ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 3, WEST

19.06.2014
Uzbekistan 23, India 17 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West)
Lebanon 17, Pakistan 3 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West)

Briefly
I was surprised that this tournament actually got underway with the violence in Pakistan. Good on them all for braving the conditions.

Apparently India were down to eleven players as the Indian army players were not permitted to travel to Pakistan.

Sundays Matches
Uzbekistan v Lebanon-Final
India v Pakistan-Playoff 3rd-4th

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 30 May-1 June

01.06.2014
Barbarians (UK) RFC 39, England XV 29 at Twickenham (Non-test)

31.05.2014
Finland 29, Bosnia Herzegovina 25 in Turku (ENC 2D)
China 41, Guam 10 in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Semi-final 2)
Indonesia 11, Laos 10 in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Semi-final 2)
Bahamas 13, Turks and Caicos Islands 11 in Providenciales (Caribb.Champ., Div.2, North)

30.05.2014
Japan 33, Samoa 14 in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Warm-up)

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 3, EAST Finals Day

31.05.2014
Guam v China in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Final)
Laos v Indonesia in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Playoff 3rd-4th)

Preview
China caused a minor upset by defeating Indonesia in the first semi-final held Thursday. For the last few seasons China appears to have concentrated on the Sevens rugby allowing their 15’s game to slip dramatically. Thursday’s game is an indication that that could change.

China’s clash with Guam will see Asia’s most populated nation take on one of its least. Guam showed just how strong they are with a convincing 48-0 win over hosts Laos. I’d expect Guam to be too strong for the Chinese side.

The last time Guam and China met was in 2011 with China winning 28-18 on the day. Last year Guam defeated Indonesia by over 50 points. Indonesia lost by 4 points to China Thursday.

This year Laos has had to step up in the standard of competition from other years and may well find Indonesia too strong.

Predictions
Guam by 24 v China
Indonesia by 12 points

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 3 EAST

29.05.2014
Guam v Laos in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Semi-final 1)
Indonesia v China in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Semi-final 2)

Briefly
Asia Nations Division 3 has changed from last season. It has been divided into east and west zones.

China failed to win any of its Division 3 games last season. They lost 13-37 to Indonesia. China is focusing on sevens rugby. In 2010 they were relegated from Division 2 and since has not looked like gaining promotion. Since 2012 they have lost by some huge margins.

Indonesia has also struggled at the international level.They have managed to survive in Division 3 since being promoted out of regional tournaments in 2009.

Guam is the form team. They lost narrowly to Qatar last season and defeated Indonesia by over 50 points. I expect them to win this zone.

Laos played in Division 4 last year and even though they are hosts I can’t see them making an impact.

Predictions
Indonesia by 30 v China
Guam by 25 v Laos

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 TEST RUGBY: Division 3 Round 1

30.05.2012
Guam 38, Indonesia 17 in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.3)
India 34, Pakistan 5 in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.3)

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.

ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 3

30.05.2012
India v Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur

Venue: Stadium Petaling Jaya

Referee: Kim Yonghoe (Korea)

Preview
Traditionally India has always been a lot stronger than its western neighbour winning most games more than comfortably.

India lost both its matches in Division 2 last year and was relegated to Division 3.

Indian squad. Image thanks to http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=418850498149249&set=a.246664328701201.66508.234029236631377&type=1&ref=nf

Although losing both its matches in Division 3 last year Pakistan was saved from relegation and remains in Division 3 for this year.

Previous Encounters
06.06.2009 India 44-3 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2, Playoff 3rd-4th)
14.06.2008 India 92-0 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.2, Playoff 3rd-4th)
30.10.2004 India 56-3 in Hong Kong (19th Asia Champs, Pool C, Playoff)
31.10.2003 India 52-15 in Kandy (Friendly)

India Last Year
07.05.2011 v Iran L 19-30 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, Playoff 3rd-4th)
05.05.2011 v Thailand L 24-37 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, Semi-final)

Pakistan Last Year
25.06.2011 v Indonesia L 19-20 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Playoff 3rd-4th)22.06.2011 v Guam L 10-37 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Semi-final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-India 13th, Pakistan 17th

