TEST RUGBY: Algeria Rule the North African Roost

Algeria's 50-0 win over Egypt in the CAR Development Trophy final played in Cairo Friday was the second fifty-pointer in a week. On Wednesday they defeated newcomers Libya also by fifty points. Although this was not the highest level of African rugby (in fact it's the lowest) Algeria displayed enough superiority for CAR, the governing body of African rugby, having to consider promoting the Algerians to the next level of African rugby. This would probably be the African Trophy North which, in 2010, consisted of Niger, Democratic Rep.of Congo, Mali, Burkino Faso, Ghana, Senegal A (who took Nigeria's place), Togo and Benin.

The photos below came from the Algerian rugby facebook site http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=72735340386&v=wall

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Friday 29 October

CAR Africa Development Trophy Tournament in Cairo

Finals Day
Algeria 50, Egypt 0
Mauritania 10, Libya 5

Briefly
Algeria too good for this level. I suspect they'll be pushed up, in 2011, into the CAR Trophy level, where they will probably compete with the likes of Niger, Burkino Faso and Ghana.

That will leave Egypt, Mauritania and Libya at the Development level.

CAR RUGBY: Development Trophy North

Results in from Cairo

Preliminary

26.10.2010
Algeria 50, Libya 0
Egypt 10, Mauitania 5

Finals Day 29 October
Libya v Mauritania (3rd-4th)
Egypt v Algeria (Final)

Comments
" Libya and Algeria arrived to Egypt today ...Mauritania will arrive tomorrow before the match about 2 HRS !!! I think 98% they will not come."

" about today [results] ,I am as Libyan really happy for Libya team.coz when i remember that Libya team just created 2 week a go and it was first match rugby 15 for 21 players from 24 ... really well done and am proud and happy for that...
also Bravo for Mauritania. coz they came to their match from Air Port after 16Hrs fly from Mauritania to Morocco then Egypt !!!."

From 'X-man' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3116&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=390

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TOURNAMENT: CAR Grass Roots Rugby

CAR Development Trophy North

Sorry, no rugby images found on internet for Egypt, Libya or Mauritania

Rugby history will me made in Cairo tomorrow. Libya and Egypt will be making their debuts in 15's international rugby. Rugby union has been well established in these two North African countries over the last few years.

Tomorrow Libya begins its test rugby career with a game against Algeria, who can only boast one test rugby match, against Tunisia 'A' in 2008, a match they won 8-7.

Egypt will face a rugby nation with considerable more international rugby under its belt than the other three nations in this tournament. Mauritania played seven rugby international matches in CAR tournaments from 2003 to 2004. They failed to win a single match. They have returned at the lowest level of African rugby to start again and build a better rugby base.

Day One
Algeria v Libya

Prediction-Algeria by 15 points

Egypt v Mauritania

Prediction-Mauritania by 5 points

Teams not available

CAR RUGBY TOURNAMENTS 2010

CAR (The Confederation of Africa Rugby) is the controlling body of African rugby. It operates under the IRB umbrella

Action in the Ivory Coast v Uganda match, 2004.

Tournaments schedule for 2010

Africa Cup, Round 1
Pool A: To be held in Tunis, Tunisia 15-19 June
Teams-Tunisia, Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast

Pool B: Venue and dates TBC
Teams-Kenya, Uganda, Cameroun, Zambia

Pool C: To be held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, June 27-July 4
Teams-Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Namibia, Botswana

Finals: Venue and date TBC-Will be in November
Teams-Pool winners and best runner up

Ivory Coast in action against Senegal, May 2007. Ivory Coast won 12-10. Image thanks to http://rugbivoire.midiblogs.com

CAR Trophy
North Pool: Venue Niamey, Niger 17-27 July
Teams-Niger, Mali, Burkino Faso, Benin, Niger, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Congo

Central Pool: Venue-Burundi; Dates TBC
Teams-Burundi, Rwanda, Congo DR

South Pool: Venue Arush, Tanzania, 14-19 June
Teams-Tanzania, Reunion, Mauritius, Swaziland

CAR Development Trophy

North Pool: Venue and dates TBC
Teams-Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Egypt

Egypt at the Dubai 7's, 2007. Image thanks to http://www.rugbyegypt.com.

