TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 10 May. Updated 14/05

10.05.2014
Japan 132, Sri Lanka 10 in Nagoya (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Hong Kong 39, Korea 6 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Paraguay 31, Brazil 24 in Asuncion (South American Championship)
Uruguay 56, Chile 13 in Montevideo (South American Championship)
USA South 33, Bermuda 6 in Marietta (NACRA Division 1; North)
Kazakhstan 37, Chinese Taipei 8 in Hong Kong (Asia Nations Division 1)
Norway 45, Greece 23 in Bergen (ENC 2D)
Luxembourg 27, Finland 7 in Luxembourg (ENC 2D)
Curacao 56, St Lucia 7 in Willemstad (NACRA Division 2, South)

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

10.05.2014
Japan v Sri Lanka in Nagoya (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Korea v Hong Kong in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Paraguay v Brazil in Asuncion (South American Championship)
Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (South American Championship)
USA South v Bermuda in ? (NACRA Division 1; North)
Kazakhstan v Chinese Taipei in Hong Kong (Asia Nations Division 1)
Norway v Greece in Bergen (ENC 2D)
Finland v Luxembourg (ENC 2D)
Curacao v St Lucia in ? (NACRA Division 2, South)

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 1 Singapore v United Arab Emirates

23.04.2014
Singapore v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (Asia Nations Division 1)

Venue: The Sevens

Referee: Taizo Hirabayashi (Japan)

Preview
The first match in the 2014 Asia Nations competition sees United Arab Emirates host Singapore in Dubai. For both teams a new rugby chapter opens.

Last year the Emirates side was relegated from the Asia 5 Nations competition, the elite level of Asia 15’s men’s rugby. It was a great disappointment for the Gulf area as the original Arabian Gulf RFU had been at the elite level since the Asian competition was revamped.

Singapore is not new to Division 1. Relegated from a brief stint at the elite level in 2009. They lost two Division 1 finals in 2010 and 2011. They then found themselves relegated down to Division 2 in 2012 but fought their way back up to Division 1 for this season.

The Emirates side this year is an inexperienced side but sees the return of veteran Chris Burch to lead the team.

The Emirates side has proven to be below the strength of the original Arabian Gulf side. Singapore to win.

These two sides have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: UAE 5th, Singapore 8th

IRB Ranking Points
Singapore 44.54, UAE 30.00
Note: UAE started on 30.00 when their union was reformed.

Prediction : Singapore by 10 points

Teams

UAE Squad

Forwards:
Ali Ghulam Shaheen
Adam Telford Jebel Ali Dragons
Jay Danielson Abu Dhabi Saracens
Mohamed Hassan Arabian Knights
Rossouw van Dijk Arabian Knights
Joe Cooper Jebel Ali Dragons
Mark Weissenborn Dubai Hurricanes
Graham Murphy Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Pete Sampson Abu Dhabi Saracens
Riaan Boshoff Abu Dhabi Saracens
James Parker Dubai Hurricanes
Chris Jones-Griffiths Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Daniel Minks Jebel Ali Dragons

Backs:
Cyrus Homayoun Jebel Ali Dragons
Adel Alhendi Abu Dhabi Harlequins first test
Neil Robert Pommerel Abu Dhabi Saracens
Mohammad Alawi Shaheen
Ray Gilburt Jebel Ali Dragons
Jono Bester Xodus Wasps
Michael Lancaster Xodus Wasps
Charlie Sargent Dubai Exiles
Chris Burch Dubai Hurricanes (Capt.) Age 35
Gareth Armstrong Xodus Wasps
James Elliot-Square Dubai Hurricanes

Head Coach: Roelof Kotze,

http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/uae-step-into-the-unknown-ahead-of-asian-five-nations

Singapore Squad not available

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEK 23-26 APRIL

23.04.2014
Singapore v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (Asia Nations Division 1)

26.04.2014
Hong Kong v Philippines in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Korea v Sri Lanka in Seoul (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Paraguay v Uruguay in Asuncion (South American Championship)
Brazil v Chile in Barueri (South American Championship)
Ukraine v Poland in Lvov (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Czech Republic v Moldova in Prague (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Sweden v Germany in Stockholm (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Lithuania v Switzerland in Lithuania (ENC 2A)
Latvia v Israel in Riga (ENC 2B)
Bulgaria v Cyprus in Sofia (ENC 2C)
Greece v Luxembourg in Thessalonika (ENC 2D)

Briefly
Phew! What a banquet of test rugby this weekend!

Whilst the emphasis of test rugby this weekend is still in Europe the international game spreads its wings in Asia and South America.

In Asia the final showdown that will determine the top Asia place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals begins with games in Seoul and Hong Kong. The second-placed team in the Asia 5 Nations will qualify for the arduous repechage round.

Also in Asia the Division 1 competition gets underway. For the first time this level of competition sees a home/away format rather than the one venue tournament.

The new format for CONSUR senior men’s rugby (it’s similar to the 2011 format) sees Paraguay, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay play for the two top places. These two teams qualify for the CONSUR Cup of 2015. The CONSUR Cup for 2014 will later be played between Argentina and the two other top teams from the 2013 CONSUR Cup, Uruguay and Chile.

