Rugby Test Results: 10-11 July

11.07.2009
Half Time Canada 24-0 v USA in Edmonton (WCQ Americas 2, Final)Morocco 29, Kenya 11 in Safi (CAR Trophy, North: Final)
Senegal 11, Cameroun 3 in Safi (CAR Trophy, North: 3rd-4th)
Samoa v PNG-No score at present

10.07.2009
Togo 6, Mali 5 in Tsevie (CAR Dev.Trophy, North: Pool A)

Test Match Rugby: USA Eagles Head for Canada

11.07.2009
USA v Canada in Edmonton (WCQ Americas R2, Final 2nd leg)


Preview
The USA caused a major upset when, against form, they defeated Canada 12-6 last weekend in Charleston. It was American Independence Day and the USA Eagles celebrated the occasion in style. They will find the Canadians better prepared at home this weekend and will need to play extremely well to gain automatic qualification to the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals.


Last Five Encounters
04.07.2009 USA 12-6 in Charleston (WCQ Americas R2, Final, 1st leg)
21.06.2008 Canada 26-10 in Chicago (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)
02.06.2007 Canada 52-10 at Twickenham (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)
02.08.2006 Canada 56-7 in St Johns (WCQ America R3, North)
17.06.2006 Canada 33-18 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)


GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-USA 15th, Canada 16th
North America Table-USA 1st, Canada 2nd


Prediction: USA by 7 points


Teams

USA
15. Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz Olympic, France)
13. Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma, Italy)
12. Roland Suniula (Pearl City RFC)
11. Kevin Swiryn (Old Puget Sound Beach)
10. Mike Hercus (Sunshine Coast Stingrays, Australia)
9. Tim Usasz (Nottingham, England)
8. Nic Johnson (Denver Barbarians)
7. Todd Clever (Xerox Lions) Captain
6. Louis Stanfill (New York Athletic Club)
5. Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
4. John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians)
3. Shawn Pittman (Bayside RFC)
2. Chris Biller (California)
1. Mate Moeakiola (Park City Haggis)

Replacements
16. Joe Welch (Belmont Shore)
17. Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England)
18. Alec Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen)
19. J.J. Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, South Africa)
20. Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club)
21. Ata Malifa (Belmont Shore RFC)
22. Salesi Sika (Castres Olympique, France)

Head Coach: Eddie O’Sullivan

Adapted from http://www.usarugby.org/

Canada
15. James Pritchard (Bedford, England)
14. Matt Evans (Hartpury College, England)
13. DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish)
11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Moseley, England)
10. Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy)
9. Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates, England)
8. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
7. Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers)
6. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers)
5. Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens)
4. Mike Burak (Unattached)
3. Dan Pletch (Niagara Thunder)
2. Pat Riordan (University of Victoria)
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)

Replacements
16. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians)
17. Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria)
18. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC)
19. Stu Ault (Mosely, England)
20. Bryn Keys (Moseley, England)
21. Phil Mack (James Bay AA)
22. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley (NZ)

Adapted from http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=0&page=36783

Test Match: Papua New Guinea Challenges Samoa

11.07.2009
Samoa v Papua New Guinea in Apia (WCQ Oceania R2 Final, 1st leg)


Preview
Papua New Guinea earned the right to challenge Samoa for a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals with a 29-21 win over the Cook Islands in Port Moresby last weekend. PNG has never managed to get past the big three of Pacific Island rugby before and they will face a daunting task.


Samoa, fresh from their Pacific Nations Cup campaign will be too strong for their lesser experienced rivals. The Samoan team is not as strong as that that took part in the Pacific Nations Cup.


These two teams have never met before.


GWC Rugby Rankings: Oceania Table-Samoa 3rd, Papua New Guinea 6th


Prediction: Samoa by 42 points.


