AFRICA CUP 1B: Third and final day

11.06.2015
Ivory Coast 22, Senegal 19 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Uganda 59, Botswana 10 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Madagascar 33, Mauritius 24 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

 

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIF	BP	TOT
UGANDA	3	3	0	0	134	32	102	3	15
MADAGASCAR	3	3	0	0	99	68	31	2	14
SENEGAL	3	1	0	2	82	51	31	3	7
IVORY COAST	3	1	0	2	59	89	-30	1	5
BOTSWANA	3	1	0	2	54	136	-62	0	4
MAURITIUS	3	0	0	3	38	110	-72	0	0

Uganda is promoted to Africa Cup 1A for 2016. Mauritius is relegated back to 1C.

The relatively poor showing of both Ivory Coast and Senegal (with their predominantly France-based squad) was a surprise.

 

Uganda v Mauritius, Day 2

Botswana v Senegal, Day 2

Images from http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=543&start=25

AFRICA CUP 1B: Day 2

08.06.2015
Uganda 35, Mauritius 11 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Madagascar 30, Ivory Coast 26 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Botswana 26, Senegal 21 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

Briefly
Uganda’s result was predicted but the other two results came as a surprise. Botswana’s win over Senegal was a real boil over whilst Madagascar came back against Ivory Coast to take the game at the end.

Saturday’s Draw for Final Day

11.06.2015
Ivory Coast v Senegal in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Uganda v Botswana in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Madagascar v Mauritius in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

AFRICA CUP 1B

First Day’s play is today, Sunday

05.07.2015
Madagascar v Botswana in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Mauritius v Senegal in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Uganda v Ivory Coast in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

Predictions
Madagascar by 25 v Botswana: Score 40-15
Ivory Coast by 8 v Uganda: Score 27-19
Senegal by 50 v Mauritius: Score 57-7

AFRICA CUP 2015

CAR has rebranded itself as Rugby Africa.

AFRICA CUP 2015

Africa Cup 1A

13.06.2015: Namibia v Tunisia in Tunis
13.06.2015: Kenya v Zimbabwe in Harare
28.06.2015: Tunisia v Kenya in Nairobi
04.07.2015: Tunisia v Zimbabwe in Harare
11.07.2015: Kenya v Namibia in Windhoek
18.07.2015: Zimbabwe v Namibia in Windhoek (was 06.06)

Africa Cup 1B
July 3-11. Venue: Kampala, Uganda. Teams-Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Uganda, Mauritius, Botswana

Africa Cup 1C
June 22-27. Venue: Lusaka, Zambia. Teams-Zambia, Nigeria, Cameroun, Morocco

Africa Cup 2 North
May 23-31. Venue: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Teams-Togo, Benin, Ghana, Mali, Burkino Faso, Niger

Africa Cup 2 South
May 25-30. Venue: Kinshasa, RDC. Teams-Rwanda, Burundi, Congo Kinshasa, Congo Brazzaville

Adapted from http://www.rugbyafrique.com/calendrier-2/

www.rugbyinternational.net

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 11-12 JUNE

11.06.2013
South Africa Pres. XV 19, Emerg. Ireland 8 in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup) Non-test
Georgia 27, Uruguay 3 in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Namibia 35, Senegal 12 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR Africa Cup, Div.1B)
Tunisia 43, Botswana 12 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR Africa Cup, Div.1B)

Briefly
Namibia v Tunisia in 1B final on Saturday to decide who goes up to Division 1A in 2014. Senegal and Botswana scrap to decide who gets relegated to 1C in 2014.

CAR Africa Cup Division 1B Schedule

The Namibia-Senegal game is crucial for Namibia (and of course for Senegal). Namibia was relegated from Division 1A last year and must win this division to gain promotion to Division 1A for 2014. The Africa 1 position at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals will come from Division 1A 2014.

WEEKEND TEST RUGBY SCORES

24.11.2012
Botswana 54, Swaziland 20 in Manzini

25.11.2012
French Barbarians 64, Japan 41 in Le Havre

BOTSWANA v SWAZILAND

24.11.2012

This match was postponed from early October. Transport strikes in South Africa was the cause. Looks like all is going ahead.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Botswana 10th, Swaziland 27th

IRB Ranking Points
Botswana 38.65, Swaziland 35.63

Prediction: Botswana by 30 points

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 6 October

I regret that due to other commitments this Saturday I will not be able to preview this weekends test rugby matches. But I will provide some predictions.

