Test Rugby Coming Up 9-10 June

09.06.2009
Mongolia v Uzbekistan in Tashkent (Asia Regions 2)
Jordan v Kyrgyzstan in Tashkent (Asia Regions 2)

10.06.2009
Canada v Ireland 'A' in Denver (Churchill Cup, Pool A) Non-test
United States v Argentina 'A' in Denver (Churchill Cup, Pool B)

Previews
Mongolia and Jordan play their first international test rugby matches in Tashkent. The winner from this tournament will most likely be promoted to a new Asia Nations Division 4 in 2010.

In keeping with its test match policy from the past I expect Canada will not be awarding test caps for this match, important though it may be.

The Canadians got their tournament off to a good start with a convincing 42-10 over a Georgian side missing key players. They will find the Irish tougher. Only three weeks ago Canada lost to the full Irish side 6-25.

In the other Churchill Cup game the USA takes on Argentina 'A'. The USA Eagles will have had to have pulled up well from their heavy loss to Wales on Saturday to be competitive. They will the Jaguars just as tough as the Welsh.

Predictions:
Uzbekistan by 20 v Mongolia
Kygyzstan by 30 v Jordan
Ireland 'A' by 3 v Canada
Argentina 'A' by 15 v USA

International Rugby: Germany v Portugal

21.02.2009
Germany v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC1)

Preview
These two teams last met ten years ago. Such has been the competition gap between these two European rugby nations that they have not met since.

At this stage of the competition this is the clash of the minnows. Both teams are languishing at the bottom of the points table although Portugal has both a match in hand and a draw to its credit.

Germany has struggled to compete since rising to this level of world rugby. They have lost to Spain, Georgia and Romania and although they've put up some stirring opposition they have not threatened the try line in the last two matches played.

Portugal were a little unlucky to draw against Georgia away. They had the game sewn up 20-13 on full time then conceeded a try at the death. That result would have been heartening for a team that captured the hearts of rugby fans around the world during the 2007 Rugby World Cup but who have failed to fire since. At home against a struggling team they should win and win comfortably.

Last Five Test Matches for Portugal
14.02.2009 v Georgia in Tblissi Drawn 20-20 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
07.02.2009 v Russia in Lisbon Lost 14-18 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
30.01.2009 v England Saxons in Sale Lost 0-66 (Friendly)
01.11.2008 v Canada in Lisbon Lost 13-21 (Friendly)
10.05.2008 v Spain in Madrid Lost 17-21 (ENC 1)

Last Five Test Matches for Germany
14.02.2009 v Romania in Heidelberg Lost 0-22 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
07.02.2009 v Georgia in Heidelberg Lost 5-38 (WCQ Euro R1; ENC 1)
15.11.2008 v Spain in Madrid Lost 11-22 (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
08.11.2008 v Welsh Clubs XV in Berlin Lost 14-27 (Friendly)
26.04.2008 v Netherlands in Amsterdam Won 27-17 (ENC 1)

Last Five Encounters Germany v Portugal
04.04.1998 Portugal 30-6 in Lisbon (WCQ Europe Pool 3)
14.05.1995 Portugal 26-16 in Heidelberg (FIRA A2)
17.04.1994 Germany 20-18 in Lisbon (FIRA A2)
30.04.1989 Germany 30-15 in Hanover (FIRA B2)
17.04.1988 Portugal 13-9 in Arcos Valdevez (FIRA B2)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Portugal 8th, Germany 12th

Prediction: Portugal by 32 points.