In the European Nations Cup fixtures this weekend the final matches in the World Cup qualifying 1B division should keep us on the edge of our seats.

Germany and Moldova are the only teams in the hunt for a place in the ENC 1A 2014-16 competition. Germany has slightly more than a toe in that door with a better points difference and a first round win over Moldova. Germany has the more difficult team to play (Sweden) whilst Moldova faces the Czech Republic who are well out of this competition and will be relegated. Both Germany and Moldova play away. Neither team can afford not to score a bonus point victory. Everything is at stake. Can’t wait!

Of the other ENC games only the Greece-Luxembourg Division 2D game has major significance. This competition was wide-open until last weekend.Bosnia’s 43-0 win over Norway changed the complexion somewhat and they are now the team to chase. The pressure is on both Greece and Luxembourg to secure a bonus point win.

Did I say briefly?

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 6 April

06.04.2013
Sri Lanka 49, Kazakhstan 18 (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1)
Chinese Taipei 52, Thailand 23 (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1)
Germany 73, Sweden 17 in Hamburg (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Switzerland 19, Malta 10 in Valette (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2A)
Israel 17, Latvia 15 in Netanya (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)
Hungary 11, Austria 10 in Vienna (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)
Bulgaria 20, Slovenia 14 in Sofia (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)

Briefly
Sri Lanka has qualified to play in next years Asia 5 Nations division which is the top league for Asian rugby. From the 2014 Asia 5 Nations competition one team will qualify directly to the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals and the 2nd placed side will qualify for the repechage rounds. Sri Lanka comfortably defeated a very disappointing and apparently unfit Kazakhstan side.

Chinese Taipei stay in Division 1 for 2014 whilst Thailand returns to Asia Nations Division 2.

In ENC competitions overnight Germany overwhelmed an underprepared Swedish side, Switzerland surprised Malta at home, Israel just squeaked past Latvia at home, Hungary defeated Austria by 1 point whilst Bulgaria defeated Slovenia at home.

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 1: World Cup Qualifying Asia

TEST RUGBY FEATURE MATCH No.1

Kazakhstan v Sri Lanka (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1

06.04.2013

Media release for Sean Moore, Asia RFU

Chance for spot in final Rugby World Cup 2015 Asian qualifier up for grabs at HSBC A5N Division One championship in Colombo

[Colombo, Friday, 5 April]: With the stakes sky-high, Kazakhstan coach and former captain Timur Mashurov is mulling coming out of retirement and donning his boots for Saturday’s HSBC Asian Five Nations (HSBC A5N) Top 5-or-bust encounter against Sri Lanka.

Mashurov, who last captained Kazakhstan in 2011, has been forced into the decision after lock-forward Anton Makarenko was suspended for three weeks for a dangerous tackle on a Chinese Taipei opponent which earned him a red card during Wednesday’s 42-10 victory.

“We only travelled with 24 players and cannot bring anyone in from Almaty in time. As a contingency, I have included myself in the squad and most probably will play at No.8 if required,” said Mashurov underlining the importance Kazakhstan is placing on winning this final game in the HSBC A5N Division One competition.

Kazakhstan not only has to win, but they have to win handsomely by scoring a minimum of four tries, to secure the all-important bonus point, and at the same time they have to prevent Sri Lanka from picking up a bonus point themselves – by either finishing within seven points of Kazakhstan or scoring four tries themselves.

Asanga Seneviratne, president of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union commented on the importance of tomorrow’s game saying, “If we lost and still progressed on standings points alone, we will take it. But our aim is to win and earn promotion to the Top Five next year in a Sri Lankan rugby style. That’s the sort of mood our players are in.”

SLRFU President Asanga Seneviratne speaking at today's press confernece. TPE coach Chang Wei-Cheng is on his left and Sri Lanka coach Ravin duPlessis is on his right.

Sri Lanka head the four team tournament – Thailand and Chinese Taipei meet in a relegation battle – with 12 points after the opening two matches, having secured vital bonus points in both wins over Taipei (39-8) and Thailand (45-7). Kazakhstan is second on six points and need the maximum six points (five points for the win and a bonus point) to draw level with Sri Lanka.

If both teams are tied on points, the decision as to who will be promoted into the elite division for next year’s World Cup qualifying campaign will be decided on the head-to-head result, leaving Kazakhstan in with a chance.

“There is no reason why we cannot get back to the Top Five,” Mashurov said. “We have got used to the heat of Colombo and the players are confident.”

Recent history favours Kazakhstan. On the last two occasions they have met, the Central Asian republic has won both games, beating Sri Lanka in a Top Five encounter in 2011 (34-18). Sri Lanka’s only win over Kazakhstan was in 2006, when they won a World Cup qualifying match.

But Sri Lankan coach Ravin du Plessis believes the home fans and conditions will help boost the hosts who have been in sizzling form having scored 11 tries, all but one from their backs.

The only try scored by a forward has come from skipper and openside flanker Yoshitha Rajapaksa whose inspired leadership has given momentum to the team.