06.10.2012
New Zealand v South Africa in Johannesburg (Rugby Championship)
Prediction-New Zealand by 8 points

Australia v Argentina in Rosario (Rugby Championship)
Prediction-Argentina by 5 points
 
Poland v Czech Republic in Prague (ENC 1B)
Czech Republic by 3 points
 
Bulgaria v Hungary in Kecskemét (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)
Hungary by 20 points

Luxembourg v Finland in Helsinki (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2D)
Luxembourg by 7 points

Botswana v Swaziland in Manzini (Friendly)
Botswana by 35 points

Briefly
New Zealand has already bagged the first Rugby Championship trophy. The prospect of them facing up to the old foe South Africa in South Africa is very inviting. If they win it will be their 16th straight test rugby win.

Australia are in all sorts of injury bother as they prepare to face Argentina in Rosario. If Argentina are to register a win in this championship, Saturday could be the day.

In Europe Bulgaria and Hungary have the honour of kicking off the 2015 Rugby World cup qualifying process in that part of the world. Luxembourg and Finland follow soon after. These matches are also part of the European Nations Cup competition.

Poland and Czech Republic face each other in another European Nations Cup match.

Botswana and Swaziland look to playing their friendly test match this weekend.

TEST RUGBY IN AFRICA: Swaziland Host Botswana

29.09.2012
Botswana v Swaziland in Manzini (Friendly)

Venue: Mavuso Sports Centre

Referee: Lourens Van Der Merwe (South Africa)

Preview
Botswana won against Swaziland earlier in the year by a wide margin and it’s difficult to see a different result this time around. Botswana have the advantage of playing in a CAR tournament since that encounter whereas Swaziland hasn’t.

Previous Encounters
30.06.2012 Botswana 69-3 in Gaborone (Friendly)
17.05.2008 Botswana 25-7 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa South, Pre-Qualif.)
19.07.2007 Botswana 46-0 in Gaborone (CAR Trophy South, Group B)
23.04.2005 Botswana 19-12 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa Round 1A, South)
04.09.2004 Botswana 25-22 in Gaborone (CAR Div.2, South)

These two teams first met in a rugby test match in 1998; Botswana winning 23-8. Swaziland has never defeated Botswana. They came close in 2002 with a 10-10 draw.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Botswana 10th, Swaziland 27th

IRB Ranking Points
Botswana 38.65, Swaziland 35.63

Prediction: Botswana by 25 points

 

Teams are not available

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 29 September

29.09.2012
Australia v South Africa in Pretoria (Rugby Championship)
New Zealand v Argentina in la Plata (Rugby Championship)
Bermuda v Paraguay in Asuncion (WCQ Americas; CONSUR B/NACRA Playoff)
Botswana v Swaziland in Manzini (Friendly)

Briefly
After a fortnights break the test rugby scene starts up again. The Rugby Championship sees New Zealand on the road for the last two rounds. New Zealand face a determined Argentinean side at home whilst Australia head for the high veld against South Africa.

The 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying process continues. Bermuda, as NACRA winner, travel away to play Paraguay, CONSUR B winner, in Asuncion. The winner gets to face Brazil, last Place in CONSUR A in Brazil next month.

Last but not least Swaziland hosts neighbour Botswana in a friendly return test match. Earlier in the year Botswana won 69-3 in Gaborone.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Africa

28.07.2012
Ivory Coast 24, Zambia 18 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1C)
Botswana 25, Mauritius 14 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1C)

25.07.2012
Ivory Coast 29, Nigeria 17 in Gaborone (WCA Africa; CAR Division 1C)

RUGBY TEST MATCH AFRICA: Botswana v Swaziland

30.06.2012
Swaziland v Botswana in Gaborone

Venue: Botswana University Ground

Referee:

Preview
Botswana will host the CAR Division 1C tournament  later in July. To prepare for this tournament they have two games to play. In June they travelled to Zimbabwe and defeated the Matabeleland Invitation XV 30-14. Today they play the visiting Swaziland side.

