CHINA v INDONESIA: ARC Division 3, East

13.06.2015

Venue: Jakarta Intercultural School, Jakarta

Referee:

China should easily account for the home side in the final match of this tournament. A win to China would see the promoted back to Division 2, a position they held until a few years ago.

Prediction: China by 40. Score 49-9.

TEAMS

Indonesia Squad

Forwards:

Charlie Munro
Chris Burger
M. Fadli
Bobby Orlando
Michael Zedek Daid Arwan
Marco Sebastian
Steven Haurissa
Florian Busi
Dan Sivess
Daniel Nugroho (c)
Dian Simatupang
Andrew Thompson
Markus Didikus Ria
Bayu Satria

Backs:
Yohei Oya
Greg Merrett
Alec Munro
Kurt McNally
Scott Atkinson
Stephen Field
Jeffrey W. Tei
Reynold Munro
Aga Widjojo
Ari Yuda Pramono
Justin Field
Dominic Wong

http://rugbyindonesia.or.id/2015-indonesian-rhinos-squad-announced/

China Squad not available

CHINA v GUAM: Asia Rugby Championship, Div.3, East

10.06.2015

Venue: The British School, Jakarta

Referee:

Preview:
The nation with the largest population will play a nation with one of the smallest in the ARC Division 3 East clash in Jakarta today.

China’s test rugby performances have improved considerably over the last two seasons. Prior to that China’s focus on rugby sevens and a place in the 2016 Olympics meant that their test side well and truly under performed. This is their first outing in this 3 nation tournament being held in Indonesia.

On day 1 Guam scored a win over Indonesia 17-6. In previous encounters Guam had always been dominant. That result indicated either a weaker Guam side this year or a stronger Indonesia.

China has dominated Guam over the last two seasons. I expect them to win today leaving just Indonesia on Saturday standing in the way of a Chinese promotion to Division 2 in 2016.

Previous Encounters
31.05.2014 China 41-10 in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East Final)
25.06.2011 China 28-18 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)

China Last Five P 5, W2, L 3
31.05.2014 v Guam W 41-10 in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East Final)
29.05.2014 v Indonesia W 10-6 in Vientiane (Asia Nat. Div.3, East Semi-final)
07.06.2013 v Indonesia L 13-37 in Petaling Jaya (Asia Nat.Div.3, 3rd-4th)
05.06.2013 v Qatar L 0-76 in Petaling Jaya (Asia Nat.Div.3, Semi-final)
02.06.2012 v Iran L 3-52 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)

Guam Last Five P 5, W3, L 2
07.06.2015 v Indonesia W 17-6 in Jakarta (ARC, Div.3, East; Semi-final)
31.05.2014 v China L 10-41 in Vientiane (Asia Nations, Div.3 East, Final)
29.05.2014 v Laos W 48-10 in Vientiane (Asia Nat., Div.3 East, Semi-final)
08.06.2013 v Qatar L 7-13 in Petaling Jaya (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)
05.06.2013 v Indonesia W 63-8 in Petaling Jaya (Asia Nat., Div.3, Semi-final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: China 17th, Guam 18th

World Rugby Ranking Points
China 40.73, Guam 35.70

Prediction: China by 10 points. Score 27-17

TEAMS

  

Squad lists unavailable

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 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

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 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 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

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

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Asia Nations Division 2 Playoff 3rd-4th

05.06.2010
China v Thailand in New Delhi

Venue: Delhi University Stadium

Referee:

Preview
It would appear that the Chinese side is not a fully representitive side as the players are picked solely from the army. I can't find out the reason for this. Perhaps China is concentrating on 7s. Whatever the case the Chinese rugby team is not as strong by a long way as the sides that were turned out when these two teams last met.

In fact China has won both previous games against Thailand. Thailand might not be as strong as it was when it played in Division 1 but I think they will have too much gas for a Chinese team playing well out of its depth.

The winner will remain in Division 2 for 2011, whilst the loser will be relegated to Division 3.

Previous Encounters
15.11.2003 China 34-23 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament)
02.07.2000 China 39-20 in Aomori (17th Asian Champ.,Div.2)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-China 11th, Thailand 13th
IRB Ranking Points-China 46.25, Thailand 40.84

Prediction: Thailand by 25 points.