“Playing in front of your own fans will help the team. If they are not stimulated by that excitement, then they shouldn’t be playing the game,” said South African du Plessis.

With a proud 100-year-plus history of the game, Sri Lanka one of the founder-members of the Asian Rugby Football Union – which is celebrating its 45^th year this year – will be intent on giving the fans a reason to cheer.

And Du Plessis believes his team has the right ingredients for victory. “Speed is our greatest asset and we have the ability to run the ball from anywhere and attack from anywhere.

“But we need an 80-minute performance. In both our previous two games, we have played well in patches. We need to finish it off now,” Du Plessis added.

Top table guests L to R Timur Mashurov (KAZ), Chang Wei-cheng (TPE), Asanga Seviratne (SLRFU Pres), Ravin duPlessis (SRI), Tanyavit Kuasing (THA).

The original ARFU Asian Champions Trophy is presented to the winners of the HSBC A5N Division I.

Prediction: Sri Lanka by 5 points

OTHER RUGBY TEST MATCHES SATURDAY

06.04.2013
Chinese Taipei v Thailand (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1)
Switzerland v Malta in Valette (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2A)
Hungary v Austria in Vienna (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)
Slovenia v Bulgaria in Sofia (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)

Chinese Taipei v Thailand (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1)
These two teams will fight it out to remain in Division 1 for 2013. Their hopes of reaching the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals were dashed on Wednesday as both teams lost their games.

Of the two Thailand looks more likely to remain. They have a win in hand which means the Chinese need to win by a considerable amount to progress.

Prediction: Thailand by 20 points

FIRA-AER DIVISION 2A; World Cup Qualifying Round 3

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
NETHERL.	2	2	0	0	48	23	25	0	0	8
MALTA	2	1	0	1	53	37	16	1	1	6
SWITZ.	2	1	0	1	36	44	-8	0	0	4
CROATIA	2	1	0	1	40	48	-8	0	0	4
LTHUANIA	2	0	0	2	33	58	-25	0	0	0

Switzerland v Malta in Valette (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2A)
Although the Netherlands is a clear leader at this stage both Malta and Switzerland are within striking distance. Malta has the home advantage. Both teams have won and lost so far.

Prediction: Malta by 8 points

FIRA-AER DIVISION 2C: World Cup Qualifying Round 1

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
CYPRUS	3	3	0	0	182	38	144	3	0	15
BULGARIA	3	1	0	2	45	114	-69	1	0	8
HUNGARY	2	1	0	1	35	31	4	0	1	5
SLOVENIA	2	1	0	1	16	56	-40	0	0	4
AUSTRIA	2	0	0	2	27	66	-39	0	1	1

At this stage Cyprus looks to well above the others in this competition and are hot favourites to progress to the next level in 2014. It’s more about who will be second (to play off for a place in Division 2B) and who will be relegated.

Hungary v Austria in Vienna (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)
Austria has struggled so far but always play well at home. They need to win to lift themselves off the bottom of the table.

Prediction: Austria by 3 points

Slovenia v Bulgaria in Sofia (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)
Bulgaria are usually a tough prospect at home and I’m sure Slovenia will struggle in this match

Prediction: Bulgaria by 10 points

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 6-7 April

06.04.2013

Kazakhstan v Sri Lanka (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1)
Chinese Taipei v Thailand (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1)
Sweden v Germany in Hamburg (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Switzerland v Malta in Valette (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2A)
Latvia v Israel in Netanya (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)
Hungary v Austria in Vienna (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)
Slovenia v Cyprus in Paphos (ENC 2C)

07.04.2013
Moldova v Ukraine in Odessa (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Barbados v Curacao in Bridgetown (NACRA Caribb. Championship, North R1)

Matches highlighted in blue are feature matches this weekend

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 1; Day 2 Report

Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan set up HSBC A5N Division I Showdown

Press release via Sean Moore ASRFU

[Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 3 2013]: Sri Lanka kept their World Cup dreams alive and stayed on course towards reaching the HSBC Asian Five Nations (HSBC A5N) Top Five competition – Asia’s World Cup qualifiers - next year with a convincing 45-7 win over Thailand on Wednesday.

The hosts made it two-from-two and kept their unbeaten run alive in the HSBC A5N Division One competition, but more importantly secured their second consecutive bonus point running in six tries, which keeps them on top of the four-team standings with maximum points (12 points) from their two matches.

“We have one more step to take before we can start celebrating,” said Sri Lanka captain and openside flanker Yoshitha Rajapaksa. “But I’m happy with the way we are playing. It was a much-improved performance from our opening game.”

An exhilarating display of open rugby from Sri Lanka’s fleet-footed backs, who accounted for all of the tries, plus a dominant pack which ruled the set pieces, gave Sri Lanka the freedom to rule unhindered at Havelocks Sports Club.

If their opening 39-8 win over Chinese-Taipei was a Jekyll-and-Hyde performance – the side only coming alive in the second-half with five tries – the Thailand performance was complete, although the home team seemed to take the foot off the pedal once they scored their fourth try and was ensured of a bonus point.