Swaziland are not down to participate in any of the CAR tournaments this year. If they do it would probably be in Division 2 South. This is a big assignment to take on the Botswanians who are in the same league as Cameroun, Ivory Coast and Zambia.

There is hope from Swaziland RU for a home game against Botswana later this year, and a yearly home-away contest.

Last Five Encounters
17.05.2008 Botswana 25-7 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa, South, Pre-qualifier)
19.07.2007 Botswana 46-0 in Gaborone (CAR South, Group B)
23.04.2005 Botswana 19-12 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa R 1A, South)
04.09.2004 Botswana 25-22 in Gaborone (CAR Div.2, South)
05.10.2002 Drawn 10-10 in Malkem (CAR, South 2)

Swaziland has never defeated Botswana in seven encounters.

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply. Swaziland is not on the register, not having played a rugby test since 2010.

Prediction: Botswana by 20 points

Teams

Swaziland Squad

Vuma Nxumalo, Michael Dos Santos, Muzi Dludlu, Bheki Mbuyisa, Themba Manyatsi, Sergio Dos Santos, Sifiso Dlamini, Bongani Dlamini, Wilson Dlamini, Malindi Dlamini, Sibusiso Kunene, Mau Gina, Lelo Dos Santos, Phasika Dlamini, Bongmusa Dlamini, Mphumelelo Sondlo, Bandile Vilakati, Thami Msimango, Thando Dlamini, Absalom Shabangu, Ncamiso Dlamini, Wandile Magwaza

http://swazilandrugby.com/?q=node/1412 )

Botswana Squad not available

CAR RUGBY: Division 1C

The relegation 3rd-4th place playoff in this division will be between Zambia and Botswana. Botswana lost 12-30 to Senegal Wednesday, whilst Zambia just lost 10-12 to hosts Cameroun. On those results Zambia would be favoured to push Botswana down to CAR Division 1D for 2012.

25.06.2011
Botswana v Zambia in Younde (CAR Div.1C, Playoff 3rd-4th)

Previous Encounters
03.07.2010 Zambia 27-14 in Bulawayo (Africa Cup, Pool C; Playoff 3rd-4th)
20.07.2009 Botswana 16-10 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy; South)
09.04.2005 Zambia 28-24 in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A, South)
07.08.2002 Botswana 32-19 in Gaborone (CAR, South 2)
27.07.2002 Zambia 37-17 in Lusaka (Friendly)

The history of test rugby matches between these two nations certainly see-saw, with neither side dominating over the last ten years.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zambia 11th, Botswana 12th

IRB Ranking Points
Zambia 39.97, Botswana 38.17

Prediction: Zambia by 8 points.

Teams

Zambia (Squad that played v Cameroun)

Nigel Chibwe, Evans Simpemba, Kelvin Kampandu, Edward Mumba, Daniel Sakala, Ephraim Musukwa, Alex Mwila (All Arrows), Danny Kabila ( Buffaloes), Thadius Chipoya, Tom Chaloba (Both Green Eagles).

Ali Bika, Musonda Chileshe, Chancy Mulama, Ernest Mwansa, Michelo Shelleni (All Powerhouse Lusaka).

John Kabwela, Mwila Chileshe, Patrick Chanda, Benaya Mukwamba, Chunzi Sikazwe, Musonda Kabwe (All Diggers), Hopeman Kanamina (Ndola Wanderers).

http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_art ... leId=21297

Botswana squad not available

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: CAR Division 1C

21.06.2011
Senegal 30, Botswana 12
Cameroun 12, Zambia 10

Finals Day-25 June
Senegal v Cameroun-Winner is promoted to CAR 1B for 2012
Botswana v Zambia-Loser relegated to 1D

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3660&start=120

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Africa Cup, Pool C

03.07.2010
Botswana v Zambia

Venue: Hartsfield Rugby Club Ground

Referee:

Preview
Botswana were well and truly thumped by Zimbabwe Wednesday. The Vultures were reported to have had to leave a few key players behind due to injury after the squad was selected. Zambia gave Madagascar a good run for their money on Wednesday and look more likely to win this game.

