Rugby Test Match: Ireland v Wales

21.03.2009
Ireland v Wales in Cardiff (6 Nations)

Preview
Its a funny old competition the 6 Nations. No bonus points just a straight two points for a win and 1 for a draw. Nothing flashy about that. In fact the 6 Nations International Championship has little modern about it. It's not even a true international championship. The name comes from the dim past when as far as the 'Home Nations' were concerned this WAS the international Championship.

Occassionally though this competition throws up a humdinger of a finish. On Saturday all hinges on this game in which history could be added to the oldest competition in rugby. Ireland has a chance, and a good one, of scoring a 'Grand Slam' which means it has defeated all other teams. The last time Ireland did that was in 1948 some sixty years ago.

England virtually knocked France out of contention with their win last weekend so only Wales now stands in Ireland's way. The fact that the test is being played in Cardiff will not daunt the Irish. They won the last time the teams met there in 2007.

It's all set for a fantastic atmosphere. All that is required is that both teams play the best rugby they have played all season. If that happens Wales might just upset the Irish dreams.

Last Five Encounters
08.03.2008 Wales 16-12 in Dublin (6 Nations)
04.02.2007 Ireland 19-9 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
26.02.2006 Ireland 31-5 in Dublin (6 Nations)
19.03.2005 Wales 32-20 in Cardiff ( 6 Nations)
22.02.2004 Ireland 36-15 in Dublin (6 Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Wales 5th, Ireland 7th
Europe Table-Wales 3rd, Ireland 4th

Prediction: Ireland's day in Cardiff. A win by 5 points.

Teams

Wales


15 Lee Byrne
14 Mark Jones
13 Tom Shanklin
12 Gavin Henson
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Michael Phillips
8 Andy Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones (captain)
5 Alun-Wyn Jones
4 Ian Gough
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Warren Fury
21 James Hook
22 Jamie Roberts
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

Ireland

15 Robert Kearney
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt)
12 Gordon D'Arcy
11 Luke Fitzgerald
10 Ronan O'Gara
9 Thomas O'Leary
8 James Heaslip
7 David Wallace
6 Stephen Ferris
5 Paul O'Connell
4 Donncha O'Callaghan
3 John Hayes
2 Jeremy Flannery
1 Marcus Horan
Replacements
16 Rory Best
17 Thomas Court
18 Michael O'Driscoll
19 Denis Leamy
20 Peter Stringer
21 Patrick Wallace
22 Geordan Murphy
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

International Rugby: Scotland v England Updated

21.03.2009
Scotland v England at Twickenham (6 Nations, Calcutta Cup)

Previews
The Calcutta Cup always bring out something special from both sides. This trophy has been played for since 1878 making it the oldest contested piece of silverwear at the international level. Recent form matters little as both sides bristle with pride and determination.

England has the home crowd advantage and a recent drubbing of France to boast about. last weekend we finally saw an England side play to its potential and silence some very vocal critics both in the public and the media. The English will want to finish their season on a high and winning back the Calcutta Cup would just about do that.

Ireland had to work hard to subdue Scotland last weekend. This Scottish side has been bubbling and murmering below the surface waiting for the opportunity to pounce. This is an inexperienced side that has been playing expansive rugby but without results. Tomorrow could be their day. Scotland hold the Cup after defeated England 15-9 at Murrayfield last season.

Last Five Encounters
18.03.2008 Scotland 15-9 at Murrayfield (6 Nations, Calcutta Cup)
07.02.2007 England 42-20 at Twickenham (6 Nations, Calcutta Cup)
25.02.2006 Scotland 18-12 at Murrayfield (6 Nations, Calcutta Cup)
19.03.2005 England 43-22 at Twickenham (6 Nations, Calcutta Cup)
21.02.2004 England 35-13 at Murrayfield (6 Nations, Calcutta Cup)

History is against Scotland winning at Twickenham on Saturday. The Scots have not won at Twickenham since 1983.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-England 3rd, Scotland 8th
Europe Table-England 1st, Scotland 5th.

Prediction: Scotland's day, a win by 3 points.

Teams

England

15 Delon Armitage
14 Mark Cueto
13 Michael Tindal
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Tobais Flood
9 Harold Ellis
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Joseph Worsley
6 Thomas Croft
5 Simon Shaw
4 Steven Borthwick (Capt.)
3 Phillip Vickery
2 Lee Mears
1 Andrew Sheridan
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Julian White
18 Nicholas Kennedy
19 James Haskell
20 Daniel Care
21 Andrew Goode
22 Mathew Tait
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

Scotland

15 Christopher Paterson
14 Simon Danielli
13 Max Evans
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Thomas Evans
10 Phillip Godman
9 Michael Blair (capt)
8 Simon Taylor
7 Scott Gray
6 Alasdair Strokosch
5 James Hamilton
4 Jason White
3 Euan Murray
2 Ross Ford
1 Alasdair Dickinson
Replacements
16 Douglas Hall
17 Moray Low
18 Nathan Hines
19 Kelly Brown
20 Chris Cusiter
21 Nicholas De Luca
22 Hugo Southwell
Head Coach: Frank Hadden

Test Match: France v Italy Updated

21.03.2009
France v Italy in Rome (6 Nations, Garibaldi Trophy)

Preview
There is very little depending on this match. France cannot realistically win the 6 Nations Championship and Italy is destined to hold the wooden spoon.

French pride ans swings and roundabouts may well see a turnaround of playing fortunes for Les Blues. They appear to be playing fantastic one match and then aweful the next. Very sort of French! Perhaps this week they will be sublime.


Marc Lièvremont. Is he another national rugby coach about to get the sack? image thanks to www.22dropout.com

Italy. Well prior to last week against Wales this was a team totally lacking in confidence. As I said on this blog in reply to a posted comment a week ago, the lack of confidence in the backs has now crept into the forwards, who previously were able to match it with any team in the competition. Last week the Italians were able to match a Welsh side still recovering from a shock loss to France two weeks earlier. This wek who knows, except they will be out to knock over a French team devastated by their heavy loss to England.



Nik Mallett. Is his days as coach of Italy numbered? Image thanks to www.rbs6nations.com/en/8533.php

Last Five Encounters
09.03.2008 France 25-13 in Paris (6 Nations, Garibaldi Trophy)
03.02.2007 France 39-6 in Rome (6 Nations, Garibaldi Trophy)
25.02.2006 France 37-12 in Paris (6 Nations)
19.03.2005 France 56-13 in Rome (6 Nations)
21.02.2004 France 25-0 in Paris (6 Nations)

Italy first played France in a full international in 1937 when they visited Paris and lost 43-5 in the days when a try was only worth 3 points. These teams then frequently met on equal terms up until 1967 when the Italians lost 60-13. Thereafter the French would only field a second team against the Italians during the early years of organised FIRA competitions. The full French side was not met against until 1995 when France won 34-22 in Buenos Aires during a Latin Cup tournament. Five years later was admitted to the 'International Championship' which became the 6 Nations.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-France 4th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-France 2nd, Italy 6th

Prediction: Take your pick-Italy to defeat a full French side for only the second time in its rugby history; or France to play superbly and take the Italians apart. France to win by 13 points.

