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Russia and Georgia were winners in today’s RWC 2023 qualifiers. The Eastern European countries won their respective matches in what was the opening round of the 2021 Rugby Europe Championship. Georgia were 29-16 winners away to Portugal while Russia downed Romania 18-13.
All four countries are prior RWC competitors. Georgia first qualified in RWC 2003 and has since been a constant participant. The Lelos defeated Uruguay at RWC 2019. Their best return was in 2015 when Georgia defeated Tonga and Namibia.
Russia are two-time RWC competitors. The world’s largest country qualified for RWCs 2011 and 2019. The team was winless in both tournaments. Russia’s place at RWC 2019 came after World Rugby disqualified Romania and Spain.
RWC 2019 was the first men’s Rugby World Cup without Romania. As noted, the Oaks were disqualified. The decision came after the fact; Romania qualified for RWC 2019. Ultimately, an investigation confirmed that Romania had fielded a player who was not eligible. The same outcome applied to Spain, who missed out on competing in inter-regional qualifiers, and Belgium.
Spain’s one appearance at a RWC was in 1999. Los Leones joined Scotland, South Africa, and Uruguay for the Scotland-hosted pool. Their first match was against Uruguay; the South Americans came out on top. RWC 2019 was her closest Spain has since come to qualifying. That said, Los Leones are a team to watch closely during the RWC 2023 qualifiers.
Portugal has also competed in one prior RWC. Os Lobos did so in France 2007. With the tournament returning to France in 2023, can Portugal repeat history? The current side is arguably their best in a number of years. In their match against Georgia, Portugal started strongly. Os Lobos held a one pint half-time lead which became four early in the second half. Georgia came back to win.
Russia’s triumph over Romania was different. All 18 of the Bears’ points came via penalties. Russia now turn their attention to Georgia. The Bears will play host to Georgia on March 20 in a round three match.
Round two will feature two matches. Portugal host Romania on Saturday while Spain host Georgia on Sunday. There are a number of Argentine players on the Spanish roster. Meanwhile, the Portuguese roster contains 2020 Peñarol players Jeronimo Portela and Rafaelle Sorti. Both men started today against Georgia.
🇷🇺v🇷🇴 | Highlights from the first game in the Rugby Europe Championship 2021 between @RugbyRussia and @RugbyRomania. #REC2021 #RUSvROU pic.twitter.com/A3RierDGjW
— Rugby Europe (@rugby_europe) March 6, 2021
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