11.12.2012
Belgium 28, Zimbabwe 11 in Dubai (Emirates Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong 53, United Arab Emirates 6 in Dubai (Emirates Cup of Nations)
Briefly
In a feisty game which saw both red and yellow cards Belgium overcame a first half deficit to eventually out score Zimbabwe to set up a Belgium-Hong Kong final this Friday.
In the other game Hong Kong proved too strong for a vastly improved UAE side.
Fixtures this Friday
Belgium v Hong Kong
Zimbabwe v United Arab Emirates
Captains of the four teams pose with the Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations Trophy in Dubai ahead of the kick-off.
Captains from left to right: Tom McColl captain of defending champions Hong Kong, Andrew Neill - Belgium Captain (team on debut), Costa Dinha - Zimbabwe Captain (team on debut) and Jono Bester Captain of the UAE Rugby Federation.
Hong Kong began their title defence of the 2nd Emirates Airline Cup of Nations on a winning note after holding off a robust challenge from Zimbabwe to win the opening encounter 22-7 in Dubai on Saturday.
New fly-half Chris McAdam had his kicking boots on slotting five penalties plus converting the solitary try scored by Stewart Megaw as Hong Kong got off to the perfect start they wanted.
Captain Tom McColl marked his return to test rugby after a 16-month hiatus for pilot training for Cathay Pacific and played for the first time at international level at fullback.
McColl didn't put a foot wrong after the African champions drew first blood early in the game with a try in the corner. But once those initial jitters were out of the way, Hong Kong fielding a new backline, looked composed and took control of the game, especially in the second half to run out comfortable winners.
“We took some time to settle down. We were fielding a number of new boys and in the first half they thought ‘phew this is international rugby’. But once they got used to the intensity, we kicked on in the second half,” said a pleased Hong Kong manager Dai Rees.
Zimbabwe caught Hong Kong off guard in the opening minutes by scoring a try through winger Steven Hunduza who was on hand to complete a bullocking run by flanker Shingai Mpogu. Teenager Linience Tambwera knocked over the conversion but that was all the success he had, missing a further five penalty attempts.
It was the opposite story for McAdam, one of four new faces in the Hong Kong backline. The Kowloon fly-half was on target on six out of seven occasions and his left-foot kept Hong Kong in touch in the first half which ended with Zimbabwe clinging to a fragile 7-6 lead.
Hong Kong took the lead for the first time in the match just after the break through McAdam’s third successful penalty kick and then he stretched the lead to 12-7 with another pinpoint effort.
Winger Salom Yiu Kam-shing, one of only three Sevens players in the squad – with Hong Kong aiming to build its depth as it looks forward to next season's crowded sevens and 15s calendar – looked threatening every time he touched the ball in the first half.
He turned that latent danger into reality when he set off on an angular run, slicing through the Zimbabwe defence before offloading to Megaw metres from the try-line
That try, midway through the second half all but sealed victory for Hong Kong whose defence looked impenetrable with backrowers Pale Tauti, Matt Lamming and Nick Hewson putting in thunderous tackles while the new midfield duo of Megaw and Craig Wilson also stood firm.
“Our defence was magnificent especially when you think that we had a new midfield in Stewart and Craig. Also Matt Lamming had a great game. He is a find, he is born in Hong Kong and he has returned to play for us. Coach Leigh Jones has worked hard on our shape around the contact areas and it paid off,” Rees said.
Zimbabwe, who like Hong Kong are preparing for their 2015 World Cup qualifying campaign, tried to use their big and burly forwards and speedy backs to bust through but the line held. And with Hong Kong's pack dominating the set-pieces, the mistakes began to flow and McAdam was on hand to punish them with his accurate boot.
“It’s fantastic to come back after 16 months and start the tournament with a win,” said skipper McColl. McColl was quick to find his feet after the long lay-off and superbly controlled the defence from his vantage position to give Hong Kong the perfect start to their campaign to defend their crown.
In the other game, Belgium showed they have a lethal strike force as they ran in 14 tries to hammer hosts United Arab Emirates 94-3. Belgian fullback Alan Williams led the try spree scoring four tries and knocked over 12 conversions to take his personal tally to 44 points.
Press release from HKRFU
9 December 2012
08.12.2012
Belgium 94, United Arab Emirates 3 in Dubai (Emirates Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong 22, Zimbabwe 7 in Dubai (Emirates Cup of Nations)
Cyprus 49, Slovenia 8 in Paphos (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 2C)
Ecuador 41, El Salvador 0 in Guatemala City (CONSUR C)
Guatemala 7, Costa Rica 7 in Guatemala City (CONSUR C)-in progress
Briefly
Costa Rica actually leading 14-7 near to halftime in the battle for CONSUR C champion.
