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: WCQ Africa and Africa Cup 1A

28.06.2014
Kenya 29, Namibia 22 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)
Zimbabwe 55, Madagascar 6 at Antananarivo (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)

Briefly.
Kenya and Zimbabwe were the victors on day 1 of this crucial World Cup qualifying tournament.

Namibia suffered a shock loss to Kenya, the rising starts of African rugby. Zimbabwe showed they are ready for a return to World Cup Finals with a big win over hosts Madagascar.

Remaining Matches
02.07.2014
Zimbabwe v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Kenya v Madagascar in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

06.07.2014
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Madagascar v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Africa Cup, Division 1A

28.06.2014
Kenya v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)
Zimbabwe v Madagascar (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)

Briefly
This is a hugely important tournament in the island African republic of Madagascar. The winner qualifies directly to the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals. The second-placed team joins Hong Kong, Uruguay and Russia in the repechage stage.

Namibia is the favourites to take the title. I’d expect Kenya to be a threat as will Madagascar on their home turf and if front of what will be 30,000 crowds. Yes that does read 30,000! Don’t right off Zimbabwe although their preparations would be the least impressive of the four nations.

Hosts Madagascar played in a tournament in Reunion, Namibia played against South African provincial sides as did Kenya.

Predictions
Namibia by 10 v Kenya
Madagascar by 5 v Zimbabwe

Other Games
02.07.2014
Zimbabwe v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Kenya v Madagascar in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

06.07.2014
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Madagascar v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

MADAGASCAR v SRI LANKA: IRN Serendib Tri-Nations

26.10.2013

Venue: Colombo Racecourse Ground

Referee:

Preview
This tournament is another Cross-Continental clash of nations who have a similar IRB ranking. We have seen in 2012 such tournaments in Namibia and for the last two years in the United Arab Emirates. The other nation competing is Poland. That means Europe, Africa and Asia are represented.

The IRB Ranking points are Poland 55.64, Sri Lanka 49.88 and Madagascar 48.04.

Needless to say that none of these nations has played the other previously. All three nations are in which a chance still to qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Madagascar were promoted to the Africa Cup 1A division in 2012 and retained its place in that division in 2013, losing to Zimbabwe 18-38 but defeating Uganda 48-32. By remaining in Division 1A they have a chance at grabbing the Africa 2 place at the World Cup Finals.

Sri Lanka were promoted to Asia 5 Nations in 2014 after emphatically winning the Asia Nations Division 1 this year, defeating Chinese Taipei 39-8, Thailand 45-7 and Kazakhstan 49-18. By this promotion they now have a chance at obtaining the Asia 2 position.

Poland plays in the European Nations Cup Division 1B which is the second Tier in European rugby. They are at present battling for the top place in ENC 1B which would mean a World Cup playoff against either Netherlands or Israel.

So to this match. It will be difficult to predict but the home side will have a definite advantage.On paper neither side has been able to call upon their full squad for this tournament so it could go either way.

Prediction: Sri Lanka by 7 points

TEAMS

Sri Lanka Squad

Front Row
Namal Rajapaksa (Navy SC) (Captain)
Eranga Swarnathilake (Navy SC)

Achala Perera (Kandy SC)

Bilal Hassan (Navy SC)

Henry Terance (Havelock SC)

Ananda  Jayalal (Army SC)

Duminda Pullikuttiarachi (Navy SC)

Dushmantha Priyadarshana (Havelock SC)

 

Second Row

Hasitha Perera (Up Country Lions)

Sajith Saranga (Navy SC)

Sathya Ranatunga (Navy SC)

 

Flankers

Sharo Fernando (Havelock SC)

Danushka Perera (Navy SC)

Ishan Noor (Colombo Rugby & Football Club)

Rohitha Rajapaksa (Navy SC)

 

Scrum Halves

Rehan Weerakoon (Navy SC)

Kavindu de Costa (?)

 

Fly Halves

Niroshan Fernando (Havelock SC)

Fazil Marija (Kandy SC)

Dave Anand (Navy SC)

 

Centers

Lavanka Perera (?)

Dinusha Chathuranga (Navy SC)

Pradeep Liyanage (Kandy SC)

Lee  Keegal (?)

