Six Nations B, Round 2
Round 1 raised some eyebrows when Portugal beat Romania, which means that Russia, bound for the World Cup though they are, cannot take the Lobos lightly. But then the match is in Moscow.
Georgia are likely to be too strong for Spain but one cannot see Ukraine standing up to Romania, even in Kiev. In fact the Moscow match looks to be the closest contested.
Fixtures
Georgia vs Spain in Tblisi
Ukraine vs Romania in Kiev
Russia vs Portugal in Moscow
Round 1 Results
Russia vs Spain, 28-24
Portugal vs Romania, 24-17
Georgia vs Ukraine, 62-3
Russia vs Portugal
It’s hard to see Russia losing this match despite Portugal’s good showing last week. The Russians have been to many places in their preparation for the world cup, which means they have had several warm-up games as they head to the first Rugby World Cup they have attended.
Alex Panasenko, Nikita Medkov, Ivan Prishchepenko, Oleg Kobzev, Kirill Kushnarev and Alexei Shcherbanhave been added to the squad. But hooker Vladislav Korshunov is doubtful.
Portugal have aldso added to their traianing squad – Jacques le Roux, Carl Murray, João Mateus and Fernando Almeida – but there were few changes from the team that beat the Oaks in Lisbon. The only players missing are scrumhalf José Pinto and flank Vasco Uva.
Russia: n/a
Portugal: 15 António Aguilar, 14 Gonçalo Foro, 13 Frederico Oliveira, 12 Pedro Silva, 11 José Lima, 10 Joe Gardener, 9 Pedro Leal, 8 Juan Severino, 7 Julien Brady, 6 Laurent Balangue, 5 Gonçalo Uva, 4 Eduardo Acosta, 3 Cristian Spachuk, 2 João Correia, (captain), 1 Juan Murre
Replacements: 16 Lionel Campergue, 17 Anthony Alves, 18 Tiago Girão, 19 Luis Sousa, 20 Pedro Cabral, 21 Francisco Mira, 22 Bernardo Silveira, 23 João Junior
Date: Saturday, 12 February 2011
Kick-off: 14.00
Venue: Sochi, South Sports Park, Moscow
Referee: Jean-Luc Rebollal (France)
Georgia vs Spain
Georgia are in great form. Give them their tough France-based forwards and they will be too strong for the faster Spaniards.
Georgia squad: Anton Peikrishvili Vassil Kakovini, Beka Sheklashvili, Yury Natriashvili, Jaba Bregvadze, Levan Datunashvili, Shalva Sutiashvili, Vakhtang Maisuardze, Ilia Zedginidze, Grigol Labadze, Giorgi Chkhaidze, Lasha Tavartkiladze, Zviad Maisuradze, Bidzina Samkharadze, Irakli Abuseridze, Merab Kvirikashvili, Lasha Malaguradze, Lekso Gugava, David Kacharava, Tedo Zibzibadze, Irakli Giorgadze, Irakli Machkhaneli, Beka Urjukasvili, irakli Chkhikvadze, Besik Khamashuridze
Spainish squad: Martín Heredia, Ignacio Gutierrez-Muller, Diego Álvarez, Santiago Fernández, Martín Aceña (captain), Matt Cook, Rodrigo Martínez, Matías Tudela, Federico Negrillo, Unai Lasa, Gauthier Gibouin, Sergi Aubanell, Jesús Recuerda, Juan Cano, Sylvain Antequera, Adrien Ayestarán, Andoni Jorajuría, Mattin Auzqui, Beñat Auzqui, Mathieu Amoros, Mathieu Roca, Jesús Moreno, Pierre Belzunce
Date: Saturday, 12 Februiary 2011
Kick-off: 15.00
Venue: Tblisi
Referee: Greg Garner (England)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Rhys Davies (England)
Ukraine vs Romania
Romania will be hurting after losing to Portugal and will be determined not to lose this, their second away match, to the weak Ukrainian side, battling in a troubled union.
Ukraine: n/a
Romania: 15 Iulian Dumitras, 14 Ionel Cazan, 13 Gal Csaba, 12 Constantin Gheara, 11 Lemnaru Madalin, 10 Florin Vlaicu, 9 Florin Surugiu, 8 Ovidiu Tonita (captain), 7 Daniel Ianus, 6 Stelian Burcea, 5 Cristian Petre, 4 Valentin Popirlan, 3 Nicolae Nere, 2 Bogdan Zebega, 1 Cezar Popescu
Replacements: 16 Petru Tamba, 17 Vlad Badalicescu, 18 Mihai Macovei, 19 Daniel Carpo, 20 Valentin Calafeteanu, 21 Dan Dumbrava, 22 Catalin Nicolae
Date: Saturday, 12 February 2011
Kick-off: 14.00
Venue: Spartak Stadium, Kiev
Referee: Leighton Hodges (Wales)
Assistant referees: Sean Brickell (Wales), Huw David (Wales)