Teams

Italy



15 Andrea Marcato
14 Giulio Rubini
13 Gonzalo Canale
12 Mirco Bergamasco
11 Matteo Pratichetti
10 Luke McLean
9 Paul Griffen
8 Sergio Parisse, Capt.
7 Mauro Bergamasco
6 Alessandro Zanni
5 Marco Bortolami
4 Santiago Dellape
3 Carlos Nieto
2 Leonardo Ghiraldini
1 Salvatore Perugini
Replacements
16 Franco Sbaraglini
17 Martin Castrogiovanni
18 Carlo Antonio Del Fava
19 Josh Sole
20 Pablo Canavosio
21 Luciano Orquera
22 Roberto Quartaroli
Head Coach: Nik Mallett

France



15 Damien Traille
14 Maxime Medard
13 Florian Fritz
12 Yannick Jauzion
11 Cedric Heymans
10 Francois Trinh-Duc
9 Morgan Parra
8 Imanol Harinordoquy
7 Julien Bonnaire
6 Thierry Dusautoir
5 Sebastien Chabal
4 Lionel Nallet, Capt.
3 Sylvain Marconnet
2 Dimitri Szarzewski
1 Fabien Barcella
Replacements
16 William Servat
17 Thomas Domingo
18 Jerome Thion
19 Louis Picamoles
20 Frederic Michalak
21 Mathieu Bastareaud
22 Julien Malzieu
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont

Test Match: Portugal v Romania Updated

21.03.2009
Portugal v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Euro. R1; ENC 1)

Venue
Arcul de Triumf

Previews
The breaking news this week has been the sacking of the Romanian rugby coach New Zealander Ellis Meachen. Losses to both Russia and Georgia, and not being placed first on the ENC 1 table first round were sighted as reasons by the Romanian President george Stratton. A replacement is yet to be named.

This is a most interesting match in this division. Romania has struggled against the top teams, losing to both Russia and Georgia. A further loss could place them further away from a Rugby World Cup place in 2011. The Romanian selectors have also persisted with a policy of mostly home-based players, ignoring a huge France-based squad of experienced players.

For this match the Romanians have recalled three of their France-based players; Manta, Mitu and Petre, emphasising the importance they are placing on this match. The Romanians must simply start winning matches otherwise they will be out of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Portugal has lost to Russia by 4 points, drew with georgia 20-20 and then hammered the germans in Lisbon two weks ago. They seem to be guaging their run into the later World Cup qualifying stages and look to be going from strength to strength. Portugal were a most favoured team at the 2007 Rugby World Cup finals in France despite losing all their games.

Last Five Encounters
08.03.2008 Romania 21-15 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
25.09.2007 Romania 14-10 in Toulouse (World Cup, Pool C)
18.03.2006 Romania 27-3 in Lisbon (ENC 1)
11.06.2005 Romania 14-10 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
21.02.2004 Romania 36-6 in Constanta (ENC 1)

Portugal last defeated Romania in 2003 16-15 in Lisbon. Romania and Portugal first met in a test match in Lisbon in 1967 with the Romanians running out easy winners 46-6.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Portugal 16th, Romania 18th
Europe Table-Portugal 8th, Romania 10th

Prediction: Will the return of 3 France-bsed players make any difference to a dispirited side? Will Portugal keep going from strength to strength?
My view? Portugal to win by 7 points.

Teams

Portugal Squad




Eduardo Acosta (GD Direto)
Antonio Aguilar (GD Direto)
Julian Bardi (ASM Clermont, France)
Pedro Cabral (CR Madrid, Spain)
João Correia, Capt. (GD Direto)
Bernardo Duarte (AEIS Agronomia)
Aderito Esteves (GD Direto)
Gonçalo Foro (CD University Lisboa)
Diogo Gama (CRC Madrid, Spain)
Tiago Girão (CR Madrid, Spain)
João Junior (CD University Lisboa)
Pedro Leal (GD Direto)
David Mateus (OS Belenenses)
Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses)
Juan Murre (Sporting Nazairien Rugby, France)
David Penalva (FC Auch, France)
Salvador Palha (GD Direto)
Jose Pinto (Rugby Roma Olimpia, Italy)
Juan Severino (AEIS Agronomia)
Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses)
Cristian Spachuck (FC Auch, France)
Gonçalo Uva (Montpellier RC, France)
João Uva (OS Belenenses)
Vasco Uva (GD Direto)
Head Coach: Tomaz Morais
http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/noticia.asp?opm=25&id=7431&id2=25

Romania Squad



Mihai Adascalitei
Adrian Barbuliceanu
Catalin Beca
Ionut Botezatu
Stelian Burcea
Vali Calafeteanu
Daniel Carpo
Stefan Ciuntu
Florin Corodeanu
Alin Coste
Catalin Dascalu
Ionut Dimofte
Catalin Fercu
Csaba Gal
Daniel Ianus
Paulica Ion
Mihaita Lazar
Madalin Lemnaru
Mihai Macovei
Alexandru Manta
Petre Mitu
Nicolae Nere
Catalin Nicolae
Cristian Petre
Cosmin Ratiu
Razvan Stanca
Florin Tasca
Florin Vlaicu
Head Coach: ?

Test Rugby: Cezch Republic v Ukraine Updated

21.03.2009
Czech Republic v Ukraine in Odessa (WCQ Euro.R2, ENC 2A)

Venue
Spartak Stadium

Preview
This is the first time in 5 years that these two teams have been in the same competition. Prior to that the Czech Republic has a distinctive advantage over the Ukrainians. But at present anything goes in ENC 2A. All teams appear even.

The Czechs are again missing Martin Jagr and also Robert Noves who are both placed with leading French clubs


Czech Republic played a tough 15-15 draw with belgium last weekend. Image thanks to www.rugbyunion.cz

Last Five Encounters
05.11.2005 Czech Republic 46-8 in Odessa (ENC 1)
12.03.2005 Czech Republic 42-5 in Prague (ENC 1)
03.11.2001 Czech Republic 26-8 in Prague (FIRA/WCQ Euro. R2, Pool A)
14.10.2000 Czech Republic 35-3 in Prague (FIRA B)
26.09.1998 Ukraine 27-22 in Prague (FIRA Pool E)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Czech Rep. 14th, Ukraine 17th

Prediction: Ukraine by 1 point.