 

Wingers

Sadun Herath (Havelock SC)

Chamara Dabare (Havelock SC)

 

Fullback
Riza Mubarak  (Navy SC)                

Nuwan Hettiarachi (Kandy SC)

 

Adapted from http://www.rugby.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=421:sl-squad-announced&catid=28:serendib-cup&Itemid=352 and http://www.rugby.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=373&Itemid=345

Madagascar Squad

Marson Vonjiniaina Andriamananjara (FT Manjakaray)
Christian Andrianjaka (US Ankadifotsy)
Nirina Jacky Bayard (Iarivo RC)
José Rakoto Harison (3FB)
Juliot Mahavy (UASC)
Dimbiniaina Jean Willy Rabemanjara (UASC)
Romuald Rafaralahy (3FB)
Michale Raharijaona (TFM Ankasina)
Serge Rajoelina (FT Manjakaray)
Benjaniaina Rakotoarivelo (TFM Ankasina)
Hasina Rakotoarivelo (US Ikopa)
Alain Rakotonirina (3FB)
Tolotra Mampionontsoa Rakotoson (COSFA)
Deraniaina Rakotozafy (STM)
Tolotra Ramaromiantso (3FB)
Rodolphe Randriamanantena (COSFA)
Guy Rolland Randriamiarana (US Ikopa)
Tahiana Hery Zo Randrianarisoa (3FB)
Haja Randrianambinina (3FB)
Herizo Rasoanaivo (Iarivo RC)
Tiana Nirina Ravelomanantsoa (Iarivo RC)
Tolotra Claudio Ravelonomenjanahary (US Ankadifotsy)
Bernard Razafindranaivo (3FB)
Maminandrasana Solomampionona  (US Ankadifotsy)

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

 

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING AFRICA; CAR DIVISION 1A

10.07.2013
Kenya 52, Uganda 11 in Antananarivo (CAR Division 1A; Semi-Final)
Zimbabwe 38, Madagascar 18 in Antananarivo (CAR Division 1A; Semi-Final)

Briefly
Kenya ran away with their semi-final against Uganda meaning there will be a new CAR Africa Cup holder at the end of this tournament.

Zimbabwe caused a minor surprise when they outplayed hosts Madagascar 38-18. Although newly promoted, Madagascar were expected to win against a so-called depleted Zimbabwe side.

The ‘Sables’ now meet Kenya in the final on Sunday but all eyes will be on the Madagascar-Uganda match as the loser drops to Division 1B for 2014 and thus eliminated from World Cup qualifying.

Sunday’s Fixtures
14.07.2013
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Antananarivo (CAR Division 1A; Final)
Uganda v Madagascar in Antananarivo (CAR Division 1A; Play off 3^rd-4th)

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING, AFRICA; CAR Division 1A

10.07.2013
Kenya v Uganda in Antananarivo (CAR Division 1A; Semi-Final)
Zimbabwe v Madagascar Antananarivo (CAR Division 1A; Semi-Final)

Venue: Stade de Mahamasina
This tournament was to be held in Antananarivo’s newest stadium but this tournament will be played at the venue of last years CAR Division 1B tournament. Capacity is about 30,000 which will be expected Saturday if not today.

Preview
The stage is set for the penultimate World Cup qualifying action in Africa. This tournament is not so much about the winner but about the loser. The losing team in Saturday’s playoff will be eliminated from the World Cup 2015. Their place in 2014 will be taken by Namibia who recently won Division 1B. The winner of this competition in 2014 will fill the second Africa place at the 2015 Finals.

As hosts Madagascar must be the favourite to win despite the fact that they were promoted from CAR Division 1C in 2013 following a dramatic 57-54 win over Namibia in extra time. The ‘Makis’ have such a huge crowd support and always play well above their level on home soil.

They will have tough competition from either Kenya or Uganda. Zimbabwe, last years 1A winner and holder of the CAR Africa Cup, will not have their strongest side because of a dispute between some of their top players and management.

First Semi-Final
Kenya v Uganda

Referee: Lesego Legoete (South Africa)

These two traditional and long time rivals have already played twice this year. Kenya retained the Elgon Cup when they defeated Uganda 19-13 in Nairobi in the second leg. They lost the first 16-17 so ended with the better aggregate. It was a close competition and I would expect it to be the same for this first semi-final.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Kenya 2nd, Uganda 3rd

