjukov (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Andrei Melnikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dmytro Mokretsov (RK Sokol)
Serge Monastir (RC Kredo 63)
Oleksandr Myshynev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Dmytro Mukhin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Polyansky (RC Kredo 63)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Ruslan Radchuk (RC Kredo 63)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Tyurikov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Vasyuchenko (RC Aviator)
Eduard Vertiletsky (RC Kredo 63)
Grabovsky Vladislav (RK Sokol)
Sergei Yanchiy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Zapolsky (RK Sokol)
2 players missing

HeadCoach: Valeri Kochanov

http://rugby.org.ua/index.php?newsid=518

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: Poland Face Up To Belgium

24.04.2010
Poland v Belgium in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)

Venue: King Baudouin Stadium

Referee: Villegas (Spain)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
UKRAINE	7	5	0	2	122	80	42	17
CZECH REPUBLIC	8	3	1	4	136	142	-6	15
BELGIUM	7	3	1	3	79	89	-10	14
POLAND	6	3	0	3	81	89	-8	12
MOLDOVA	6	2	0	4	105	125	-20	10

Preview
The winner of this division will face Lithuania next month in the first of the playoffs to find the third European team at the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals.

Poland will play its first game following the death of their President two weeks ago. On that occasion, the match v Moldova was called off as a mark of respect. The Polish rugby coaches brother was also killed in the plane crash. It may be a difficult ask but the team will need to put that behind them and win this game.

The Poles are near the bottom of the table and must win today against Belgium and then against Moldova to ensure they remain in Division 2A.

Belgium has been up and down in this competition which explains why it holds middle position on the table. They began with a roar, defeating favourites Ukraine 9-8 in the first match. Then they slid dangerously close to the relegation zone. This year they have improved. However a loss to Ukraine in the return match ended their chances of taking the vital top spot.

Previous Encounters
30.05.2009 Poland 14-3 in Gdansk (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
16.10.1999 Poland 43-14 in Brussels (FIRA C)
28.03.1998 Poland 30-10 in Gdansk (WCQ Europe Pool 2; Rnd B)
28.10.1995 Poland 30-10 in Lodz (FIRA A2)
15.10.1994 Poland 50-13 in Siedlce (FIRA A1)

Poland first played Poland back in 1959. The Poles winning 6-0 in Katowice.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Poland 16th, Belgium 17th

Prediction: Poland by 5 points.

Teams

Belgium
Thibaut André (Soignies)
Neil Andrew (Tournefeuille)
Aurélien Batardy (Soignies)
Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
Christophe Debaty (Limoges, France)
Mika Demolder (Boitsfort)
Thomas Dienst (Lille, France)
Denis Eppe (ROC Ottignies)
Charlie Fourneau (Lille, France)
Denis Franquin (Boitsfort)
Damien Godefroy (Lille, France)
Sébastien Guns (Boitsfort)
Dirk Haghedooren (Agde)
Julien Hanchir (Milau, France)
Maxime Jadot (Frameries)
Simon Marote (ASUB)
Julien Massimi (St-Etienne, France)
Jaco McLachlan (Dendermonde)
Nicolas Meeus (Kituro)
Alain Miriallakis (St-Etienne, France)
Romain Orban (Kituro)
Frédéric Rongé (Kituro)
Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB)
Norman Wende (St-Etienne, France)
Alan Williams (Castres, France)

