ASIA 5 NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Could this be the Decider?

08.05.2010
Kazakhstan v Hong Kong in Hong Kong

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
This could be the test match that decides which team will take second place in this the final round of Asian World Cup qualifying matches.

Hong Kong began with a hiss and a roar to defeat Korea 32-8 a few weeks again. They crashed last weekend to the Arabian Gulf away but will host Kazakhstan this week. Two key players returnfor Hong Kong. Both Colin Bisley and Nigel Hobler could not travel to Bahrain but are back in the side. They must win this match to stay up in the leading group. A loss today would almost certainly eliminate them from any chance of gaining that second place. Hong Kong will be out to repeat their 2008 home win against Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan will be without their top player Anton Rudoy who was not released by his Russian club. The side is a different team without him. They will have to work hard against Hong Kong who will have a huge local support.

Kazakhstan will be without Anton Rudoy. Image thanks to www.rugbyworldcup.com

Previous Encounters
24.05.2009 Kazakhstan 25-6 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
03.05.2008 Hong Kong 23-17 in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Kazakhstan 2nd, Hong Kong 4th.

Prediction: Kazakhstan by 5 points.

Neither team lists are as yet available