Romania welcome Russia to Cluj on Saturday in a match that could prove to be decisive in the European qualification process for Rugby World Cup 2019.
For both teams, who sit second and third in the qualification standings below Spain, victory in this Rugby Europe Championship match will keep their hopes of direct qualification alive.
Spain’s match in Georgia this weekend doesn’t count towards the qualification process with the Lelos already qualified for Japan 2019, but Los Leones are firmly in the driving seat to secure the Europe 1 place in Pool A after back-to-back wins over their qualification rivals took them one point clear of Romania and six of Russia.
However, a win for Romania will keep the pressure on Spain who, with a qualification match more to play than their rivals, have their destiny in their own hands. Russia’s dream of a second Rugby World Cup appearance will end with defeat in Cluj.
The team that finishes second in the standings will play Portugal in a play-off with the winner advancing to play Samoa home and away. The winner on aggregate will take their place in Pool A as the Play-off Winner, while the loser gets another chance to qualify through the global repechage in November.
Fans can watch the Romania v Russia match live from 16:00 local time (14:00 GMT) via Rugby Europe’s website at www.rugbyeurope.eu.
Source: www.rugbyworldcup.com