Central Pool: Venue-Gabon; Dates TBC
Teams-Gabon, Central African Republic, Chad

The tournament reflects the three tiers of African rugby. The first tier being the Africa Cup. Last year the Africa Cup also billed as qualification for the 2011 Rugby World Cup Finals. Namibia qualified.

The second tier is the CAR Trophy. In this tier it's surprising to see two teams who are yet to play international rugby; Congo and Congo DR. I would have thought they would be in the development phase. I'm also surprised to see Burundi and Rwanda in this league. Their standard would be somewhat below that of Tanzania.

The Third tier plays for the Development Trophy. Only Mauritania and Chad have previous test experience. But with this and the second tier, teams pull out regularly. Africa is a huge continent. Travel is a nightmare, costly and simply prohibitive for many developing nations. But Africa is also where we have seen the most development and progress in the last 10 years.

The Niger team performs their 'haka' before a game at the CAR Development Trophy, held in Tsevie, Togo. Image thanks to http://www.freewebs.com/zebus/apps/photos/album?albumid=6757333

Rugby Test Results: Saturday 25 July

25.07.2009
South Africa 28, New Zealand 19 in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations)
Zimbabwe 23, Botswana 3 in Gaborone (CAR Dev. Trophy, South)
Madagascar 36, Reunion 27 in Gaborone (CAR Dev.Trophy, South)
Mauritius 25, Zambia 8 in Gabornone (CAR Development Trophy, South)

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

Test Rugby This Weekend 25 July

25.07.2009
New Zealand v South Africa in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations)
Madagascar v Reunion in Gaborone (CAR Dev.Trophy, South)
Mauritius v Zambia in Gaborone (CAR Dev.Trophy, South)
Botswana v Zimbabwe in Gaborone (CAR Dev.Trophy, South)

Briefly
New Zealand head for Bloemfontein for their next big Tri Nations clash. New Zealand's best performance of the season so far was the second half against Australia last weekend. Can they produce that against South Africa? How determined will the Sprinbox be after that embarrasing third test loss against the Lions? I expect the South Africans to come out of the sheds ready to rip Kiwis apart!

Zimbabwe and Botswana are undefeated after two rounds of the CAR Development Trophy held in the Botswanan capital Gaborone. There clash will be huge! Don't dismiss Madagascar. My friends at FIRA-AER forum reckon they could still win if they defeat Reunion by 23 points or more and if Botswana and Zimbabwe draw. Ahhh! It's too complicated for me! Give me a straight final any day!!

CAR African Rugby

CAR Development Trophy, South
Round Two
22.07.2009
Botswana 39, Reunion 17
Zimbabwe 14, Mauritius 8
Madagascar 36, Zambia 15

Results just in

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

Test Rugby Results Saturday 18 July

18.07.2009
New Zealand 22, Australia 17 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
Samoa 73, Papua New Guinea 12 in Port Moresby (WCQ Oc. R2; 2nd leg)
Niger 5, Ghana 3 in Tsevie (CAR Develop. Trophy, North: Final)
Burkino Faso 7, Togo 5 in Tsevie (CAR Dev. Trophy, North: Playoff 3rd-4th)
Nigeria 5, Mali 0 in Tsevie (CAR Develop. Trophy, North: Playoff 5th-6th)
Benin 29, Togo ‘B’ 0 in Tsevie (CAR Dev. Trophy, North: Playoff 7th-8th)

Reviews
A good win to New Zealand over Australia started the Tri Nations series. I could help but think the atmosphere at Eden Park didn't come near the atmosphere in Pretoria for the Lions' second test against South Africa. Is the Tri Nations dying?