Teams

Thailand Squad
Mulswas Adirek
Jaisutti Anuchit
Piromkraipak Chaisak
Banluesup Chaninthorn
Akkhanimart Chatchai
Wannadit Chatree
Promtaree Chestaphol
Chayapirom Kantachai
Juntaranakorn Khunsuk
Laksanasompong Klin
Chankasem Narongsak
Potipirom Nuntapol
Kiattibunyawat Nutthapong
Srichatpeth Phandet
Yingcharoen Pichit
Ngoentong Pongnatee
Anusaen Somjate
Meeprecha Suparat
Mapijan Suwat
Kuasint Tanyavit
Vorachate Vatchakorn
Chaiseema Vichit
Khamkoet Warongkorn
Head Coach: Wongratana Atapol

Adapted from team list sent by Thailand Rugby Union

China Squad not available

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Asia Nations Division 2

02.06.2010
India 94, China 0 in New Delhi
Philippines 53, Thailand 33 in New Delhi

Briefly
There were upsets galore at the Asia Nations Division 2 tournament held at the Delhi University, India. Firstly hosts India thrashed China and then the Philippines caused another major upset defeating Thailand, relegated from Division 1 last year, 53-33.

India will play Philippines Saturday in the battle for promotion. The winner goes to Division 1. China will play Thailand for 3rd-4th, with the losing team playing in Division 3 in 2011.

China's loss was certainly not predicted by me. They are not the rising Asian power they were regarded as a few years back. That score line suggests a team that lacks skills and strength to compete. I can see China dropping another level.

The second game, on reflection, was perhaps a little more predictable. The Philippines has recruited players from far and wide. The squad spent some time in Sydney training with the Super 14 team Waratahs. They obviously posses the skill and temperament to go further. Promotion is now on the cards.

Hosts India also rely upon overseas-based players for their strength. Saturday's final could be a cracker!

Match report http://www.arfu.com/news.php?act=read&id=208&news=India+%26+Philippines+upset+formbook+as+HSBC+Asian+5+Nations+debuts+in+New+Delhi

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Asia Nations Division 2

02.06.2010
China v India in New Delhi

Venue: Delhi University Stadium

Referee:

Preview
Never before has the two most populous nations of the world taken to a rugby football field. Although they were at the same Division 2 tournament last year, they did not face each other. This will surely be a rugby contest that will attract a lot of interest in a world where rugby union is rapidly spreading.

Without any communication from the respective unions re their team lists, it is difficult to gauge their strengths. Both teams have been playing international rugby for over ten years so they are not newcomers. Both have a well developed national club competition and both have been competitive on the world scene, especially in sevens.

In last years tournament, China had been relegated from Division 1 due to the fact they did not turn up to the previous years tournament. They defeated Pakistan with some difficulty and then lost to Malaysia in the promotion battle. China is still developing at international level.

India has had the benefit, in the past, of calling upon Indians playing in English domestic club rugby. I'd expect that to be the case this year as well. That may well give them the edge. Based on last years results they come out as being slightly stronger than the Chinese.

No Previous Encounters

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-China 10th, India 14th
IRB Ranking Points-China 46.25, India 36.61

Prediction: Based on last years games, India by 7 points.

Team lists not available

Rugby Match: Asia Div.2 Final

06.06.2009
China v Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2; Final)

Preview
China made a slow start to this tournament with a laboured win over Pakistan in heat after arriving late the night before. China were expected to be a force in Asia Nations Div.1 last year but under controversial circumstances did not show and were relegated. I expect them to be too much for the Malaysians

Previous Encounters
05.11.2007 China 56-6 in Colombo (Asiad Cup)
09.06.2007 China 52-23 in Beijing (Asia Nations Div.3)
25.10.1998 Malaysia 32-25 in Singapore (Asia Champ, Sect.B, G1)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-China 9th, Malaysia 11th

Prediction: China too strong, to win by 40 points.

Teams
Not available as yet

For a list of all international rugby test matches played by these two nations go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Test Rugby: Malaysia and China win.

03.06.2009
China 24, Pakistan 19 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2)
Malaysia 43, India 29 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2)

Reviews
China were a jaded side after their late arrival for this tournament. They did well to overcome a defiant Pakistan. China will be a more dangerous oufit this Saturday when they will face malaysia in the final.

Malaysia had to work hard to overcome India 43-29 with the match only being decided in the last ten minutes. Malaysia will have an uphill battle to win against a Chinese side that can only improve.

India and Pakistan will battle it out for a place in next years Asia Nations Division 2. The loser of this match will be relegated to Division 3 in 2010.

Test Rugby: Asia Nations Rugby Tournament Ready To Go.

