CRESCENT CUP

06.06.2015
Malaysia 10, Lebanon 0 in Melaka (Crescent Cup, Pool A)-Match abandoned at half time due to weather
Algeria 26, Kazakhstan 5 in Melaka (Crescent Cup, Pool B)

Briefly
Algeria were too good for Kazakhstan in the opening game of the 2015 Crescent Cup. Hosts Malaysia were leading Lebanon 10-0 at halftime when the match was abandoned due to bad weather. The result stands.

Uzbekistan is the fifth team in this competition. Because Iran pulled out the competition may be reorganised so the future schedule is to be confirmed.

CRESCENT CUP:June 6-11

Originally 16 teams were invited to this all-Muslim international rugby tournament organised by the Islamic Solidarity Federation and hosted by Malaysia.

This above was the original poster with dates from 1-14 June. Apparently when the tournament changed to 6 –14 June a number of teams, including Iran and Kazakhstan, pulled out.

The tournament has eventually been reduced to 4 teams; Malaysia, Algeria, Lebanon and Uzbekistan.

Algerian squad. Image thanks to http://www.lagazettedufennec.com/

Lebanese Squad thanks to https://www.facebook.com/MalaysiaRugbyUnion

‘The Lebanese Phoenix training in the sweltering heat in the lead up to their first match against host nation Malaysia tomorrow at 5pm’.
https://www.facebook.com/LebaneseRugbyUnion

Whilst the draw for day one is yet to be announced I’m assuming that with a 4-team competition that it will be round-robin with two fixtures on each day.

Thus, Today we should see (but not guaranteed)
Malaysia v Lebanon: Malaysia by 8 points-26-18
Algeria v Uzbekistan: Algeria by 34 points-42-18

Teams

Algeria Squad

All France based unless otherwise stated.
Sébastien Abdelkader (Millau)
Bilal Abed (Saint-Sulpice)
Nordine Badji (?)
Bekada Belhaouari (Castanet)
Nasser Benamor (Valence d’Agen)
Boris Bouhraoua (Napier, NZ)
Lou Bouhraoua (Montluçon)
Nadir Boukhaloua (Givors)
Walid Bouregba (Toulouse Olympique 13 RL)
Sofiane Chellat (Stade Français)
Mehdi Chouchane (Bedarrides)
Yazid Chouchane (Bedarrides)
Samir Doukbi (La Seyne)
Mahmoud Djenadi (Carqueiranne Hyères RF)
Mourad Frih (Grasse)
Vincent Haouari (Hyères Carqueiranne)
Samir Khamouche (Berre)
Romain Lacoste (Tyrosse)
Djamel Ouchene (Libourne).
Moussa Reghis (Annecy)
Yassine Saaoui (Montluçon)
Said Tamghart (Whitehaven RL, England)
Danyl Youcef (Aix en Provence)

Adapted from http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=333

   

Malaysia, Lebanon and Uzbekistan squads not available

ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP; Division 2, Final Day

16.10.2015
United Arab Emirates 16, Chinese Taipei 12 in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Division 2)
Malaysia 53, Thailand 7 in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Division 2)

Briefly
Malaysia ran away with the game against Thailand to clinch the ARC Division 2 title. They will be promoted to ARC Division 1 for 2016. UAE defeated Chinese Taipei 16-12.

ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 2, Day 3

16.10.2015

Venue: Kuala Lumpur

Today’s Games
United Arab Emirates v Chinese Taipei
Malaysia v Thailand

Preview
Malaysia and UAE should win their games comfortably. This would give Malaysia the ARC Div.2 title and automatic promotion to Division 1 for 2016.

At this stage Thailand looks ripe for relegation to Division 3. However Division 3 is divided into an East Zone and a West Zone for 2015. I’m not sure what happens in a relegation/promotion scenario.

Predictions:
UAE by 23 v Chinese Taipei: Score 36-13
Malaysia by 22 over Thailand: Score 33-19

For squad lists go to Day 1, Sunday 10 May

ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 2, Day 2 Results

13.10.2015
Chinese Taipei 29, Thailand 24 in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Division 2)
Malaysia 20, United Arab Emirates 19 in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Division 2)

Briefly
Malaysia just squeaked past UAE whilst Chinese Taipei outlasted Thailand.