IRB Ranking Points
Kenya 50.27, Uganda 48.77

Prediction: Kenya by 6 points

TEAMS

Uganda Squad

Forwards
Asuman Mugerwa, Ronald Adigasi, Dennis Muriithi Mugambe, Martial Tchumkam, Solomon Mawanda, Paul Serunjogi
Romano Ogwal-Vice Captain, Dennis Mulo, Joel Anguyo, Scott Oluoch, Arthur Mukama, Marvin Odongo, Andrew Olweny
Backs
Robert Seguya, Davis Kiwalabye, Joseph Aredo, Brian Jjemba, Jonathan Bishop Onen, Felix Lubega, Timothy Mudoola
Oscar Kalyango, Michael Wokorach-Captain, Justin Kimono, Benon Kizza

https://www.facebook.com/pages/UgrugbyFanzone/156926631011133

Kenya Squad

Wilson Kopondo (Kenya Harlequin FC -Captain), Andrew Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC),Fabian Olando (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC),Joshua Chisanga (Homeboyz RFC), Kenny Andola (Strathmore RFC),Michael Okombe (Nakuru RFC), Isaac Adimo (Kenya Harlequin FC), Oscar Ayodi (Homeboyz RFC),Gibson Weru (Nakuru RFC),Edwin Achayo (Kenya Harlequin FC),Samuel Oliech (Impala RFC),Brian Nyikuli (Kenya Harlequin FC), Oliver Mangeni (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC),Samuel Warui (Nakuru RFC), Michael Agevi (Mwamba RFC), Curtis Lilako (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC),Ronnie Mwenesi (Nondescripts RFC), Vincent Mose (Impala, RFC),Nicodemus Barasa (Kenya Harlequin FC),Isaiah Nyariki ( Nakuru RFC),Dennis Karani (Kenya Harlequin FC), Joseph Kangethe (Australia University),James Kangethe (Australia University),Cyprian Kuto (Strathmore RFC)

Staff: Jerome Paarwater (Head Coach),Charles Ngovi (Assistant Coach),Richard Ochieng (Strength & Conditioning Coach),Christopher Makachia (Team Physiotherapist),Wangila Simiyu (Team Manager)

Second semi-final
Zimbabwe v Madagascar

Referee: Lourens van der Merwe (South Africa)

Preview
Although Madagascar is new to this level of competition they will have some distinct advantages over Zimbabwe.

Firstly they have the crowd. The game in Madagascar is played with so much passion and support the crowd is worth at least a ten-point start for the home side.

Secondly, the ‘Makis’ play the game at such a frenetic pace and passion that the opposition are often left in bewilderment as they concede another try from the deep.

Thirdly, Zimbabwe are in all sorts of strife over their team. A number of top players were left out of selection following a last-minute complaint and petition against team management. Zimbabwe’s squad numbers only twenty-two with only one back on the bench!

On paper it looks like an easy win for Madagascar.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zimbabwe 4th, Madagascar 7th

IRB Ranking Points
Zimbabwe 52.57, Madagascar 48.19

Prediction: Madagascar by 15 points

TEAMS

Zimbabwe Squad
Daniel Nhepera, Jakov Jakov, Peit Joubert, Tapiwa Mangezi, Sanele Sibanda, Keith Murray, Jan Ferrera, Martin Wolfenden, Simbarashe Bwanya, Jacques Leitao(capt), Andrew Rose, Biselele Tshamala, Njabulo Ndlovu, Mathew Mandioma, Boyd Rouse, Guy Cronje, Stephan Hunduza, Craig Elcombe, Shayne Makombe, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Garth Ziegler, Lenience Tambwera.
Head Coach: Brendan Dawson

http://www.herald.co.zw/index.php?optio ... dauBzu1HZY

Players not selected because of the dispute.
Tichaona Chidongo, Costa Dinha, Cleoapas Makotose, Tichafara Makwanya, Kuda Chiwanza, Gavin Nyawata, Tino Chikobvu, Tangai Nemadire, Gardner Nechironga, Zvikomborero Murangari, Jakov Jakov and Lungile Tsumba.

Madagascar Squad
Julio Mahavy, Tolotra Ramaromiantso, Rodolphe Andriambololona, Bernard Raza­findranaivo, Rija Rakotoarimanana, Tiana Ravelomanantsoa, Donald Rakotomialoha, Zo Rasoanaivo, Claudio Ravelonomenjanahary, Sidonie Rakotoarisoa, Bienvenue Mananjarasoa, José Rakoto Harison, Toussaint Rabearilala, Tahina Randrianarisoa, Jacquis Bayard, Christian Andrianjaka, Hasina Rakotoarivelo, Solobe Rabemananjara, Benja Rakotoarivelo, Coco Hary Nirina, Dolphe Randriamanantena, Poune Solomampionona, Hery Ralaimidona, Vonjinirina Andriamanjara.

http://www.lexpressmada.com/madagascar-madagascar/44601-a-la-conquete-d-un-deuxieme-titre.html

MADAGASGAR HAS A HAKA

The ‘Makis’ perform their ‘haka’ against Namibia on Tuesday

 

RUGBY IN MADAGASCAR

Indian Ocean island rugby: Madagascar

By Jean-Luc Barthes, IRB Newsletter #9

For whatever reason, rugby is the main team sport in the island of Madagascar, the ‘grand island’ as it is called, in the Indian Ocean. No rugby historian has come up with an explanation as to why the game has taken such a hold of the Malgache people, nor has anybody been able to explain why rugby thrives in islands, be they in the South Seas, the Indian Ocean or in the North Sea.