Teams




Czech Republic Squad
Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha)
Josef Bláha (RC Říčany)
Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno)
Jíří Černý (RC Tatra Smíchov)
Petr Čížek (RC Praga Praha)
Vítězslav Fiala (RC Vyškov)
Tomáš Forst (RC Praga Praha)
Pavel Hocke (RC Tatra Smíchov)
Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
Václav Jursík (Strasbourg, France)
Roman Kodera (RC Říčany)
Tomáš Krejčí (RC Dragon Brno)
Ondřej Kutil (Oyonnax, France)
Vlastimil Madry (Juwenia Krakov, Poland)
Vachtang Pailodze (RC Sparta Praha)
Martin Pekárek (RC Říčany)
Jan Rudolf (RC Tatra Smíchov)
Michal Schlanger (RC Říčany)
Jíří Skall (RC Sparta Praha)
Roman Šuster (Rouen, France)
Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha)
Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France)
Head Coach: Martin Kafka

Ukraine squad



Vitaliy Dotsenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Sergey Garkavyi (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Georgi Gegidze (RC Kredo 63)
Andrey Golishchev (RC Penza, Russia)
Vladislav Grabovskyi (RC Sokol)
Nikolay Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vadim Kolyshkin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vycheslav Krasilnik (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksim Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Litvinenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Aleksandr Lomakin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Aleksandr Lubiy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Jaba Malaguradze (RC Kredo 63)
Dmytro Mokretsov (RC Sokol)
Dmytro Muhin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vitaliy Orlov (RC Enisei-STM Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Aleksandr Polyanskyi (RC Kredo 63)
Vycheslav Ponomarenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Sergey Sukhikh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Aleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Sergey Tserkovnyi (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Sergii Yanchiy (RC Aviator)
Vitalii Zadvirnyi (RC Argo-NAU)
Ivan Zaliznyak (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Head Coach: S.Mina

Test Rugby: Armenia v Andorra Updated

21.03.2009
Armenia v Andorra in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 3A)

Venue
Camp del Consell

Previews
Andorra will need all the players it couldn't take to Switzerland last weekend and more if it is to overcome the Armenian visitors. Andorra was relegated from Division 2B last season and have been struggling even here.
Iosif Txelidze, Óscar Cabanes, Màxim Taurinyà & Benjamin Fajon are Andorrians who were not available for the trip to Switzerland but who are now available so the team should be stronger.

Not much is known about the Armenians but as most play their club rugby in France we can expect them to be tough.

These two teams are at the opposite ends of the points table. Armenia are at the top undefeated with three wins; Andorra is at the bottom with three losses.

Previous Encounters
These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Andorra 26th, Armenia 27th

Prediction: Armenia by 30 points.


Teams


Armenia
Not available

Armenia rugby logo thanks to www.rugby-armenia.com


Armenia v Switzerland 18.10.2008. Image thanks to www.armrugby.am/

Andorra
Not available

Rugby Match: Israel v Luxembourg Updated

21.03.2009
Israel v Luxembourg in Netanya (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)

Venue
Wingate Stadium

Previews


Israel v Luxembourg rugby test programme. Thanks to 'rugbyas' from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3053

Israel lead this division with impressive away wins over Bulgaria and Greece. Luxembourg has one loss and a win and may find Israel too strong on their home ground.

Luxembourg is without regular captain Andy Thompson is not available. Selector-Coach Mart Davis has introduced some young players from the successful Luxembourg 2008 Under 20 squad.

Previous Encounters
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)
03.03.2001 Israel 62-3 in Cessange (WCQ Euro.R1; FIRA Pool 2)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Israel 32nd, Luxembourg 35th

Prediction: Israel by 12 points.

Teams



Luxembourg logo thanks to www.rugby.lu

The Luxembourg Squad:
Nicholas Abel
William Bond
Steven Clark
Julien da Col
Michele Englaro
Paul Evans
Jon Flynn
Nicholas Geoffreys
Alex Goodhew
Jon Harris
Loic Herve
Stuart Kelly
Ronan Kuczaj
William Lafaysse
Christophe Narcisse
Glenn Nordahl
Scott Mc Kinlay
Adam Marcus
Thomas Picherit
Euan Rogers
Nigel Sharplin
Adrien Timmermans
Head Coach: Marty Davis

Israel

1 Nathan Amos
2 Tomer Bracha
3 Matan Brosh
4 Shai Dekel
5 Oren Brodhurst
6 Nimrod Kaplan
7 Gilad Goldstein
8 Guy Dotan
9 Stav Gurtovoy
10 Amir Beutler
11 Nestor Rainstein
12 Adrian Rainstein
13 Sean Kantor
14 Alon Okon
15 Isaac Tsfadie

16 Omri Lotan
17 Oren Hamburger
18 Alon Geller
19 Amit Kakoun
20 Bar Or Nir
21 Terence Kantor
22 Jonathan Radashkovich
Head Coach: Raanan Penn
Thanks to Julian Shapiro , Eyal Rosenboim & Darren Rich, Re/max Netanya

International Rugby: Slovakia v Monaco Updated

21.03.2009
Slovakia v Monaco in Bratislava (ENC 3D)

Venue
Slovnaft Stadion, Vlčím Hrdle

Previews


Slovakia v Monaco rugby programme. Image thanks to http://slovan.rugby.cz/

Not a great deal of love lost between these two minnows. In 2006 they met at this level in Slovakia's first test match. Monaco won 6-0 but lost the game because Slovakia claimed, and won, that Monaco included enelligble players in their squad. The thing was Monaco had just returned from a lengthy ban for the exact same offence a few years earlier.

Previous Encounters
14.10.2006 Monaco 6-0* in Bratislava (ENC 3D, Pool B)
* Match lost by Monaco on appeal.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Slovakia 40th, Monaco 41st

Prediction: Slovakia by 14 points

Teams

Slovakia
Martin Čmiel (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Michal Fric (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Ondřej Hankovszki (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.)
Richard Hladík (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Michal Juhász (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Pavel Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Josef Kučera (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Michal Kučera (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Tomáš Kurka (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Martin Majovský (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Marcel Mana (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Jan Mandičák (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Martin Mihálik (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Viktor Ondroušek (JIMI Vyškov, Czech Rep.)
Patrik Poledna, Capt. (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Antonín Puverle (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Jiří Smrček (Dragon Brno, Czech Rep.)
Jaroslav Stoklásek (RC Zlín, Czech Rep.)
Pešír Václav (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Coach: Pavel Lištvan

http://slovan.rugby.cz/nominace-proti-monaku




Slovakia rugby team v Monaco. Image thanks to http://slovan.rugby.cz/


Monaco

Team not available

Test Match: Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina Update

21.03.2009
Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)

Venue:
Kamberovice Polje

Previews
See other posts during the week

Previous Encounters
These two teams have never met before

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia Herzegovina 38th, Cyprus 39th

Prediction: B H by 3 points.

Teams
Neither squad is available

Test Rugby: Laos v Brunei

22.03.2009
Laos v Brunei in Savannakhet (Asia Regional 1)

Preview
This is the first match of this tournament with host Laos playing Brunei.

Mote to follow.

Asia Regional Test Rugby: Regional 1

The first of the 2009 Asia Regional Rugby tournaments gets underway Sunday in Laos. These matches are not part of the Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying system.

The tournament will be held at the Savannakhet Stadium in Savannakhet, Laos. Savannakhet is the main city (100,000 pop) of the Central-Southern area of Laos. It is situated on the Mekong River.

Teams at this tournament will be the national 15's mens sides from Cambodia, Brunei and Laos.

Schedule
22 March: Laos v Brunei
25 March: Brunei v Cambodia
28 March: Cambodia v Laos

Test Rugby Preview: Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina 2

Now its Cyprus's turn. The senior men's side is called the Moufflons. A moufflon is a species of wild sheep. A fairly formidible creature by the look of it.



Image thanks to wikipedia

Rugby has been played in Cyprus since the 1950's mostly, until recently, by British service teams. Since 2004 the local competition was formed and the three teams have thrived since. Cyprus is now an associate member of the IRB and a full member of FIRA-AER. Success and promotion to Division 3C would go a long way towards Cyprus becoming a full member of the IRB.