Head Coach: Richard McClintock

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3444

Poland Squad
Dawid Banaszek (Villeurbanne, France)
Mateusz Bartoszek (Albi, France)
Kamil Bobryk (Epernay, France)
David Chartier (Bayonne, France)
Karol Denisiuk (Arka Gdynia);
Lukasz Doroszkiewicz (Lechia Gdansk)
Charles Hedesz (Lechia Gdansk)
Krzysztof Hotowski (Nevers, France)
Rafał Janeczko (AZS AWF Warszawa);
Grzegorz Janiec (Lechia Gdansk)
Piotr Karpiński (Budowlani Łódź)
Sławomir Kaszuba (Lechia Gdansk)
Emil Kowalewski (Orkan Sochaczew)
Robert Kwiatkowski (Lechia Gdańsk)
Michael Krużycki (Lyon, France)
Stanislas Krzesińska (Mazamet, France)
Kacper Ławski (Budowlani Łódź);
Yann Lewandowski (Cahors, France)
Wojciech Lukasiewicz (Orkan Sochaczew)
Michał Mirosz (Budowlani Łódź);
Stanisław Niedźwiecki (Budowlani Lublin)
Wojciech Piotrowicz (Budowlani Lublin).
Piotr Piszczek (Lechia Gdańsk)
David Poplawski (Albi, France)
Marek Przychocki (Ogniwo Sopot),
Kazimierz Raszpunda (Portsmouth RFC, England)
Bastien Siepielski (Marmande, France)
Kamil Simionkowski (Arka Gdynia)
Tomasz Stepien (Budowlani Łódź)
Mariusz Wilczuk (Lechia Gdańsk)
Martin Wilczuk (Portsmouth RFC, England)Konrad Jarosz (Juvenia Kraków);

One to be omitted

Head Coach: Thomas Putra

Adapted from http://www.rugby.info.pl/artykul_2074_w ... y_z_belgia

TEST RUGBY: Netherlands Travel to Split

24.04.2010
Netherlands v Croatia in Split (ENC 2B)

Venue: RK Nada Split, Stari Plac

Referee: Frasineanu (Romania)

	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

Preview
This probably the biggest game for both teams for some time. Croatia are tucked in close behind Division leaders the Netherlands, they have a match in hand and now play the leaders in front of a home crowd. Croatia has flown in a number of overseas heavyweights for this important rugby test. Included is Waitemata RFC, Auckland veteran Ivan Nola.

For the Netherlands, undefeated in this division, a win today will take them back to ENC 2A, from which they were relegated last season. This is a huge game for both teams.

Previous Encounters
01.11.2008 Netherlands 18-12 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
01.11.1998 Netherlands 29-7 in Amsterdam (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Netherlands 19th, Croatia 20th

Prediction: Netherlands by 5 points

Teams

Croatia Squad
Marin Antunović (RK Makarska Riviera)
Carl Banks (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Ante Blažević Bandov (RK Nada)
Tony Begovich (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Mate Borozan (RK Nada)
Nick Brajkovich (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Tomislav Burazin (RK Nada)
Tonči Buzov (RK Nada)
Goran Čulić (RK Nada)
Dominik Draženović (RK Mladost)
Tvrtko Dumančić (RK Mladost)
Duje Grubišić (RK Nada)
Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)
Špiro Matić (RK Nada)
Andrej Mihalj (RK Mladost)
Filip Mijić (RK Zagreb)
Milan Milanović (RK Nada)
Ivan Nola (Waitemata RFC, NZ)
Ante Olujić (RK Nada)
Alek Osmanović (RK Makarska Riviera)
Ivan Rešetar (RK Nada)
Ivica Rubelj (RK Nada)
Ivica Šimić (RK Makarska Riviera)
Saša Sljepčević (RK Nada)
Ivan Šuta (RK Mladost)
Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)
Filip Ujaković (RK Mladost)
Michael Zovko (Souths RFC, Australia)
Head Coach: Jakša Lovreta

Netherlands Squad not yet available

RUGBY TEST: Latvians in Malta

24.04.2010
Latvia v Malta in Paola (ENC 2B)

Venue: Hibernians Stadium

Referee: Mauro Dordola (Italy)

Image thanks to http://www.maltarugby.com/page.asp?n=newsdetails&i=14017

Preview

	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

This is the lesser important game of the two ENC 2B matches this weekend. Latvia upset a depleted Swedish side last Saturday and must win to have a chance of avoiding relegation to ENC 3A for 2010-12.

Malta's rugby team has had an interesting and exhausting week. Firstly the team had to bus from England to the Netherlands for last weekends game. They lost 0-19 to the Netherlands but held the upper hand for most of the second half. The team has then had to find its way back to Malta for this game which again has meant a number of long bus trips. Situated in the middle of the table they can neither win the competition nor are they in danger of relegation. It would appear the Latvians have more to play for and should be a difficult team to defeat.