Winger Sandun Herath and centre Pradeep Liyanage grabbed a brace each while scrum-half Roshan Weerarathna and winger Chamara Dabare also dotted down for a try apiece as Sri Lanka gave the capacity crowd of 4,800 a feast of running rugby. Fullback Reza Mubarak was also in fine form with the boot, collecting 15 points from three penalties and three conversions.

“Our backs played well and used the possession very well. Our target was to get the bonus point and we knew we had to score tries,” said Rajapaksa.

Sri Lanka cruised past Thailand in Rd 2 of the HSBC A5N Division I competition.

A change in strategy off the pitch helped Kazakhstan regain its confidence and composure on the pitch as they bounced back from their opening game shock loss to Thailand with a convincing 42-10 victory over Chinese-Taipei in the opening match of the day.

Fullback Maxim Lifontov gave a master-class in goal-kicking as he knocked over six penalties and two conversions to collect a personal haul of 22 points as Kazakhstan overcame the torrid temperatures of Colombo.

Kazakhstan fullback Maxim Lifontov paced his team to victory today over Chinese Taipei with 22 points.

Unlike in their opening game, Kazakhstan warmed up in the air-conditioned comfort of their dressing room and only came out minutes before the kick-off fresh and intent on wiping out the memories of their first-ever defeat by Thailand in international rugby on Sunday last.

“We have been training early in the morning, at six am, and trying to avoid staying in the sun as much as possible. I think we are also getting used to the heat and it showed in a much-improved performance today,” said Kazakhstan coach Timur Mashurov.

Kazakhstan led 26-0 at the break thanks to a much-improved performance from the forwards led strongly by flanker Oleg Guselnikov (who played at scrumhalf in the loss to Thailand last Sunday) and No.8 and skipper Serik Zhanseitov.

Two early penalties from Lifontov settled nerves before tries from centre Alexandr Zakharov, flyhalf Daulet Akymbekov and captain Zhanseitov extended the lead with Lifontov adding a conversion and another penalty.

The pick of the opening half burst was the last try by Zhanseitov who was on hand to complete a lovely break by lock Grigoriy Ivanchenko who peeled from the back of a lineout 40 metres out. A powerful burst down the middle caught the defence napping before an inside pass sent Zhanseitov untouched to the tryline.

Kazakhstan captain Serik Zhanseitove led his team back into contention at the HSBC A5N D1 Rugby championship in Colombo.

Akymbekov grabbed his second try soon after the break to ensure Kazakhstan would get a vital bonus point for scoring four tries. Lifontov then took over, knocking over every opportunity as Kazakhstan eased off, intent on keeping their energy levels.

Chinese-Taipei scored two consolation tries through Chung Po-yan and Ho Ming-hsien despite losing winger Chen Chifi-kang to a red card. Down to 14 men, the pressure eased off on Kazakhstan as they rang in the changes to give their top players a rest.

“Our idea from the outset was to secure a bonus point by scoring four tries and I’m happy we did it with the minimum fuss,” said a pleased Mashurov.

But he was less than pleased to see influential lock forward Anton Makarenko picking up a red card for a spear tackle on Taipei’s Chuan Wen-hao. Makarenko is set to miss the next match against Sri Lanka on Saturday.

“It will be a huge loss. He is a key player and a ball-winning forward,” said Mashurov. “But we are now in a position to win this tournament. Our fate is in our hands.”

The winner of Division One will earn promotion to the elite HSBC A5N Top Five competition next year.

Sri Lanka top the standings on 12 points (five points for each win plus two bonus points for scoring four or more tries in their matches); Kazakhstan is on six points (five for the win plus a bonus point for scoring over four tries today); Thailand is on five points from their opening win over Kazakhstan while Chinese Taipei has yet to get on the table.

Both Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan have a chance to be promoted to next year’s Top 5. A straight win for Sri Lanka over Kazakhstan will see them promoted, while Kazakhstan need to a bonus point win over the hosts this Saturday (April 6) while holding Sri Lanka without a bonus point to be promoted.

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 1; Day 2

World Cup Qualifying Asia

03.04.2013
Kazakhstan 42, Chinese Taipei 5 in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div. 1)
Sri Lanka 45, Thailand 7 in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1)

Briefly
Day 2 results saw a complete turnaround of fortunes. Kazakhstan played its way back into tournament winners contention. They stepped up a notch or two against Chinese Taipei and set up a virtual final with Sri Lanka come Saturday.

Thailand could not repeat their Saturday performance against hosts Sri Lanka.

It’s all set up for Saturday. All games are crucial. Sri Lanka v Kazakhstan in a final with the winner (Kazakhstan will need to defeat Sri Lanka by greater points though) going in to Asia 5 Nations in 2014 and a crack at a place in the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals.

Thailand and Chinese Taipei will play to remain in Division 1 or be relegated to Division 2. Chinese Taipei’s task will much more difficult than Thailand as Thailand has a win in hand. Without doing the maths Chinese Taipei would need to win by about 40 points to avoid relegation.

