Rugby World Cup 2011
Georgia and Russia vie for ENC glory
Scrum.com
March 19, 2010
Georgia celebrate their 29-21 European Nations Cup victory over Russia, Mariupol, Ukraine, March, 22, 2009
Georgia have booked their place at the Rugby World Cup © Associated Press
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Georgia and Russia will go head-to-head for the European Nations Cup title this weekend in a game that will also confirm their Rugby World Cup opponents.

Both teams have already secured their places at the sport's showpiece event in New Zealand next year with the sold out clash in Trabzon, Turkey set to decide which team progresses as Europe 1 and which travels as Europe 2.

Georgia currently sit at the top of the ENC table by virtue of points difference from Russia, after their first loss in a two-year campaign to Romania in Bucharest last weekend. A draw will therefore be enough to claim the title and secure a place alongside Argentina, England, Scotland and the Play-Off winner in Pool B.

Russia, who made history by qualifying for their first World Cup following a draw with Romania in Sochi three weeks ago, need a victory for their first ENC title with the loser of the match set to slot into Pool C as Europe 2 alongside Australia, Ireland, Italy and USA.

The Lelos, who have qualified for a third successive Rugby World Cup, have the edge in the head-to-head with Russia, having won their last eight meetings and lost just once in 13 meetings - the first encounter back in May 1993 following the collapse of the former Soviet Union. The most recent of these was a 29-20 success in Ukraine a year ago.

While Georgia relish the prospect of a third successive Rugby World Cup, Romania's ever present record is under threat from Portugal who currently lead the race to finish third. With a three-point advantage, Portugal must avoid defeat against the Oaks in Lisbon to ensure they enter the two-leg play-off against the winner of the ENC play-off match between Division 3A winners Lithuania and their Division 2A counterparts Ukraine. The winner of that game will represent Europe in the cross-continental play-off which will determine the 20th and final qualifier for RWC 2011.

If Romania emerge victorious then even defeat by Spain next weekend would see them finish level on points with Portugal, however should they win by more than one point it will be enough to split the teams on the differential used.

Rugby World Cup 2011 Pools:
Pool A: New Zealand, France, Tonga, Canada, Asia 1 (Asian Five Nations winner)
Pool B: Argentina, England, Scotland, Europe 1 (European Nations Cup winner), Play-Off winner
Pool C: Australia, Ireland, Italy, USA, Europe 2 (European Nations Cup runner-up)
Pool D: South Africa, Wales, Fiji, Samoa, Namibia

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