What: Asia Nations Division 2

Venue: Stadium UiTM Shah Alam

Who: Malaysia, China, India, Pakistan

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table
China 9th
Malaysia 11th
India 13th
Pakistan 14th

Today 3 June
China v Pakistan -Prediction: China by 50 points
Malaysia v India -Prediction: Malaysia by 14 points.

Saturday 6 June
Winner v Winner (Winner promoted to Division 1 2010)
Loser v Loser (Loser may face relegation to Division 3 2010)

Squads

Malaysian Rugby Team. Image thanks to http://www.mru.org.my/ver3/

Malaysia

Ahmad Farhan bin Azizan
Ardyanshah Mohd Arifin
Azizan bin Abdul
Azman bin Osman
Dinesvaran Krishnan
Frankie Joilin
Helberth bin Jemlit
Khairul Nizar bin Shamsudin
Lee Wai Meng
Mohd Azli bin Ibrahim
Mohd Fairuz bin Abd Rahman
Mohd Faiz bin Shamsukidir
Mohd Khuzaidi bin Abdullah
Mohd Nizam bin Muhd Aziz
Mohd Saifudin bin Sahrini
Mohd. Azwan bin Azimi, Captain
Nacani Seniu
Nik Safuan Ismade bin Nik Man
Paul Wellington
Sarizan bin Yasir
Semi Seruvakula Sovunidakua
Shahizam bin Tukiran
Stanie James Majanau
Timoci Nacokula
Head Coach Dean Herewini

http://www.mru.org.my/ver3/

Pakistan Nations Rugby Team. Image thanks to http://www.pakistanrugby.com/

Pakistan

Aftab Ashraf Qureshi
Agha Nawazish Ali
Ahmed Khan Niazi
Anwaar-Ul-Haq Zafar
Arsalan Zahid,
Azmat Khan Niazi
Bilal Mehmood Butt
Fouzan Majeed Wain
Juniad Malik
Hashim Niazi.
Kashif Khawaja (Captain)
Mansoor Aziz Ahmed
Mansoor Rehan
Moazzam Ali Shah
Mohammed Junaid Liaqat
Mohammed Yasir Fida
Muhammad Babar
Muhammad Manan Naseem (Vice Captain)
Salman Majeed Wain
Shakeel Ahmed
Siar Riaz
Syed Usama Ahmed
Syed Xeeshan Rizvi
Taimur Zia Butt
Umer Islam
Umer Usman
Zaheer Uddi
Head Coach: Rizwak Malik

India

Nasser Hussain (capt)
Parvinder Singh
Sandeep Singh
Amit Lochab
Balaram Gopinathan
Hemant Kumar
Surinder Singh
Sukhdeep Singh
Kamaldeep Dagar
Rohit Suvach
Charanjit Singh
Karl Tata
Naresh Kumar
Suresh Sajwan
Ranjit Jhambale
Gautam Dagar
Ganesh Sawant
Tudu Sailen
Zafar Khan
Sujai Lama
Bikash Jena
Pritom Roy
Rohaan Sethna
Thimmaiah Thiman
Coaches: Hendre Marnitz and Norman Laker

China Team not available

Test Match: Sri Lanka v China Taipei

15.11.2008
Sri Lanka v China Taipei in Tainan (Asia Nations Div.1)

Preview
Sri Lanka only needs to defeat China Taipei by 2 points or more to take out the honours in this winner takes all tournament. Sr Lanka drew 20-20 with Singapore last Tuesday, then Singapore defeated China Taipei 23-22 Thursday to create an interesting finale to this tournament.

China withdrew earlier this week in circumstances believed to be over passport arrangements into China Taipei. China regards this island nation as a part of China whereas the Taiwanese regard themselves as being independent. It begs the question ,yet unanswered, as to where does this leave China? Are they out of the competition now completely, or are they still in?

Previous Encounters
13.10.2002 China Taipei 56-18 in Pusan (Asia Games, Bronze Medal)
18.12.1998 China Taipei 28-10 in Bangkok (Asia Games, Bronze Medal)
17.01.1998 China Taipei 31-27 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia Round B)
26.10.1994 China Taipei 25-9 in Kuala Lumper (14th Asia Camp.)
20.09.1992 China Taipei 35-9 in Hong Kong (13th Asia Champ.)