Teams

Portugal Squad
Antonio Aguilar (GD Direto) Age 30, 56 tests
Pedro Cabral (CR Madrid, Spain) 25, 17
João Correia, Capt. (GD Direto) 27, 41
David Dos Reis (RC Nimes, France) 31, 2
Bernardo Duarte (AEIS Agronomia) 25, 6
Valter Ferreira (OS Belenenses) ?, New cap
Gonçalo Foro (CD University Lisboa) 26, 13
Diogo Gama (SL Beneficia) 27, 15
Tiago Girão (CR Madrid, Spain) 23, 16
João Junior (CD University Lisboa) 22, 3
Pedro Leal (GD Direto) Age 24, 30
David Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 27
Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 62
Juan Murre (Sporting Nazairien Rugby, France) 28, 12
Salvador Palha (GD Direto) 24, 7
Duarte Pinto (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 38
Jose Pinto (Rugby Roma Olimpia, Italy) 27, 38
Jorge Segurado (GD Direto) 24, 4
Juan Severino (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 20
Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses) 24, 4
Cristian Spachuck (FC Auch, France) 27, 28
Gonçalo Uva (Montpellier RC, France) 23, 39
João Uva (OS Belenenses) 28, 42
Vasco Uva (GD Direto) 25, 52
Head Coach: Tomaz Morais

Germany
15. Edmorre Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg) aged 28, 6 tests
14. Benjamin Brierley (SC Frankfurt 1880) 22, 2
13. Colin Grzanna (Berliner RC) 28, 24
12. Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim) 25, 23
11. Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orléans) 25, 22
10. Kieron Davies (Ampthill RFC, England) 28, 25
9. Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg) 27, 24
8. Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg) 28, 23
7. Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim) 24, 3
6. Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England) 26, 11
5. Bobo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, South Africa) 30, 19
4. Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim) 27, 37
3. Pierre Faber (RG Heidelberg) 30, 20
2. Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg) 29, 33
1. Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans) 26, 33
Replacements
16. Benjamin Krause (SG 78/08 Hannover) 26, 26
17. Marcus Trick (SC Neuenheim) 32, 17
18. Benjamin Danso (DRD Hannover) 25, 12
19. Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg) 23, 78
20. Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1888) 27, 3
21. Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim) 23, 4
22. Christopher Liebig (Heidelberger RK) 22, New Cap
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer

With help from http://www.rugby-journal.de/index.php/basis/meldung/die_deutsche_formation_gegen_portugal/ and http://www.totalrugby.de/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showPlayers&p=6&ttid=285&Itemid=250

Test Rugby: Australia v France

22.11.2008
Australia v France in Paris


Preview
Australia does not have a good record against France in Paris.Forget the results of France's tour down south in June with a scratch team. This French side is developing, improving, still unpredictable and eager to continue their winning way on their home turf. There could be some pressure from the crowd. Remember how badly the french team let their fans down towards the end of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They need a good win.

The Wallabies are still rebuilding their team. 2008 has not been a thoroughly happy year but Australia jumped a level with that convincing win against England last week. Now we know their pack is rock solid. And their backs aren't too bad as well


Last Five Encounters
05.07.2008 Australia 40-10 in Brisbane
28.06.2008 Australia 34-13 in Sydney
05.11.2005 France 26-16 in Paris
02.07.2005 Australia 37-31 in Brisbane
13.11.2004 France 27-14 in Paris

Australia last won in Paris 18-13 in 2000

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 3rd, France 9th

Prediction: Leus Blues to flop! Australia by 19.

Teams

France
15 Maxime Medard
14 Julien Malzieu
13 Yannick Jauzion
12 Benoit Baby
11 Cedric Heymans
10 David Skrela
9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde
8 Imanol Harinordoquy
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo
6 Thierry Dusautoir
5 Lionel Nallet
4 Sébastien Chabal
3 Nicolas Mas
2 Dimitri Szarzewski
1 Lionel Faure
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser
17 Benoit Lecouls
18 Romain Millo Chluski
19 Louis Picamoles
20 Julien Tomas
21 Damien Traille
22 Alexis Palisson
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont's

Australia
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper
14 Peter Hynes
13 Ryan Cross
12 Stirling Mortlock, Capt.
11 Drew Mitchell
10 Matthew Giteau
9 Luke Burgess
8 Wycliff Palu
7 George Smith
6 Dean Mumm
5 Nathan Sharpe
4 Hugh McMeniman
3 Alistair Baxter
2 Stephen Moore
1 Benjamin Alexander
Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Sekope Kepu
18 Mark Chisholm
19 David Pocock
20 Samuel Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Digby Ioane
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

Rugby Test: South Africa v England

22.11.2008
South Africa v England at Twickenham

Preview
This clash is brewing up into a most interesting encounter. These two teams battled out the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and were at the time the giants of world rugby. It would be difficult to tag that label on them at the moment. Both sides has struggled to dominate their opposition so a rematch of the Cup final looms as a titanic struggle with the pressure on both sides to perform.