IRB Ranking Points do not apply. Pakistan is not ranked

Prediction: India by 30 points

Teams

India squad
Nasser Hussain (Captain), Hrishikesh Pendse (Vice-Captain), Rohaan Sethna, Kayrus Unwala, Pritom Roy [Bombay Gymkhana Club], Gautam Dagar, Kamaldeep Dagar, Deepak Dagar, Jagga Singh, Vikas Khatri, Prince Khatri [Delhi Hurricanes RFC], Siddharth Lolayekar [RFS Pune], Tuiweli Serukalou [Jungle Crows RFC], Armen Makarian [Chennai Cheetahs RFC], Avinash Shinde [Maharashtra State Police], Parvender Singh, Paramjeet Singh, Suresh Sajwan, Naresh Kumar, Surinder Singh, Shokender Singh, Rohit Singh Sivach, Samsher Singh, Bikash Jena [Indian Army]
Coach: Mitsutake Hagimoto (Japan),

https://www.facebook.com/HSBC.A5N/posts/305641026187671 )

Pakistan squad
Arsalan Zahid (captain), Fiaz Ahmed, Mohammad Abu Bakar Khan, Mohammad Tahir Rafi, Inamullah Khan, Mohammad Ali, Sharafat Ali, Fouzan Majeed Wain, Halide Mehmood, Umar Islam, Nasir Mehmood, Imad Ali Nasir, Mohammad Javed, Rehan Mansoor, Mohammad Imran, Mohammad Babar, Israr Ahmed, Shakeel Ahmed, Tahir Yaqoob, Mohammad Manan Naseem, Saqib Murtaza, Sheharyar Ahmad, Ahmed Mumtaz and Temur Ahmed.

http://dawn.com/2012/05/24/pakistan-rug ... e-nations/

ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 3

30.05.2012
Guam v Indonesia in Kuala Lumpur

Venue: Stadium Petaling Jaya

Referee: Nik Mohd Ramadhan bin Nik Abdullah (Malaysia)

Preview
Guam and Indonesia are two teams who were in this division last year. Guam has had the edge over their more populous Asian cousins in their two encounters to date.

Indonesia will be captained by Daniel Nugroho.

Previous Encounters
12.06.2010 Guam 49-12 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Playoff 3rd-4th)
01.07.2009 Guam 23-3 in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.3, Semi-final)

Guam Last Year
25.06.2011 v China L 18-28 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)
22.06.2011 v Pakistan W 37-10 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Semi-final)

Indonesia Last Year
25.06.2011 v Pakistan W 20-19 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Playoff 3rd-4th)
22.06.2011 v China L 23-32 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Semi-final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Guam 15th, Indonesia 16th

IRB Ranking points do not apply as Indonesia does not register.

Prediction: Guam by 25 points

Teams

 
                             Image thanks to http://indonesiarugbyunion

Indonesion Rhinos squad

Bali - Nick Mesritz, Dan Sivess, Markus
Banteng - Yudha Ramon, Ari Yudha, Marco, Yohanes Musi, John Taylor, Adrian, Agustian, Fikri Al Azhar
Komodos - Daniel Nugroho, Tom Elliot, Mark Brown, Mike Lewis, Kyle Larson, Gareth Rae
Balikpapan - Ribut
Sengatta - Asmuri
Papua based - Nico Joku, George Offide
Mantano - Ashykar
Jago Dulu-Rams - Florian Busi
Sumbawa - David Pasaribu, Asep
Surabaya - Putu
Gosowong - Meidy Pesik
Overseas based - Kirk Arundale, Hastono Van Hien, Dian Simatupang, Michael Bavin, Stevie Haurissa
Emergency on stand-by - Bobby Orlando

Head Coach: James Johnston

http://indonesiarugbyunion.pitchero.com/news/official-rhinos-squad-annoucement-2012-1572/