Final Day Saturday
United Arab Emirates v Chinese Taipei in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Division 2)
Malaysia v Thailand in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Division 2)

Malaysia needs to defeat Thailand to take the title and gain promotion to Division 1 for 2016.

ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 2, Day 2

13.10.2015
Thailand v Chinese Taipei in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Division 2)
Malaysia v United Arab Emirates in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Division 2)

Day One Results

10.05.2015
United Arab Emirates 53, Thailand 22 in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Div.2)
Malaysia 46, Chinese Taipei 13, in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Div.2)

Briefly
Both UAE and Malaysia had convincing wins on day one in this round robin tournament. The leading team after day three will be promoted to Division 1 for 2015 whilst the last placed team will be relegated to Division 3.

Predictions
Thailand to defeat Chinese Taipei
UAE to defeat Malaysia by 7 points, score 20-13

ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 2, Day 1

ARC Division 2 gets underway today in Malaysia. Unlike Division 1, this is a round robin tournament.

10.05.2015
United Arab Emirates v Thailand in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Div.2)

Preview
UAE emerged from the old Arabian Gulf Rugby Union in 2011. After initially remaining in the top league it was soon apparent they were just not up to the elite Asian rugby standard. Last year they lost to Singapore and on that result were relegated to yet a lower division. It will be interesting to see how they fare at this level.

The UAE’s biggest challenge is to engage the ethnic Arab population in this sport. To date they have had limited success their players being mostly ex pats qualifying on residential grounds.

Thailand has a long and rich rugby history. Heavily supported by the armed forces

Previous Encounters
These two teams have not yet met in a test rugby match

United Arab Emirates Last Five P 5, L 5
23.04.2014 v Singapore L 13-30 in Dubai (Asia Nations Div.1)
18.05.2013 v Philippines L 8-24 in Manila (WCQ Africa; Asia 5 Nations)
10.05.2013 v Japan L 3-93 in Dubai ((WCQ Africa; Asia 5 Nations)
26.04.2013 v Korea L 10-75 in Al Ain ((WCQ Africa; Asia 5 Nations)
20.04.2013 v Hong Kong L 7-53 in Hong Kong ((WCQ Africa; Asia 5 Nations)

Thailand Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
29.10.2014 v Malaysia L 10-29 in Bangkok (Vaijirabngkom Cup)
25.10.2014 v Malaysia W 33-16 in Bangkok (Vaijirabngkom Cup)
23.05.2014 v Iran L 22-26 in Doha (Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)
20.05.2014 v Qatar L 11-24 in Doha (Asia Nations Div.2, semi-final)
06.04.2013 v Chinese Taipei L 23-52 in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia Nat. Div.1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: UAE 6th, Thailand 11th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Thailand 41.35, UAE 30.00

Note: UAE began with 30.00 when it first played a test in 2011 and did not inherit points gained by Arabian Gulf.

Prediction: Thailand by 15 points. Score 29-14

TEAMS

Thailand

15- Khamkoet Warongkron
14- Pannapat Pooltharat
13- Peerapol Chukoun (Debut)
12- Khomchak Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhaya
11- Thitipat Losuwannakul (Debut)
10- Klin Laksanasompong
09- Akarin Thitisakulvit
08- Apichai Phichaikamol
07- Pathomrat Sirisab, Capt.
06- Phoowin Charernsereechai (Debut)
05- Napat Prompataya
04- John Robert Nichol (Debut)
03- Raitaro Isobe (Debut)
02- Chawiatt Klongtrujrok
01- San Hansapinyo
Replacements
16- Kritpakon Prapakon (Debut)
17- Thammarat Lolek (Debut)
18- Patchraraphat Sornritchingchai
19- Surasak Sutmart (Debut)
20- Sarut Janda (Debut)
21- Kwan Chumjai
22- Angkrit Wanichkamolnant (Debut)
23- Sarawin Chinnawong (Debut)
Head Coach: Atapol Wongratana