England were too organised for a Pacific Island team flung together at the last minute but found the Australians too tough last weekend. England is rebuilding their side after the disappointments of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the 2007-08 6 Nations tournament. Their forwards are certainly lacking the muscle usually associated with an English side whilst the backline is missing the composure of a Johno Wilkinson.

South Africa has experienced the high and lows of test rugby in 2008 but at the tail end of their season they are struggling. South Africa has rarely showed the form this year that won them the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They look a tired bunch only they only just squeeked past Scotland last weekend.
Last Five Encounters
20.10.2007 South Africa 15-6 in Paris (World Cup Final)
04.09.2007 South Africa 36-0 in Paris (World Cup, Pool A)
02.06.2007 South Africa 55-22 in Pretoria
26.05.2007 South Africa 58-10 in Bloemfontein
21.11.2006 South Africa 25-14 at Twickenham

You have to go back seven test matches before you read an England win in the history of clashes between these two nations. That was a close 23-21 win at Twickenham November two years ago.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-South Africa 2nd, England 5th.

Prediction: South Africa by 11 points.

Teams

England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Paul Sackey
13 James Noon
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Daniel Cipriani
9 Danny Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Thomas Rees
6 James Haskell
5 Thomas Palmer
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery
2 Lee Mears
1 Timothy Payne
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Matthew Stevens
18 Simon Shaw
19 Thomas Croft
20 Jordan Crane
21 Harry Ellis
22 Tobias Flood
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

South Africa
15 Conrad Jantjes
14 JP Pietersen
13 Adrian Jacobs
12 Jean de Villiers
11 Bryan Habana
10 Ruan Pienaar
9 Ricky Januarie
8 Pierre Spies
7 Danie Rossouw
6 Schalk Burger
5 Victor Matfield
4 Bakkies Botha
3 Jannie du Plessis
2 John Smit, Capt
1 Beast Mtawarira
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle
17 Brian Mujati/CJ van der Linde
18 Andries Bekker
19 Ryan Kankowski
20 Heinrich Brussow
21 Francois Steyn
22 Jaque Fourie
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

For lists of all international rugby tests played by South Africa, and by England, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Rugby Test: Australia v England

15.11.2008
Australia v England at Twickenham

Preview
There was a time when a clash between these two would have been a clash between the two best rugby nations. Sadly, both teams have slipped in their ratings since they clashed at the final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. England won this famous match with a Jonny Wilkinson dropped goal in the last minutes of the match. They also played a quarter final match at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, another close match finally won by England, putting Australia out of the finals.

Both teams have a lot to play for. Both teams are struggling at the top level of the game and this week has seen plenty of gamesmanship between the teams especially over their respective forward packs. England once had a pack that could easily crush the Wallabies but tomorrow things could be different.

Last Five Encounters
06.10.2007 England 12-10 in Marseilles (World Cup, Quarter final)
17.06.2006 Australia 34-18 in Melbourne (Cook Cup)
11.06.2006 Australia 34-3 in Sydney (Cook Cup)
12.11.2005 England 26-16 at Twickenham (Cook Cup)
27.11.2004 Australia 21-19 at Twickenham (Cook Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Australia 3rd, England 5th

Prediction: Australia by 7 points

Teams

England: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Jamie Noon, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Tom Rees, 6 Tom Croft, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Steve Borthwick, 3 Phil Vickery, 2 Lee Mears, 1 Andrew Sheridan. Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 James Haskell, 20 Michael Lipman, 21 Harry Ellis, 22 Toby Flood

Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Stirling Mortlock, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 George Smith, 6 Hugh McMeniman, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Digby Ioane.