Guam Squad
Paul Claros, Loose Forward, (C)
Rob Leon Guerrero, Blindside Flanker
Earl Pascual, Hooker
Mario Martinez, Wing
John Arceo, Loose Forward
Brandon O’Mallan, Hooker/Prop
Carlos Eustquio, Prop
TJ Ada, Loose Forward
Chirs Sgro, Center
Basil O’Mallan, Open-side Flanker
Paul Eustquio, Wing/Fullback
Brian Ramiro, Lock
Gerard Aguon, Center/Fullback
Vinson Calvo, Fly Half
Sixto Quintanilla III, Lock
Stephen “Juice” Santos, Wing
Jesse “Pumpy” Manglona, Wing
Steven Sablan, Scrum Half
Eddie Calvo, Fullback
Randy Mendiola, Center
Leonard Calvo, Prop
PJ Calvo, Scrum Half
Fabien Garces, Lock

Guam Players in New Zealand

Brandon O’Mallan, Hooker

20 years old, 6 international rugby test caps for Guam, played for Guam U18 in Taiwan(2009), played for New Zealand U19 Harlequins(2010). 3rd consecutive year in New Zealand (St. Paul’s College, Morrinsville Rugby Club); 4 years experience. Coached Notre Dame High school rugby 2011-2012.

Basil O’Mallan, Open-side Flanker

23 years old; 10 years experience. 8 international rugby test caps for Guam. 3 years Sam Houston State Texas college rugby. Coached Notre Dame high school rugby 2011-2012.

Randy Mendiola, Winger/Center

23 years old; 7 years experience. 9 international rugby test caps for Guam. Referred high school rugby 2012. Coached GW high school 2010, coached Okkado high school 2009, coached Saint Francis Middle School 2009-2010.

Rob Leon Guerrero, Loose Forward/Lock

23 years old; 3 years experience. 6 international rugby test caps for Guam. Referree’d high school & middle school rugby 2010-2012. Coaching staff, Notre Dame Rugby 2009-2011.

Steve Sablan, Scrum Half

23 years old, 9 international rugby test caps for Guam. 2nd tour in New Zealand (Christchurch Old Boys, 2009; Under-20’s USA Squad 2008; Potmac Athletic Rugby Club (Washington D.C. 2007) Ombac Rugby Club (San Diego 2007), coaching staff, Father Duenas Friars 2010-2011; 12 years experience

Chris Sgro, Center

25 years old, 10 international rugby test caps for Guam. (1 club season in England, 2009; 4 club seasons playing for the city of Portland, Oregon 2005-2008); 12 years experience. Academy rugby coach 2012

Paul Eustaquio, Winger/Fullback

25 years old, 10 international rugby test caps for Guam. 1 season in New Zealand, Taupiri Club. Notre Dame boys coach, 2010.

http://www.guamsportsnetwork.com/?p=10850

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 25 June

25.06.2011
Zimbabwe 42, Kenya 24 in Harare (Victoria Cup)
Senegal 15, Cameroun 6 in Younde (CAR Div.1B, Final)
Zambia 17, Botswana 12 in Younde (CAR Div.1B, Playoff 3^rd-4th)
China 28, Guam 18 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)
Indonesia 20, Pakistan 19 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

Firstly, an apology. I incorrectly listed Uganda as the visiting team to Zimbabwe. No excuses!

Briefly
Zimbabwe now has a strangle hold on the Victoria Cup after easily accounting for Kenya in Harare. Kenya are the current holders of the Cup.

Senegal has gained promotion to CAR Division 1A for 2012 after defeating hosts Cameroun in Younde. Zambia squeezed Botswana out 17-12 to send the ‘Vultures’ packing off to CAR Division 1C for 2012 (that is providing CAR doesn’t change the structure).

China returns to Asia Nations Division 2 for 2012 and celebrate the stop of their decline over the past few years. Pakistan lost by a point to Indonesia but apparently are not relegated according to this… ‘There will be no relegation from this year’s Division III competition’. from http://www.asian5nations.com/node/417, thanks to ‘Paratus’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3675&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=135

ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 3 Decider

25.06.2011
China v Guam in Jakarta

Asia’s biggest nation, both in size and population, meets one of Asia’s smallest, Guam in the Asia Nations Division 3 decider. The prize is entry into Asia Nations Division 2 for 2012.