Teams

Manu Samoa Squad
FORWARDS
Andrew Williams
Mahonri Schwalger
Census Johnston
Fosi Palaamo
Ernest Skelton
Heroshi Tea
Daniel Leo
Filipo Levi
Semo Sititi
Jonathan Faamatuainu
Ofisa Treviranus
George Stowers
Misioka Timoteo
Simaika Mikaele

BACKS
Tauafao
Alatasi Tupou
Ki Anufe
Eliota Fuimaono
Seilala Maposua
Gavin Williams
Henry Faafili
Lolo Lui
Esera Lauina
Reupena Levasa
Uale Mai
Pesamino Alauni
Titi Esau
Mikaele Pesamino

Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua

http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=32&Itemid=254

Not involved
Alesana Tuilagi (wing, Leicester)
Henry Tuilagi (back row, Perpignan)
Salosi Tagicakibau (wing, London Irish)
Justin Va'a (Prop, Glasgow)
Joe Tekori (2nd Row, Castres)
David Lemi (wing, Wasps)

Papua New Guinea Squad
Lawrence Acanufa
Shane Amean
Peatrie Birney
David Eri
Paul Genia
Yaisuo Giheno
Alex Haija
Adam Hill
Chris Hogi
Chris Kakah
Kapua Kapua
Desmond Korpork
Charlie Maips
Jack Maraha
Namo Mark
Richard Mark
Aaron Miai
Edwin Noki
Gina Ponda
Rikis (capt)
Ray Romalus (vc)
Philip Suapo
Westley Thomas
Ray Vagi
Head Coach: Billy Rapilla

Out injured
Emmanuel Auru
Manu Gairo Jr
http://www.samoarugbyunion.ws/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=32&Itemid=254

Rugby Test: Kenya and Morocco in CAR Trophy Final

11.07.2009
Kenya v Morocco in Safi (CAR Trophy, North; Final)


Preview
The local Moroccan team was hard pushed to over come a team they would normally dispatch with ease. It's difficult to pin point their present woes but missing out on a World Cup finals place crashed last season has not helped confidence. I expect Kenya, who were also surprisingly eliminated last year, to prevail in a very close game.


Previous Encounters
23.06.2007 Kenya 23-16 in Nairobi (CAR Africa Cup, Div.1, North A)
07.05.2005 Morocco 29-3 in Casablanca (CAR Div.1, Pool C)


GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Kenya 4th, Morocco 8th


Prediction: Kenya by 1 point


Teams

Kenya squad
Dennis Abenga (Nakuru RFC)
Leon Adongo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Edwin Alubaka (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Andrew Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Michael Aung (Nondescripts RFC)
Naftali Bondo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Lawrence Buyachi (Nakuru RFC)
Gray Cullen (Nondescripts RFC)
Charles Kanyi (Nondescripts RFC)
Daniel Kiptoo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Wilson Kopondo (Mean Machine RFC)
Vincent Mose (Impala RFC)
Joel Nganga (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Benedict Nyambu (Nondescript RFC)
Peter Kepha Odera (Strathmore University RFC)
Victor Oduor (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Anthony Ogot (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Paul Oimbo (Impala RFC)
Kelvin Omiyo (Nakuru RFC)
Vincent Ongera (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Innocent Simiyu, Capt. (Impala RFC)
Linus Simiyu (Impala RFC)
Gibson Weru (Nakuru RFC)
Head Coach: Michael Otieno

Adapted from http://rugbykenya.blogspot.com/ and thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3116&start=45

Morocco squad as yet unavailable.

Test Rugby: Senegal v Cameroun

11.07.2009
Senegal v Cameroun in Safi (CAR Trophy, North; Playoff 3rd-4th)


Preview
These two teams will have to settle for the pickings after their mid-week defeats. Senegal has a slight historical advantage over Cameroun although I'd expect the result to be close. A lot will depend on how many injuries and how well the teams have shaped up after those tough matches mid-week.


Previous Encounters
08.04.2006 Senegal 20-16 in Dakar (CAR Africa Cup, Group C)
26.03.2005 Senegal 6-0 in Duala (WCQ Africa Round 1A, North)


GWC Rugby Rankings: Senegal 11th, Cameroun 12th


Prediction: Senegal by 3 points


Teams

Senegal Squad
Front Row
Mamadou Diallo (Suresnes, France)
Antoine Laporte (Castres, France)
Carlos Mendy (Chateauneuf-Orange, France)
Ousmane Ndiaye (Oyonnax, France)
Ciré Sam (Oyonnax, France)
Mamadou Sy (Grasse, France)