Thanks to http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_4497100,00.html

I regret that time restrictions will result in limited coverage

Test Rugby: Argentina v Italy

15.11.2008
Argentina v Italy in Turin

Preview
This match takes on considerable importance as it gives both teams an opportunity to make up for the disappointments of last weekend. Argentina just lost out to France whilst Italy also pushed the Wallabies very close.

The pressure is perhaps more on Argentina. After their resounding successes at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the Pumas are struggling to reassert themselves on the international stage. They lost to Italy the last time they met, in Cordoba back in June. With news out this week putting them in contention to be included in the Tri Nations tournament, the Pumas simply have to perform.

As the underdogs, Italy has just a little less at stake. Perhaps the Italian fans are getting impatient for some consistent success. Italy has struggled at the top level of international rugby since their inclusion into the International Championship, now called the 6 Nations.

Last Five Encounters
28.06.2008 Italy 13-12 in Cordoba
09.06.2007 Argentina 24-6 in Mendoza
18.11.2006 Argentina 23-16 in Rome
19.11.2005 Argentina 39-22 in Genoa
17.06.2005 Italy 30-29 in Cordoba.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Italy 7th, Argentina 9th

Prediction: Argentina by 7 points.

Teams

Italy
15 Andrea Masi (Biarritz Olympique, France) Age 27, 43 Caps
14 Kaine Robertson (Montepaschi Viadana) 28, 33
13 Matteo Pratichetti (Cammi Calvisano) 23, 10
12 Gonzalo Garcia (Cammi Calvisano) 24, 3
11 Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Français, France) 25, 54
10 Andrea Marcato (Benetton Treviso) 25, 9
9 Pablo Canavosio (Montepaschi Viadana) 26, 21
8 Sergio Parisse Capt. (Stade Français, France) 25, 55
7 Mauro Bergamasco (Stade Français, France) 29, 64
6 Josh Sole (Montepaschi Viadana) 28, 31
5 Marco Bortolami (Gloucester RFC, England) 28, 68
4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava (Ulster, Ireland) 27, 31
3 Carlos Nieto (Gloucester RFC, England) 32, 27
2 Fabio Ongaro (Saracens, England) 31, 56
1 Matias Aguero (Saracens, England) 28, 9
Replacements
16 Leonardo Ghiraldini (Cammi Calvisano) 23, 14
17 Andrea Lo Cicero (Racing Metro Paris ) 31, 76
18 Salvatore Perugini (Stade Toulousain, France) 30, 53
19 Tommaso Reato (Femi CZ Rovigo) 23, 4
20 Pietro Travagli (Overmach Parma) 27, 7
21 Luciano Orquera (Brive, France) 27, 11
22 Luke Mclean (Cammi Calvisano) 21, 2
Head Coach: Nik Mallet

Argentina
15 Bernardo Stortoni (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) Age 30, 24 tests
14 Federico Martin Aramburu (Perpignan, France) 28, 17
13 Gonzalo Tiesi (Harlequins, England) 23, 17
12 Felipe Contepomi, Capt. (Leinster, Ireland) 30, 65
11 Rafael Carballo (Castres Olympique, France) 26, 4
10 Juan Martin Hernandez (Stade Francais, France) 26, 29
9 Nicolas Vergallo (Dax, France) 24, 12
8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Sale Sharks, England) 26, 26
7 Rimas Alvarez Kairelis (Perpignan, France) 33, 41
6 Martin Durand (Champagnat) 31, 59
5 Patricio Albacete (Stade Toulousian, France) 27, 27
4 Esteban Lozada (Toulon, France) 26, 11
3 Juan Pablo Orlandi (Rovigo, Italy) 25, 1
2 Mario Ledesma (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France) 35, 67
1 Rodrigo Roncero (Stade Francais, France) 31, 30
Replacements
16 Alberto Basualdo (Stade Toulousian, France) 25, 9
17 Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers, England) 25, 19
18 Alvaro Galindo (Beziers, France) 26, 5
19 Alejandro Campos (Pueyrredon) 25, 3
20 Agustin Figuerola (Club Atletico San Isidro) 23, New Cap
21 Santiago Fernandez (Hindu) 22, New Cap
22 Horacio Agulla (Brive, France) 23, 15
Head Coach: Santiago Phelan