Thanks to Nattapol Hemyoo, Assistant Manager, Thai RFU

Note: Test caps I have been given need to be confirmed as in one case they seem very high. Waiting to hear confirmation

United Arab Emirates Squad

Walid Al Blooshi*
Hassan Al Noobi*
Mohammad Al Alawi
Hareb Al Azri*
Clint Berkenshaw
Jonathan Bester
Jaen Botes
Michael Botha
Phil Brady
Tyson Byrne
Andrew Carphin
Ryno Fourie
Jonathan Greenwood
Paul Hart
Mohamed Hassan*
Matt Hutchings
Chris Jones Griffiths
Edward Lewsey
Daniel Minks
Graham Murphy
Mohannad Shaker*
Niall Statham
Adam Telford (Capt.)
Justin Walsh
Mark Weissenborn

https://www.facebook.com/uaerugby

* denotes Emirati players

Chinese Taipei v Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (ARC Div.2)

Referee:

Preview

Until recently Chinese Taipei has dominated Malaysia in their rugby test matches. There was a time when Chinese Taipei were ranked either third or fourth in Asian rugby, now they languish around 9th or 10th.

Other Previews
http://www.malaysiarugby.com/asian-rugby-championships-world-rankings-at-stake/

Last Five Encounters
17.04.2010 Malaysia 35-8 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; 3rd-4th)
21.06.2003 Chinese Taipei 54-0 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Tournament, B)
30.03.2002 Chinese Taipei 57-3 in Ipoh Padang (WCQ Asia, R1; Pool A)
20.12.1997 Chinese Taipei 51-13 in Tainan (WCQ Asia, Round B)
24.10.1994 Chinese Taipei 23-15 in Kuala Lumpur (14th Asian Championship)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Chinese Taipei 9th, Malaysia 10th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Chinese Taipei 42.62, Malaysia 42.22

Prediction: Malaysia by 2 points. Score 25-23

TEAMS

Malaysia Squad

1 Azman Osman
2 Mohd Nurazaman Ramli
3 Muhammad Syabil Laila
4 Dinesvaran Krisnan
5 Sae Falupega
6 Nik Mohd Shahiddan Mohd Zain
7 Mohamad Syarif Sudin
8 Eto Vaka Saukuru
9 Mohd Saizul Hafifi Md Noor
10 Mohd Syahir Asraf Rosli
11 Faat Hor Rozi
12 Atunaisa Lacadamu Takubu
13 Vatimio Rabebe
14 Tengku Mohd Fariz Tengku Roslan
15 Seru Pepeli Naqasima
16 Amirul Mukminim Amizan
17 Amirul Sani
18 Mohd Hazuwan Mohamad Zakeri
19 Wan Izzudin Ismail
20 Ras Hurairah Razbi
21 Mohd Rosmanizam Roslan
22 Mohamad Aiman Jamaluddin
23 Isoa Vuluma Turuva

http://www.malaysiarugby.com/malaysia-s ... ship-2015/

Chinese Taipei squad not available

MALAYSIA v THAILAND

25.10.2014

There is not much information about this game. The Malaysian web site mentions this game, and the 2nd test to be played 28th. They named the fixtures as being ‘Rugby Championship’.They also indicate that IRB ranking points are up for grabs. I cannot find any squad lists.

Malaysian squad thanks to https://www.facebook.com/MalaysiaRugbyUnion

 

Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/MalaysiaRugbyUnion

GWC Rugby Ranking
Malaysia 10th, Thailand 13th

IRB Ranking Points
Thailand 43.37, Malaysia 40.20

These two teams last met in 2012 in the Asia Nations Division 2 final held in Kuala Lumpur. Thailand won 22-19 and won promotion to Division 1.