Belgium and Hong Kong winners in first round of Emirates Cup of Nations. As was predicted Belgium way above UAE in their international test rugby.
Cyprus with another easy win in ENC 2C
08.12.2012
Referee:
Preview
This is the opening game of the 2012 Emirates Cup of Nations. For the second year in a row Emirates Airlines and the UAE Rugby Union are hosting three other nations from around the world in a quadrangular rugby test match tournament. The visiting teams Zimbabwe, Belgium and Hong Kong.
Belgium and UAE play in the first rugby test match.
Belgium will play in the European Nations Division 1A in 2012-14 after being promoted from Division 1B. This is a huge step up for Belgium. It will be interesting to see how they fare in this tournament as a warm-up to the big games ahead of Belgium come February.
The UAE did not fare well in last year’s tournament. They will struggle against all teams as they are somewhat below them in the standard of their play. For example Hong Kong defeated UAE 85-10 in this years Asia 5 Nations tournament. Hong Kong and Zimbabwe are around the same level on the IRB Ranking system with Belgium another step up from them.
Belgium and UAE have never met before.
Belgium Last Five P 5, W 5
07.04.2012 v Poland W 20-13 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
17.03.2012 v Germany W 30-29 in Huesenstamm (ENC 1B)
10.03.2012 v Moldova W 17-16 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
25.02.2012 v Netherlands W 58-3 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
05.11.2011 v Czech Republic W 55-0 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
United Arab Emirates Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
26.05.2012 v Korea L 21-47 in Seoul (Asia 5 Nations)
11.05.2012 v Kazakhstan W 46-31 in Dubai (Asia 5 Nations)
05.05.2012 v Japan L 3-106 in Fukuoka (Asia 5 Nations)
27.04.2012 v Hong Kong L 10-87 in Dubai (Asia5Nations)
06.04.2012 v Tunisia L 7-15 in Tunis (Friendly)
GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply
IRB Ranking Points
Belgium 59.17, UAE 30.00
Prediction: Belgium by 60 points
TEAMS
Belgium Squad
Thibaut André (Soignies), Andrew Brace (Old Crescent RFC), Guillaume Brebant (Boitsfort), Alexis Cuffolo (Carcassonne), Olivier Damas (Newington College), Kevin Dams (Boitsfort), Michael De Molder (Boitsfort), Thomas De Molder (Lyon), Thomas Dienst (Lille), Denis Eppe (Boitsfort), Carlos Fierro (Nice), Sébastien Guns (Boitsfort), Dirk Haghedooren (Agde), Pierre Hendrickx (Boitsfort), Maxime Jadot (Pau), Daniel Janssens (Nantes), Corentin Lecloux (Boitsfort), Julien Massimi (Saint-Etienne), Alain Miriallakis, Julien Morelli (Bastia), Cyril Nana (Anderlecht), Andrew Neil (Tournefeuille), Guillaume Piron (Montpellier), Frédéric Rongé (Kituro), Eliott Van Trappen (Boitsfort), Bastian Vermeylen (Boitsfort), Mathieu Verschelden (Saint-Etienne), Alan Williams (Montluçon)
UAE squad not available
08.12.2012
Referee:
This is the second rugby test match in this quadrangular tournament.
Hong Kong has not played together since May whereas Zimbabwe played in the IRB Tri-Nations in Windhoek last month.
Zimbabwe has not included a number of top players involved in the 7’s squad. ‘The squad consists of three overseas-based players in the UK-based trio of flanker Shingi Mpofu, uncapped prop Nic Winwood and centre Tommy Nelson. The three will fly directly to the UAE from their bases.
The other uncapped players in the forwards pack are Durban-based lock Sanele Sibanda, Old Georgians front row Simba Musarutwa and Johannesburg-based Keith Murray.
In the backline, University of KwaZulu Natal centre Ricky Chirengende leads the list of uncapped players, which also has the OGs trio of Graham Kaulback, Jonathan Miller and Johnno McWade.
The Sables backline has been severely handicapped by the absence of Daniel Hondo, Gardner Nechironga, Tangai Nemadire and Wes Mbanje, who are traveling to Port Elizabeth with Sevens. Regular fullback Danny Robertson has gone to Australia on holiday after failing to recover from an ankle injury.’
http://www.dailynews.co.zw/article/Sport/604708f1-71b0-4e4a-8b28-c059a8bc4bba
These two teams have never played each other before.