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 1, World Cup Qualifying Asia

Round II of the HSBC A5N Division I / Rugby World Cup 2015 Asian Qualifiers set for kick-off in Sri Lanka

Captains of the four teams in Sri Lanka

[Hong Kong, April 2, 2013]: The second round of the 2013 HSBC Asian Five Nations (HSBC A5N) Division I championship kicks off tomorrow at Havelocks RFC in Colombo, Sri Lanka as Kazakhstan take on Chinese Taipei and hosts Sri Lanka face surprise first round winners Thailand. 

Thailand upended Kazakhstan 33-10 in the opening match of this year’s HSBC A5N Division I raising the stakes for the top seeds in this year’s tournament Kazakhstan.

The world was a different place back in 2007, the last time Kazakhstan visited Sri Lanka for the former Asian Rugby Football Tournament. The island nation was struggling to put down the separatist Tigers, one reason why Asian powers like Japan stayed away from the last edition of the biennial Asian Rugby Football Tournament, which has since been supplanted by the annual HSBC Asian Five Nations now in its sixth year.

“We won that last Asian Championship and we will forever be known in history as the last team to do that,” said a proud Timur Mashurov, coach of the class of 2013, but captain back in 2007.

“Yes, Japan stayed away, but a win is a win,” Mashurov grinned cheekily. “We are happy to be the last champions.”

If only life was as simple for his team today. Kazakhstan face a do-or-die battle against Chinese-Taipei on Wednesday at the Havelocks Sports Club, a position they are in thanks to their opening day loss to Thailand in the four-team competition in Colombo.

Playing in searing hot conditions, Kazakhstan stumbled to a shock defeat at the hands of un-fancied Thailand who defeated the Central Asian team for the first time in their history.

“The heat was the problem and it will be our biggest obstacle against Chinese-Taipei too,” Mashurov said. “Against Thailand, my players were making mistakes simply because they were exhausted. Twice we knocked on the ball inside the Thai try-line area. All we had to do was to touch down and we could have sealed the result. But we were tired and made mistakes.”

The stark change in conditions is underlined by the fact that it is presently minus zero and snowing in Kazakhstan, who were demoted from the Top Five competition last year and are desperate to get back into the company of the big boys for the final stage of Asia’s Rugby World Cup qualifiers which will be contested in the Top 5 in 2014.

“We came from one extreme to the other. No wonder my players struggled,” said Mashurov.

Although the conditions are likely to be overcast, Mashurov can expect the heat to be on again. As such Kazakhstan will change its game plan for Chinese-Taipei.

“We will do our arm-up inside the dressing room and try to keep out of the sun as much as possible. We made the mistake of warming up for 30 minutes before the Thailand game out on the pitch and that sapped our energy levels,” Mashurov said.

Kazakhstan, who is fielding eight debutants in the 23-man squad, will also try and keep the game with their heavier forwards, keeping it as tight as possible.

“We have to win this match with a bonus point, and then everything can be solved against Sri Lanka on Saturday. We haven’t lost to them in recent years and I’m confident we can win again. I will remind the boys of our win here in 2007,” said Mashurov still hopeful that the early setback hasn’t dented his team’s chances of winning this tournament and winning promotion to the Top Five next year.

Kazakhstan will be hoping that Sri Lanka, who secured a bonus point in their 39-8 win over Chinese-Taipei last Saturday, will knock off Thailand on Wednesday. And if Kazakhstan wins handsomely against Chinese Taipei, it could all point to a titanic battle for top honours on the final day between the hosts and Kazakhstan.

But Sri Lanka will have to be wary of the buoyant Thais with skipper and No. 8 Chatree Wannadit confident of another giant-killing act.

“We are a fit and young side, our average age is only 23. Most of the players come from the Armed Forces and take pride in their fitness. The heat is not a problem, it is even hotter in Thailand, so we will be up for it against Sri Lanka,” Wannadit said.

Thailand will once again rely on their terrier-like defence to hound out mistakes and then use the speed of their backline to make inroads. But the biggest danger for Sri Lanka will be Thai fullback Warongkorn Khamkoet, one of five players from the Thai Navy in the team, whose goal-kicking is a huge threat.

“He is our key,” said Wannadit. “He can kick penalties from anywhere on the field.” Khamkoet’s left foot knocked over four penalties and two conversions in the victory against Kazakhstan. Sri Lanka will have to watch out for him.

The hosts overcame a dreary first-half against Taipei in their opener before turning on the style by running in five tries. Fly-half Fazil Marija was the pick of a dangerous backline scoring a couple of opportunistic tries.

It was the first competitive game for the Sri Lankan players in five months. The country’s domestic season would have been in full swing but the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union has pushed back the start to later in the year – September – so as to fall in line with other Asian teams like Japan and Hong Kong who come into the HSBC Asian Five Nations charged up following the end of their own domestic seasons.

With one game under the belt, and a good result too, Sri Lanka with the crowds behind them, will be keen to make it two from two.

“Our goal is very simple. To play in the Top Five next year and be part of the World Cup qualifying campaign,” said skipper and openside flanker Yoshitha Rajapaksa.