For lists of all international rugby tests played by Argentina, and by Italy, go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Test Rugby: France v Argentina

08.11.2008
France v Argentina in Marseilles

Preview
Argentine rugby is still riding a high after their fabulous and popular successes at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They managed to defeat France twice at that tournament and although their performances so far in 2008 have not been earth shattering, with a full strength side now available, they could perform yet again a humbling victory over their old rivals.

France are rebuilding towards the 2011 Rugby World Cup. This squad has a new look about it with a number of players who toured Australia down under been given another chance. Against the experience Argentineans they could well be short of a gallop.

Last Five Encounters
19.10.2007 Argentina 34-10 in Paris (World Cup, Playoff 3rd-4th)
07.09.2007 Argentina 17-12 in Paris (World Cup, Pool D)
25.11.2006 France 27-26 in Paris
20.11.2004 France 24-14 in Marseilles
21.06.2003 Argentina 32-31 in Buenos Aires

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Argentina 8th, France 9th

Prediction: The heart must be with Argentina. Los Pumas to win by 3 points.

Teams

Argentina
15 Bernardo Stortoni (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) age 30, 23 tests
14 Francisco Leonelli (Saracens, England) 30, 13
13 Gonzalo Tiesi (Harlequins, England) 23, 16
12 Felipe Contepomi, Capt. (Leinster, Ireland) 30, 64
11 Horacio Agulla (Brive, France) 23, 14
10 Juan Martin Hernandez (Stade Francais, France) 26, 28
9 Nicolas Vergallo (Dax, France) 24, 11
8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Sale Sharks, England) 26, 25
7 Alvaro Galindo (Racing Metro, France) 26, 5
6 Martin Durand (Champagnat) 31, 58
5 Patricio Albacete (Stade Toulousian, France) 27, 26
4 Rimas Alvarez Kairelis (Perpignan, France) 33, 40
3 Juan Pablo Orlandi (Rovigo, Italy) 25, New Cap
2 Mario Ledesma (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France) 35, 66
1 Rodrigo Roncero (Stade Francais, France) 31, 29
Replacements
16 Alberto Basualdo (Stade Toulousian, France) 25, 9
17 Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers, England) 25, 18
18 Esteban Lozada (Toulon) 26, 10
19 Alejandro Campos (Pueyrredon) 25, 3
20 Agustín Figuerola (Club Atletico San Isidro) 23, New Cap
21 Federico Aramburú (Perpignan, France) 28,
22 Rafael Carballo (Castres Olympique, France) 26, 4
Head Coach: Santiago Phelan

French Squad
Benoit Baby (Clermont Auvergne) age 25, 3 tests
Fabien Barcella (Auch) 24, 2
Lionel Beauxis (Stade Français) 22, 11
Sebastien Chabal (Sale Sharks, England) 30, 38
Thierry Dusautoir (Stade Toulousain) 27, 14
Jean-Baptiste Elissalde (Stade Toulousain) 31, 32
Lionel Faure (Sale Sharks, England) 30, 4
Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz Olympique) 28, 48
Cédric Heymans (Stade Toulousain) 30, 40
Yannick Jauzion (Stade Toulousain) 30, 52
Benjamin Kayser (Leicester Tigers, England) 24, 2
Benoit Lecouls (Biarritz Olympique) 30, 2
Julien Malzieu (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 3
Nicolas Mas (Perpignan) 28, 18
Maxime Médard ((Stade Toulousain) 21, New Cap
Romain Millo-Chluski (Stade Toulousain) 25, 1
Lionel Nallet, Capt. (Castres Olympique) 32, 39
Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier) 22, 8
Alexis Palisson (CA Brive) 21, 2
Morgan Parra (Bourgoin) 20, 3
Louis Picamoles (Montpellier) 22, 5
Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français) 25, 27
François Trinh-Duc (Montpellier) 21, 7
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont

Unavailable, not selected or injured
Jérôme Thion, William Servant (Injured), Frédéric Michalak, Vincent Clerc (Injured)
Baby last played a test for France v Australia, July 2005, whilst Millo-Chluski played his only test for France v South Africa in June 2005.

