Exclusive: Cyprus set for Greece

Games that stand out on Saturday are Ireland v New Zealand and France v Argentina. But one derby in Athens could be just as captivating.

Fixtures that stand out this Saturday are Ireland v New Zealand and France v Argentina. But one derby clash in Athens could be just as captivating.

Cyprus make the short journey north to Greece this week as they look to get their European 3D campaign up and running with a win at a nation they coincidentally began their international career against – an impressive 39-3 win on home soil back in March 2007 going down as a fine bow.

But their rapid rise up the world's ranks in both XV-a-side and Sevens rugby will count for little over the next two years as they look to progress out of a testing group that includes Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Finland and the Greeks. It is a tough ask for 'The Moufflons', who are growing in both stature and size each term.

Cyprus' story began on that day against their neighbours and after nearly three years of games, they have recorded only one defeat, a promotion/relegation play-off away to Israel. Unfortunately for them though, their wins do not yet count towards IRB Rankings points.

So while the All Blacks and Les Bleus go through their usual pressers, Planet Rugby thought it would be a little different to catch up with a player from this up-and-coming nation. Adam Kyriacou had a chat with Cyprus prop Christo Kasabi, who plies his trade in England.

PR: Hey Christo.

CK: Hello mate.

PR: Am I right in saying that this is the first game of the 3D league for you guys?

CK: Yes, first game for us. Greece have already played Bulgaria and lost, while Bulgaria have won both their opening games. We are looking to hit the ground running and get a win on the board straight away.

PR: When do you arrive out in Athens?

CK: Everyone arrives Wednesday evening (from Cyprus & UK) with build-up sessions scheduled for Thursday and Friday.

PR: So are you guys still paying for your own flights to fixtures?

CK: In previous games we have been but we've been helped by sponsorship this time round. All we have to do is contribute 50 euros.

PR: Going into the game then if we can. How is the confidence in the side this year?

CK: We have always been confident in ourselves and the guys around us. We know when we come together we are here to do the job and get a win. It is not all serious though, there is good banter throughout the side. We play every game with the mind set of going out there and winning. Our squad is getting bigger and stronger all the time, with new players in the mix. Cyprus Rugby is definitely on the up.

PR: That's good to hear. So how have you guys approached the game and the season?

CK: We have held sessions in London and the Midlands with fitness tests being at the forefront. With such an increase in the player base, the coach needs to know everyone is putting in as much as they can in preparation for the upcoming internationals. After the fitness tests, there is ball handling and contact work. It is hard to implement a game plan as such when there are only 10-12 players at each session and with new guys coming in, the coach wants to see them in action rather than thrust a plan upon them. All of the guys based in Cyprus have also held sessions together.

PR: Did you play in the first Greece v Cyprus game of 2007?

CK: Unfortunately I wasn't involved in the first game, but one thing is for sure and that is it won't be the same. Both sides have had a lot of changes and it will be more competitive than previous encounter, especially with the Greeks having our former Head Coach as their own. He will know the majority of our side but hopefully they are focusing more on what we are going to do to them, rather than what they are going to do to us.

PR: A bit of extra spice then. How confident are the guys then of pulling off another win?

CK: Quietly confident. I believe in the other 21 guys around me and the coaching staff. We are a strong unit and are like brothers when we come together. We fight for each other and so far, we have reaped the rewards for that. We have suffered one loss in twelve and no one wants to feel that pain and emotion again. The Greeks have lost already but they had a great second half in Bulgaria and will be looking to build on that going into our game. They will be fired up for sure and will come at us hard and will fight for everything until the last minute. We will work hard in the two days we have together and hopefully will look back on Monday morning when we're back at our desk at the day job smiling after a great win.

PR: Quite a story for the office. Cheers Christo, all the best for Saturday.

CK: Haha, it is. Thanks Adam.