Rugby World Cup 2011
Lithuania and Ukraine set for RWC qualifier
Scrum.com
May 7, 2010
The race for Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand continues this weekend
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The race for Rugby World Cup 2011 continues this weekend with Lithuania and Ukraine set to go head-to-head in the latest European qualifier. European Nations Cup Division 3A champions Lithuania, who notched a world record 18th consecutive Test victory a fortnight ago with a 77-5 mauling of Serbia, tackle their Division 2A counterparts at the Savivaldbye Stadium in Siauliai. The winners of the eagerly-awaited clash will meet Romania, who finished third in Division 1, in a two-legged clash to determine Europe's representative in the cross-continental play-off to determine the 20th and final qualifier for next year's showpiece event in New Zealand. Lithuania have already beaten Israel and the Netherlands to earn the meeting with Ukraine, a side ranked six places above them at 30th in the IRB World Rankings but who go into the play-off on the back of away losses to Moldova and the Czech Republic last month. The Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying process could also become a little clearer on the other side of the world with the third round of matches in the Asian 5 Nations taking place in Tokyo and Hong Kong this weekend. The winner of Asia's premier competition will qualify directly for the tournament and join Pool A alongside New Zealand, France, Canada and Tonga. The runners-up with then tackle Uruguay with the winner of this encounter facing the either Romania, Lithuania or Ukraine or African side Tunisia for the right to enter Pool B along with Argentina, England, Scotland and Georgia. © Scrum.com
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