ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 2 in Thailand

The 2011 Asia Nations Division 2 tournament is to be held in Thailand, 4-7 May. The most exciting aspect of this tournament will the main fixture on Saturday. Japan and Kazakhstan will fly in to play their Asia 5 Nations games as the main game Saturday.

Tournament Venue:

04.05.2011
Chinese Taipei v Iran

 

Preview
These two teams have never meet in test rugby before. Iran took its place in Division 2 after being promoted from Division 3 in 2010. Chinese Taipei is in the tournament because they were relegated from Division 1 in 2010

GWC Rugby Rankings
Chinese Taipei 8th, Iran 14th

IRB Ranking Points do not apply

Prediction: Chinese Taipei by 12 points

Teams not available

India v Thailand

 

Preview
Thailand and India are the two teams left from last year’s Asia Nations Division 2. It is fitting that they meet on the first day.

Thailand’s squad. Image thanks to http://www.thairugbyunion.com

Previous Encounters
11.06.2008 Thailand 30-22 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1)
07.06.2006 Thailand 50-28 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament, Tier 4)
26.06.2004 Thailand 86-12 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament, Div.4)
16.11.2002 Thailand 67-10 in Bangkok (18th Asia Champ. Div.2, Section 2)
28.10.1998 Thailand 90-6 in Singapore (Asia Champ., Section B, Grp 2)

GWC Rugby Rankings
India 10th, Thailand 13th

IRB Ranking Points
Thailand 40.84, India 39.61

Prediction: Thailand by 9 points

Teams not available