The playing population of Madagascar - with 592,000 square kilometres of territory, nearly twice as large as Britain - is about 20,000, out of about 15 million inhabitants, of which 7,000 or more are not even in the books of the Malgache Federation of Rugby.

I visited Madagascar for the first time in 1999 with a team from the neighbouring island of Reunion.
After about a week of preparations, we arrived at the legendary stadium of ‘Malacam’ - built in 1940 by the French Railway engineers, and undergoing repairs ever since - for the first match against the youth team of Madagascar.
The first surprise was the size of the crowd. Over 4,000 enthusiastic, noisy and competent supporters had crowded the little stand, by far the biggest crowd we had ever had for our matches.
The second surprise was the size of the Malgache players. As we talked amongst ourselves after the warm-up, they were not going to be a problem given their size and bodyweight – not taller than 175 cm and heavier than 70 kilos.
How wrong we were in our assessment was to be the third and the biggest surprise of a rather emotional day.
The velocity and the strength of the Malgache players defied their slight frame, while their tackling was ferocious to say the least. They counter-attacked every time they laid their hands on the ball and their unorthodox style and enthusiasm made us watch in utter amazement. Then, a few minutes before the end of the match, which we were winning narrowly, the crowd left the stand to surround the playing surface.
The spectators were very loud and agitated, chanting slogans in support of their team. I feared the worst as the referee blew the whistle to end an entertaining match. But nothing unpleasant happened. Amazingly, the public calmed down instantly and joined the players on the field chatting amicably, shaking hands, exchanging congratulations and clapping the two teams to the dressing rooms.
A few days later, we thought we knew what to expect when we played against ‘the Makis’, the Madagascar national team, at the grand Mamach stadium. A crowd of 20,000 filled the stands and for Reunion players, used to playing in front of their families and friends, this was a bit of a shock.
We had experienced already the uncompromising nature of the Malgache players, but the test was another story altogether.
We were taken aback by the ferocity of the tackling, the brutal confrontation in the scrum and the total commitment of the Malgache players, running from everywhere at us at 100 miles an hour for the whole duration of the game. The public went positively wild and the entire atmosphere reminded me of the gladiatorial battles in the circuses of ancient Rome.

A few months later I returned to Antananarivo for a coaching course, at which my ‘Malgache education programme’ continued. The course was an eye opener about competence and pride, about tradition and respect. Attended by 50 passionate and competent coaches working with the 140 teams in Antananarivo, the course was an outstanding example of international cooperation at its best.
The manuals of Pierre Villepreux who has run several courses in the country are read with religious fervour by the knowledgeable and passionate Malgache coaches.

My third visit, this time as an IRB Development official, enabled me to understand that all that has been achieved in Malgache rugby, the ever growing numbers, the commitment of players and coaches and public, everything that makes Madagascar a genuine rugby heaven, has been done against enormous odds, despite shortages and poverty, lack of facilities and playing kit.
I visited the training facilities of the two top teams in the Antananarivo league: one trains on a dirt track, a disused construction site in the middle of a housing estate, which has been cleaned and made playable by the players themselves, and the other on a field covered by 20 cm of water all the time.
I have not heard anybody complaining and the commitment in training of the players and coaches had to be seen to be believed.
This is why Madagascar is one of my favourite rugby destinations, and like many other African countries where rugby is thriving, a place where poverty, shortages and lack of facilities do not affect the enthusiasm and passion of the practicants.
Aren’t we privileged to be involved in such a game?!

copied from http://twf.com.au/showthread.php?t=5170 

Pictures below are not related to the above article.

  

    

TEST RUGBY FANTASTIC! Madagascar v Namibia

More video from this fantastic game of test rugby.

RUGBY CELEBRATION IN MADAGASCAR

Madagascar 57, Namibia 54 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1B)

Madagascar promoted to CAR Division 1A in 2013. Namibia stays in 1B but has another stab next year at gaining a World Cup place.

Senegal 26, Morocco 25 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1B)

Senegal remain in CAR Division 1B 2013, Morocco relegated to CAR Division 1C and are eliminated for World Cup qualification.