Previous Encounters
20.07.2009 Botswana 16-10 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
09.04.2005 Zambia 28-24 in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A, South)
07.09.2002 Botswana 32-19 in Gaborone (CAR South 2)
27.07.2002 Zambia 37-17 in Lusaka (Friendly)
17.05.1997 Zambia 20-13 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa, R1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Botswana 12th, Zambia 14th
IRB Ranking Points-Zambia 39.31, Botswana 39.21

Prediction: Zambia by 14 points

Teams

Botswana Team that played Zimbabwe
Katlego Mohutiswa, Thato Maifala, Onkabetse Mosalagae, Eddie Ernest, Lempaletse Ngaka, Kagiso Ditsebe, Kabo Batsile, Munyaradzi Mhonda(captain), Conrad Ntsebe, Andre Van Der Wat, Doug McCarthy, Edward Oosthuizen, Tefho Keothepile, Biki Mawela, Tshogenetso Katse. Lesedi Keekae, Otsile Mooketsi, Karabo Matenanga, Molibi Maphanyane, Onamile Tshimologo, Emanuel Masinki, Leatametse Mapodise, Segopotso Dintwe.
Head Coach: Niel Gouws

http://www.sundaystandard.info/article.php?NewsID=8103&GroupID=6

Zambia Squad
Nigel Chibwe, MacManus Musonda, Ali Bika, Boyd Nyirenda, Tedious Chololo, Sydney Mwansapa, Daniel Sakala, Ephraim Musukwa, Chiluba Kangwa, John Chibanga, Thomas Chipoya, Lazarous Chiti, Edward Mwamba, Tom Chaloba, Tom Mweemba, Jonathan Gondwe, Alex Mwila, Danny Kabila, Patrick Kasongo, John Kabwela, Patrick Chanda, Benaya Mukwamba, Chileshe Mwape and Kelvin Kampandu.
Head Coach: Noble Chisenga

Adapted from http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=17&id=1277791690

AFRICAN RUGBY: Africa Cup Pool C Begins

Semi-Finals for Pool C in Bulawayo

30.06.2010
Zimbabwe v Botswana
Madagascar v Zambia

Previews
Play in Pool C gets underway tomorrow in Bulawayo, a city South West of Zimbabwe's capital Harare

Zimbabwe v Botswana

Referee:

Previous Encounters
25.07.2009 Zimbabwe 23-3 in Gaborone (CAR development Trophy, South)
07.09.1996 Zimbabwe 130-10 in Bulawayo (Friendly)

Botswana will struggle in this match. It has been reported that they will arrive with a below strength side affected by injuries.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zimbabwe 10th, Botswana 12th
IRB Ranking Points-Zimbabwe 46.11, Botswana 39.21

Prediction: Zimbabwe by 34 points

Teams

Zimbabwe Squad
A.Sairai. V. Hove, J. Butchanan, D. Mutamangira, R. Gurumani, Z. Tondoro, G. Nechironga, J. Leitao, N. Mukondiwa, T. Mafi, D. Robertson, T. Nemadire, L. Machanjaire, G. Sibanda P. Staark, D. Hondo, W. Mbanje, T. Mhende, S. Johns, J. Rowe, P. Jessub, D. Mutamangira, S. Sibanda, P. Chitenderu, N. Ndlovu, S. Sibanda.

Head Coach: Brandon Dawson (coach)

http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=20603&cat=5

Botswana squad not available

Madagascar v Zambia

Referee:

Previous Encounters
22.07.2009 Madagascar 36-15 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
26.08.2006 Madagascar 59-18 in Antanaviro (Africa Cup, Group D)

Zambia is very much the lightweight in this match. Although I can't find a squad list you can be sure Madagascar will be more than a handful for the Zambians.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa table-Madagascar 11th, Zambia 14th
IRB Ranking Points-Madagascar 46.90, Zambia 39.31

Prediction: Madagascar by 17 points

Teams

Zambia squad
Nigel Chibwe
MacManus Musonda
Ali Bika
Boyd Nyirenda
Tedious Chololo
Sydney Mwansapa
Daniel Sakala
Ephraim Musukwa
Chiluba Kangwa
John Chibanga
Thomas Chipoya
Lazarous Chiti
Edward Mwamba
Tom Chaloba
Tom Mweemba
Jonathan Gondwe
Alex Mwila
Danny Kabila
Patrick Kasongo
John Kabwela
Patrick Chanda
Benaya Mukwamba
Chileshe Mwape

Head Coach: Noble Chisenga

Madagascar Squad Not available

Rugby in Africa: CAR Development Trophy Concludes

The final day of the 2009 CAR Development Trophy, South Zone, concludes today in Gaborone, capital of Botswana. Madagascar, the highest seeded team looks like it will lose its placing.

