Belgium will face the Netherlands this afternoon (Saturday 3 Sept), in Neder Over Hembeek, Brussels, hoping to win the Western Europe Tri-Nations after triumphing 26-12 away, in Germany, and narrowly beating the Dutch 8-6 in Rotterdam.
“Hosting Netherlands is always special,” said Belgian RL president, Yves Kazadi, “as we started our Rugby League story on their soil.
We know this will be a very competitive match, as always, and even more so this year. Based on our adversaries last result against Germany, this is truly an open game and our Tri-Nations could end with a draw. Players like Christopher Eyns and Ilias Laarchiri who were part of the first ever meeting, know the importance of this derby so we are expecting this to be an exciting decider for the crowd.”
Netherlands head coach, Kane Krlic noted: “After a positive performance against Germany, we find ourselves playing a strong Belgium team. They create a different set of challenges. But if there is one thing I’ve learnt about this Dutch team, it’s that they love to test themselves.
“This game marks the end of the international careers of Jason Bruygoms and Jorge Vasquez. Both have been indispensable to Netherlands Rugby League for many years, and I’m sure the rest of the boys will want to do them justice and put in a performance. On the positive side, as these guys retire, we have a host of U19s playing, and that is something we have worked hard to bring about in order to ensure a succession plan, as the game in the Netherlands continues to grow.”