Mid week China defeated hosts Indonesia 32-23 whilst Guam easily accounted for Pakistan 37-10.

These two teams have not met in a rugby test match before.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-China 14th, Guam 15th

IRB Ranking Points
China 41.39, Guam 36.80

Prediction: Guam, with a large ex-pat contingent could upset the Favourites: Guam by 3 points

Teams

Guam

Back Row (Left to right): Matthew Sablan, Carlos Eustaquio, Pete Calori (non-travelling reserve), Matthew Toves, Dean Kaio (Asst. Coach in back), Leonard Calvo, Basil O'Mallan, Tony Terlaje Gilbert, Zeb Howser, Brandon O'Mallan, Rob Leon Guerrero, Sixto Quintanilla, Brian Ramiro, John Arceo, Coach Willie Hetaraka, Ryan McManus, Guam Rugby President Stephen Grantham

Front Row: Eddie Calvo, Randy Mendiola, Art Toves, Robbie Leon Guerrero, Paul Claros (Captain), Steven Sablan, Stephen Santos, Paul Eustaquio, Gerard Aguon, Vern Lokeijack (non-travelling reserve)

China Squad not available

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY: Division 3 Relegation Decider

25.06.2011
Indonesia v Pakistan in Jakarta

Mid week hosts Indonesia lost to China 23-32 whilst Pakistan were thumped by Guam 37-10

Previous Encounters
These two teams have met only once before in a rugby test match. Last year Indonesia just squeaked past Pakistan 13-11 in the same tournament, also in Jakarta

GWC Rugby Rankings
Pakistan 16th, Indonesia 17th

Prediction: Indonesia by 2 points

Teams

Pakistan Squad
Abu Baker, Adnan Saeed Niazi, Ahmed Mumtaz, Anwaar-Ul-Haq, Zafar, Arsalan, Zahid, Babar Muhammad, Kawar Ashraf, Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Manan Naseem, Omer Shafqaat, Salman Majeed Wain, Shakeel Ahmed, Umer Islam, Umer Usman, Shahbaz Munir, Imad Nasir, Mansoor Rehan, Shuaib Aftab, Javed, Sair, Riaz, Saqib Murtza, Haroon Jahanzeb Durrani and Amrez Hamid

Indonesia Squad Not avaliable

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY RESULTS 21-22 JUNE

22.06.2011
Bermuda 11, Guyana 0 in Georgetown (NACRA Caribbean Championship, Final)
China 32, Indonesia 23 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Division 3; Semi-final)
Guam 37, Pakistan 10 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Division 3; Semi-final)
There is some doubt about Asia Nations Division 5 due in Brunei 22-25^th June

21.06.2011
Senegal 30, Botswana 12 in Younde (CAR Division 1C, Semi-final)
Cameroun 12, Zambia 10 in Younde (CAR Division 1C, Semi-final)

Briefly
Bermuda is the 2011 Caribbean Champion after defeating Guyana in Georgetown.

The 2011 Asia Nations Division 3 final is a David and Goliath encounter-China v Guam! Hosts Indonesia face Pakistan in the relegation fixture.

Senegal and Cameroun will contest the CAR Division 1C final.

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY: Division 3

The only change from last year’s Division 3 is that China was relegated from Division 2. Although Pakistan finished last year they remained in Division 3 and even host this tournament. For this year there will definitely be a team relegated to Division 4 for 2012.

