ASIA NATIONS DAY 2

23.05.2014
Malaysia v Qatar (Asia Nations Div.2, Final)
Iran v Thailand (Asia Nations Div.2, 3^rd-4^th Playoff)

Predictions
Malaysia by 5
Thailand by 5

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 2; Day 1

20.05.2014
Malaysia 42, Iran 22 in Doha (Asia Nations Div.2, Semi-final 1)
Qatar 24, Thailand 11 in Doha (Asia Nations Div.2, Semi-final 1)

TEST RUGBY FRIDAY 7 JUNE

07.06.2013
Uruguay v South Africa Presidents XV in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Georgia v Emerging Ireland in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
India v Iran in Petaling Jaya (Asia Nations Division 2, Playoff 3^rd-4^th)
Indonesia v Qatar Petaling Jaya (Asia Nations Division 3, Playoff 3rd-4th)

Regret unable to cover the above matches due to work commitments.

Predictions
South Africa Presidents XV by 20 v Uruguay
Georgia by 5 v Emerging Ireland
Iran by 5 v India
Indonesia by 20 v China

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 2

Asian Rugby Rivalry resumes in Kuala Lumpur: Singapore and Malaysia book spots in HSBC A5N Division II Final

India and Iran to meet in relegation match

[Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 4 2013]: One of Asia’s longest running rugby rivalries will resume on Saturday, June 8, (kick-off at 18.00) as Singapore and Malaysia advanced from their semi final matches of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Division II competition today at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore, smarting from their demotion last year to Division II, beat India 67-8 to book its place in Saturday’s final, while Malaysia cruised past Iran 48-10 in front of a passionate local crowd of nearly 1,000 spectators.

Playing to its traditional strength in the forward pack, three Singapore forwards scored braces in the Rugby Lions’ victory: No 8 Peter McFeely, who opened the scoring in the 15^th minute; flanker Matthew Roberts, who scored twice in the first half; and lock Murray Wyllie. Openside flanker Simon Etheridge, suiting up in replacement of team captain Daniel Marc Chow who was ill, added a try to see the pack account for seven of Singapore’s 11 tries on the day.

Singapore jumped out to an early lead through tries to McFeely and Roberts (2). Wing Bryan Ng added a nice solo effort with a 60-metre dash to represent the backline in the first half. Two conversions from scrumhalf Suhaimi Imran pushed Singapore into the lead 24-5 at the break. India prop Suresh Sajwan got his team on the board in the 27^thminute with an unconverted try.

After the resumption of play, Singapore winger Nicholas Groen added to India’s woes with a try in the 45^thminute before India replied with a penalty through scrumhalf Sujai Lama in the 50^th minute. Lama’s penalty accounted for India’s last points of the afternoon as it was all one-way traffic for Singapore from there on out, especially with India losing two players to the sin bin in the second half.

McFeely scored his second try in the 52^nd minute, with Imran’s conversion pushed Singapore further ahead at 36-8. Making their man-advantage count, Singapore crossed over for five more tries in the second half through Zaki Muhammad, Etheredge, Wyllie (2) and centre Andrew Bourke, to complete the rout at 67-8.

Match captain and hooker Gaspar Tan summed up his team’s effort nicely saying, “It was a strong display from the forwards. We started off really slow and gave up too many penalties but in the second half we made adjustments. We were more disciplined and just kept moving forward with the ball and the tries flowed from there.”

A disappointed India captain Nasser Hussain said, “We were up against a team that was recently relegated from Division I and it showed. There was a considerable difference between the two sides and they analysed our game well and took our strengths away. But despite the score line there were a few positives today and hopefully we can build on those for Iran on Friday.”

SIngapore brushed off India 67-8 in the HSBC A5N Div 2 semi-final.

Malaysia also enjoyed a relatively uncomplicated passage to the Division I promotion decider on Saturday with a 48-10 win over a physical Iran XV that was every bit the hosts’ match in terms of physicality and commitment but lacked composure at times.

Malaysian fullback Mohd Fairuz ab Rahman paced his side to an early 11-0 lead after converting his first penalty chance in the second minute, followed by a try in the 3^rd minute and another penalty in the 8^th minute.

Ab Rahman’s solo effort was rounded out by No 8 Timoci Nacokula to push Malaysia ahead 18-0 at the 15-minute marker.

Iran’s first half points came through captain and No 8 Iraj Rostami who finished a nice offload from hard charging lock Morteza Rasouli at Malaysia’s 5-metre line to send his side into the sheds with some momentum at 18-5.

In the second half, Rasouli added his own try early in the opening minutes in a fitting reward for a tireless defensive effort on the day, bringing Iran within touching distance at 18-10. But the visitors’ lack of match experience began to tell with unforced errors creeping into the game and poor kicking from hand conceding significant possession to the Malaysians.