25.07.2009
Botswana v Zimbabwe

Preview
The Zimbabwe-Botswana game looks to be the final of this tournament. Both go into this game undefeated and there appears to be nothing much between them.

Zimbabwe, without a few of its top players, caused an upset on day by downing the 'Makas' 31-22. They were a little shakey mid-week with a close 14-8 win over Mauritius.

Botswana, playing at their home ground at the University of Botswana, has surprised most with their record so far. They were convincing 16-10 winners over Zambia, whilst they won comfortably 39-17 over Reunion mid-week.

Previous Encounter
Botswana played its first international rugby test match in 1996. On that day there were hammered 130-10 by Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. These two teams have not met since!

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Zimbabwe 7th, Botswana 10th

Prediction: Zimbabwe by 10 points

Teams

Botswana not available

Zimbabwe Squad
Forwards
Rocky Gurumani (Old Hararians ) Aged 34
Alfred Sairayi (Old Hararians)
Piet Joubert (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Devon Esbach (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Dimitri Zaverdinos (Mashonaland Country Districts) #
Kyle De Beer (Districts) #
Theo Weale (Old Miltonians) #
Kundai Hatendi (Harare Sports Club) #
Costa Dinha Aged 31 (possibly captain)
Moses Makiwa (Old Miltonians) #
Prayer Chitenderu (Old Hararians)
Norman Mukondiwa (Matabeleland Province)
Jacques Leitao (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Njabulo Ndlovu (Mashonaland Country Districts) # Still at school (Prince Edward School)

Backs
Gardner Nechironga (Polokwane, South Africa)
Tapiwa Mafi (Old Hararians) #
Gary Hewitt (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Tichafara Makwanya (Old Hararians) #
Bernard Mukondiwa (Old Miltonians) #
Paul Staak (Matabeleland Province)
Daniel Hondo (Hurtpury RFC, England)
Jafet Ndebele (Old Hararians) #
Lloyd Machanjaira (Old Miltonians) #
Tafadzwa Mhende (Harare Sports Club)
# New Caps

Head Coach: Brendan Dawson

Madagascar v Reunion

Preview
Madagascar should win this game but they will be ruing their loss to Zimbabwe on day 1.

Previous Encounters
These two teams first met back in 1995. My records show a 33-9 win to Reunion on that day. Since then Madagascar has been on a much higher African rugby stage. I expect Madagascar to win easily.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Madagascar 8th, Reunion 15th

Prediction: Madagascar by 50 points

Teams

Madagascar Squad
Vonjiniaina Marson Andriamananjara (COSFA)
Nirina Jacquis Bayard (Iarivo RC)
Haja Jean-Marc Fiarana (Iarivo RC)
Fabiola Derossant Fiavota (Iarivo RC)
Andrianavalona Bienvenu Mananjarasoa (Iarivo RC)
Jacquot Hary Nirina (TAM Anosibi)
Dimbiniaina Jean-Willy Rabemananjara (3FB)
Edmond Rija Rakotoarimanana (3FB)
Sidonie Lantoniaina Rakotoarisoa (3FB)
Benjamina Mandimby Rakotoarivelo (US Ankadifotsy)
Jean Félix Rakotoarivelo (US Ankadifotsy)
Mboazafy Noé Rakotoarivelo (Capt.) (COSFA)
Mario Rakotomalala (US Ankadifotsy)
Fenohery Andriambininjato Rakotondrazaka (FTA)
Jean de Dieu Rakotonirina (3FB)
Antonio Gontran Rakotozanany (TAM Anosibi)
Herilaza Ramanoelina (Iarivo RC)
Tolotra Ratsimba Ramaromiantso (3FB)
Herman Ibrahim Randrianiaina (Iarivo RC)
Tahina Herizo Randrianarisoa (3FB)
Toussaint Boniface Rabearilala (Iarivo RC)
Tina Nirina Ravelomanantsoa (Iarivo RC)

3FB = Ministère de la Santé et du Planning Familial
COSFA = Club Omnisports des Forces Armées