22.06.2011
China v Indonesia

These two teams have never met in a rugby test before.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-China 14th, Indonesia 17th

Prediction: China by 21 points

Pakistan v Guam

These two teams have met once before. Pakistan winning 27-22 in Manilla in 2006.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Pakistan 15th, Guam 16th

Prediction: Pakistan by 7 points

Teams

Guam Squad

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back Row (Left to right): Matthew Sablan, Carlos Eustaquio, Pete Calori (non-travelling reserve), Matthew Toves, Dean Kaio (Asst. Coach in back), Leonard Calvo, Basil O'Mallan, Tony Terlaje Gilbert, Zeb Howser, Brandon O'Mallan, Rob Leon Guerrero, Sixto Quintanilla, Brian Ramiro, John Arceo, Coach Willie Hetaraka, Ryan McManus, Guam Rugby President Stephen Grantham

Front Row: Eddie Calvo, Randy Mendiola, Art Toves, Robbie Leon Guerrero, Paul Claros (Captain), Steven Sablan, Stephen Santos, Paul Eustaquio, Gerard Aguon, Vern Lokeijack (non-travelling reserve)

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14957:guam-rugby-playing-hsbc-asian-five-nations&catid=38:sports-news&Itemid=152 and thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3675&start=120

Pakistan Squad

Abu Baker, Adnan Saeed Niazi, Ahmed Mumtaz, Anwaar-Ul-Haq, Zafar, Arsalan, Zahid, Babar Muhammad, Kawar Ashraf, Khalid Mahmood, Muhammad Ali, Muhammad Manan Naseem, Omer Shafqaat, Salman Majeed Wain, Shakeel Ahmed, Umer Islam, Umer Usman, Shahbaz Munir, Imad Nasir, Mansoor Rehan, Shuaib Aftab, Javed, Sair, Riaz, Saqib Murtza, Haroon Jahanzeb Durrani and Amrez Hamid

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Asia Nations Div.3

Finals Day in Jakarta

Final
12.06.2010
Iran v Pakistan

Preview
The final of the Asia Nations Division sees neighbours Iran and Pakistan battle for the honour of promotion to Division 2 for 2011. Iran has the better record and played well to win against Guam Wednesday.

Previous Encounters
06.11.2007 Iran 32-3 in Colombo (Asiad Shield)
18.08.2007 Iran 22-11 in Lahore (Iran's first test match)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Iran 14th, Pakistan 15th
IRB Rankings do not apply

Prediction: Iran by 15 points and head to Division 2 in 2011.

Teams not available

Playoff 3rd-4th
Guam v Indonesia

Preview
Tricky one this game. Guam won easily last year but Indonesia played well against Pakistan Wednesday.

Previous Encounter
01.07.2009 Guam 23-3 in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.3, Semi-final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Guam 16th, Indonesia 17th

Prediction: Guam by 7 points, and hosts Indonesia head down to division 4 for 2011.

Teams not available

ASIA NATIONS Div.3

Results just in
09.06.2010
Iran 44, Guam 11 in Jakarta
Pakistan 13, Indonesia 11 in Jakarta

Finals Day 12 June
Iran v Pakistan (Promotion)
Guam v Indonesia (Relegation)

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY: Division 3

Jakarta hosts its first major rugby tournament, the Asia Nations Division 3. Teams participating are Indonesia, Pakistan (relegated from Division 2 last year), Iran and Guam.

Day One-Semi Finals
09.06.2010
Guam v Iran
Pakistan v Indonesia

Previews

Pakistan Squad. Image thanks to Pakistan RFU

Pakistan has the most international experience of all the teams.Their first experience of international rugby was at the 2004 19th Asia Championship, held in Sri Lanka. Pakistan was in Pool C. Sri Lanka was their first opponent on the world stage; they lost 3-75. They also lost to India 3-56. Since then the game has developed rapidly in Pakistan and a healthy and competitive club competition thrives. Last year they crashed out of Division 2 losing both to China and India.

Guam first played test rugby in 2005 in a World Cup qualifying series against India, Kazakhstan and Malaysia. They drew their first test match 8-8 with India but lost with honour to the other more established rivals. Last year they defeated Indonesia 23-3 in Manilla but lost 0-25 to the Philippines who were promoted to Division 2.

Indonesia entered the world of international test rugby in 2006. Up until last year they have been involved in regional tournaments involving Cambodia, Laos and Brunei, winning most of their games. Last year they lost heavily to both Guam and Iran in the Division 3 Asia Nations Competition. There being no Division 4 Indonesia stayed put. The pressure will be on to improve against the same teams as last year, and hold their place.