Prediction: Thailand by 6 points

For a complete list of fixtures between these two teams and a list of all their international test rugby results go to www.rugbyinternational.net

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 2; Day 1

20.05.2014
Malaysia 42, Iran 22 in Doha (Asia Nations Div.2, Semi-final 1)
Qatar 24, Thailand 11 in Doha (Asia Nations Div.2, Semi-final 1)

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 2

Asian Rugby Rivalry resumes in Kuala Lumpur: Singapore and Malaysia book spots in HSBC A5N Division II Final

India and Iran to meet in relegation match

[Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 4 2013]: One of Asia’s longest running rugby rivalries will resume on Saturday, June 8, (kick-off at 18.00) as Singapore and Malaysia advanced from their semi final matches of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Division II competition today at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore, smarting from their demotion last year to Division II, beat India 67-8 to book its place in Saturday’s final, while Malaysia cruised past Iran 48-10 in front of a passionate local crowd of nearly 1,000 spectators.

Playing to its traditional strength in the forward pack, three Singapore forwards scored braces in the Rugby Lions’ victory: No 8 Peter McFeely, who opened the scoring in the 15^th minute; flanker Matthew Roberts, who scored twice in the first half; and lock Murray Wyllie. Openside flanker Simon Etheridge, suiting up in replacement of team captain Daniel Marc Chow who was ill, added a try to see the pack account for seven of Singapore’s 11 tries on the day.

Singapore jumped out to an early lead through tries to McFeely and Roberts (2). Wing Bryan Ng added a nice solo effort with a 60-metre dash to represent the backline in the first half. Two conversions from scrumhalf Suhaimi Imran pushed Singapore into the lead 24-5 at the break. India prop Suresh Sajwan got his team on the board in the 27^thminute with an unconverted try.

After the resumption of play, Singapore winger Nicholas Groen added to India’s woes with a try in the 45^thminute before India replied with a penalty through scrumhalf Sujai Lama in the 50^th minute. Lama’s penalty accounted for India’s last points of the afternoon as it was all one-way traffic for Singapore from there on out, especially with India losing two players to the sin bin in the second half.

McFeely scored his second try in the 52^nd minute, with Imran’s conversion pushed Singapore further ahead at 36-8. Making their man-advantage count, Singapore crossed over for five more tries in the second half through Zaki Muhammad, Etheredge, Wyllie (2) and centre Andrew Bourke, to complete the rout at 67-8.

Match captain and hooker Gaspar Tan summed up his team’s effort nicely saying, “It was a strong display from the forwards. We started off really slow and gave up too many penalties but in the second half we made adjustments. We were more disciplined and just kept moving forward with the ball and the tries flowed from there.”

A disappointed India captain Nasser Hussain said, “We were up against a team that was recently relegated from Division I and it showed. There was a considerable difference between the two sides and they analysed our game well and took our strengths away. But despite the score line there were a few positives today and hopefully we can build on those for Iran on Friday.”

SIngapore brushed off India 67-8 in the HSBC A5N Div 2 semi-final.

Malaysia also enjoyed a relatively uncomplicated passage to the Division I promotion decider on Saturday with a 48-10 win over a physical Iran XV that was every bit the hosts’ match in terms of physicality and commitment but lacked composure at times.

Malaysian fullback Mohd Fairuz ab Rahman paced his side to an early 11-0 lead after converting his first penalty chance in the second minute, followed by a try in the 3^rd minute and another penalty in the 8^th minute.

Ab Rahman’s solo effort was rounded out by No 8 Timoci Nacokula to push Malaysia ahead 18-0 at the 15-minute marker.

Iran’s first half points came through captain and No 8 Iraj Rostami who finished a nice offload from hard charging lock Morteza Rasouli at Malaysia’s 5-metre line to send his side into the sheds with some momentum at 18-5.

In the second half, Rasouli added his own try early in the opening minutes in a fitting reward for a tireless defensive effort on the day, bringing Iran within touching distance at 18-10. But the visitors’ lack of match experience began to tell with unforced errors creeping into the game and poor kicking from hand conceding significant possession to the Malaysians.