Sri Lanka has only defeated China Taipei once, and that was back in 1990 when the Sri Lankans caused an upset to defeat the Taiwanese 9-6 on home soil in Colombo. This was where the 12th Asia Championships was held. Perhaps history is about to be made.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Sri lanka 6th, China Taipei 9th

Prediction: I just can't see the Chinese letting this one slip away. China Taipei by 3 points.

Teams

Sri Lanka Squad
Amjad Buksh (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Sashika Cooray (CH and FC)
Ashan de Costa (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Lasintha de Costa (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Kasun de Silva (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Shane Dissanayake (CH and FC)
Nilusha Fernando (Police Sports Club)
Bilal Hassen (Royal)
Ashan Karthelis (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Saliya Kumara (Kandy Sports Club)
Dushanth Lewke, Co Capt. (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Nushal Meepage (Army Sports Club)
Shamil Mohamed (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Reza Mubarak (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Achala Perera (CH and FC)
Danushka Perera (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Dinesh Sanjeewa (CH and FC)
Sajith Saranga (Isipatana College)
Mohamed Shariff (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Chula Susantha (Police Sports Club)
Henry Terrance (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Gayan Weeraratne (Kandy Sports Club)
Dilanka Wijesekera, Co Capt. (CH and FC)
Coaches - Dawje Snyman, Norman Laker
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/11/07/spo11.asp

China Taipei
Not available

For lists of all Sri Lanka international rugby results, and those of China Taipei, go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Test Result: Sri Lanka and Singapore Draw Opening Match of HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I

Match action from today's HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I clash between Sri Lanka (white) and Singapore (dark jerseys) in Tainan.

Singapore (dark jerseys) prepare for the match against Sri Lanka with the National Anthem. Captain Chris Gilbert is at far left, No. 8 Ben Wheeler is 8th from left.

Tainan, Chinese Taipei, Nov 11 2008
From Sean Moore, Asia5Nations Press.

Sri Lanka and Singapore have drawn the opening match of the round robin HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I tonight in a game played in cool, blustery conditions at the Tainan Rugby Stadium.

A strong crowd of nearly 500 people that assembled for a match played on neutral ground between two visiting teams was thrilled with the see-saw encounter that saw two tries scored in the 40th minute of both the first and second halves. The latter try brought Singapore back from the brink to level their opener against top seeds Sri Lanka 20 – 20.

The two teams were evenly matched throughout with Sri Lanka looking more dangerous in the backline but Singapore, led by captain Chris Gilbert in the second row and hard-charging Ben Wheeler at No. 8, dominant in the forward pack particularly in the opening interval.

As the end of the first half approached, the score was seemingly settled at 3 – all, the result of single successful penalties from several attempts by both kickers, Sri Lanka winger Riza Mubarak and Singapore fly half John Forrester. But in the 38th minute Singapore lock Steve Horsfall was sent to the bin for hands in the ruck by Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union referee Scott Herbert, creating a crucial bit of daylight in Singapore’s forward defence which was cannily exploited by Sri Lankan fly half Ashan De Costa whose scything run cutting back against Singapore’s defensive line resulted in the game’s first try on the stroke of the 40th minute. The try was successfully converted by Mubarak to bring the halftime score to 10 – 3 Sri Lanka.

The excitement continued in the second half with both teams sharing the lead and enjoying long stretches of possession. Singapore No. 8 Ben Wheeler, a familiar face to Asian rugby fans from his commentary work for regional broadcaster ESPN, continued his man of the match worthy performance wreaking some creative destruction on the Sri Lankan defence in what must have been double digit carries that invariably dragged defenders along behind him. Wheeler was everywhere around the park frequently popping up in mismatches against the Sri Lankan backline and threatened to score several times during the game.

In the 18th minute of the second half, Wheeler did what every good No. 8 should do, picking up and running strong side from a Singapore scrum 10 metres out from the Sri Lankan sticks. Finally pulled down at the 5-metre marker, Wheeler popped up perfectly to Singapore lock Chris Gilbert who finished the move for a fantastic captain’s try. After Forrester’s conversion the score was level at 10 all.

Conceding the try finally fired the Sri Lankan forwards who turned the tables yet again by exerting continuous periods of pressure and ball retention against Singapore. In the 30th minute the pressure told as Sri Lanka scored from a beautiful flowing move that saw hooker Achala Perera pop into the backline for a perfectly timed crash ball before dishing to centre Lasintha De Costa who then offloaded to flying winger Chula Susantha. Despite having plenty of work yet to do, Susantha ducked and dodged from just past the Singapore 22 to put Sri Lanka back in the lead 17 – 10.