Cyprus played its first full rugby international test in March of 2007. Their opponent was Greece, long time recognized as the big brother of Cyprus' Greek population. The Greeks were rather shocked at the intensity of the opposition with Cyprus running out winners 39-3!


Action from Cyprus v Greece, first international test played by Cyprus. Cyprus, in the light blue, ran out winners 39-3. Image thanks to www.cyprus-rugby.com


Cyprus was then accepted into ENC 3D. For 2007 the programme of fixtures was played that year in tournament format on the island of Cyprus.Cyprus won against Monaco, Azerbaijan and Slovakia to win the tournament. Cyprus then had to face Israel in Israel in a 3C/3D one-off playoff. Israel proved too strong at home winning 23-14 and thus confining Cyprus in division 3D for the next two years.

So far Cyprus has won its three matches to date; 37-3 against Azerbaijan away, 24-3 over Monaco at home and 33-7 at home against Slovakia. So now it comes down to an away clash against Bosnia Herzegovina to see who lands on top of the points table at the halfway stage.


Cyprus team after playing Azerbaijan. Image thanks to www.cyprus-rugby.com

For a full list of all Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina international rugby results go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Test Rugby Preview: Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina 1

Bosnia Herzegovina Logo. Thanks to irb.com

It's unlikely that this rugby test, to be played this Saturday, will hardly raise an eyebrow of interest in any area of sporting news this week. So lets do it here.

The European Nations Cup is contested by the rugby nations of Europe outside the 6 Nations International Championship. Some incorrectly refer to it as 6 Nations 'B' or second division. There are three sections each with at least two divisions. Division 3D is right at the bottom of the table. In fact the teams in this division do not qualify for any 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying matches. But despite that there is a lot to play for.

Played over two seasons on a home-away basis, the European Nations Cup (we'll say ENC from here) is the quage of strength in European rugby. The winner of 3D is automatically promoted to 3C in 2010. If the present system of qualification is used for 2015 Rugby World Cup then teams in 3C will qualify. So this match will go a long way to see which team will look most likely to qualify.

So lets look at these two rugby minnows. Bosnia Herzegovina has been on the international scene longer than Cyprus. Bosnia Herzegovina played its first international rugby test in 1992 soon after breaking away from the Yogoslavian Federation. They lost 3-47 to Croatia in Split. The disasterous war that followed put a halt to any organised rugby in the area for 4 years. On 21st September 1997 international rugby began again for Bosnia Herzegovina. Croatia again journeyed to the troubled land, this time Zenica, to win easily 62-3. No matter! The Bosnians were on their way again.

The following season Bosnia Herzegovina joined FIRA competitions for the first time. They joined Pool B and enjoyed their first international success, 22-16 against Monaco, but were generally outplayed by the likes of Croatia (again), Hungary, Austria and Slovenia. Then in 2000 they played in Rugby World Cup 2003 qualification matches. They started with a shock 13-12 win over Hungary. They also defeated their old enemy Yugoslavia 23-13 in Sarajevo but did not progress to the next stage.

In 2001-02 Bosnia Herzegovina played in FIRA Division B, Pool B winning against Luxembourg and Israel but losing to Lithuania and Hungary. 2002-03 saw the introduction of the present competition structure under the guidance of FIRA-AER. Starting off in Division 3B Bosnia lost all their games over the next two seasons and found themselves in Division 3C. The early promise was not being realised.

In 2004 Bosnia Herzegovina participated in a home-away series against Austria to see who would proceed to the first round of qualification for the 2007 Rugby World Cup finals in France. Bosnia Herzegovina lost both matches, Austria proceeding.

In 2004-05 Bosnia Herzegovina played a home-away series against Azerbaijan as the only teams in ENC 3C. Bosnia won on points aggregate and stayed in 3C but in early 2005 lost a 3B/3C knockout game against Hungary 8-56 and thus remained in 3C. For the next three seasons the Bosnians struggled at this level finally being relegated to 3D at the end of the 2007-08 season. So far they have shown that they are a cut above the other teams at this level, overwhelming Monaco 52-5 in October and then finally defeating a fierly Slovakia 46-32 in November. The Bosnians then creaked home 18-7 against a weakened Azerbaijan in late November.


Slovakia win a lineout. Photo thanks to http://rugbylife.blogger.ba/

So the scene is set for a right old clash against the other undefeated team in this competition, Cyprus. More on their opponents tomorrow.

Bosnia Herzegovina team to play in Cyprus 21.03.2009. Thanks to http://rugbylife.blogger.ba/

For a complete list of all international rugby test matches played by Bosnia Herzegovina go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Rugby Tests Coming Up

A huge weekend of international rugby coming up next weekend. Can't wait!
The big clashes are Ireland v Wales to determine the 6 Nations Championship, Georgia and Russia square off to see who takes out the first round of ENC 1 and Cyprus heads to Bosnia to battle for the top honours in ENC 3D.

21.03.2009
Ireland v Wales in Dublin (6 Nations)
Scotland v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
France v Italy in Rome (6 Nations)
Georgia v Russia in Krasnodar (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)
Portugal v Romania in Bucharest (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)
Armenia v Andorra in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Euro.R4;ENC3A)
Israel v Luxembourg in Netanya (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Slovakia v Monaco in Bratislava (ENC 3D)
Cyprus v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)

22.03.2009
Czech Republic v Ukraine in Odessa (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)

Also...
An Asia Nations regional tournament is due to get underway in Laos March 22-28 involving Laos, Cambodia and Brunei.

International Result: England 34, France 10

15.03.2009
England 34, France 10 at Twickenham (6 Nations)

Reviews
England tore up the form book and washed France away and out of Twickenham. The French could only watch and see their 6 Nations dream swept away by a rampaging England, who led France 29-0 at halftime.

England finally found some form and gave plenty for their fans to cheer about. France, utterly lifeless compared to their display against Wales 2 weeks ago, could do little to stem the first half surge by England.

In the second half some rusty bits appeared back in England's play from old but they did enough to hold France out and take the game convincingly.

Preview
This is the clash of the 6 Nations competition for this weekend. England still has a mathematical chance of winning the championship but it would need to whallop the French by many and then dismember Scotland next weekend. France needs to win and win well today, then hope Wales knocks Ireland off next weekend and then walk over Italy on the same day. Occasionally the 6 Nations Championship does serve up some interesting finishes.

England will need to play exceedingly well to defeat France today. They pushed Grand Slam contenders Ireland very close in Dublin two weeks ago and although we have seen little sparkle and flow we have seen England developing into a brute of a team.

France has been hinting that better things will be since the competition began. It's been rebuilding and it all finally came together against Wales two weeks ago. The French are reknown for their inconsistency and any lapses today will be snaffled up by an English side determined to silence it critics. And don't forget the English win in Paris last year nor when England knocked France out of the World Cup the year before! This should be a mommoth clash but don't expect any brilliant play.

Last Five Encounters
23.02.2008 England 24-13 in Paris (6 Nations)
13.10.2007 England 14-9 in Paris (World Cup, Semi-final)
18.08.2007 France 22-9 in Marseilles (World Cup Warm up)
11.08.2007 France 21-15 at Twickenham (World Cup Warm up)
11.03.2007 England 26-18 at Twickenham (6 Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-France 3rd, England 7th
Europe Table-France 1st, England 4th

Prediction: I do like an upset. England to win by 3 points in a low-scoring brusing affair. Also 4 yellow cards to be shared!!