Malaysia made the most of their opportunities in the second half scoring four more tries through centre Atunaisa Takuba, reserve back Zulkiflee Azmi, scrumhalf Mohd. Nazeer Mohd. Nesharah and Wan Izzudin Ismail. Ab Rahman added another conversion, before handing off the kicking duties to reserve fullback Nazreen Fitri Nasruddin whose two penalties and a conversion brought the final score to Malaysia 48, Iran 10.

Fullback ab Rahman, who collected 15 points on the day with a try, two penalties and two conversions was pleased with the day’s work, saying, “We’re really happy with the performance. Iran is a big, heavy team and our strategy was to get the ball wide and avoid contact and we were successful.”

Malaysia captain Mohd Syahir Asyraf fends off the Iranian defence en route to the D2 Finals v Singapore.

Iran coach Pedram Baniameriyan credited the opposition saying, “Malaysia were very good today but I am proud of my boys. We played good rugby today but we are lacking the experience at test match level that we need and it shows.”

India and Iran will now face off in the Division II 3^rd/4^th place match to decide who is relegated to Division III in 2014. The relegation match will be played on Friday June 7 at Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore and Malaysia will meet in the Division II final on Saturday at 18.00 at Petaling Jaya in a match that resumes one of Asia’s fiercest rugby rivalries.

“Singapore v Malaysia is like the French playing the English it is that kind of rivalry,” said Singapore coach Inoke Afeaki, adding that, “I like the Malaysian style of rugby. It is very fluid and it brings Singapore rugby out of its comfort zone, which is what we need. I think it will help us to play a more balanced kind of rugby, which is what we need if we want to go back up to the next level.”

Singapore captain Daniel Marc Chow added, “Playing Malaysia is always big for us and for them I’m sure. We really want to get the better of each other. It doesn’t matter what we are playing for when we are playing Malaysia. It’s more than just promotion on the line there is a lot of pride at stake which is going to really help the boys get motivated for Saturday.”

HSBC A5N Division III semi-finals will be held tomorrow as part of a festival of rugby in Kuala Lumpur. Top seeds China will face off against newly promoted Qatar in the second semi final at 17.00, while second seeds Guam face Indonesia in the first semi-final at 15.00. All games are held at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free.

ASIA FIVE NATIONS DIVISION 2, DAY 1

04.06.2013
Singapore 67, India 8 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)
Malaysia 48, Iran 10 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)

Briefly
Both results a bit of a shock considering both India and Iran are teams on the rise.

Final will be Singapore v Malaysia for promotion to Division 1 2014, and play-off India and Iran relegation to Division 3 for 2014.

ASIA FIVE NATIONS DIVISIONS 2 AND 3

Festival of Rugby returns to Kuala Lumpur with hosting of HSBC A5N Division II and III tournaments at Petaling Jaya Stadium

Four new coaches at Division II level out to make their mark

[Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 4 2013]: HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) rugby action returns to Kuala Lumpur this week with the hosting of the Division II and Division III tournaments at Stadium Petaling Jaya. The action opens on Tuesday (4 June) with the semi-finals of the Division II tournament featuring top seeds Singapore, hosts Malaysia, Iran and promoted 2012 Division III champions India.

 

Top seeds Singapore are out to redress their shock relegation at the hands of Chinese Taipei in 2012, a result which saw the Rugby Lions fall to their lowest spot in Asian rugby (10^th) since the inception of the HSBC A5N in 2008. 

 

The Singapore Rugby Union has assembled an experienced coaching team to address the precipitous drop in its rugby fortunes in 2013. New SRU Technical Director and national 15s coach Inoke Afeaki, (ex-captain of Tonga and the Pacific Islands and a veteran of the Wellington Hurricanes, Llanelli and Ricoh Black Rams in Japan among others) takes the coaching role for the first time in an A5N competition, supported by Assistant coach and national 7s coach James Forrester (ex-Gloucester).

 

“It’s not where we want to be (Division II) obviously,” said Afeaki. “The guys have been at the heights of playing against Japan, Korea and Hong Kong in Asia and that is where they want to live. And they can do it as long as things are well planned. Singapore is a busy place and we need to balance our amateur set-up with the demands of working with players who are all professionals with jobs to do and work and family commitments to meet.

 

“Last year, the build-up was not ideal with the domestic season ending just weeks before Division I. This year, we re-structured the League to finish a few months prior to the competition, which has allowed us to intensify our preparations,” added Afeaki.