Second Row
Magnamé Koïta (Vienne, France)
Mamadou Koïta (Grenoble, France)
Lamine Ndiaye (Suresnes, France)

Loose Forwards
Abdoulaye Ba (Maisons-Laffite, France)
Aliou Bodiang (Gourdon, France)
Ousmane Mané (Drancy, France)
Preira Charles Ndiaye (Niort, France)
Mouhamed Samba (Brive, France)

Half Backs
Moussa Magassa (Drancy, France)
Demba Kane (Bobigny, France)
Khalifa Niang (Nice, France)
Steeve Sargos (Romans, France)

Three Quarters
Mamadou Diarra (Pau, France)
Ousmane Diarra (Viry-Châtillon, France)
Moussa Koïta-Gros (Saint-Nazaire, France)
José Rui Mendy (Caïmans, Dakar)
Victor-Biram Samb (Léon, France)
Isamsi Touré (Boucau-Tarnos, France).
Entraîneur : Jean Marc Foucras

Adapted from http://www.senegal-rugby.com/L-equipe-n ... _a116.html, and thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3116&start=45

Cameroun squad not available as yet.

Rugby Test Matches: CAR Dev. Trophy North

11.07.2009
Burkino Faso v Nigeria in Tsévié (CAR Dev.Trophy, North, Pool B)
Ghana v Togo 'B' in Tsévié (CAR Development Trophy, North, Pool B)

These matches were previewed on Thursday. Note, Chad withdrew at the last minute and has been replaced by Togo's second team.

International Test Rugby This Weekend 11-12 July

11.07.2009
Canada v United States in Edmonton (WCQ Americas R2, Playoff 2nd leg)
Samoa v Papua New Guinea in Apia (WCQ Oceania R2, 1st leg)
Kenya v Morocco in Safi (CAR Trophy, North: Final)
Senegal v Cameroun in Safi (CAR Trophy, North; Playoff 3rd-4th)
Burkino Faso v Nigeria in Tsévié (CAR Dev.Trophy, North, Pool B)
Ghana v Chad in Tsévié (CAR Development Trophy, North, Pool B)

12.07.2009
Niger v Mali in Tsévié (CAR Development Trophy, North, Pool A)
Togo v Benin in Tsévié (CAR Development Trophy, North, Pool A)

Test Rugby: CAR Development Trophy Begins

This tournament is being held in the West African republic of Togo. The eight teams are all from within the region.

10.07.2009
Niger v Benin in Lome (Pool A)
Togo v Mali in Lome (Pool A)

11.07.2009
Burkino Faso v Nigeria in Lome (Pool B)
Ghana v Chad in Lome (Pool B)

Niger v Benin
These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Does not apply as Benin last played test rugby in 2006.

Prediction: Niger by 40 points

Togo v Mali
Previous Encounter
23.06.2008 Togo 3-0 in Accra (CAR Development Trophy, North B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Togo 22nd, Mali 24th

Prediction: Togo by 14 points

Burkino Faso v Nigeria
These two teams have never met before

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Nigeria 17th, Burkino Faso 20th

Prediction: Nigeria by 21 points.

Ghana v Chad
Previous Encounter
23.06.2008 Ghana 17-8 in Accra (CAR Dev. Trophy, North A)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Ghana 21st, Chad 23rd

Prediction: Ghana by 14 points

Rugby Test Results 8 July

08.07.2009
Kenya 22, Senegal 7 in Safi (CAR Trophy, North: Semi-final)
Morocco 11, cameroun 0 in Safi (CAR Trophy, North: Semi-Final)

Reviews
Kenya lead Senegal 8-0 at halftime but Senegal scored early in the second half to come to within a point of the East Africans. Kenya then scored two unconverted tries to take this game and set up a final with the hosts Morocco.

Morocco defeated Cameroun 11-0 in a close game.
http://www.lesoleil.sn/article.php3?id_article=48810

Test Rugby: Africa Tournament Begins

This tournament is for the rugby nations who were eliminated in the 2008 Rugby World Cup qualifying matches for Africa. So it would come as suprise for some to read the names of the likes of Morocco and Kenya. In the past those teams have figured prominantly in the World Cup qualifying rounds. But in 2008 they were both quickly eliminated.