Teams




England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Ugo Monye
13 Michael Tindal
12 Riki Flutey
11 Mark Cueto
10 Tobais Flood
9 Harold Ellis
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Joseph Worsley
6 Thomas Croft
5 Simon Shaw
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery
2 Lee Mears
1 Andrew Sheridan
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Julian White
18 James Haskell
19 Nicholas Kennedy
20 Daniel Care
21 Andrew Goode
22 Mathew Tait
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

France



France
15 Maxime Medard
14 Julien Malzieu
13 Mathieu Bastareaud
12 Yannick Jauzion
11 Cedric Heymans
10 Françios Trinh-Duc
9 Morgan Parra
8 Imanol Harinordoquy
7 Sebastien Chabal
6 Thierry Dusautoir
5 Jérôme Thion
4 Lionel Nallet, Capt.
3 Sylvain Marconnet
2 Dimitri Szarzewski
1 Lionel Faure
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayzer
17 Thomas Domingo
18 Louis Picamoles
19 Julien Bonnaire
20 Sebastien Tillous-Borde
21 Florian Fritz
22 Damien Traille
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont

Rugby Match Result: Portugal 24, Spain 19

15.03.2009
Portugal 24, Spain 19 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)

Reviews
Portugal has continued its dominance of its Iberian Neighbour with a 24-19 win in Lisbon, winning by 5 points (I predicted Portugal by 6!) It also has placed a little distance between Portugal and the tail-end charlies, Spain and Germany.


Spain received two and Portugal one yellow cards in the first half, but no real advantage was taken as both sides scored 3 points a piece during that time. Portugal led 18-6 at halftime and then 21-12 with 2 minutes remaining. Then all hell broke loose with a Spanish try on 78th minute, converted for Portugal to lead 21-19. Then Portugal says enough with a penalty goal right on full time.




Clean lineout take by Portugal.
Image thanks to http://infordesporto.sapo.pt/





Spain attacks from their own line.
Image thanks to http://www.ferugby.com/


Preview

Image thanks to http://www.fpr.pt/

The clash of the Iberian Peninsula. The rivalry between these two teams goes back to 1935 when Spain won the first of many tests 6-5 in Lisbon. Both these teams need to win this match to pull themselves away from the relegation zone in the European Nations Cup Division 1 competition.

Spain's reaction to its big loss two weeks ago is to bring in some new players. Portugal will keep mainly to its successful squad it has used so far this season. True to most recent clashes between these to European rugby powers, it will be a close match.

Last Five Encounters
10.05.2008 Spain 21-17 in Madrid (ENC 1)
03.02.2007 Portugal 21-18 in Lisbon (ENC 1)
21.03.2004 Portugal 35-19 in Ibiza (ENC 1)
22.03.2003 Portugal 40-38 in Lisbon (ENC 1)
02.06.2002 Spain 34-21 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R3, Pool B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Portugal 16th, Spain 21st
Europe Table-Portugal 8th, Spain 11th

Teams

Image thanks to irb.com

Portugal Squad
Julien Bardi (Clermont, France)
Pedro Cabral (CRC Madrid)
João Correia (GD Direito)
Adérito Esteves (GD Direito)
Gonçalo Foro (CD Univ. Lisboa)
Tiago Girão (CD Univ. Lisboa)
João Júnior (CD Univ. Lisboa)
Pedro Leal (GD Direito)
David Mateus (OS Belenenses)
Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses)
Juan Murre (Sporting St. Nazaire, France)
Salvador Palha (GD Direito)
David Penalva (Auch, France)
Duarte Cardoso Pinto (AEIS Agronomia)
José Pinto (Roma, Italy)
Juan Severino (AEIS Agronomia)
Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses)
Cristian Spachuk (Auch, France)
Nuno Taful (CR Técnico)
Gonçalo Uva (Montpellier RC, France)
João Uva (OS Belenenses)
Vasco Uva (GD Direito)
Head Coach: Tomaz Morais
http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/noticia.asp?opm=25&id=7412&id2=25





Image thanks to irb.com

Spain Squad
Guillermo Bárcena (Stade Francais, France) Age 25, 12 Tests
César Bernasconi (CRC Madrid) 32, 20
José Mª.Bohorquez (CR Ciencias) 32, 26
Juan Cano (CRC Madrid) 23, 20
Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid) 25, 31
Mathew Cook (CR La Vila) 29, New Cap
Damien Elgoyhen (Avion Bayonnais, France) 22, 1
Leandro Fernández-Aramburu (CR Ciencias) 28, 10
Juan Gonzalez (CRC Madrid) 26, 28
Mathieu Gratton (RC Graulhet, France) 26, 7
Sergio Guerrero (UE Santboiana) 25, 2
Sebastián Hattori (CR Ciencias) 26, 2
Ion Insausti (CRC Madrid) 24, 24
Mathieu López (Stade Montois, France) 28, 3
Mickael López (Avion Bayonnais, France) 22, New Cap
Ignacio Martin (Gran Parma RC, Italy) 25, 22
Jaime Nava (CE Salvador) 25, 28
Jeremías Palumbo (Getxo Artea RT) 25, 2
Marco Pinto (Auvergne, France) 20, 2
Javier Salazar (CRC Madrid) 31, 57
César Sempere (CRC Madrid) 24, 34
Julien Tourtoulou (Colomiers RC, France) 25, 7
Matías Tudela (CRC Madrid) 24, 2
Diego Zarzosa (CE Salvador) 33, 45
Head Coach: Ged Glynn


Spanish Squad. Image thanks to http://www.ferugby.com/

Latest Rugby Results

15.03.2009
England 34, France 10 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Portugal 24, Spain 19 in Lisbon (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC1)

Test Rugby Results at a Glance

14.03.2009
Ireland 22, Scotland 15 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Wales 20, Italy 15 in Rome (6 Nations)
Georgia 28, Romania 23 in Tblissi (WCQ Euro. R1; ENC 1)
Belgium 15, Czech Republic 15 in Brussels (WCQ Euro. R2; ENC 2A)Switzerland 32, Andorra 9 in Avusy (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 3A)
Cyprus 33, Slovakia 7 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

Today
France v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Spain v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 1)

Rugby Test Result: Ireland 22, Scotland 15

14.03.2009
Ireland 22, Scotland 15 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)

Reviews
I predicted a Scottish win but Ireland did enough in this scrappy encounter to hold out a dtermined Scotland. Ireland are now within one game of gaining their first Grand Slam since 1948. Only Wales stand in their way next weekend. This last match of the 2009 6 Nations Championship will take place in Dublin.

Preview
Scotland has a grand chance to topple the Irish. Scotland won well against at home two weeks ago whilst Ireland struggled against the struggling English at home.

Scotland has performed well this season despite only winning against Italy. They have an exciting new backline and a front row that can take on anybody.

Ireland are still on target to win their first grand slam since 1948. They hace made some changes to the lineup that struggled against England and look a stronger unit.

