Spain get back to winning ways

Spain take on Germany in a FIRA European Nations Cup clash in Madrid, November 15, 2008
Spain take on Germany in a FIRA European Nations Cup clash in Madrid, November 15, 2008
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Spain got back to winning ways in the European Nations Cup with a 22-11 victory over Germany at the Stade Universitaire in Madrid.The result was a welcome boost to the Lions' title chances following their heavy 42-15 defeat to Russia in the opening fixture of the 2008/10 competition in Moscow last weekend.The competition, that originated in 2000 and is sometimes known as Six Nations B, is the premier competition for second tier nations in Europe and this time around there is the added incentive of automatic qualification for RWC'11 for the top two finishers.Split over two seasons, the title is contested by Georgia, Germany, Portugal, Romania, Russia and Spain with each nation playing each other home and away. Georgia, who also appeared at last year' Rugby World Cup in France, claimed the 2006/08 European Nations Cup crown ahead of Russia.The Division 1 fixtures for the 2009/10 have yet to be confirmed but will be completed before June 30, 2010.The European Nations Cup Division 1 fixtures are as follows: November 8
Russia 42-15 SpainNovember 15
Spain 22-11 GermanyFebruary 7
Germany v Georgia
Spain v Romania
Portugal v RussiaFebruary 14
Georgia v Portugal
Germany v RomaniaFebruary 21
Portugal v GermanyFebruary 28
Spain v Georgia
Romania v RussiaMarch 14
Georgia v RomaniaMarch 15
Portugal v SpainMarch 21
Russia v Georgia
Romania vs PortugalMay 2
Germany v Russia