Four minutes later, a successful penalty by Sri Lankan substitute Saliya Kumara brought the score to 20 – 10 and seemingly out of Singapore’s reach. The game seemed to be on course for a stately finish with Singapore earning a bonus point for a loss within seven points when fly-half Forrester nailed another penalty to claw back to 20 – 13.

In the 38th minute Singapore began a wide sweeping move from a successful lineout that petered out when the Sri Lankan defence conceded a penalty in the tackle. Singapore opted for the touch finder and won the lineout channeling it into a driving maul. Sri Lanka brought the maul to ground but ball was recycled quickly and strong crash play from Mohammed ‘Izzy’ Ismail A Kadir straightened the line for Singapore. Another Singaporean half-break forced the Sri Lankan defence to concede another penalty, this time for hands in the ruck.

Singapore called for the scrum with Wheeler taking the pick up but being stopped just short of the line. Quick recycled ball ended up in the hands of fullback Gareth Pritchard who dove over the line for another 40th minute try bringing Singapore to within two points of the draw at 20 – 18. The pressure was squarely on fly-half Forrester but he calmly slotted the conversion to bring the game to the 20 – all draw.

The exciting finish delighted the crowd but must have left the Chinese Taipei XV, who were watching from the stands, knowing that they will have their work cut out against both teams. The draw leaves both teams level on the Tournament table with 3 points. Matches on Thursday (Chinese Taipei v Singapore) and Saturday (Chinese Taipei v Sri Lanka) are yet to come.
The winner of the Division I Tournament earns automatic promotion to the elite HSBC Asian Five Nations Top 5 competition alongside reigning champions Japan, as well as Korea, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. The Top 5 competition is a Home and Away series that takes place every weekend from the last weekend of April throughout May 2009.

My Note: China withdrew from the tournament.

Draw
Thursday 13 Nov. China Taipei v Singapore
Saturday 15 Nov. Sri lanka v China Taipei

So the question is where does this leave China. Do they get a further opportunity to participate?

Rugby Tests: Asia Division 1-The Games

12.11.2008
China v Singapore in Tainan

Preview
All we know is that the Chinese team could be a little below full strength due to the fact that Chinese rugby players from the armed forces have been excluded from the team due to political reasons.

One thing for certain is that China is a rising power in Asian rugby, mirroring its economic rise. I remember the thrill of hearing of China's first international rugby match back in 1997. They lost 3-33 to Singapore. Since then they have, with an occasional hiccup, gradually rising to be a serious contender for promotion to the top level of Asian rugby in 1999.

With a bit of luck these two teams can put all their recent troubles behind them and go out and have a darn good game of rugby. That's what it's all about after all, isn't it?

Previous Encounters
16.06.2007 China 36-20 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.3)
19.05.2001 China 33-6 in Guangzhou (SC Tri-Nations/Asia Shield)
25.06.2000 China 15-13 in Aomori (Asia Championship, Div.2)
01.11.1997 Singapore 33-3 in Singapore (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Singapore 7th, China 8th

Prediction: China to sneak in, a win by 2 points

Teams
Not available

For a complete list of all China's and of Singapore's international rugby test matches, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

China Taipei v Sri Lanka in Tainan

Preview
Historically China-Taipei has been the number 3 nations in Asian rugby, behind Korea and Japan. In recent years this situation has changed as the game has spread across Asia since the first Asian Championships in 1969. China Taipei now finds itself struggling to hold onto a place in this division, one level below the top five. Recent losses to Hong Kong, and last year to both Kazakhstan and China back this up.

Sri Lanka comes to the far East with all sorts of political problems within its union. As has been explained in another thread, they arrived with two captains as a result of a serious public fued over team selection that threatened to bury rugby in this nation. Its difficult to tell how this will affect the team; it may just be the glue that helps it to stick together. Sri Lanka's recent record puts it into the position of favourite for this tournament. Recent losses has only been to teams in Division 1; Kazakhstan 17-24 and Hong Kong 14-42 in the last two seasons.

Previous Encounters
13.10.2002 China-Taipei 56-18 in Pusan (Asia Games)
18.12.1998 China-Taipei 26-20 in Bangkok (Asian Games-Bronze medal)
17.01.1998 China-Taipei 31-27 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia R2)
26.10.1994 China Taipei 25-9 in Kuala Lumper (14th Asia Champ.)
20.09.1992 China Taipei 35-9 in Hong Kong (13th Asia Champ.)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Sri Lanka 6th, China Taipei 9th

Prediction: With Sri Lanka's troubles and China-Taipei playing in fron of their home crowd will just be enough for the Chinese
China Taipei to win by 3 points.