Last Five Encounters
23.02.2008 Ireland 34-13 in Dublin (6 Nations)
11.08.2007 Scotland 31-21 at Murrayfield (World Cup Warm up)
10.03.2007 Ireland 19-18 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
11.03.2006 Ireland 15-9 in Dublin (6 Nations)
12.02.2005 Ireland 40-13 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Ireland 6th, Scotland 8th
Europe Table-Ireland 3rd, Scotland 5th No Change

Teams

Image thanks to irb.com

Scotland
15 Christopher Paterson
14 Simon Danielli
13 Max Evans
12 Graeme Morrison
11 Thomas Evans
10 Phillip Godman
9 Michael Blair (capt)
8 Simon Taylor
7 John Barclay
6 Alasdair Strokosch
5 James Hamilton
4 Jason White
3 Euan Murray
2 Ross Ford
1 Alasdair Dickinson
Replacements
16 Douglas Hall
17 Moray Low
18 Nathan Hines
19 Scott Gray
20 Chris Cusiter
21 Nicholas De Luca
22 Hugo Southwell
Head Coach: Frank Hadden

Image thanks to irb.com

Ireland
15 Robert Kearney
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Brian O'Driscoll (capt)
12 Gordon D'Arcy
11 Luke Fitzgerald
10 Ronan O'Gara
9 Peter Stringer
8 Denis Leamy
7 David Wallace
6 Stephen Ferris
5 Paul O'Connell
4 Donncha O'Callaghan
3 John Hayes
2 Rory Best
1 Marcus Horan
Replacements
16 Jeremy Flannery
17 Thomas Court
18 Michael O'Driscoll
19 James Heaslip
20 Thomas O'Leary
21 Patrick Wallace
22 Geordan Murphy
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

Test Rugby Result: Wales 20, Italy 15

14.03.2009
Wales 20, Italy 15 in Rome (6 Nations)

Reviews
I predicted Wales would run away with this game and win by 34 points but Italy put up a grand old fight whilst the Welsh side struggles to dominate.

Preview
It is very difficult to image that Italy could win this game. They, at best, could run the Welsh close. They actually defeated Wales 23-20 the last time these teams met in Rome, in 2007, and drew 18-18 in Cardiff the year before that. Two weeks ago Italy crashed to Scotland 6-26 and their hopes of improving their position among the 6 nations that take part faded. The coaches job is on the line and despite one of the most experienced packs in the competition, Italy just does not have the backs to defend or attack.

Wales is now in a strange position. With the Grand Slam dream torn apart by the French two weeks they are still in with a definite chance to take the Championship. The problem is can they pick up confidence after the defeat to France and can they take Italy seriously enough to win and win well.

Last Five Encounters
23.02.2008 Wales 47-8 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
10.03.2007 Italy 23-20 in Rome (6 Nations)
11.03.2006 Drawn 18-18 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
12.02.2005 Wales 38-8 in Rome (6 Nations)
27.03.2004 Wales 44-10 in Cardiff (6 Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Wales 4th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-Wales 2nd, Italy 6th No Changes

Teams


Image thanks to irb.com

Italy
15 Andrea Marcato
14 Giulio Rubini
13 Gonzalo Canale
12 Mirco Bergamasco
11 Matteo Pratichetti
10 Luke McLean
9 Paul Griffen
8 Sergio Parisse (captain)
7 Mauro Bergamasco
6 Alessandro Zanni
5 Marco Bortolami
4 Santiago Dellape
3 Carlos Nieto
2 Leonardo Ghiraldini
1 Salvatore Perugini
Replacements
16 Franco Sbaraglini
17 Martin Castrogiovanni
18 Carlo Antonio Del Fava
19 Joshua Sole
20 Pablo Canovosio
21 Luciano Orquera
22 Roberto Quartaroli
Head Coach: Nik Mallett

Wales


Image thanks to irb.com

15 Lee Byrne
14 Mark Jones
13 James Roberts
12 Gavin Henson
11 Shane Williams
10 James Hook
9 Michael Phillips
8 Andrew Powell
7 Dafydd Jones
6 Jonathan Thomas
5 Alun-Wyn Jones (captain)
4 Luke Charteris
3 Rhys Thomas
2 Huw Bennett
1 John Yapp
Replacements
16 Matthew Rees
17 Gethin Jenkins
18 Bradley Davies
19 Ryan Jones
20 Warren Fury
21 Stephen Jones
22 Thomas Shanklin
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

Rugby Match Result: Georgia 28, Romania 23

14.03.2009
Georgia 28, Romania 23 in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1, Antim Cup)

Reviews
I predicted Georgia would win easily but Romania fought well and led for much of the first half before Georgia dominated the second half.

Georgia led 15-13 at halftime after Romania led for most of the first half. Four yellow cards dished out in that first half so it was obviously hard-fought and somewhat edgy. In the second half Georgia extended their lead to 22-13, then 28-16 with Romania scoring a converted try against a sleepy Georgian defense right on full time (Thanks to 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3040&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30)

From comments coming from FIRA-AER forum it looks like Georgia dominated scrums and lineouts and were able to gain territorial advantage especially in the second half. Romania on the other hand made too many errors and are missing many highly experienced France club-based players.

What do you think?

Preview
Georgia remains undefeated in this division as does Russia. The Georgians gave a most impressive display two weeks ago to defeat Spain 55-11 away. The pressure will be on them to repeat such a display in front of their home crowd.

Romania lost to Russia 19-28 two weeks ago and are still struggling to lift their game to pre 2007 Rugby World Cup standards. Romania has used a number of new home-based players since 2007 largely ignoring the large number of France-based players. The building process continues but today they must defeat Georgia or they face the possibility of an exit from the World Cup qualifying process.

Last Five Encounters
09.07.2008 Georgia 22-7 in Tblissi (ENC 1)
03.02.2007 Georgia 20-17 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
07.10.2006 Romania 20-8 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R5, Pool B)
25.02.2006 Romania 35-10 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
12.03.2005 Georgia 20-13 in Tblissi (ENC 1)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Georgia 15th, Romania 18th
Europe Table- Georgia 7th, Romania 10th No Changes

Teams


Image thanks to irb.com

Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili (Massy, France)
14 Irakli Machkhaneli (Agen, France)
13 David Katcharava (Enisei STM, Russia)
12 Tedo Zibzibadze (Périgueux, France)
11 Malkhaz Urjukashvili (Aurillac, France)
10 Lasha Malaghuradze (Beziers, France)
9 Irakli Abusseridze, Capt. (Orléans, France)
8 Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier, France)
7 George Chkhaidze (Racing Metro, France)
6 Grigol Labadze (Toulon, France)
5 Rati Urushadze (Enisei STM, Russia)
4 Levan Datunashvili (Aurillac, France)
3 Goderdzi Shvelidze (Montauban, France)
2 Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
1 David Khinchaguishvili
Replacements
16 Anton Peikrishvili (Agen, France)
17 David Kubriashvili (Brive, France)
18 Kakha Uchava (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
19 Dimitri Bassilaia (Morlaàs, France)
20 Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
21 Sandro Todua (Lelo)
22 Otar Barkalaia (VPC Andorra, Andorra)
Head Coach: Tim Lane (Australia)

Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3040&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15
http://www.rugby.ge/EN_index.htm
and thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3040&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

Romania

Image thanks to irb.com

15 Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti)
14 Catalin Nicolae (Dinamo Bucuresti)
13 Adrian Barbuliceanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
12 Ionut Dimofte (Steaua Bucuresti)
11 Ionut Botezatu (Baia Mare)
10 Razvan Stanca (Dinamo Bucuresti)
9 Valentin Calafeteanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
8 Costica Mersoiu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
7 Alexandru Tudori (Dinamo Bucuresti)
6 Stelian Burcea, Capt (Dinamo Bucuresti)
5 Cosmin Ratiu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
4 Alin Coste (Narbonne, France)
3 Ion Paulica (Bath, England)
2 Florin Tasca (Dinamo Bucuresti)
1 Nicolae Nere (Steaua Bucuresti)
Replacements
16 Catalin Beca (Dinamo Bucuresti)
17 Mihaita Lazar (Poli Iasi)
18 Valentin Popirlan (Dinamo Bucuresti)
19 Mihai Macovei (Baia Mare)
20 Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanta)
21 Catalin Dascalu (Steaua Bucuresti)
22 Stefan Ciuntu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
Coaches: Ellis Meachen (NZL), Cristian Hildan

Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3040&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15

Rugby Test Result: Czech Republic 15, Belgium 15

15.03.2009
Czech Republic 15, Belgium 15 in Brussels (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)

Reviews
A drawn result has not really altered what was already a very tight competition in Division 2A.

Preview
This section of the FIRA-AER European Nations Cup, Division 2A is wide
open. Any team could win this leg of the tournament

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Belgium moves up a place just below Czech Republic and one ahead of Moldova because of the draw.

Placings
14th-Czech Republic
15th-Belgium
16th-Moldova

For a full look at all GWC Rugby Rankings go to www.rugbyinternational.net



Image thanks to Belgium RFU

Teams
Belgium
15 Romain Orban (Kituro)
14 Alan Williams (Castres, France)
13 Thibaut André (Soignies)
12 Jérôme Cauwe (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
11 Frédéric Rongé (Haywards Heath RFC, England)
10 Peter Duchau (Boitsfort)
9 Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
8 Charlie Fourneau (Lille, France)
7 Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
6 Denis Eppe (ROC Ottignies)
5 Cyril Nana (Lille, France)
4 Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
3 Jérôme Wey (St Nazaire, France)
2 Norman Wende (Rouen, France)
1 Julien Massimi (Arras, France)
Replacements
16 Alain Miriallakis (Orléans, France)
17 Jimmy Mulumba (Domont, France)
18 Thomas Dienst (Le LOU, France)
19 Simon Marote (Arras, France)
20 Damien Godefroy (Lille, France)
21 Dries Bovijn (Boitsfort)
22 David Nemsadze (Domont, France)

Head Coach: Richard McClintock

Thanks to Dignate Schot, Secretary Federation Belgian Rugby Union

“Réserves : 23.Victor Wartique (Frameries), Aurélien Batardy (Soignies). From the original squad, two injuries Christophe Brayette (Lavaur) and Olivier Mahieu (Boitsfort) replaced by Victor Wartique (Frameries, en réserve) and Dries Bovijn (Boitsfort, n°20)”.http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=6655 and thanks to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3041

Belgian team in training. Image thanks to www.sportkipik.be

Czech Republic

15 Jan Rudolf (RC Tatra/RK Petrovice)
14 Roman Kodera (RC Říčany)
13 Václav Jursík (RC Strasbourg, France)
12 Martin Pekárek (RC Říčany)
11 Michal Schlanger (RC Říčany)
10 Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha)
9 Vachtang Pailodze (RC Sparta Praha)
8 Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno)
7 Vlastimil Madry (Juwenia Krakow, Poland)
6 Miroslav Němeček (US Oyonnax, France)
5 Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
4 Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France)
3 Lukáš Rapant (US Oyonnax, France)
2 Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France)
1 Roman Šuster (RC Rouen, France)
Replacements
16 Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha)
17 Pavel Hocke (RC Tatra Smíchov)
18 Vítězslav Fiala (RC Vyškov)
19 Jíří Černý (RC Tatra Smíchov)
20 Milan Jirman (RC Slavia Praha)
21 Petr Čížek (RC Praga Praha)
22 Tomáš Forst (RC Praga Praha)
Head Coach:

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3041
http://www.rugbyunion.cz/priprava-na-belgii
and thanks to Dignate Schot, Secretary Federation Belgian Rugby Union

Test Rugby Result: Switzerland 32, Andorra 9

14.03.2009
Switzerland 32, Andorra 9 at Avusy (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)

Reviews
I predicted a win to Andorra but in the end an easy win to Switzerland. Andorra, relegated from 2B last season, look to be heading down another division in 2010 unless they can turn things around.

Preview
Both these teams are languishing at the bottom of the ENC 3A table. They both need to win to drag them away from the relegation zone. That will be decided in the second round (2009-10).

Both teams have lost to one of the pass making teams Lithuania but Switzerland has the home advantage.

"Christian Cerqueda has had to work wonders to once more fill the squad list being summoned for the match tomorrow against Switzerland, corresponding to the Third Division of the Championship of Europe.The group of the 20 called has not been easy to gather, but at last following their absence in the last match he will be able to have the participation of important players missing against Lithuania on 8th November last, they are Benjamí Taurinyà , Magallon and Xepi Garcia. In return, the selector will not be able to call on Cabanes, Txelidze and Màxim Taurinyà, also props in the Isards, even though really the worry of Cerqueda is another: the kicker. "We do not have one and it is really a problem", he alerted. "This has effects on the matches in the dynamics of the team because he is usually decisive. Abelló, when he was in available, contributed 70% of the points when we played the Second Division B", he said.The nominated goal-kicker will be the captain of the VPC, Roger Fité, who attempts to win a match before a team against which they have never beaten on the field and that they are below in the ranking. These statistics contradict and the selector stayed in no-man's land: "I would say that we are a la par. We have a very good, but limited group, and the one that is important is to obtain a triumph at least, either in Switzerland or on the 21st at home against Armenia". Andorra are second to bottom above Switzerland by points difference only since they have each lost both matches."

Translated by 'Quentin' from FIRA-AER forum from http://www.elperiodicdandorra.com/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=16&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=594689&idseccio_PK=254&h=

Previous Encounters
05.05.2001 Switzerland 38-25 in Switzerland (WCQ Euro. RA; FIRA Pool 1) 26.09.1998 Switzerland 15-14 in Andorra La vela (FIRA Pool D)
29.10.1992 Switzerland 10-0 in Andorra La vela (WCQ 1995 qualifying)

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

Teams


Image thanks to http://www.rugby.ch/

Switzerland Squad
Clément Bartschi
Schelte Betten
Josh Bjornson
Alfredo Burgener
Jacky Dervey
Ramiro Dip
Samuel Dorthe
Benjamin Faudot
Oliver Gerber
Giuliano Gianuzzo
Nicolas Guyou
Mathieu Guyou-Kreis
Sergio Hösel
Andreas Huber
Gareth Jones
Ludovic Keller
Jesse Nicholas
Ismael Meyer
Gavin Moloney
Célien Mundler
Maxime Rossi
David Smith
Calvin Unholz
Cedric Unholz
Leo Vera
Coaches: Cameron Storey, James Kerr

http://www.rugby.ch/uploads/media/Swiss_Rugby_Union_Senior_25_Squad_CH-Andorra_V1-1.pdfThanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3044


Andorra team logo thanks to www.irb.com

Andorra Squad
Jaume Rifa
Peter Ambor
Xavier Vialsetru
Didac Martinez
David Kirikashvili
Ritchie Ortega
Marcos Cellone
Roger Font
Franck Mitjana
Paul Alieu
Jonathan Garcia
Roger Fite
Marc Gispert
Josep Magallon
Anthony Gaulin
Robert Gimenez
Gerard Gimenez
Benjami Taurinya
Guillem Garriga
Brice Lujan
Head Coach:

Only a squad of 20 will travel to Switzerland. A number of players are unavailable.