AFRICAN TEST RUGBY: World Cup Qualifying CAR Division 1B

08.07.2012
Madagascar 57, Namibia 54 in Antananarivo
Senegal 26, Morocco 25 in Antananarivo

Briefly
Well, two amazing results from, what I believe, were two amazing rugby test matches. Madagascar won in extra time after scored were level at 43-43 full time. I can’t imagine the wild crowd scenes after this game. I’m hoping nobody was injured as they were last Wednesday on day 1.

We’ll follow the developments as heard by forum members..

Senegal 26, Morocco 25
’Morocco lead Senegal 5-3 after ten minutes.- -‘Natal’
’Morocco 8-3 Senegal - 20 minutes
Morocco 11-3 Senegal - 25 minutes
Morocco 14-3 Senegal - 30 minutes
Morocco 14-6 Senegal - Near half time
Morocco 17-6 Senegal
Morocco 17-9 Senegal’ again from ‘Natal’

‘No one wants to come 4th as that will be RWC2015 over for them. This could be a desperate battle!’-‘Yamaha Kiwi’

‘Morocco lead 17 to 9 at half-time. It's a shame that one team has to be relegated: both Morocco and Senegal were minutes away from winning their respective openers.’ – ‘Natal’

‘Morocco 20-9 Senegal at the start of the second half. Looking grave for Senegal - to think that they were leading Namibia with minutes left.
Morocco 20-12 Senegal - 55 minutes.
Morocco 20-19 Senegal - 58 minutes (-ish).
Morocco 20-26 Senegal - Morocco collapsing in the second half as they did against Madagascar.
15 minutes remain.’ – ‘Natal’

‘Morocco score a late try, but miss the conversion. Final result:
Morocco 25-26 Senegal
Morocco are, regrettably, eliminated from RWC 2015. They could easily have won both of their matches.’ – ‘Natal’

‘Thats 52nd IRB ranked beating 27th , like Switzerland beating Portugal!’ – ‘Quentin’

Madagascar 57, Namibia 54-after extra time!

‘Not terribly helpful, but this website (http://www.orange.mg/index.php?option=com_orangeinfo&Itemid=403&newscatid=4) says that Madagascar led 7-0 after just two minutes. No updates since then.
How great would a Madagascar victory be?’ – ‘Natal’

‘Incredible! Madagascar lead 29-14 at half-time!’ – ‘Natal’

‘WOW! Good luck Madagascar. However, a bit concerning for Namibia.’ – ‘jhar367’

‘Namibia have turned it around and lead 43-29 with fewer than five minutes remaining.’ – ‘Natal’

‘Two tries in three minutes for Madagascar! EDIT The try was converted 43-43 !!!!!’ – ‘Natal’

‘OMG - this is a really crazy game! Ended 43 - 43 in normal time so they have extra time now!’ – ‘Quentin’

‘43-43 at full time. We're just starting extra time.’ – ‘Natal’

‘Wow amazing. A bit leaky defence. Bring on the kicking Competition!’ – ‘jhar367’

‘Try Namibia. Wait, while I type a try to Madagascar. And a penalty to Namibia? WTF? Madagascar 50-51 Namibia’ ‘Natal’

‘Scoring has gone a bit quiet in the second half of extra time.’ ‘jhar367’

‘As you say that: Madagascar 50-54 Namibia. Can't be long to go now.’ ‘Natal’

55 - 54!
’Final score 57 - 54 to Madagascar! What an insane game
The crowd have had their money's worth today ‘ – ‘Quentin’

‘YUSSSSSSSSS’ – ‘jhar367’

‘TRY MADAGASCAR! Madagascar 57-54 Namibia. Converted too.’ –‘Natal’ (posted same time as ‘yussssssss’

‘This would have been BRILLIANT to watch. Fantastic tournament! All four teams were so even. And thank you Alain Vivier for the updates.’-‘Natal’

‘Absolutely unthinkable. Maybe the most astonishing rugby result I can recall. Remember less than ten years ago this was close to a hundred point loss for Madagascar.’- ‘4N’

‘55 - 17 to Namibia in 2005, 116 - 0 to Namibia in 2002, both times at Windhoek (thanks to Rugint's site!).’- ‘Quentin’ (Thanks Quentin-RugInt)

‘I was amazed about the previous result of Senegal (52) bt. Morroco (27), but now Madagascar (56) bt. Namibia (21). Absolutely amazing!
IRB and South Africa take note.’ – ‘jhar367’

‘Madagascar's win made front page news!’ – ‘Quentin

go to http://www.lagazette-dgi.com/index.php? ... =57:la-une

I could have written a hundred lines of review but there is nothing like a live ‘commentary’ from somebody updating twitter.

Special thanks to ‘Natal’, and others, on this great forum…http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3660&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=450