Tomorrow’s matches will see Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei face off at 14.00 followed by Sri Lanka v Thailand at 16.00. 

TEST RUGBY IN ASIA: World Cup Qualifying Asia Nations Division 1 Playoff

14.07.2012
India v Thailand in Bangkok (WCQ Asia Asia Nations Div.1 Playoff)

Venue: Thephasdin Stadium

Referee: Harada Takashi (Japan)

Preview
Surprisingly there has been very little publicity about this game on the net. The Thai rugby web site acknowledges the game is on and that’s it.

Thailand won the Asia Nations Division 2 tournement held recently in Kuala Lumpur.At the same time India were winning Division 3. As per the World Cup qualifying process the winners of Division 2 and 3 were to play for the right to go to Division 1 for 2013. This would enable the Division 3 winner to leap-frog straight to Division 1 and speed up its qualifying chances.

The favourite has to be Thailand as they have been playing at a higher level of test rugby whilst hosting the fixture. At this level of rugby home ground is a big advantage.

Previous Encounters
04.05.2011 Thailand 37-24 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, Semi-final)
11.06.2008 Thailand 30-22 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nat. Div.2)
07.06.2006 Thailand 50-28 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament, Div 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, Pool 2)

These two teams first met in 1998. Thailand won 90-6. Results indicate that India, as a rugby test nations, has made considerable progress since 1998

GWC Rugby Rankings
Thailand 10th, India 13th

IRB Ranking Points
Thailand 42.90, India 41.35

Prediction: Thailand by 13 points

 

Teams not yet available

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ASIA NATIONS R2

18.04.2012
Sri Lanka 35, Singapore 10 in Manilla
Philippines 34, China Taipei 12 in Manilla

Saturday 21 April
Sri Lanka v Philippines-Decides who goes to Asia5Nations 2013
Singapore v Chinese Taipei-To see who drops down to Division 2 and elimination form 2015 Rugby World Cup

Media Release

Sri Lanka and the Philippines set up showdown for promotion to HSBC A5N Top 5 in 2013

Singapore and Chinese Taipei face off in Div I relegation match on Saturday

[Thursday, April 19, 2012]:  Sri Lanka and the Philippines setup a showdown for promotion to the HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Top 5competition in 2013 after winning their Round II matches at the HSBC A5NDivision I yesterday at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila. 

Tournament top seeds Sri Lanka and the Philippines (third seeds) will battle for promotion to next season’s Top 5 on Saturday (Apr 21 at 17.00) while Singapore and Chinese Taipei will fight to avoid relegation to Division II on Saturday(19.00).

Victory was a family affair for the Philippines Volcanoes as they started three sets of brothers in yesterday’s win.  Winger Luke Matthews scored on both of his first two touches of the ball to help pull the Philippines away from a spirited challenge from fourth seeds Chinese Taipei this afternoon.

Blowing off steam PHI Volcanoes winger Luke Matthews scored 2 tries in the HSBC A5N D1 win over Ch. Taipei.

Matthews’ brace of tries equalled that scored by his brother Joe, (who also started at wing today for the Philippines), in the team’s 37-20 victory over Singapore in Round 1 last Sunday (April 15). Matthews’ credited his forwards for some stirring defence early on that helped put the Philippines in the position to break through their last remaining barrier to reaching the promotion match, saying:

“It felt amazing to score twice today but we have to hand it to our forwards whose defence was outstanding and set a great platform for the backline.” 

The Philippines started three sets of brothers against Chinese Taipei: 15s captain Michael Letts and his brother and Philippines Sevens captain Jake, flyhalf and centre Oliver and Matthew Saunders, and the Matthews brothers.  A third Matthews family member, younger brother Daniel, has already represented Philippines at Under 20 level.

When asked if there was a sibling try stakes going at home, a modest Luke Matthews replied, “I’m so proud of Joe. He played great on Sunday and had another great game tonight. It really is incredible to be able to run out on to the pitch alongside him and represent both our country and our family.”

Sri Lanka escaped a tense first half encounter with Singapore this afternoon to emerge victorious 35-10.  The score at the half was 14-10 before Sri Lanka scored three tries in the second stanza whiles hutting out Singapore to close out the match convincingly.

Winger Sandun Herath scored his own brace of tries against Singapore, proving that the Sri Lankans also have plenty of pace out wide, setting the stage for what should be some great running rugby in the final.

Not to be outdone, the Sri Lankans feature their own unique family connection as the captain Yoshitha Rajapaksa and hooker Namal Rajapaksa are the sons of the country’s president, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Both have been strong performers to date, with Namal returning from injury in match one to support the team through the grueling task of playing thrice in seven days. 

The captain, Yoshitha, a standout for his Navy club and a veteran of Sri Lanka’s2011 Top 5 campaign, has provided a steady hand at the tiller for this young and hungry group of players.

Lankan fullback Rizah Mubarak gets by Singapore's Nicholas Groen at the HSBC A5N Div I.

