W.C. Qual - Serbia v Georgia

Game Two of the European Nations Qualification Tournament for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup kicks off this Saturday when Serbia plays hosts to Georgia in Belgrade.

In what will only be the second encounter between the two nations, Serbia will be looking to improve upon their result from last year which saw them leave Dynamo Stadium in Tiblisi 44 ? 12 runners up.

Serbia?s squad is expected to be similar to the team that recently took on the touring English Lionhearts (made up of players from the Rugby League Conference and National League III in the United Kingdom) in April, whilst Georgia, will again be an unknown quantity right up till kick off.

The significant preparation Serbia have taken in the lead up to the clash, including hosting the Lionhearts and a number of the top Russian Rugby League clubs will make them difficult opponents for the Georgians, who have not played an international since last years European Nations Cup, however with greater player depth and size, it will be unlikely that the visitors wont leave victorious.

Georgia and Serbia join Russia and Holland in the Qualification tournament, in which the two highest placed nations at the end of the round-robin competition will join Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Lebanon in the main European Qualification event to be held later this year.

Source: www.arldevelopment.com.au