For lists of all France and Argentina test rugby results go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Rugby Test: South Africa v Wales

08.11.2008
South Africa v Wales in Cardiff

Preview
World Cup holders South Africa has given Wales full respect in naming a very strong side to battle the Welsh dragon on Saturday. South Africa have made their intentions clear-they wish to take Europe by storm again almost a year after winning the Web Ellis Trophy.

Wales are without a few regulars due to injury and have named two new caps in their starting lineup. The 2007-08 6 Nations Champions have a number of experienced players on the bench whom they will need as the Springbox superior match fitness will tell later on in the match.

Latest: Gavin Henson has been a late withdrawl. His place is taken by Tom Shanklin with Roberts moving to inside centre and Andrew Bishop moves on to the bench.

Last Five Encounters
14.06.2008 South Africa 37-21 in Pretoria
07.06.2008 South Africa 43-17 in Bloemfontein
24.11.2007 South Africa 34-12 in Cardiff
19.11.2005 South Africa 33-16 in Cardiff
06.11.2004 South Africa 38-36 in Cardiff

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-South Africa 2nd, Wales 4th

Prediction: South Africa by 13

Teams

Wales
15 Lee Byrne (Neath Swansea Ospreys) Age 28, 19 tests
14 Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues) 19, New Cap
13 Thomas Shanklin (Cardiff Blues) 29, 54
12 James Roberts (Cardiff Blues) 21, 3
11 Shane Williams (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 31, 58
10 Stephen Jones (Llanelly Scarlets) 31, 72
9 Gareth Cooper (Gloucester, England) 29, 37
8 Andrew Powell (Cardiff Blues) 27, New Cap
7 Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues) 33, 81
6 Ryan Jones, Capt. (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 28, 22
5 Ian Evans (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 24, 14
4 Alun-Wyn Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 23
3 Adam Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 27, 49
2 Matthew Rees (Llanelly Scarlets) 28, 19
1 Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues) 28, 60
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 25, 6
17 Duncan Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 30, 52
18 Ian Gough (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 32, 52
19 Dafydd Jones (Llanelly Scarlets) 28, 31
20 Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks, England) 27, 61
21 James Hook (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 26
22 Andrew Bishop (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 1
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

Not selected Mark Jones (injured), Huw Bennett (injury)
Adam Jones will play his 50th test match.

South Africa
15 Conrad Jantjes (Golden Lions) Age 28, 21 tests
14 JP Pietersen (Natal Sharks) 22, 21
13 Adrian Jacobs (Western Province) 27, 18
12 Jean de Villiers Western Province) 26, 43
11 Bryan Habana (Blue Bulls) 24, 43
10 Ruan Pienaar (Natal Sharks) 24, 24
9 Fourie du Preez (Blue Bulls) 26, 42
8 Pierre Spies (Blue Bulls) 23, 16
7 Juan Smith (Free State Cheetahs) 26, 52
6 Schalk Burger (Western Province) 25, 46
5 Victor Matfield (Toulon, France) 29, 77
4 Bakkies Botha (Blue Bulls) 28, 52
3 John Smit, Capt. (Clermont-Ferrand, France) 30, 78
2 Bismarck du Plessis (Natal Sharks) 24, 18
1 Tendai Mtawarira (Natal Sharks) 22, 7
Replacements
16 Brian Mujati (Western Province) 23, 9
17 Gurthro Steenkamp (Blue Bulls) 27, 18
18 Andries Bekker (Wtsern Province) 25, 10
19 Ryan Kankowski (Natal Sharks) 22, 4
20 Ricky Januarie (Western Province) 26, 31
21 Francois Steyn (Natal Sharks) 21, 24
22 Jaque Fourie (Golden Lions) 25, 39
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