This tournament has a rather quick conclusion in its makeup, unlike other African tournaments that are about to kick off elsewhere on the continent. Which is rather a shame as those nations involved only get to play two test matches in 2009.

08.07.2009
Kenya v Senegal in Casablanca (CAR Trophy, North; 1st Semi-final)

Preview
Senegal has selected a very strong France-based squad, unlike previous teams. A Local Senegalese XV defeated Mali 22-3 in a warm up match on 27 June. These two teams have not met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Kenya 4th, Senegal 11th

Prediction: Senegal by 8 points

Teams

Kenya Squad
Dennis Abenga (Nakuru RFC)
Leon Adongo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Edwin Alubaka (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Andrew Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Michael Aung (Nondescripts RFC)
Naftali Bondo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Lawrence Buyachi (Nakuru RFC)
Gray Cullen (Nondescripts RFC)
Charles Kanyi (Nondescripts RFC)
Daniel Kiptoo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Wilson Kopondo (Mean Machine RFC)
Vincent Mose (Impala RFC)
Joel Nganga (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Benedict Nyambu (Nondescript RFC)
Peter Kepha Odera (Strathmore University RFC)
Victor Oduor (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Anthony Ogot (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Paul Oimbo (Impala RFC)
Kelvin Omiyo (Nakuru RFC)
Vincent Ongera (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Innocent Simiyu, Capt. (Impala RFC)
Linus Simiyu (Impala RFC)
Gibson Weru (Nakuru RFC)
Head Coach: Michael Otieno

Adapted from http://rugbykenya.blogspot.com/ and thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3116&start=45

Senegal Squad
Front Row
Mamadou Diallo (Suresnes, France)
Antoine Laporte (Castres, France)
Carlos Mendy (Chateauneuf-Orange, France)
Ousmane Ndiaye (Oyonnax, France)
Ciré Sam (Oyonnax, France)
Mamadou Sy (Grasse, France)

Second Row
Magnamé Koïta (Vienne, France)
Mamadou Koïta (Grenoble, France)
Lamine Ndiaye (Suresnes, France)

Loose Forwards
Abdoulaye Ba (Maisons-Laffite, France)
Aliou Bodiang (Gourdon, France)
Ousmane Mané (Drancy, France)
Preira Charles Ndiaye (Niort, France)
Mouhamed Samba (Brive, France)

Half Backs
Moussa Magassa (Drancy, France)
Demba Kane (Bobigny, France)
Khalifa Niang (Nice, France)
Steeve Sargos (Romans, France)

Three Quarters
Mamadou Diarra (Pau, France)
Ousmane Diarra (Viry-Châtillon, France)
Moussa Koïta-Gros (Saint-Nazaire, France)
José Rui Mendy (Caïmans, Dakar)
Victor-Biram Samb (Léon, France)
Isamsi Touré (Boucau-Tarnos, France).

Adapted from http://www.senegal-rugby.com/L-equipe-n ... _a116.html, and thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3116&start=45

8.07.2009
Morocco v Cameroun in Casablanca (CAR Trophy, North; 2nd Semi-final)

Preview
Home team Morocco would be favoured to take this game and win the tournament. Most likely the home side will consist mostly of Moroccains from France-based clubs.

Previous Encounters
26.05.2007 Morocco 20-6 in Casablanca (CAR Africa Cup, Div.1, North A)
29.05.2004 Morocco 18-6 in Yaounde (CAR Div.1, Pool A (North)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Morocco 8th, Cameroun 12th

Prediction: Morocco by 28 points.

Teams as yet unavailable

Weekend Results 4-5 July

04.07.2009
British and Irish Lions 28, South Africa 9 in Johannesburg (3rd Test)
United States 12, Canada 6 in Charleston (WCQ America R2, 1st Leg)
Philippines 25, Guam in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.4, Final)
Iran 48, Indonesia 13 in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.4, Playoff 3rd-4th)

05.07.2009
Papua New Guinea 29, Cook Islands 21 in Port Moresby

Reviews
Finally and at last the British and Irish lions let loose and won comfortably against a South African side that struggled the whole match. The Springbox 'Second Fifteen', as they were labelled, were not allowed to play their usual game and found a fired-up Lions side determined to take something from this tour. There will be questions about the wisedom of the South African selectors decisions to rest players and to the depth of the South African squad that will face Australia and New Zealand in a few weeks time.

