Georgia and Russia will come face to face in an historic encounter in Trabzon, Turkey on Saturday to determine the European Nations Cup (ENC) champions and confirm the Europe 1 and Europe 2 qualifiers for Rugby World Cup 2011.

Both teams have already secured their places at Rugby's showpiece event in New Zealand with Russia qualifying for the first time following a draw with Romania in Sochi three weeks ago.

Georgia currently sit at the top of the ENC table by virtue of points difference from Russia, after their first loss in a two-year campaign to Romania in Bucharest last weekend. A draw or victory will therefore be enough to claim the title and secure a place alongside Argentina, England, Scotland and the Play-Off winner in Pool B.

The loser of the match, which kicks off at 3pm local time, will slot into Pool C as Europe 2 alongside Australia, Ireland, Italy and USA.

"There would be no bigger fixture here on TV than Russia playing the USA," said Russia's Director of Rugby Steve Diamond.

While Georgia relish the prospect of a third successive Rugby World Cup, Romania's ever present record is under threat from Portugal who currently lead the race to finish third.

With a three-point advantage, Portugal must avoid defeat on home soil in Lisbon (kick-off 3pm local time) to ensure they enter the two-leg play-off against the winner of the Lithuania v Ukraine match for the right to represent Europe in the cross-continental play-off which will determine the 20th and final qualifier for RWC 2011.

If Romania emerge victorious then even defeat by Spain next weekend would see them finish level on points with Portugal, however should they win by more than one point it will be enough to split the teams on the differential used.

The weekend's other European Nations Cup match sees Germany and Spain aiming to avoid relegation to Division 2A.