Former England hooker Phil Greening extended his unbeaten streak on his debut tournament as Sri Lankan coach with the team’s second win today.  Greening commented on the win saying, “I’m proud of the guys, especially the way they fronted up today. We knew how Singapore would play and we put a plan in place to nullify that effort and the guys responded well. But we’ve won nothing so far and I will remind the team of that.

“The Philippines in my eyes are the top team so far”, added Greening. “They are the team to beat there is not doubt about that. There are quite a few players in the Philippines team playing professionally now in Japan or at high level in Australia while seven out of our 22 players earned new caps either today or last Sunday. We have five 19 year olds in the squad also, so I am very pleased with the way our players have taken to the international arena.”

Commenting on the result versus Chinese Taipei, Philippines Coach Expo Mejia said: “That was a tough match and it was just what we needed. They really stretched us and we will be better for it. They were desperate and they really picked it up and tested our defensive structures, which was great for us.

“It will be a very tough match against Sri Lanka on Saturday but it is fitting that it will be the final. It comes down to who recovers best and who steps up most.Both teams are capable of winning and Sri Lanka isn’t quite surprising us. They have a good structure and are very solid in what they do. They have pace out wide and strong forwards. They have it all really, so we are going to have to peak on Saturday to win.

“But our guys are really keen to perform for our fans. We have been dying to have ahome final and show Filipinos what we have got and we finally have that chance.The boys are up for it.”

The results from the opening matches on Sunday saw Sri Lanka and the Philippines both move up in the International Rugby Board world rankings.  Sri Lanka’s 36-8 victory over Chinese Taipei took them three places up the table to 43rd, shunting Malta, Uganda and Ivory Coast down one spot.  Their comprehensive win at Manila’s Rizal National Stadium puts them on 48.02 ranking points, and continued success in the Asian tournament would nudge them further up the ladder.

Perhaps the most note worthy result of the weekend was when the Philippines capitalised on home advantage to surprise Singapore in the first match between the two countries.

Going into last Sunday’s match the Singaporeans were ranked world number 52 and the Philippines 20 places lower, but a 37-20 victory elevated the hosts 10 places in the rankings to number 62 in the world.

Today’s results leave the Volcanoes and Sri Lanka tied at the top of the standings with twelve points each as both picked up a second bonus point.  Singapore and Chinese Taipei have yet to post points but that will be rectified in a tight competition next Saturday to see who retains their Division I spot.

ASIA NATIONS WORLD CUP QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT

Asia Nations Division 1 in Manilla

Sri Lanka v Singapore

Referee:

Preview
Sri Lanka won their first round encounter against Chinese Taipei 36-8 whilst Singapore lost to Philippines 20-37. The odds look stacked against Singapore.
A win to Sri Lanka could well set up a grand final against Philippines Saturday

Last Five Encounters
17.04.2010 Sri Lanka 23-16 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1)
11.11.2008 Drawn 20-20 in Tainan (Asia Nations Div.1)
25.06.2005 Sri Lanka 34-17 in Colombo (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div.3A)
02.07.2000 Singapore 15-12 in Aomori (17th Asia Champ. Div.2)
31.10.1998 Singapore 25-13 in Singapore (16th Asia Champ, Sect.B, Final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Sri Lanka 5th, Singapore 8th

IRB Ranking Points
Sri Lanka 48.02, Singapore 43.77

Prediction: Sri Lanka by 14 points

Teams

Sri Lanka Squad

Henry Terrence (Havelocks), Achala Perera (Kandy SC), Kishore Jehan (Kandy SC), Hasitha Perera (Upcountry Lions), Sharo Fernando (Upcountry Lions), Sumeda Malewana (Navy), Yoshitha Rajapaksa (Captain, Navy), Sajith Saranga (Kandy SC), Srinath Sooriyabandara (Upcountry Lions), Rehan Weerakoon (Navy), Dinesh Kumara (Kandy SC), Charith Seneviratne (Air Force), Dinusha Chathuranga (Navy), Sandun Herath (Havelocks), Reza Mubarak (CR and FC), Nushal Meepage (Army), Namal Rajapaksa (Navy), Sathya Ranathunge (Navy), G.Rathnayake (Kandy SC), Dev Anand (Navy), Dhiren Warnakulasuriya (Havelocks), Suranga Pushpakumara (Navy SC), Mohomed Sheriff(CR and FC), Saliya Handapangoda (Army SC) Officials – Phil Greening (Coach), Sanath Martis (Assistant Coach), Air Commodore Leonard Rodrigo (Manager)
http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/04/03/spo02.asp

