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Spain with Two Argentine Players defeated Russia on Saturday. The 16-6 victory gives Los Leones a dream start in their Rugby World Cup 2019 qualifying campaign.
Representing Spain were two players from Argentina – Fernando Martín López Pérez and Aníbal Fernando Bonan. López Pérez played as Spain’s starting Loose Head prop. Bonan was Spain’s specialist replacement second-rower.
The result was one of two upsets on Saturday. Also winning was Germany. The Central Europeans shocked the rugby world with a 41-38 victory over Romania. The result sent shockwaves throughout the Americas. This past November Romania defeated Uruguay, Canada and the USA.
Also playing was Argentina’s regular Rugby World Cup opponent, Georgia. The Lelos fielded a vastly experimental side against Belgium. They were, nonetheless, too strong as they won 31-8. Romania attempted the same against Germany only to be defeated.
Georgia has already qualified for Japan 2019. The Eastern European country is competing in the European Nations Cup but not the qualifiers. Both Germany and Spain won four competition points while Romania picked up one.
Romania will play against Spain next weekend. Additional points for the Spanish will enable their Japan 2019 dream to realistically be targeted. Germany face the tough task of playing away to Georgia. Rugby World Cup 2011 participants, Russia play away to Belgium.
Spain played in Rugby World Cup 1999, facing Scotland, South Africa and Uruguay. Georgia debuted in Rugby World Cup 2003 and has played in all since. Russia played in Rugby World Cup 2011, taking on Australia, Ireland, Italy and the USA. Romania has played in every Rugby World Cup.