Iran is the newest team on the world scene in this group. Their progress has been nothing short of amazing. They defeated Pakistan twice and India once in their first year! They took part in a regional tournament in 2008, defeating both Kygyzstan and Uzbekistan. Last year they entered the Asia Nations competitions for the first time playing in Division 3 in Manilla. They lost their first test match ever, going down 0-15 to eventual winner Philippines. They then defeated Indonesia 48-13 to showcase what Iran has to offer international rugby.

Previous Encounters
Guam and Iran have not played each other before.
Pakistan v Indonesia have not played each other before.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Iran 14th, Pakistan 15th, Guam 16th, Indonesia 17th
IRB only ranks Guam

Predictions
Iran by 14 v Guam
Pakistan by 7 v Indonesia

Teams

Guam Squad
Paul Claros (captain) (Para Todu)
Anthony "TJ" Ada (Para Todu)
Gerard Aguon (Para Todu) *
John Arceo (Taupiri Rugby Club, New Zealand)
Edward Calvo (Para Todu)
Vinson Calvo (Para Todu)
Leonard Calvo (Para Todu)
Billy Chennaux (Para Todu)
Michael Cruz (Para Todu) *
Paul Eustaquio (Taupiri Rugby Club, New Zealand)
Zeb Howser (Para Todu)*
Robert Leon Guerrero (Para Todu)
Jesse Manglona (Para Todu) *
Randy Mendiola (Para Todu)
Brandon O'Mallan (St Pauls Collegiate, New Zealand)
Earl Pascual (Para Todu)
Sixto Quintanilla (Southern Rugby) *
Stephen Santos (Para Todu)*
Christopher Sgro (Para Todu)
Matthew Toves (Southern Rugby)
Sakiusa Vaka (Guam Rugby Club)
Peter Walls (Guam Rugby Club)
William Williams (Para Todu)
* New cap
Head Coach Willie Hetaraka
Assistant coach Christopher Luman
Manager Neil Paynter
Team doctor Tom Mick.

Pakistan
“PRU President Fawzi Khawaja announced the following 32-member squad, which is to be whittled down to 24 for the tournament”.

Adnan Niazi
Aftab Qureshi
Ahmed Mumtaz
Amrez Hamid
Anwaar-Ul-Haq Zafar
Azmat Khan Niazi
Billal Butt
Durani Haroon
Fouzan Wain
Hammad Safdar
Imran Rashid
Junaid Malik
Khalid Bhatti
Mansoor Rehan
M. Junaid Liaqat
M. Babar
M. Manan Naseem
Muneeb Baqapuri
Omer Shafqaat
Romail Ashraf
Saad Arif
Sahir Aslam
Sair Riaz
Salman Majeed Wain
Shakeel Ahmed
Syed Xeeshan Rizvi
Taimur Zia Butt
Umer Islam
Umer Usman
Waqar Javaid
Waseem Abbas
Zaheer Niazi.
Head Coach Rizwan Malik
PRU President Fawzi Khawaja
National Team Manger Khuram Haroon
Doctor Rashid Malik

“In Indonesia the Pakistan team will also get coaching from international coaches led by Mr. frank Haden, former coach of the Scotland national team and brand ambassador for HSBC working on Rugby development in Asia”

http://www.pakistanrugby.com/

Final 24 not yet known.

Indonesia and Iran have not yet sent their squad details to me.

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY DIV.3: Pakistan Prepares

"PRU President Fawzi Khawaja announced the following 32-member squad, which is to be whittled down to 24 for the tournament

Adnan Niazi
Aftab Qureshi
Ahmed Mumtaz
Amrez Hamid
Anwaar-Ul-Haq Zafar
Azmat Khan Niazi
Billal Butt
Durani Haroon
Fouzan Wain
Hammad Safdar
Imran Rashid
Junaid Malik
Khalid Bhatti
Mansoor Rehan
M. Junaid Liaqat
M. Babar
M. Manan Naseem
Muneeb Baqapuri
Omer Shafqaat
Romail Ashraf
Saad Arif
Sahir Aslam
Sair Riaz
Salman Majeed Wain
Shakeel Ahmed
Syed Xeeshan Rizvi
Taimur Zia Butt
Umer Islam
Umer Usman
Waqar Javaid
Waseem Abbas
Zaheer Niazi.