Squad list thanks to 'Andorranrugbyfan' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3044

Test Rugby Result: Cyprus 33, Slovakia 7

14.03.2009
Cyprus 33, Slovakia 7 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

Reviews
I predicted a win for Slovakia but an easy win for Cyprus at home puts them just into the lead over Bosnia Herzegovina on the points table. The clash between Cyprus and Bosnia Herzegovina next weekend in Zenica will decide who wins the first round.

Preview
This is the lowest division in the FIRA-AER European Nations Cup. It is also the only division that does not play in the 2011 World Cup qualifying matches.

Cyprus is one of the undefeated teams in this division. The other is Bosnia Herzegovina. The winner of the second round (to be played 2009-10) will be promoted to Division 3C which, under the present qualifying system, are eligible to participate in the qualifying series for the 2015 World Cup finals. Cyprus has defeated Monaco and Azerbaijan, neither of whom are championship contenders.

Slovakia on the other hand pushed the Bosnians close at home last November, losing 32-46. So, providing they travel well and have been able to select their strongest team, they could well cause an upset at the British Army ground.

Previous Encounters

These teams have met only once before. Cyprus winning easily at home 38-8 in November 2007.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 39th, Slovakia 40t

No Change

Teams

Slovakia Squad
Peter Bolla (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Martin Čmiel (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Michal Fric (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Ondřej Hankovszki (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.)
Richard Hladík (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Richard Januš (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Michal Juhász (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Pavel Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Rep.)
Josef Kučera (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Michal Kučera (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Tomáš Kurka (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Martin Majovský (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Marcel Mana (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Jan Mandičák (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Martin Mihálik (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Andrej Nátěr (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Viktor Ondroušek (JIMI Vyškov, Czech Rep.)
Patrik Poledna, Capt. (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.)
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Titus Silný (RC Slovan Bratislava)
Pešír Václav (RK Petrovice, Czech Rep.)
Coach: Pavel Lištvan


Slovak team photo thanks to http://slovan.rugby.cz

http://slovan.rugby.cz/nominace-slovenska-proti-kypru
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3042


Cyprus team logo thanks to www.cyprus-rugby.com

Cyprus Squad
Forwards:
Christo Kasabi,
Tony Thoma,
Dinu Floredan
Graeme Scott
Stephan Eleftheriou
Panos Jacovides
Andy Spring
Vlad Muhaylon
Deano Dean
Chris Thoma
Marco Mladenovic
George Theodoulou
Dan McFarlane

Backs:
Dimitri Maratheftis
George Agathocteous
Dan Thrasivolou
Marcus Holden
Anthony Crassas
Colm O’Cleirigh
Andreas Zacharia
Marc Thrasivoulou
Luke Peters
Kyle Oelofse
Fidias Efthymiou
AJ Pugh

http://www2.onthisisland.com/moufflon-team-announced/2009/03/03/
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3042

International Rugby Your Opinions

International rugby 2009 is well and truly on its way. It's time to get active and to recieve your opinions about international rugby. Because this site covers the game at the top level of rugby around the globe you will see rugby results from Andorra to Zimbabwe. Rugby is now truly a global game.

Add a comment to the post that interests you the most. I would love to hear your opinons, especially those of you who went to see any of these games.

I welcome your photos from international rugby matches. Send them in with a caption, especially player's names.

Please comply with a code of conduct-No abuse and please treat other peoples opinions the way you would want your opinions treated-with respect. I reserve the right to delete any offensive postings.

Rugby in Japan

Ian McDonnell sends to me a regular newsletter on the all ins and outs of rugby in Japan. The latest newsletter has drug scandals, corporate teams pulling out of the championship and a look at the Sanyo Sungoliaths who are winning their matches by huge scores.

Go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Test Rugby This Weekend 14-15 March

14.03.2009
Wales v Italy in Rome (6 Nations)
Ireland v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Romania v Georgia in Tblissi (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Czech Rep. v Belgium in Brussels (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)
Switzerland v Andorra in Avusy (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Cyprus v Slovakia in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

15.03.2009
France v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
Spain v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)

Reviews
The odds are on Ireland extending their lead in the 6 Nations Championship. However Scotland have a chance to defeat Ireland. Scotland won well against Italy last weekend whilst Ireland struggled against a struggling England and Scotland has the home advantage.

Realistically Wales would have to play dreadfully to lose to Italy in Rome whilst the England-France clash at Twickenham on Sunday could well be the game of the weekend. A loss to either side would almost certainly knock it out of championship contention.

The winner of the Romania-Georgia clash in Tblissi will jump to the lead in the European Nations Cup Division 1. Romania has already lost to Russia at home and may well find a rejuvinated Georgia too much at home. On Sunday Spain and Portugal clash in a most interesting Iberian contest. Both sides are on the brink in this competition with Portugal showing the better recent form and they also play at home.

For the first time since last November the contests below ENC Division 1 emerge. Divison 2A is wide open with all teams on four points and all with one loss each. The Czech Republic now play their last two games in a row and both are away. Belgium was one of the leading teams in ENC 2A last year but is finding the going tougher this year. The winner will jump to the lead.

Switzerland host Andorra in a bottom of the table clash in ENC 3A. Both teams have two losses and look well off the pace of the leaders Armenia and Lithuania. The host team has an advantage.

Cyprus and Slovakia are two of the newest teams in European rugby. Although not a Rugby World Cup qualifier, the contests in Divison 3D will produce a winner by 2010 and that winner will progress to Divison 3C. From there they will participate (under the existing system) in the qualifying system for the 2015 Rugby World Cup final.

Test Rugby Results

28.02.2009
Ireland 14, England 13 in Dublin (6 Nations)
Scotland 26, Italy 6 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
Russia 28, Romania 19 in Bucharest (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Georgia 55, Spain 11 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)

Reviews
Ireland just squeaked passed England at Croke Park. The win now leaves Ireland as the only undefeated team in the 6 Nations Championship, and the only team that can possibly achieve the Grand Slam.

Scotland swept Italy away 26-6. The Italians now look like being the Wooden Spoon holders for 2009. Will it signal the end of Nick Mallet's coaching time in Italy?

Russia defeated the more fancied Romanians 28-19 in Bucharest and now look to challenge Georgia for the second European place at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile Georgia finally clicked into gear with a huge 55-11 win over Spain in Madrid.