Rugby: Croatia beat Bulgaria, Ukraine in Split

In the preparatory match in Sinj, the Croatian rugby team convincingly outplayed Bulgaria and achieved one of the biggest victories in history! In a real rugby fest in front of full stands, the ‘Dice’ defeated the Bulgarians 76-7 (26-0).

Director Milan Jelavić and the menu Anthony Poša they also saw debutants Jurlina, Petera and Daniel Mau’u in action, and the local hero, captain Sinja, was in a particularly good mood Nikola Pavlovicwho scored three layups, out of a total of 12 of ours, and converted five times!

Vranešević scored three goals, Svaguš two, and Brčić-Šušak, Buljac, Plazibat and Conci one each, while Jurišić had three conversions. Fiipov scored for the Bulgarians, and Borisov converted.

Photo: Slavko Midzor/PIXSELL

– This is the biggest victory in a long time, and Bulgaria has not lost a game in the last two or three years. However, we are aware that there is a big difference between the national team of Bulgaria and what awaits us, Lithuania and Switzerland. We gave all the players a chance, nobody was injured and it will be a difficult choice for next weekend – said Poša, then he looked at the new players:

– The Mau brothers were good, it’s great that Josh Brajković is back, but I’m most happy that young players from Croatian clubs showed up, especially Svaguša, Majić and Brčić-Šušak.

The national team then went to Split to watch the match Ukraine – Sweden, and will gather again on Wednesday in Zagreb.

Photo: Milan Sabic/PIXSELL

And it was very emotional in Split. After 80 minutes of a great battle, several hundred rugby fans applauded both teams, but especially the dear guests, the Ukrainians. Down on the field, a large Ukrainian flag arrived, and the rugby players hugged each other and sang “Glory to Ukraine” at the top of their voices, which was accompanied by loud applause from the stands.

This is how the temporary stay of the Ukrainian rugby players in Croatia ended, emotionally, where they played their two home matches of the Trophy division of the European Cup of Nations. Last weekend in Zagreb they lost to Switzerland, and now they beat Sweden 38-15 at Stari plac in Split.

– A big thank you to Croatia and our friends from the Croatian Rugby Union for the hospitality, we are delighted and enjoyed your stay – said the manager of the Ukrainian national team Maksim Kravchenko at the end.

Photo: Milan Sabic/PIXSELL

There are still three matches left until the end of the competition: Lithuania – Croatia on March 25 and Croatia – Switzerland and Lithuania – Sweden on April 1.

Standings: Switzerland 15 points (3 games), Ukraine 5 (4), Lithuania 5 (2), Sweden 5 (3), Croatia 1 (2).