 

Prior to Division II, Singapore toured Japan where they played the Japan Under-21 side as well as local clubs in Saitama. The match experience will be key for the Rugby Lions who arrive with 11 new faces in the team for the 2013 campaign, and under a new captain in Daniel Chow of Bedok Kings. 

 

“James (Forrester) has done a great job recruiting some of the newly eligible expatriate players in the league while we are also excited to have several new local players making the step up to senior level. I think our team is really representative of the Singapore rugby scene which is how we want it to be,” said Afeaki.

 

Hosts Malaysia have their own score to settle after failing to capitalize on a prime opportunity to win the same competition in 2012, losing 19-22 to Thailand in last year’s Division II final also at Petaling Jaya.  The frustration after spoiling the chance to close out the match against Thailand, the Malaysians knocked on at the try line in the 81^st minute last year against the Thais, is still keenly felt.

 

 

The memory of the lost on the same ground in 2012 should provide inspiration for a side that doesn’t feature wholesale changes to last year’s team.

 

One important change to the structure is the addition of two former players into the coaching team in new head coach Mohammad Mazuri, coach of the Malaysian league champions this year NS Wanderers, and 27-cap veteran Nik Safuan Bin Ismade. Mazuri is confident that things are in place for Malaysia to go one step further than 2012 saying:

 

“Last year, we only lost focus in the last minute of the last match. We had many opportunities to close out the game but we didn’t take advantage. This year, our build-up has been longer and better and from top to bottom and we have the right mindset to gain promotion. Last year, the reserves failed to make the impact required but this year the difference in quality from the starters to the reserves is minimal. We have had a very competitive build-up which should help at crunch time.”

 

Mazuri is equally clear-eyed about Malaysia’s opponents in the opening semi-finals, Iran, saying:

 

“Iran is a big and physical team, particularly in the pack. We want to move their big men around the park and use our fitness and speed as our main weapons,” added Mazuri.

 

The Malaysians will be using six of their long-time Fijian-born nationals against Iran, including fielding a fully Fijian back row as well as at flyhalf, inside centre and wing with burly captain Mohd Syahir Asyraf taking his customary outside centre spot.

Hosts Malaysia are intent on running off with Division II silverware this week.

 

India will face Singapore in its opening semi-final, in a reprise of the first ever official test match played by the India Rugby Union back in 1988. On that occasion, India lost 85-0 and tomorrow’s semi final will offer a timely analysis of how far the team has come in the intervening years.

 

India also arrives in Kuala Lumpur under a new coach in Ronny Ibrahim of Sri Lanka. The team toured Colombo en route to Malaysia playing matches against some of the top club sides in Sri Lanka, newly promoted to the 2014 HSBC A5N Top 5 after winning this season’s Division I competition. 

 

With a basic target of maintaining its Division II place after being promoted last season, India will mount its challenge with a veteran side under the captaincy of centre/fly-half Nasser Hussain, who has 10 A5N caps since 2008.  However the side will be missing its first choice fullback Rohaan Sethna whose metronomic kicking has accounted for many of India’s points in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations since 2009.  Sethna will be replaced at fullback by Delhi Hurricanes’ fullback Makesh Mankotia who is set to make his A5N debut.

 

Iran round out the coaching changes as former player Pedram Baniameriyan steps up to assume the coaching reigns, taking over a settled side that features many veterans from recent A5N campaigns. With raw talent and size to burn, the question for Iran always remains the challenge of securing enough regular international competition to enter the tournament with a chance of proceeding past the semi final stages. With its opponents in this year’s field boasting some of the best preparation to date for Division II competition, Iran’s challenge will be manifestly more difficult in 2013.

 

On Tuesday (June 4), Singapore will open its HSBC A5N account versus 3^rd-seeds India (kick-off at 15.00) followed by Malaysia versus Iran (17.00). 

 

On Wednesday, the Division III semi-finals will be held. Thursday is a rest day for all teams, with the combined 3^rd/4^th place relegation games for Division II and III on Friday (June 7).

 

The Division II and III finals (promotion matches) will be held on Saturday, June 8.  The Division III champions will be promoted to next year’s Division II tournament, while the 2013 Division II champions will join the 2014 Division I competition alongside relegated Top 5 side UAE, Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei. Thailand was relegated from Division I this season and will round out next year’s Division II. 

 

About HSBC and Rugby

HSBC is a long-term investor in Rugby in Asia and around the world. As well as being the title sponsor of the Sevens World Series, Asian 5 Nations and Asian Sevens Series, the bank is co-title sponsor of the Hong Kong Sevens from 2012. HSBC is the Principal Partner of all the Hong Kong rugby teams, and the British & Irish Lions, who will play in Hong Kong in 2013 en route to Australia. The bank is also the title sponsor of the Waratahs Super 15 team in Australia, the Penguin International Coaching Academy and the Cobra 10s tournament in Malaysia.

Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU)

Marking its 45^th anniversary in 2013, ARFU was founded in 1968 with 8 member unions. In the past decade its membership has trebled to 28 full and associate members. Ranging from Kazakhstan in the north to Indonesia in the south and Lebanon in the west to Guam in the east, ARFU covers a territory of over 44 million sq. kilometres and more than three billion people. ARFU is the sanctioning body for the HSBC A5N, (which doubles as the qualifying event for the Rugby World Cup), and the HSBC Asian Sevens Series, which was held for the first time in 2011. ARFU also offers international competition for women and youth across Asia.

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 2 Day 1

04.06.2013
Singapore v India in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)
Malaysia v Iran in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)

Singapore Squad

Name Club CAP(s)

1 Leong Rong Xian, Reiner - Oldham - Debut

2 Tan Soon Heng, Gaspar - Bedok Kings RFC - 17

3 Vis, Dirk Erik - Bedok Kings RFC - 5

4 Lee Yew Loong, Gabriel - SCC - 9

5 Hewitson, Robert Alexander - Bucks RFC - Debut

6 Wyillie, Murray James - SCC - Debut

7 Chow Kwok-Ho Daniel Marc (Captain) - Bedok Kings RFC - 6

8 Mc Feely, Peter William - SCC - 5

9 Mohammad Suhaimi Bin Amran - SCC - 7

10 Cumbers, Ryan Murray - Wanderers RFC - 6

11 Ng Chung Jin, Bryan - SCC - Debut

12 Bourke Andrew - SCC - Debut

13 Tan Wei Liang, Blandon - Oldham - Debut

14 Sidney Kumar - Bedok Kings RFC - 5

15 Muhammad Zaki Bin Mahmood - Bedok Kings RFC - 10

16 Robertson, James Alexander Fair - SCC - Debut

17 Alvin, Ho Yao Wei - Wanderers RFC - Debut

18 Muhammad Hasif Bin Azman - Wanderers RFC - 3

19 Etheredge, Simon Peter - SCC - Debut

20 Lee Junhao, Jonathan - Bedok Kings RFC - 11

21 Roberts, Matthew John - Wanderers RFC - 2

22 Kay Teck Yuan, Jonathan - SCC - Debut

23 Groen, Nicholas Alexander - Bedok Kings RFC - 7

24 Samuel, Lau Biyong - Bedok Kings RFC - Debut

25 Toy, Neil Carr Maxwell - Bucks RFC - Debut

http://www.singaporerugby.com/2013/06/s ... 13-kl.html

Predictions
Singapore by 8 v India
Malaysia by 3 v Iran

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 2 June

02.06.2012
Wales 30, Barbarians (UK) RFC 21 in Cardiff (Test match)
Trinidad Tobago v Guyana in Georgetown (WCQ Americas; NACRA South R2)-being played
Israel 15, Denmark 0 in Netanya (ENC 2C)
Thailand 22, Malaysia 19 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nat.Div.2 Final)
Iran 52, China 3 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nat.Div.2 Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY TEST MATCH: Division 2

02.06.2012
Thailand v Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nat. Div. 2, Final)

Venue: Stadium Petaling Jaya

Referee:

Preview
Traditional rugby rivals in Asia, the history of Thailand against their Malaysian neighbours goes back to the mid fifties. In 1955 they contested the King’s Cup for the first time. Malaya (as it was called then) thumped their neighbours 47-6 in Bangkok to win the cup. This set up a rivalry that has persisted to this day, although whether the King’s Cup still survives is another question.

Thailand dominated its neighbour after that winning most matches up to 1990. A number of drawn contests followed with Malaysia winning 25-18 in Kuala Lumpur in 1993. Malaysia’s losing trend continued until they won in 1999. They lost again in 2002 but won again in 2006. Thailand has continued to dominate in the two encounters since.

For a full list of all Thailand-Malaysia rugby test matches go to www.rugbyinternational.net

This should prove to be a close encounter. Malaysia comes off a convincing but easy 89-0 win over China. That result may not have prepared them enough for this tough test match. They have the home crowd and ground advantage.

Thailand had a tough win over Iran on Thursday. This may have sapped some energy. On the other hand they should be toughened up for this crucial match. The winner gets to play the Division 3 winner (India) in a Rugby World Cup qualifying play off.

Last Five Encounters
14.06.2008 Thailand 30-7 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.2, Final)
10.11.2007 Thailand 44-7 in Colombo (Asiad Cup)
22.07.2006 Malaysia 36-27 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament. Tier 4)
16.06.2001 Thailand 29-13 in Bangkok (Asia Plate)
1999 Malaysia 18-14 in Ipoh Padang (Int. Quad. Tournament; Kings Cup)

Note: I don’t have any record of the Kings Cup being played since 1999. If not Malaysia holds that cup!