More previews at http://www.maltasport.com/modules/knowledge/item.php?itemid=5092

Previous Encounters
18.04.2009 Malta 32-19 in Riga (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
17.11.2007 Malta 16-13 in Marsa (ENC 2B)
28.10.2006 Latvia 27-16 in Riga (ENC 2B)
24.04.2004 Malta 10-8 in Riga (ENC 3A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Malta 21st, Latvia 22nd

Prediction: Malta by 10 points

Both team list were unavailable at posting time.

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/

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Austrians Battle to Avoid Relegation

24.04.2010
Austria v Denmark in Odense (ENC 3B)

Venue: Odense Atletikstadion

Referee: Craenen (Sweden)

Preview

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
HUNGARY	6	4	0	2	151	108	43	14
SLOVENIA	6	4	0	2	113	96	17	14
NORWAY	6	3	0	3	81	80	1	12
DENMARK	6	3	0	3	113	121	-8	12
AUSTRIA	6	1	0	5	54	106	-52	8

Austria's fate could be in this game. They need to win their next two games to have any chance of avoiding relegation to ENC 3C for 2010-12.

Denmark won the first round encounter 27-6 away. They are also in with a chance of winning this pool as four teams are only within two points of each other. There other game is against Slovenia away. Injuries may play an important part in Denmark's chances. Regular Fly half Michaelson is injured.

Previous Encounters
24.04.2009 Denmark 27-9 in Linz (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3B)
08.04.2006 Denmark 16-5 in Frederika (ENC 3A)
09.04.2005 Denmark 16-3 in Frederika (WCQ Europe R2, Pool B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Denmark 29th, Austria 32nd.

Prediction: Denmark by 21 points

Teams

Denmark
15 Bradley Diamandis (RK Speed) 2 tests
14 Rasmus Mortensen (Aarhus RK) 13
13 Andy Nielsen (Aalborg RK) 14
12 Jesper G. Jensen (Lindø RSC) 20
11 Peter Madsen (CSR/Nanok) 7
10 Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England) 20
9 Alfi Escobarte (CSR/Nanok RK) New Cap
8 Nathanael Smalley (Aarhus RK) 10
7 Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok) 13
6 Kristian Riberholdt (Holstebro RK) 6
5 Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK) 31
4 Nicolas Eerholm (Lindø RSC) 1
3 Søren Brobyskov (RC Odense) 34
2 Kasper Vad Pedersen (Aarhus RK) 24
1 Niels B Jensen (CSR/Nanok) 7
Replacements
16 Niels Gotfredsen (Aarhus RK) 5
17 Matias Dinesen (Frederiksberg RK) 3
18 Stephen Leitch (Aarhus RK) 2
19 Emad Libis (CSR/Nanok) New Cap
20 Kenneth Steel (RC Odense) 11
21 TBC
22 Gerard Hounou (RK Speed) 1

Head Coach: Christopher Adby

Not available injured after selection
Sylvester Michaelsen (Aalborg RK)

Adapted from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3441

Austria played a warm-up match last Saturday against RC Bezigrad of Slovenia which they won 45 - 7.

If flight plans fail the Austrian team will bus to Denmark

http://www.rugby.dk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1154&Itemid=2

Austria Squad
Forwards:
Max Müller (RC Stade Viennois)
Milad Farkhondeh-Fal (RC Stade Viennois)
Wilfried Payer (RC Bad Reichenhall, GER)
Sebastian Borer (RC Donau)
Alberto Gomez Nowak (RC Stade Viennois)
Andreas Gaul (RC Donau)
Christoph Forchtner (RC Donau)
Clemens Kaindl (RC Stade Viennois)
Alexander Krauchenberg (RC Donau)
Sebastian Freydell (RC Donau)
Ferdinand Richter (Vallee du Girou, FRA)
Amir Yassari (RC Stade Viennois)

Backs:
Matthias Dachler (RC Donau)
Musheg Aslanyan (Vienna Celtic RFC)
Yvan Wever (RC Donau)
Michael Kerschbaumer (RC Donau)
Rudi Glock (RC Donau)
Alexis Rigaud (RC Stade Viennois)
Martin Leidl (RC Wombats Wr. Neustadt)
Georg Kaiser (RC Stade Viennois)
Max Navas (RC Donau)
Nicolas Bignotti (AC BB, FRA)
Head Coach: Gael Mouysset
from http://www.rugby-austria.at/content/deu ... e099c2.php