For full lists of all Wales and South Africa test results go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

International Rugby: Canada v Portugal

01.11.2008
Canada v Portugal in Lisbon
Venue-Estadio Universitário de Lisboa, campo Vasco Pinto de Magalhães, Lisbon

Preview
Canada arrived in Portugal to start their European tour without many of the 2007 Rugby World Cup team. Still playing but unavailable are Jamie Cudmore, Colin Yukes, David Spicer, DTH van der Merwe and Luke Tait. Missing from this first test, as it lies outside the November Window in which all clubs must release their international players, are overseas pros Mike Burak, Ed Fairhurst, Josh Jackson, Justin Mensah-Coker, Sean Michael Stephen and veteran prop Jon Thiel. As a result Canadian coach, former All Black Kieran Crowley, has selected a mainly home-based team with two new caps in the starting line up with a further six on the bench.

Portugal are also without a few of their regulars. Coach Tomaz Morais has introduced four new players into the squad to play Canada.

Previous Encounter
18.08.2007 Canada 42-12 in Toronto

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Canada 17th, Portugal 20th

Prediction: Canada by 15 points.

Teams

Canada
15 James Pritchard (Bedford Blues, England) Aged 27, 20 tests
14 Philip Mackenzie (University of Victoria) 21, New cap
13 Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians) 22, 1
12 Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish) 28, 36
11 Dean Van Camp (Velox Valhallians) 25, 5
10 Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy) 26, 8
9 Morgan Williams (James Bay Athletic Association) 32, 53
8 Aaron Carpenter (Cowichan RFC) 24, 16
7 Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria) 24, 11
6 Andrew Fagan (Swilers RFC) ?, New cap
5 Stu Ault (Castaway Wanderers) 26, 3
4 Tyler Hotson (Northern Suburbs RFC, Australia) 23, 1
3 Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians) 25, 16
2 Pat Riordan, Capt. (University of Victoria) 28, 17
1 Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) 31, 39
Replacements
16 Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC) ?, New Cap
17 Travis Robertson (Velox Valhallians) 26, New Cap
18 Luke Cudmore (Capilano RFC) 23, 1
19 Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers) 22, New Cap
20 Sean Duke (University of Victoria) ?, New Cap
21 Sean White (James Bay Athletic Association) ?, New Cap
22 Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria) 20, New Cap
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

For a complete list of all Canada's test results go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Portugal Squad
Julien Bardi (ASM Clermont, France) 22, New Cap
Pedro Cabral (CR Madrid, Spain) 25, 13
João Correia (GD Direto) 27, 38
David dos Reis (RC Nimes, France) 31, New Cap
Aderito Esteves (GD Direto) 23, 9
Diogo Fialho (CD Univ.Lisbon) 26, 2
Duarte Figueiredo (CD Univ.Lisbon) 26, 5
Gonçalo Foro (CD Univ.Lisbon) 26, 9
Diogo Gama (CR Madrid, Spain) 27, 13
Tiago Girão (CR Madrid, Spain) 23, 13
Valter Jorge (OS Belenenses) 25, 1
João Junior (CD Univ.Lisbon) 22, New Cap
Lourenço Kadosh (AEIS Agronomia) 23, 4
Pedro Leal (GD Direto) 24, 26
David Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 24
Diogo Mateus (OS Belenenses) 28, 58
Juan Murré (Sporting Nazairien Rugby) 28, 9
Salvador Palha (GD Direto) 24, 4
Duarte C Pinto (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 34
Juan Severino (AEIS Agronomia) 26, 16
Pedro Silva (OS Belenenses) 24, New Cap
Vasco Uva (GD Direto) 25, 48
Head Coach: Tomaz Morais

http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/noticia.asp?opm=1&id=7166&id2=1Missing from last season-António Aguilar, José Pinto, João Uva (Italy), Gonçalo Uva (France), Cristian Spachuck (France) and Sebastião Cunha. Those in Italy and France probably not released.

For a full list of Portugal's test results go to www.rugbyinternational.net

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