Reunion Squad
Pascal Agro (Chaudron)
Ludovic Claude (Chaudron)
Sylvain Defvergnes (Saint-Pierre)
Cédric Efflame (Saint-Paul)
Nicolas Frapese (Saint-Pierre)
Jérôme Gauthier (Chaudron)
Lazare Hoarau (XV Dionysien)
Marcel Hoareau (Chaudron)
William Hoareau (Chaudron)
Ulrich Lamour (Saint-Paul)
Bruno Lechnig (Saint-Pierre)
Frédéric Lechnig (Saint-Pierre)
Quentin Llouquet (Saint-Paul)
Jérémy Orélie (Saint-Paul)
Bruno Palace (Saint-Paul)
François Ribière (Saint-Paul)
Johan Rivière (Chaudron)
Patrice Rosa (Saint-Paul)
David Scheller (Saint-Pierre)
Eric Shapaz (La Montagne)
Willy Sinivassin (Etang-Salé)
Cédric Tiburce (Saint-Paul)
Christel Vocher (Saint-Paul)
Laurent Wolter (Saint-Pierre)
Encadrement : Bernard Charreyre, Didier Adekalom et Yves Russier

Mauritius v Zambia

Preview
It's not been a happy tournament for Zambia. They surprisingly lost to hosts Botswana 10-16 on day 1 and then found a tough Madagascan side too strong mid-week.

Mauritius defeated their island neighbour Reunion 10-9 on day 1, and then pushed Zimbabawe 8-14 mid-week for a very respectable record.

There may not be much between these two teams who have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Zambia 11th, Mauritius 14th.

Prediction: Zambia by 5 points.

Teams

Mauritius Squad
Romain Lamusse
Gauthier Ozoux
Cédric Poché
David Gervel
Nicolas Dupavillon
Jérôme Ritter
Jérôme Ferrat
Nicholas Margéot
Amédée Maingard
Jean-François Marie
Herbert Couacaud
Fabien Rivalland
Jean Edgar de Ravel
Denis Claude Pilot
Christophe Rousset
Yohan de Coriolis
Daniel Maigrot
Robert Boullé
Patrice François
Sacha Descroizilles
Thomas Maujean
Alexandre Jouan
Léopold Le Guen
Fabien Sauzier

Coaches: Bernard Castelin, Alain Lastécoueres.

Zambian Squad
Ali Bhuka, Macgiven Muchindu, Simon Kapindu, Michelo Sheleni, Norman Sibanda, Boyd Nyirenda, Dany Kabila, Ephraim Musukwa, Nigel Chibwe, Nicton Mwape, Edwin Zulu, Macmanus Musonda, Mwila Chileshe and Tom Chaloba. Nickson Silwimba, Grant Mwila, Isaac Munganga, Chancy Mulama, Jonathan Gondwe, Brian Chansa, Ceasar Mutesha, John Mulenga, Alex Mwila and Kabwe Musonda.
Head Coach: Happy Chipili

Rugby In Africa

CAR Development Trophy, South.
Just last weekend we saw the conclusion of the corresponding tournament in the north, which was held in Togo, a tiny republic in West Africa.

The Development trophy is for emerging nations one level below CAR Trophy, which was also played recently. The nations at the trophy level are Morocco (the winner), Kenya, Senegal and Cameroun.

The southern tournament was hit last week with two defections. Both Tanzania and Swaziland pulled out. This left Botswana (hosts), Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Zambia and the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and Reunion. Because it is an overseas department of France, Reunion has permission to play as a nation, but is not eligible for World Cup qualifying games.

With the late withdrawls, organisers rearranged the touranment into two pools, with teams only playing across the pools, exactly like the recent IRB Nations tournament held in Bucharest.

The tournament is being held at the University of Botswana Rugby grounds in the capital Gaborone.

Day One
20.07.2009
Zimbabwe 31, Madagascar 22
Botswana 16, Zambia 10
Mauritius 10, Reunion 9

Review
Two upsets were recorded in the first round. Madagascar were well fancied as the tournament favourite. On the day they found the Zimbabweans too strong.

Botswana caused the other upset by downing Zambia who are ranked higher. In the other match Mauritius just edged out Reunion.

Round two is on Wednesday 22 July