Thailand Last Five
31.05.2012 v Iran W 37-17 in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.2)
07.05.2011 v Chinese Taipei L 10-22 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, Final)
04.05.2011 v India W 37-24 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)
05.06.2010 v China W 56-3 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)
02.06.2010 v Philippines L 33-53 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)

Malaysia Last Five
31.05.2012 v China W 89-0 in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.2 SF)
04.06.2011 v Philippines L 20-86 in Ansan (Asia Nations Div.1, 3rd-4th)
01.06.2011 v Singapore L 17-52 in Ansan (Asia Nations Div.1, Semi-final)
17.04.2010 v Chinese Taipei W 35-8 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1, 3rd-4th)
14.04.2010 v Singapore L 20-22 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1, 3rd-4th)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Malaysia 10th, Thailand 11th

IRB Ranking Points
Malaysia 43.05, Thailand 41.74

Prediction: It could either way. Malaysia by 6 points

Teams

Malaysia Squad
1. Mohd Syahir Asyraf bin Rosli (Team Captain)
2. Mohd Khuzaidi bin Abdullah (Assistant Team Captain)
3. Amadis Chong Yuen Jun
4. Azman bin Osman
5. Badrul bin Musa@Muktee
6. Dineswaran a/l Krishnan
7. Helbarth Jemlit
8. Khairul Nizar bin Shamsudin
9. Kini Rosolosolo
10. Megat Zubaidi bin Buang
11. Mohamad Amin bin Jamaludin
12. Mohamad Nazeer bin Mohamed Nesharah
13. Mohd Farid Syazwan bin Abu Bakar
14. Mohd Hafizh bin Zainal
15. Mohd Zulkifli bin Azmi
16. Mohd Nizard bin Mohd Noor
17. Mohd Razif bin Zainol Abidin
18. Mohd Shafiq Marican bin Ariffin
19. Muhammad Fazrin bin Noor Zaid
20. Nathaneal Tan Aik Ming
21. Ras Suhael Nur Rahim bin Razbi
22. Ras Hurairah bin Razbi
23. Timoci Nacocula
24. Veliameveto Tuinivanua

Thailand Squad not available

ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 2

02.06.2012
Iran v China in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nat.Div.2 Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

 

Venue: Stadium Petaling Jaya

Referee:

Preview
Iran has been, along with the Philippines, one of the rising rugby nations in Asia. They seem to have found their present level in Asia Nations Division 2.

China was once regarded as the Asia rugby nation on the rise. However, over the last few seasons their fortunes have been up and down. They crashed out of Division 2 in 2010 only to regain their place the following year. They are struggling at this level again. Their emphasis appears to be on the seven’s game.

China disintegrated against hosts Malaysia on Thursday whilst Iran fared better against Thailand.

These two nations have never met at test rugby level before.

Iran Last Five
31.05.2012 v Thailand L 17-37 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)
07.05.2011 v India W 30-19 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)
04.05.2011 v Chinese Taipei L 31-34 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)
12.06.2010 v Pakistan W 22-3 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)
08.06.2010 v Guam W 44-11 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, SF)

China Last Five
31.05.2012 v Malaysia L 0-89 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)
25.06.2011 v Guam W 28-18 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)
22.06.2011 v Indonesia W 32-23 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, SF)
05.06.2010 v Thailand L 3-56 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)
02.06.2010 v India L 0-94 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Iran 12th, China 14th

IRB Rankings do not apply-Iran is unranked

Prediction: Iran by 25 points

Teams not available

TEST RUGBY FIXTURES THIS WEEKEND: 2 June

02.06.2012
Wales v Barbarians (UK) RFC in Cardiff (Test match)
Trinidad Tobago v Guyana in Georgetown (WCQ Americas; NACRA South R2)
Denmark v Israel in Netanya (ENC 2C)
Thailand v Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nat.Div.2 Final)
Iran v China in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nat.Div.2 Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

ASIA NATIONS INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Division 2

31.05.2012
Thailand 37, Iran 17 in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.2, SF 1)
Malaysia 89, China 0 in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.2, SF 2)

Finals Day Saturday
02.06.2012
Thailand v Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.2, Final)
Iran v China in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)

Finals day will decide who goes up to Asia Nations Division 1 for 2013, and who drops to Division 3 for 2013.