The USA gained the best birthday present ever. A win against canada on the 4th of July! Although no tries were scored it was a entertaining close, physical match. The USA now head for Edmonton, Canada next weekend where they will hope to win and place themselves directly into the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The Philippines won promotion to Asia Nations Division 2 with a convincing 25-0 win against Guam. Iran won 48-13 against Indonesia thus relegating the Indonesians to Division for 2010.

And last but not least Papua New Guinea won the Oceania Zone World Cup qualifier against the Cook Islands. They now head to Apia next weekend for a playoff against Samoa in the first leg of the Oceania R2 final.

Test Match: South Africa-Lions Rubber is Dead

04.07.2009
British and Irish Lions v South Africa in Johannesburg (3rd Test)

Preview
It's a pity. So much was made of this unique British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa. But in the end it's became a fizzer. The Lions came so very close to pulling off the needed win last weekend but eventually went down 25-28 and from that point the series died. There may be a consolation Lions win here but already this side has been relegated to the group of Lions' sides that have failed.

Having said that the selectors have turned the game sideways with a huge number of changes made from the second test. They are not all forced by injuries although in the Lions camp, fresh legs were called for since the energy-sapping second test. Remember all players were selected to be able to play test rugby against South Africa.

For the Lions being without their inspirational back O'Driscoll wil hurt. But elsewhere across the paddock the possibilities are endless and in reality this is almost a one-off test. Pity about the dead rubber.

Lions Results on Tour So Far
30 May Lions 37, Highvelt Royals XV 25 at Rustenburg
3 June: Lions 75, Golden Lions 10
6 June: Lions 26, Free State Cheetahs 24 in Bloemfontein
10 June: Lions 39, Natal Sharks 3 in Durban
13 June: Lions 26, Western Province 23 in Capetown
16 June: Lions 20, Southern Kings 8 in Port Elizabeth
20 June: South Africa 26, Lions 21 in Durban (1st Test)
23 June: Lions 13, Emerging Springbox 13 in Capetown
27 June: South Africa 28, Lions 25 in Pretoria (2nd test)

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply.

Prediction: Sentiment prevails. The Lions by 7 points.

Teams

South Africa
15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Odwa Ndungane, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Jongi Nokwe, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Johann Muller, 3 John Smit, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Guthro Steenkamp, 18 Dean Carstens, 19 Steven Sykes, 20 Pierre Spies, 21 Ruan Pienaar, 22 Frans Steyn.

British and Irish Lions
15 Rob Kearney, 14 Ugo Monye, 13 Tommy Bowe, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Joe Worsley, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Phil Vickery, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements: 16 Ross Ford, 17 John Hayes, 18 Alun-Wyn Jones, 19 David Wallace, 20 Tom Croft, 21 Harry Ellis, 22 James Hook.

http://www.planetrugby.com/lions-09/story/0,25883,16024_5413116,00.html

International Rugby: USA, Canada Showdown No.1

04.07.2009
United States v Canada in Charleston (WCQ America R2, First Leg)

Preview
July 4th is a special celebration day in the USA. Independence Day sees festivity throughout the land. The USA rugby team will be hoping that the occasion will carry their team to victory in the first leg of this 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying match.

Both teams has had an extensive preparation over the months of May and June. Both played the visiting Irish and Welsh sides before competing in the Churchill Cup. What these results showed is that Canada has a clear advantage over their southern neighbours.

The USA has continued to struggle to build a strong team despite finishing above last in the Churchill Cup for the first time in a few years. New coach Eddie O'Sullivan, of Irish fame, is still building his new side. This is crunch time. The winner on aggregate over two legs will qualify automatically for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The loser will have to battle its way through a rigorous repecharge system to qualify through the back door. At this stage I can't see Canada losing either leg, although the home advantage for this match should see the USA push the visitors to a close result.

