Rugby 5 pool features some seldom seen minnows

The pool kicks off with the clash between Belgium and Germa- ny.

Belgium thumped Germany 69-15 in March last year. Bel- gium lost three of their five matches last year, including predictable defeats to Russia and Georgia. Germany haven’t won a Test match since No- vember 2017. They lost all five Tests last year against Russia, Georgia, Belgium, Spain and Romania.

In Match 2 Scotland host Ireland. Scotland boast just three wins over Ireland in their last 10 clashes and were not too convincing against Italy last weekend. Ireland will be desperate to play themselves back into Six Nations contention after losing to England last weekend.

Italy take on Wales in Match 3. Wales are on a 10-match unbeaten run and last tasted defeat against Ireland in February last year. By contrast Italy’s only wins since the start of last year came against Georgia and Japan.

Spain face Russia in Match 4. It is almost a year since Spain upset Russia 20-13. This will be a close contest, but Spain start slight favourites.

England host France in Match 5. v France: These teams experienced contrasting fortunes last weekend. England confirmed that they are on the path to restoration by knocking Ireland off their perch in Dublin, while France imploded spectacularly against Wales.