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY TESTS: Division 2

31.05.2012
Thailand v Iran
Malaysia v China

Matches being played in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

ASIA NATIONS INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY:

For the first time in the history of Asia Nations test rugby, two tournaments will be held at the same venue Kuala Lumpur. All the test matches will be played at the Stadium Petaling Jaya.

     

Staring Wednesday, the Asia Nations Division 3 competition, involving Guam, Indonesia, Pakistan and India, will start a week of intensive rugby.

     

The following day, Thursday, sees Asia Nations Division 2 kick off with hosts Malaysia, Thailand, Iran and China competing for a place in Division 2.

Division 3 will conclude with finals day Friday, whilst Division 2 finals day is Saturday.

TEST RUGBY: JAPAN & HONG KONG CELEBRATE AWAY WINS IN WEEK 3 OF HSBC ASIAN 5 NATIONS

Chinese Taipei Outlast Thailand in Div II Final, Iran Sends India to Division III

[Bangkok, 7 May 2011]: Japan made it 14-straight wins in the HSBC Asian Five Nations as they beat Kazakhstan 61-0 at Bangkok’s National Stadium on Saturday night. In other Week 3 action, Hong Kong made a strong bid to take the runners-up slot for the first time in the tournament’s history with a convincing 48-3 win over Sri Lanka in Colombo.

On a hot and humid night in the Thai capital, John Kirwan’s team overcame a poor first half and some even poorer handling to run in nine tries, with Shaun Webb and Atsushi Tanabe adding four conversions apiece.

Hooker Takeshi Kizu showed his mobility by grabbing four tries and there were further five-pointers for Tanabe, Koji Taira, Alisi Tupuailai, Goshi Tachikawa and Justin Ives as Japan gave the good and vocal crowd - that contained a mix of locals, Japanese ex-pats and ex-pats of other nationalities – a glimpse of what they are capable of.

“That was much better than last week though we still left quite a bit out on the field,” said Kirwan. “There were far too many errors for my liking but the structures were much better,” he added.

Japan’s Taniguchi in action
v Kazakhstan. Photo Kenji Demura/RJP

The first half had seen Japan get off to a good start with Tanabe crossing in the second half. But as was the case last week in Hong Kong, Japan made a number of errors and could only add three more tries in the first 40 minutes – through Taira, Kizu and Tupuailai – as they went into the break leading 28-0.

An injury to Taira didn’t help, forcing Kirwan to re-arrange his backline. But the backs in particular were guilty of too many mistakes. “We just seemed to try and push the pass, especially in the backs,” said Kirwan.

The second half saw more of the same, with Kazakhstan denied any possession and Japan not making full use of all of the ball that came their way. The Kazakhs didn’t do themselves any favours either, with both Tairzhan Arzuev and Serik Zhanseitov sent to the sin bin for not retreating 10 metres at a penalty. Yet even with a man advantage Japan were still unable to open the floodgates as in last year’s 101-7 rout.

“There were times like I felt we were ready to break out. We just need to show some more patience,” said Kirwan. “But at least we zeroed them so that’s a positive.”

Chinese Taipei wins HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division II

The game was the third of three games held in Bangkok today that also saw the promotion and relegation spots from Division Two determined. Chinese Taipei beat hosts Thailand 22-10 to earn a place in Division One in 2012, while India were relegated following a 30-19 defeat to Iran.

In a game of intense physicality and commitment, Chinese Taipei and Thailand matched one another throughout an enthralling encounter. The game wasn’t decided until the closing minutes when Lee Chun-Wen and Chen Kuo-Lun crossed to break a 10-10 deadlock.

The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the good and vibrant crowd in attendance. Thailand had an early lead through a penalty by fullback Prasertying Art-Ong, but the visitors were quick to balance things with a penalty of their own by Pan Chih-Hsiang.

With the Chinese Taipei forwards having a slight edge, Cheng Cheng-Hung rumbled over following a well organized driving maul in the 30^th minute. Pan added the extras as Chinese Taipei went into the break leading 10-3. But it could have been closer with Prasertying guilty of missing two relatively simple kicks at goal.

Despite the heat and humidity, both sides maintained the intensity in the second half and the local supporters lifted the roof when a try by prop Anusaen Somjate – his third of the tournament – and a conversion by Prasertying pulled the teams level. With time running out though, it was the visitors who had the last laugh as the Thai defence finally wilted.

Chinese Taipei celebrate their promotion
to Division 1 for 2012. Photo Kenji Demura/RJP

Earlier, Amin Hosseinzadeh was Iran’s hero, the flyhalf weighing in with two tries, two conversions and two penalties in the victory over India. Hosseinzadeh was ably supported by fullback Ramin Najafi, who also weighed in with a try and who looked dangerous every time he had ball in hand.

