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Romania and Georgia were winners in the latest round of Europe’s RWC 2023 qualifiers. The Eastern European countries won their respective matches on Saturday and Sunday. Romania were 28-27 winners over Portugal on Saturday in Lisbon while Georgia defeated Spain 25-19 today in Madrid.
The results mean that Georgia is top of the table after two rounds. The Lelos also won their opening match against Portugal. Romania are 1-1; the Oaks were narrowly beaten first up by Russia.
Georgia are favorites to qualify for RWC 2023 as Europe 1. The Europe 2 spot is open to more possibilities. Romania and Russia both have 1 win and played in recent RWCs. Spain’s narrow loss today against Georgia underlines that Los Leones are truly in the race to qualify for a first RWC since 1999.
Portugal are also prior RWC partipants. Os Lobos’ two matches thus far have been narrow losses against Russia and Romania. Portugal were beaten at the death by Romania on Saturday. The match saw Florian Vlaicu becoming the seventh player in history to go past 1,000 test match points. Former Peñarol backs Jeronimo Portela and Rafaelle Sorti both scored tries for Portugal.
The qualifiers continue next weekend. The third round will again feature two matches, both of which will be played on Saturday. Russia host Georgia in Kalingrad while Romania host Spain in Bucharest.
The prize for Europe 1 is noteworthy. Europe 1 will compete in Pool C of RWC 2023 and Europe 2 will compete in Pool B. Pool C contains Wales, Australia, Fiji, Europe 2 and the repechage winner. Pool B will consist of South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Asia / Pacific 1 and Europe 2. In short, Europe 1 has a friendlier draw.