For a complete list of all China-Taipei's and of Sri lanka's test results go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Asia Division 1; Fun and Games in Tainan

There is a major rugby tournament on in China Taipei. The national mens 15s teams from China, Sri Lanka and Singapore are due in the capital of China Taipei, Tainan. There they will do battle in a tournament that decides the structure of Asian rugby in 2009. The winner moves up and joins the Five Nations Division, replacing the Arabian Gulf. The loser moves down to Division 2 to be replaced by Thailand. The loser, in other words, will be out of The World Cup 2011 qualifying process. The trouble is nobody knows for sure the structure of this tournament.

The Asia RU web site has not been updated since July, both in news and fixtures. The other site a5nrugby.com is offline being updated, so there is hope there. All we know is the opening round matches are..

12.11.2008
China-Taipei v Sri Lanka
Singapore v China.

We don't know if it will be a knock out or round robin. I have found the Singaporan Team on their web site which I will include below. As far as the other teams go, well, we will have to wait and see.

You need a google translation for the Chinese web site. All they are letting on is that their team defeated a Beijing 'Brothers' team 119-5 in a warm up game, 25 October. Apparently they needed to forward their team list to the China Taipei ambassador before final selection. My understanding is that no military personal from mainland China can enter China Taipei. Which means a good number of the Chinese best players won't go because they belong to the army team. Hmmm.

Forget the China-Taipei Rugby Union Website. You needn't bother with the translation because (a) there is nothing about the team anyway, and (b) its a load of gobble-dee gook. I think they might be having problems with their web site!

Now for Sri Lanka. There is nothing on the main Sri Lankan Rugby Site except for a huge list of what must have been a training squad. On http://www.srilankasports.com/ there appears to be huge handbag sessions over the selection of the captain of the side. There have been accusations, resignations, and the press have got stuck in as well. My understanding is that the team will have TWO captains, one for each match (which indicates that probably there will be the round on the 12th, followed by a final on the 15th or 16th) but as it took half a minute for each article to appear on srilankansports.com I gave up.

So, if you are an enlightened one from these nations let us know what's happening, and let us know your teams.

Singapore Squad
(Couldn't get all the club affiliations)
Norman Sin (Bedok Kings RFC)
Mark Lee (Bedok Kings RFC)
Nicholas Dance (Bucks RFC)
Gaspar Tan (Bedok Kings RFC)
Mohamed Suhaimi Bin Amran (Singapore Cricket Club)
Christopher Gilbert (Capt) (Wanderers RFC)
Steven Horsfall (Singapore Cricket Club))
Jeremy Chan (Bedok Kings RFC)
Rong Jing Xiang (Bedok Kings RFC)
Andrew Bennett
Romi Musa
Jonathan Lee (Singapore Cricket Club)
Benjamin Wheeler
Tong Chin Hong (Bedok Kings RFC)
Andrew Lee (Bedok Kings RFC)
John Forrester (Bedok Kings RFC)
Daniel Thiam (Bedok Kings RFC)
Mohamed Ismail Kadir (Wanderers RFC)
Lionel Robinson (Singapore Cricket Club)
Jonathan Chen (Bedok Kings RFC)
Eric Ng (Bedok Kings RFC)
Peter Williams (Bucks RFC)
Gareth Pritchard
Mohamed Zaki Bin Mahmood (Singapore Cricket Club)
http://www.singaporerugby.com/news/?aid=52316&sec=144&ssec=372&mth=11&yr=2008

Warm up games
Oct 25 Royal Selangor Select XV 38, Singapore 21 in Kuala Lumpur
4 Nov. Guiness Cup XV 24, Singapore Select 18 in Singapore

Asia Rugby Tournament: Division 1

This tournament, being held in Tainan, China-Taipei, is one tier below the Asia 5 Nations tournament. The winner will be promoted to Asia 5 Nations replacing Arabian Gulf. The loser will be relegated to Division 2, being replaced by Thailand.

In effect these are World Cup 2011 preliminary qualifying matches. Only matches in the Asia 5 Nations and Division 1 in 2009 will be in qualification.

Schedule
12 Nov. China-Taipei v Sri Lanka
China v Singapore

It's not clear whether winner will then play winner, and loser v loser, or whether a round robin will occur.

For more details about the Asia Rugby Tournaments go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/