“It was important to get back to Iran with a result,” said coach Wayne Marsters, whose side had finished two points short of Chinese Taipei in their opening game.

Iran sent India to Division 3 for 2012
Photo Kenji Demura/RJP

Hot Hong Kong overcome Sri Lanka

Hong Kong moved a step closer to finishing second in the 2011 HSBC Asian Five Nations Top Five tournament for the first time in the tournament’s history after they hammered Sri Lanka 48-3 in steamy Colombo on Saturday.   

An emphatic display of running rugby from both forwards and backs earned Hong Kong seven tries leaving the home team floundering in hot and humid conditions. It was Hong Kong who adapted better, and with the forwards, led by impressive No.8 Pale Tauti, dominating loose play, the outcome was never in doubt.

“This is probably not conditions to play a rugby match in. People don’t realize what both teams underwent out there. It was draining humidity, and it was unbelievably hot. Both sides suffered big time but all credit to our guys,” said Hong Kong national coach Dai Rees.

Outstanding flyhalf Keith Robertson led the rush to the tryline, grabbing a brace and was matched by inside centre Lee Jones who scored on either side of the break. Left-winger Rowan Varty and substitute scrum-half Tim Alexander completed the half-a-dozen tries scored by the backs with Tauti being the only forward to cross the line.

But the kudos should go to the hard-working pack whose rolling mauls and driving play set the foundation for Robertson and his backline to dominate. Robertson finished the game with a personal tally of 17, including two conversions and a penalty. Skipper Tom McColl also knocked over three conversions.

Sri Lanka’s solitary points came from a penalty by fullback Saliya Kumara.

“It was an outstanding performance. This is the biggest win since I’ve been involved with Hong Kong, and I think the biggest win for us in the Five Nations. With this win we can now look at finishing second, a place we deserve to be thanks to the hard work of the players,” Rees added.

Hong Kong’s fullback Ross Armour
goes aerial v Sri Lanka.
Photo Thusith Wijederu/DigiEye

Hong Kong will have a bye next weekend. They will welcome it having been on the road for the last four weeks, including a pre-tournament tour to the Philippines. The break will also give Hong Kong wingers Rowan Varty and Salom Yiu Kam-shing time to recover from injuries. Varty hurt his left shoulder and Yiu twisted his ankle. Both players were lost in the space of a couple of minutes just before the break.

But Hong Kong made light of their absence as they turned on the style in the second half, running in tries from all corners of the field thanks to good passages of play between backs and forwards.

“It was tough conditions out there today. But all credit to the guys. They stuck it out,” said Hong Kong skipper Tom McColl. “I didn’t expect that we would score seven tries for Sri Lanka is a passionate side and they had a big crowd supporting them. But they suffered in the heat.”

The heat will only intensify for Sri Lanka as they now travel to Almaty for a must-win match on the road against Kazakhstan next Saturday.

Today’s Top 5 results see Japan grab its customary top of the table slot with 12 points from two consecutive wins and two bonus points for scoring four or more tries in each of its matches so far. Hong Kong leaps into second spot on eleven points from its wins in Kazakhstan and today, plus its first bonus point of the season for scoring four or more tries.

Despite the frenzied weekend of rugby, the HSBC Asian 5 Nations again took time out to support the development of the game at the grassroots level – this time in Thailand. Children from the SOS Children’s Village Bangpoo were among those supporting Thailand as a follow-up to a clinic by the HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour on Thursday, in which John Kirwan was among the coaches.

Former Scotland boss Frank Hadden, Dean Herewini of the HSBC Penguin International Coaching Academy and ARFU Development Officer Ismail Kadir led the six-day series of coaching activities in and around Bangkok, which included Tuesday and Friday sessions with Vajiravudh College.

On Saturday morning, Hadden led a clinic for youngsters from the Bangkok Japan and Bangkok Lions rugby clubs, while Sunday marks the last of the IRB-certified referee coaching courses for match officials from across Asia.

HSBC renewed its title sponsorship of the Asian 5 Nations for another three years in January and furthered its investment in rugby in the region by announcing sponsorship of the new Asian Sevens Series later this year. Both competitions will be supported by the HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour, which travels across Asia introducing children to the sport.