Singapore Squad

SIDNEY KUMAR (BKRFC)
ARRIOLA KEITH ANTHONY RAPHAEL (WRFC)
LOO YU CHENG (SCC)
MOHAMMAD SUHAIMI BIN AMRAN (SCC)
MOHAMAD NURHISHAM (BKRFC)
MUHAMMAD ZAKI BIN MAHMOOD (BKRFC)
MUHAMMAD AZMI BIN SULIMAN (BKRFC)
LEE WEIMING ANDREW (BKRFC)
CHEW YEW WAH, ALEXANDER (SCC)
NICHOLAS ALEXANDER GROEN (BKRFC)
LOOI JIAN DANIEL (OLDHAM)
MUHAMMAD HASIF BIN AZMAN (WRFC)
LEE JUNHAO JONATHAN (SCC)
LEE YEW LOONG GABRIEL (SCC)
VICKNESWARAN S/O SELLATHURAI (BKRFC)
MOHAMED ASHRAF (BLACKS)
TAN SOON HENG, GASPAR (BKRFC)
RIADY PERDANA (BKRFC)
MARC WARBURTON (SCC)
PETER WILLIAM McFEELY (SCC)
DIRK ERIK VIS (BKRFC)
BENJAMIN GOH HIN MIN (BUCKS)
ALAN JOHN KENT (SCC)
LEONARD YAP QUAN FENG (WRFC)
JULIEN ALBERT MICHEL VALETTE (BUCKS)
BKRFC: Bedok Kings
WRFC: Wanderers
SCC: Singapore Cricket Club
OLDHAM: Oldham
BLACKS: Blacks
BUCKS: Bucks

http://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=60f ... 1520086b86

Chinese Taipei v Philippines

Referee:

Preview
Chinese Taipei lost their first game to Sri Lanka 8-36 and will have their work cut out when they face the hosts in this round 2 rugby test match. The home side should win setting up a probable grand final against Sri Lanka Saturday.

But wait! Rugby is a funny game. Could this be an upset?

These two teams have never met before in a test 15’s international

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Philippines 7th, Chinese Taipei 10th

IRB Ranking Points
Chinese Taipei 42.63, Philippines 41.90

Prediction: Philippines by 9 points

Teams

Chinese Taipei

Philippines Squad

Forwards:
Phil Abraham, JC Bautista, Mat Bellenie, Terry Carroll, Austin Dacanay, Michael de Guzman, Michael Duhig, Kit Guerra, Chris Hitch, Chris Hettell, Steve Howorth, James Neilson, Tyler Perez, Nick Perry, Darran Seeto, Richard Taylor, Josh Tolentino, Jaime Urquijo, Jake Ward

Backs:
Justin Coveney, Chris Everingham, Cleo Gomez, Jake Letts, Michael Letts, Joe Matthews, Luke Matthews, Jon Morales, Harry Morris, Patrice Olivier, James Price, Matt Saunders, Oliver Saunders, Kenny Stern, Brian West
Management:
Expo Mejia (Head Coach), Jarred Hodges (Assistant Coach), Matt Cullen (Manager), Damian Raper (Physiotherapist)

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Philippines power past Malaysia to stay in Division I

Philippines 86, Malaysia 20

The Philippines made an emphatic statement about its own Top 5 aspirations in today’s 3^rd/4^th play-off with an 86–20 rout of Malaysia. The Philippines become one of only two teams this year (alongside Iran in Division II) to retain their spot after being promoted a year earlier.

The Volcanoes rumbled to a 26-0 lead by the 15^th minute today. The Philippines centre pairing was too hot to handle for Malaysia as inside centre Justin Coveney scored four tries while outside centre Gareth Holgate, (who along with captain Michael Letts is one of two Volcanoes to have been signed to play professionally in Japan next season), added a hat-trick of his own to put Malaysia out of reach.

Philippine’s Justin Coveney
is off to play in Japan in 2012

Winger Joven Clarke continued his strong debut tournament for the Philippines adding two tries this afternoon to the one he tallied on Wednesday against Korea. Other try scorers were props Austin Dacanay and Josh Sutcliffe, No 8 Chris Hitch, scrumhalf James Price and reserve back Patrice Olivier in a 15-try blitz.

Malaysia captain and flanker Nik Safuan Ismade added his own impressive performance in a losing effort today scoring all of his side’s points through a try and five penalties.

Malaysian flanker (headgear) and captain
scored all of Malaysia’s points.

Philippines Manager Matt Cullen commented on the win saying, “We were gutted after losing to Korea on Wednesday but I am proud of the boys for picking up the pieces and making a statement today.”

“We have a young side whose average age is just 22 and I think we have shown this week that we have what it takes to compete at this level. What we need now are more games against the Korea’s, Hong Kong’s and Japan’s of Asian rugby to help us close the gap on the Top 5. We will come back even stronger for next year’s Division I tournament.”

Philippines were too good for Malaysia
and stay in Division 1 for 2012.

HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division I 3^rd/4^th Place Playoff

Match: Malaysia vs Philippines

Half- time score: 17 – 38

Full- time score: 20 – 86

Scorers

Name	Country	Try	Conv.	Pen.	DG	Total (pts)
Joven Clarke	Philippines	2	1			12
Gareth Holgate	Philippines	3				15
Oliver Saunders	Philippines		7			14
Justin Coveney	Philippines	4				20
Ismade Nik Man	Malaysia	1		5		20
Chris Hitch	Philippines	1				5
James Price	Philippines	1				5
Austin Dacanay	Philippines	1				5
Patrice Oliver	Philippines	1				5
Josh Sutcliffe	Philippines	1				5