Head Coach Rizwan Malik
PRU President Fawzi Khawaja
National Team Manger Khuram Haroon
Doctor Rashid Malik

“In Indonesia the Pakistan team will also get coaching from international coaches led by Mr. Frank Haden, former coach of the Scotland national team and brand ambassador for HSBC working on Rugby development in Asia”

http://www.pakistanrugby.com/

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY: Guam Squad for Jakarta

Guam Squad announced

The Guam Squad
Paul Claros (captain)
Anthony "TJ" Ada
Gerard Aguon
John Arceo
Edward Calvo
Vinson Calvo
Leonard Calvo
Joey Campos
Billy Chennaux
Michael Cruz
Paul Eustaquio
Zeb Howser
Robert Leon Guerrero
Jesse Manglona
Randy Mendiola
Brandon O'Mallan
Earl Pascual
Sixto Quintanilla
Stephen Santos
Christopher Sgro
Matthew Toves
Sakiusa Vaka
Peter Walls
William Williams
Head Coach Willie Hetaraka
Assistant coach Christopher Luman
Manager Neil Paynter
Team doctor Tom Mick.

“Brandon O'Mallan has just returned from New Zealand, where he is on a rugby scholarship at St. Paul's Collegiate School in Hamilton. He is making the most of the opportunity of playing regularly in the school's first 15 and he has improved tremendously with the experience. He will return to St Paul's immediate after the internationals for a further three months. Arceo and Paul Eustaquio have also been in New Zealand playing with the Taupiri Rugby Club in the local Waikato competition”

Head Caoch is Kiwi Willie Hetaraka

Article at http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20106050315

Asia Nations Division 3 Draw, to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia June 9-12

09.06.2010
Guam v Iran
Pakistan v Indonesia

12.06.2010
Winner v Winner in final, Finals winner to Division 2, 2011
Loser v Loser in playoff 3rd-4th. 4th relegated to Division 4

Test Rugby. Asia Nations Division 3

04.07.2009
The Final
Guam v Philippines in Manilla

Preview
The host nation staked a claim to the title for this tournament with a convincing 15-0 win mid-week against previously undefeated Iran. Guam were also convincing in their 23-3 win over Indonesia.

Previous Encounters
05.07.2008 Philippines 20-8 in Guam (Asia Regions)
27.06.2007 Philippines 39-3 in Manilla (Asia Nations Div.5)
20.05.2006 Philippines 18-14 in Guam (Asia Tournament Div.5)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Philippines 12th, Guam 17th

Prediction: Philippines by 12 points.

Teams

Guam Squad
Paul Claros (Captain) , Steven Sablan (Vice captain), Anthony "TJ" Ada, Gerard Aguon, John Arceo, Nathan Baza, Edward Calvo, Vinson Calvo, Leonard Calvo, Jeremy Cepeda, Billy Chennaux, Ryan Claros, Paul Eustaquio, Kepueli Katoa, Conrad Kerber, Robert Leon Guerrero, Ryan McManus, Randy Mendiola, Brandon O'Mallan, Earl Pascual, Matthew Sgro, Matthew Toves, Anthony Villena, William Williams.

Coach: William Hetaraka

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index. ... &Itemid=18

and thanks to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3003&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=150

Philippines team not as yet available

Playoff 3rd-4th
Indonesia v Iran in Manilla

Preview
This will be an interesting clash between the world's biggest Muslim nations. Their rugby community is as yet still very small but growing. Iran were undefeated in their short international rugby history until mid-week when they lost 0-15 to hosts Philippines. Indonesia lost 3-23 to Guam also mid-week and I would expect the Iranians to win, sending Indonesia to the 2010 Asia Nations Division 4.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Iran 13th, Indonesia 17th

Prediction: Iran by 28 points

Teams as yet unavailable