For further details, visit: www.asian5nations.com

For more information on:

HSBC Asian 5 Nations/ARFU – Sean Moore, Tournament Operations Manager, Mob: +852 9095-8889, Email: sean.moore@elitestep.com

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 7 May

07.05.2011
Japan 61, Kazakhstan 0 in Bangkok (Asia 5 Nations)
Hong Kong 48, Sri Lanka 3 in Colombo (Asia 5 Nations)
Lithuania 29, Croatia 12 in Split (ENC 2A)
Sweden 24, Malta 12 in Stockholm (ENC 2A)
Serbia 20, Armenia 18 in Belgrade (ENC 2B)
Denmark 27, Israel 19 in Odense (ENC 2C)
Cyprus 50, Luxembourg 0 in Luxembourg (ENC 2D)
Chinese Taipei 22, Thailand 10 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, Final)
Iran 30, India 19 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

Briefly
Japan continued its undefeated run in the Asia 5 Nations competition in the main game in Bangkok. In the curtain-raisers, Chinese Taipei won its way back to Asia Nations Division 1 with a good win over hosts Thailand. Iran sent India down to Division 3 for 2012 capping off another test win in the rise of Iranian rugby.
Asia Nations match reviews
http://www.asian5nations.com/node/325

ENC 2A

                                                      

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
LITHUANIA	4	3	0	1	117	47	70	1	1	14
SWEDEN	3	3	0	0	82	48	34	1	0	13
MALTA	4	1	0	3	66	88	-14	1	2	7
LATVIA	3	1	0	2	48	97	-49	1	1	6
CROATIA	4	1	0	3	53	94	-41	0	1	5

Competition leaders Lithuania and Sweden had wins. Sweden has one match left to play, the last in the 2A competition first round. They play Latvia next weekend away and should win that game, giving them the lead.

ENC 2B

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
SWITZ.	4	3	0	1	99	64	35	1	1	14
ANDORRA	4	2	0	2	85	68	17	1	1	10
SERBIA	4	2	0	2	66	108	-42	0	0	8
ARMENIA	3	1	0	2	60	62	-2	0	2	6
SLOVENIA	3	1	0	2	50	58	-8	0	0	4

Serbia narrowly defeated Armenia at home to edge its way away from the bottom of the ladder. Although this is not the relegation end of the competition, Armenia’s rugby test match against Slovenia on 1 June will sort out the ladder for this season. Slovenia needs to win with a bonus point to sink Armenia and Serbia to the bottom of the points table.

ENC 2C

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
DENMARK	3	2	1	0	62	53	9	0	0	10
ISRAEL	3	2	0	1	62	52	10	0	0	8
HUNGARY	3	1	0	2	56	60	-4	0	2	6
AUSTRIA	3	1	0	2	42	51	-9	0	1	5
NORWAY	2	0	1	2	23	29	-6	0	1	3

Denmark’s win has sent it to the top of the ladder where it should remain for the first round. This match was always going to be the decider. There are other games to be played and as is the nature of this competition, anything could happen

Games still to play
14.05.2011 Denmark v Austria in Vienna
14.05.2011 Israel v Norway in Oslo
04.06.2011 Norway v Hungary in Budapest

ENC 2D

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
CYPRUS	4	4	0	0	208	31	177	4	0	20
BULGARIA	3	2	0	1	51	85	-34	0	0	8
GREECE	3	1	0	2	65	76	-11	1	1	6
LUXEMB.	4	1	0	3	44	108	-64	0	0	4
FINLAND	2	0	0	2	20	88	-68	0	0	0

Cyprus continued on its winning way. They have averaged 50 points per game and look to be light years ahead of any other team. The only issue to settle for this the first round is who will sit on the bottom of the points table for this season. The likely candidate is Finland.

Games still to play
14.05.2011 Finland v Bulgaria in Pernik
11.06.2011 Greece v Finland in Helsinki

Lets have a quick look at this coming week
There are more rugby tests coming up that I know what to do with this week. On top of running my job I’m also the main organiser for a Stamp, Coin and Militaria Fair here in town Saturday.

10.05.2011
Uzbekistan v Lebanon in Dubai (Asia Nations Div.4, Semi-final 1)
Jordan v Qatar in Dubai (Asia Nations Div.4, Semi-final 2)

13.05.2011
United Arab Emirates v Japan in Dubai (Asia 5 Nations)
Winner Uzbek-Leb. V Winner Jord-Qatar in Dubai (Asia Nations Div.4, Final)
Loser Uzbek-Leb. V Loser Jord-Qatar in Dubai (Asia Nations Div.4, Playoff 3^rd-4th)

14.05.2011
Kazakhstan v Sri Lanka in Almaty (Asia 5 Nations)
Uruguay v Paraguay in Iguazu (CONSUR A Preliminary)
Chile v Brazil in Iguazu (CONSUR A Preliminary)
Sweden v Latvia in Riga (ENC 2A)
Austria v Denmark in Odense (ENC 2C)
Israel v Norway in Oslo (ENC 2C)
Finland v Bulgaria in Pernik (ENC 2D)
Cayman Islands v Mexico in Mexico City (NACRA Caribbean Champ.,North R2)