Samoa recorded a very predictable win in Port Moresby which sees them automatically qualify for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. In Africa, Niger won the CAR Development North Trophy for 2009.

Rugby Tournament: CAR Development Trophy, North

18.07.2009
The tournament being held in the tiny republic of Togo, is a rugby festival for emerging African nations in Northern Africa.

Situated 32km north of Lome, the republics capital, this town has hosted the tournament comprising of national rugby teams from the hosts, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Mali, Burkino Faso and Niger. Chad withdrew and Togo 'B' made up the numbers.

After a week of intense competition finals day takes place this Saturday.

The Final
Niger v Ghana

Preview
Niger's only blemish during the week was a 11-11 draw with Mali. They defeated Benin 10-3 and hosts Togo 6-3 to reach the final.

Ghana easily defeated Togo 'B' 43-0 then had a hard 5-5 draw with Nigeria before defeating Burkino Faso 17-7 to determine the top position in Pool B.

Apart from the second Togo team, the playing standards look very even at this level of international rugby. A lot will depend upon injuries and who is left standing after an intensive week of rugby with daily temperatures between 25 and 30deg.

Previous Encounters
These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Ghana 17th, Niger 20th

Prediction: Ghana by 9 points

Teams not available

Other Matches
Playoff for 3rd-4th
Togo v Burkino Faso

There is little between all the teams. Hosts Togo and Burkino Faso could both easily have been in the final. Burkino Faso's loss to Ghana was a big disappointment as the Burkino team won last year's tournament. The hosts will also be very strong.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Burkino Faso 18th, Togo 22nd

Prediction: Burkino Faso by 12 points.

Playoff 5th-6th
Mali v Nigeria

Again not a lot between these teams. Mali drew 11-11 with Niger who is in the final, whilst Nigeria drew 5-5 with Ghana the other finalist!

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Nigeria 19th, Mali 21st

Prediction: Nigeria by 6 points

Teams not available

Playoff 5th-6th
Benin v Togo 'B'

Togo 'B' was the fill-in team and Benin should win comfortably.

Prediction: Benin by 30 points.

Test Rugby This Weekend 18 July

18.07.2009
Australia v New Zealand in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
Papua New Guinea v Samoa in Port Moresby (WCQ Oceania R2; 2nd leg)
Niger v Ghana in Tsevie (CAR Develop. Trophy, North: Final)
Togo v Burkino Faso in Tsevie (CAR Develop. Trp, North: Playoff 3rd-4th)
Mali v Nigeria in Tsevie (CAR Develop. Trophy, North: Playoff 5th-6th)
Benin v Togo ‘B’ in Tsevie (CAR Develop. Trophy, North: Playoff 7th-8th)

Rugby Test Results: 10-11 July

11.07.2009
Half Time Canada 24-0 v USA in Edmonton (WCQ Americas 2, Final)Morocco 29, Kenya 11 in Safi (CAR Trophy, North: Final)
Senegal 11, Cameroun 3 in Safi (CAR Trophy, North: 3rd-4th)
Samoa v PNG-No score at present

10.07.2009
Togo 6, Mali 5 in Tsevie (CAR Dev.Trophy, North: Pool A)

Rugby Test Matches: CAR Dev. Trophy North

11.07.2009
Burkino Faso v Nigeria in Tsévié (CAR Dev.Trophy, North, Pool B)
Ghana v Togo 'B' in Tsévié (CAR Development Trophy, North, Pool B)

These matches were previewed on Thursday. Note, Chad withdrew at the last minute and has been replaced by Togo's second team.