Last Five Encounters
21.06.2008 Canada 26-10 in Chicago (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)
02.06.2007 Canada 52-10 at Twickenham (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)
12.08.2006 Canada 56-7 in St Johns (WCQ America R3, North 2nd leg)
17.06.2006 Canada 33-18 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)
26.06.2005 USA 20-19 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup, Playoff 3rd-4th)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Canada 15th, USA 16th
North America Table-Canada 1st, USA 2nd

Prediction: Canada by 7 points

Teams

United States
15. Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz Olympic, France)
13. Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma, Italy)
12. Roland Suniula (Pearl City RFC)
11. Kevin Swiryn (Old Puget Sound Beach)
10. Mike Hercus (Sunshine Coast Stingrays, Australia))
9. Tim Usasz (Nottingham, England)
1. Mate Moeakiola (Park City Haggis)
2. Chris Biller (California)
3. Shawn Pittman (Bayside RFC)
4. John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians)
5. Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
6. Louis Stanfill (New York Athletic Club)
7. Todd Clever (Xerox Lions) Captain
8. Nic Johnson (Denver Barbarians)

Replacements
16. Brian McClenahan (Olympic Club)
17. Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England)
18. Alec Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen)
19. J.J. Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, Sth Africa)
20. Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club)
21. Ata Malifa (Belmont Shore RFC)
22. Alipate Tuilevuka (Provo Steelers)
Head Coach: Eddie O’Sullivan

Canada
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
2. Pat Riordan (University of Victoria)
3. Dan Pletch (Niagara Thunder)
4. Mike Burak (Unattached)
5. Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens)
6. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers)
7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Coventry, England)
9. Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates, England)
10. Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy)
11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Moseley, England)
12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish)
13. DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
14. Matt Evans (Hartpury College, England)
15. James Pritchard (Bedford, England)

Replacements
16. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians)
17. Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria)
18. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC)
19. Stu Ault (Mosely, England)
20. Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers)
21. Phil Mack (James Bay AA)
22. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley (NZ)
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2975&start=180

Test Rugby. Asia Nations Division 3

04.07.2009
The Final
Guam v Philippines in Manilla

Preview
The host nation staked a claim to the title for this tournament with a convincing 15-0 win mid-week against previously undefeated Iran. Guam were also convincing in their 23-3 win over Indonesia.

Previous Encounters
05.07.2008 Philippines 20-8 in Guam (Asia Regions)
27.06.2007 Philippines 39-3 in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.5)
20.05.2006 Philippines 18-14 in Guam (Asia Tournament Div.5)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Philippines 12th, Guam 17th

Prediction: Philippines by 12 points.

Teams

Guam Squad
Paul Claros (Captain) , Steven Sablan (Vice captain), Anthony "TJ" Ada, Gerard Aguon, John Arceo, Nathan Baza, Edward Calvo, Vinson Calvo, Leonard Calvo, Jeremy Cepeda, Billy Chennaux, Ryan Claros, Paul Eustaquio, Kepueli Katoa, Conrad Kerber, Robert Leon Guerrero, Ryan McManus, Randy Mendiola, Brandon O'Mallan, Earl Pascual, Matthew Sgro, Matthew Toves, Anthony Villena, William Williams.

Coach: William Hetaraka

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index. ... &Itemid=18

and thanks to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3003&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=150

Philippines team not as yet available

Playoff 3rd-4th
Indonesia v Iran in Manilla

Preview
This will be an interesting clash between the world's biggest Muslim nations. Their rugby community is as yet still very small but growing. Iran were undefeated in their short international rugby history until mid-week when they lost 0-15 to hosts Philippines. Indonesia lost 3-23 to Guam also mid-week and I would expect the Iranians to win, sending Indonesia to the 2010 Asia Nations Division 4.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Iran 13th, Indonesia 17th

Prediction: Iran by 28 points

Teams as yet unavailable

International Rugby Matches This Weekend 4 July

04.07.2009
British and Irish Lions v South Africa in Johannesburg (3rd Test)
United States v Canada in Charleston (WCQ America R2, 1st leg)
Guam v Philippines in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)
Indonesia v Iran in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.3, 3rd-4th)

05.07.2009
Papua New Guinea v Cook Islands in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania R1, Final)