Hong Kong Last Five P 5, 3, L 2
26.05.2012 v Kazakhstan W 55-0 in Hong Hong (Asia5 Nations)
19.05.2012 v Japan L 0-67 in Tokyo (Asia5 Nations)
05.05.2012 v Korea L 19-21 in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
27.04.2012 v United Arab Emirates W 85-10 in Dubai (Asia5Nations)
16.12.2011 v Brazil W 37-3 in Dubai (Cup of Nations)
Zimbabwe Last Five
14.11.2012 v Spain L 14-47 in Windhoek (IRB Tri-Nations)
10.11.2012 v Namibia L 34-37 in Windhoek (IRB Tri-Nations)
14.07.2012 v Uganda W 22-18 in Jammal (CAR Division 1A, Final)
10.07.2012 v Tunisia W 30-14 in Jammal (CAR Division 1A)
23.07.2011 v Kenya W 26-21 in Nairobi (Victoria Cup)
GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Hong Kong 24th, Zimbabwe 32nd
IRB Ranking Points
Hong Kong 54.09, Zimbabwe 54.03
Prediction: Hong Kong by 13 points
TEAMS
Hong Kong Squad
Alex Baddeley, Alex Harris, Alex Ng, Charles French, Dan Watson, Ian Ridgway, Jack Bennett, Pale Tauti, Steve Nolan, Tom Bolland, Nick Hewson, Guy Payn, Matt Lamming, Matt Stockdale, Terence Montgomery. Backs: Mike Glancy, Yiu Kam Shing, Tom McQueen, Tom McColl, Sebastien Alfonsi, Hone Patrick, Charles Cheung, Chris McAdam, Craig Wilson, Jonny Rees, Kenneth Hsieh, Kirk Munro, Stewart Megaw.
http://www.hkrugby.com/eng/news/2663.php
Zimbabwe Squad
Forwards: Costa Dinha (captain), Pieter Joubert, Nic Winwood, Keith Murray, Simba Musarurwa, Tatenda Karuru, Brian Makamure, Jan Ferreira, Sanile Sibanda, Biselele Tshamala, Shingi Mpofu, Lucky Sithole, Takunda Chifokoyo, Samson Makuku.
Backs: Ricky Chirengende, Graham Kaulback, Scotty Jones, Phil Machisa, Lenience Tambwera, Tichafara Makwanya, Tommy Nelson, Jonathan Miller, Jafet Ndebele, Gavin Nyawata, Kuda Chiwanza, Shayne Makombe, Steven Hunduza, Josh Rowe, Johnno MacWade.
Head Coach: Losson Mtongwiza
16.12.2011
Kenya 55, United Arab Emirates 17
Hong Kong 37, Brazil 3
13.12.2011
Hong Kong 44, Kenya 17
Brazil 66, United Arab Emirates 3
Reviews
This was a very innovative tournament set up by the UAERFU and Emirates Airlines. It was a great pity that the local side was not up to the standard of the other three teams. This may well place the tournament in jeopardy for the future.
Hong Kong was certainly the best team at this tournament. A suggestion has been made that their place is in the IRB Nations Cup.
This cross-continental tournament gives more meaning to the IRB ratings of teams.
These were the last rugby test matches for 2011. The next test matches are the Six Nations and ENC Division 1A matches due next February.
10.12.2011
Kenya 27, Brazil 25 in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong 72, United Arab Emirates 14 in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
Briefly
Kenya and Hong Kong registered wins on the first day of this rugby test match tournament held in Dubai.
In the first game Kenya scored a last minute try to clinch a close encounter.
The main game saw the visiting Hong Kong side score an emphatic victory over the hosts. The result was much of a repeat of the May test match between these two nations in which Hong Kong won easily.
It would appear that Hong Kong is a level above the other teams.
Day 2 Fixtures
13.12.2011
Hong Kong v Kenya
Brazil v United Arab Emirates
The day 2 fixtures will determine the real strengths of Brazil and Kenya.
10.12.2011
Hong Kong v United Arab Emirates
Venue: The Sevens
Preview
This tournament is an innovative move to bring like-ranked rugby nations from different continents to one venue to test their playing strength.
The Emirates Airline is the main sponsor and brings together Brazil (an up-and-coming South American rugby nation), Kenya (2011 Africa Cup winner) plus Hong Kong.
Once part of the now defunct Arabian Gulf Rugby Union, the UAE lost heavily (3-62) to Hong Kong in Hong Kong back in May. This will be their chance to gain revenge for that humiliating defeat.
The first UAE team for 2011 v Sri Lanka
Hong Kong will blood a number of new players.
The UAE team has yet to be published on the web.
GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Hong Kong 2nd, UAE 3rd
IRB Ranking Points Do not apply. UAE needs to play 10 tests to be ranked.