International Test Rugby This Weekend 11-12 July

11.07.2009
Canada v United States in Edmonton (WCQ Americas R2, Playoff 2nd leg)
Samoa v Papua New Guinea in Apia (WCQ Oceania R2, 1st leg)
Kenya v Morocco in Safi (CAR Trophy, North: Final)
Senegal v Cameroun in Safi (CAR Trophy, North; Playoff 3rd-4th)
Burkino Faso v Nigeria in Tsévié (CAR Dev.Trophy, North, Pool B)
Ghana v Chad in Tsévié (CAR Development Trophy, North, Pool B)

12.07.2009
Niger v Mali in Tsévié (CAR Development Trophy, North, Pool A)
Togo v Benin in Tsévié (CAR Development Trophy, North, Pool A)

Test Rugby: CAR Development Trophy Begins

This tournament is being held in the West African republic of Togo. The eight teams are all from within the region.

10.07.2009
Niger v Benin in Lome (Pool A)
Togo v Mali in Lome (Pool A)

11.07.2009
Burkino Faso v Nigeria in Lome (Pool B)
Ghana v Chad in Lome (Pool B)

Niger v Benin
These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Does not apply as Benin last played test rugby in 2006.

Prediction: Niger by 40 points

Togo v Mali
Previous Encounter
23.06.2008 Togo 3-0 in Accra (CAR Development Trophy, North B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Togo 22nd, Mali 24th

Prediction: Togo by 14 points

Burkino Faso v Nigeria
These two teams have never met before

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Nigeria 17th, Burkino Faso 20th

Prediction: Nigeria by 21 points.

Ghana v Chad
Previous Encounter
23.06.2008 Ghana 17-8 in Accra (CAR Dev. Trophy, North A)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Ghana 21st, Chad 23rd

Prediction: Ghana by 14 points

2008 A Year of Rugby Part 5

CAR Nations 20th-28th

Benin
Benin did not participate in international rugby in either 2007 and 2008 and thus falls off the ladder.

28th Burundi
Burundi played two matches in 2008, both at home in Bujumbura. The first was against a Belgian Club side made up mainly of Congolese. The Kibubu RFC played in place of the side from Congo who pulled out of the CAR Development Cup, South, Pool A tournament. Burundi went on to lose 5-7 to neighbour Rwanda.

27th Swaziland
Swaziland's only game in 2008 was against Botswana in Gaborone to decide who would move on to the World Cup qualifying matches for Africa. The 7-25 loss eliminated Swaziland.

26th Algeria
Algeria played its first ever international rugby test against Tunisia 'B' in Nabeul. The Algerians won 8-7. They also played club sides in France and look set to enter the CAR competitions soon.

25th Rwanda
Rwanda travelled to Bujumbura to play in the CAR Development Trophy, South, Pool A. They defeated the home side Burundi 7-5. Unfortunately they were unable to play the winner of the other CAR South winner.

24th Mali
Mali played its first international rugby test in 2003. Since then they have failed to make much impression in the local tournaments. in 2008 the team travelled to Accra, Ghana to play in the North Zone, Pool B. All the games were low-scoring affairs, and although they drew 3-3 with Niger they lost their other games.

23rd Chad
Chad first played international rugby in 2006. They won their first ever test match 10-0 against Mali in the CAR Development Trophy Tournament in Accra, Ghana. The Chadians lost their two other games.

22nd-Togo
Togo won two of their three games in the 2007 CAR Castel Beer cup matches in the tournament played in Lagos. They won only one match in this years tournament, thus slipping to 22nd on the African ladder.

21st Ghana
As host of this years CAR Tournament for Africa's minor nations, the Ghanese were expected to do well. They lost to Burkino Faso by one point but it was enough to push them out of the final. They won their other two games comfortably.

20th Burkino Faso
Winners of the CAR Castel Beer Trohpy, North Pool B tournament in 2007, the Fasians were expected to challenge strongly for the title in 2008. They defeated Chad easily in their first game but only just won 9-8 against hosts Ghana in the second. Niger was too strong for them in the final.

For a full list of all the above nations international rugby results go to www.rugbyinternational.net.

Next I will cover Africa from 10th to 19th place