Prediction: Hong Kong by 15 points
Teams
Hong Kong
15. Rowan Varty (DeA RFC)
14. Thomas McQueen (Valley RFC)
13. Alexander McQueen (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
12. Lee Jones (Valley RFC)
11. Yiu, Kam Shing Salom (Valley RFC)
10 Keith Robertson (DeA RFC)
9. Cado Lee (Kowloon RFC)*
8. Pale Tauti (captain) (DeA RFC)
7. Nicholas Hewson (Valley RFC)
6. Terence Montgomery (Valley RFC)
5. Michael Waller (DeA RFC)
4. Daniel Watson (Hong Kong Football Club) *
3. Stephen Nolan (Hong Kong Football Club) *
2. Alexander Harris (Kowloon RFC)
1. Andrew Li (Kowloon RFC)
Replacements
16. Thomas Bolland (Hong Kong Football Club) *
17. Alexander Ng (Pontypool RFC, Wales)
18. Ian Ridgeway (Hong Kong Football Club) *
19. Charles French (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
20. William Brant (Hong Kong Cricket Club) *
21.Timothy Alexander (Valley RFC)
22. Edward Haynes (Hong Kong Cricket Club) *
* First caps
Head Coach: Dai Rees
United Arab Emirates Team not yet available
10.12.2011
Brazil v Kenya in Dubai
Venue: The Sevens
Referee:
Preview
These two teams have never met before. This will be a most interesting encounter. South America’s up-and-coming team verses the Africa Cup holder.
This is the first time Brazil has played outside the Americas. Kenya travelled to Bahrain in 1995 to play in Rugby World Cup qualifying games.
Brazil is regarded as one of the up-and-coming teams in world rugby. They have a huge player base with new clubs emerging almost daily in this sport-made nation.
Kenya did well to defeat Tunisia to take out the Africa Cup for 2011. The victory was only slightly tainted by the fact that Namibia and Morocco no-showed
GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply yet but after this match both sides will enter the World Table.
IRB Ranking Points
Brazil 53.89, Kenya 50.19
Prediction: Brazil by 9 points
Teams
Kenya 2011 Africa Cup winners.
Kenya Squad
Edwin Achayo (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Isaak Adimo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
David Ambunya (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Moses Amusala (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Ken Andola (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Calvins Biko (Nondescripts RUFC)
Lawrence Buyachi (Impala RFC)
Duncan Ekasi (Impala RFC)
Dennis Karani (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Humphrey Kayange (Mwamba RFC)
Daniel Kiptoo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Curtis Lilako (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
David Mogere (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Vincent Mose (Impala RFC)
Matthew Musita (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Antony Mutai (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Peter Mutai (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Dennis Mwanja (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Ronnie Mwenesi (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Joel Ng’ang’a (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Anthony Nyandigisi (Impala RFC)
Brian Okwomi (Strathmore University RFC)
Kelvin Omiyo (Impala RFC)
Allan Omuka (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Vincent Ong’era (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Kevin Umbuge (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Head Coach: Michael Otieno
Adapted from http://www.twitlonger.com/show/eibb3d
Image thanks to http://www.brasilrugby.com.br/
Brazil Squad
Felipe Claro (Sao Paulo Athletic Club)
Reges Comoreto (Desterro RC)
Lucas Croffi (Pasteur AC)
Mateus Daniel (São José RC)
Daniel Danielewicz (Desterro RC)
Henrique Dantas (São José RC)
Rafael Dawailibi (São José RC)
Jardel de Mendonça (Sao Paulo Athletic Club)
Lucas Duque (São José RC)
Moisés Duque (São José RC)
Júlio Figalo (Niterói RFC)
Eduardo Garcia (Bandeirantes RC)
Daniel Gregg (Niterói RFC)
Gustavo Krahembühl (Pasteur AC)
Danilo Lima (Rio Branco RC)
Diego Lopez (Pasteur AC)
Pedro Lopez (São José RC)
Vitor Medeiros (Potiguar RC)
Julián Menutti (Bandeirantes RC)
Ramiro Mina (Bandeirantes RC)
Carlos Oliveira (São José RC)
Diogo Reno (São José RC)
Martin Schaefer (Rio Branco RC)
Nicholas Smith (Stockport RUFC, England)
Jardel Vettorato (Novo Hamburgo RC)
Felipe Zeni (Pasteur AC)
Head Coach: Rodrigo "Toto" Camardon
Adapted from http://www.brasilrugby.com.br/
This is the last major international test rugby tournament for 2011 as far as I’m aware..
The teams involved are United Arab Emirates (hosts), Hong Kong, Brazil and Kenya.
Cross-continental test rugby tournaments are hopefully an idea that will spread. Bringing together like level teams from around the world is a great way for emerging nations to develop.
The Draw
10.12.2011
Brazil v Kenya in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
Hong Kong v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
13.12.2011
Hong Kong v Kenya in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
Brazil v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
16.12.2011
United Arab Emirates v Kenya in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
Brazil v Hong Kong in Dubai (Emirates Airlines Cup of Nations)
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