Malaysia made the most of their opportunities in the second half scoring four more tries through centre Atunaisa Takuba, reserve back Zulkiflee Azmi, scrumhalf Mohd. Nazeer Mohd. Nesharah and Wan Izzudin Ismail. Ab Rahman added another conversion, before handing off the kicking duties to reserve fullback Nazreen Fitri Nasruddin whose two penalties and a conversion brought the final score to Malaysia 48, Iran 10.

Fullback ab Rahman, who collected 15 points on the day with a try, two penalties and two conversions was pleased with the day’s work, saying, “We’re really happy with the performance. Iran is a big, heavy team and our strategy was to get the ball wide and avoid contact and we were successful.”

Malaysia captain Mohd Syahir Asyraf fends off the Iranian defence en route to the D2 Finals v Singapore.

Iran coach Pedram Baniameriyan credited the opposition saying, “Malaysia were very good today but I am proud of my boys. We played good rugby today but we are lacking the experience at test match level that we need and it shows.”

India and Iran will now face off in the Division II 3^rd/4^th place match to decide who is relegated to Division III in 2014. The relegation match will be played on Friday June 7 at Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

Singapore and Malaysia will meet in the Division II final on Saturday at 18.00 at Petaling Jaya in a match that resumes one of Asia’s fiercest rugby rivalries.

“Singapore v Malaysia is like the French playing the English it is that kind of rivalry,” said Singapore coach Inoke Afeaki, adding that, “I like the Malaysian style of rugby. It is very fluid and it brings Singapore rugby out of its comfort zone, which is what we need. I think it will help us to play a more balanced kind of rugby, which is what we need if we want to go back up to the next level.”

Singapore captain Daniel Marc Chow added, “Playing Malaysia is always big for us and for them I’m sure. We really want to get the better of each other. It doesn’t matter what we are playing for when we are playing Malaysia. It’s more than just promotion on the line there is a lot of pride at stake which is going to really help the boys get motivated for Saturday.”

HSBC A5N Division III semi-finals will be held tomorrow as part of a festival of rugby in Kuala Lumpur. Top seeds China will face off against newly promoted Qatar in the second semi final at 17.00, while second seeds Guam face Indonesia in the first semi-final at 15.00. All games are held at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free.

ASIA FIVE NATIONS DIVISION 2, DAY 1

04.06.2013
Singapore 67, India 8 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)
Malaysia 48, Iran 10 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)

Briefly
Both results a bit of a shock considering both India and Iran are teams on the rise.

Final will be Singapore v Malaysia for promotion to Division 1 2014, and play-off India and Iran relegation to Division 3 for 2014.

ASIA FIVE NATIONS DIVISIONS 2 AND 3

Festival of Rugby returns to Kuala Lumpur with hosting of HSBC A5N Division II and III tournaments at Petaling Jaya Stadium

Four new coaches at Division II level out to make their mark

[Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 4 2013]: HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) rugby action returns to Kuala Lumpur this week with the hosting of the Division II and Division III tournaments at Stadium Petaling Jaya. The action opens on Tuesday (4 June) with the semi-finals of the Division II tournament featuring top seeds Singapore, hosts Malaysia, Iran and promoted 2012 Division III champions India.

 

Top seeds Singapore are out to redress their shock relegation at the hands of Chinese Taipei in 2012, a result which saw the Rugby Lions fall to their lowest spot in Asian rugby (10^th) since the inception of the HSBC A5N in 2008. 

 

The Singapore Rugby Union has assembled an experienced coaching team to address the precipitous drop in its rugby fortunes in 2013. New SRU Technical Director and national 15s coach Inoke Afeaki, (ex-captain of Tonga and the Pacific Islands and a veteran of the Wellington Hurricanes, Llanelli and Ricoh Black Rams in Japan among others) takes the coaching role for the first time in an A5N competition, supported by Assistant coach and national 7s coach James Forrester (ex-Gloucester).

 

“It’s not where we want to be (Division II) obviously,” said Afeaki. “The guys have been at the heights of playing against Japan, Korea and Hong Kong in Asia and that is where they want to live. And they can do it as long as things are well planned. Singapore is a busy place and we need to balance our amateur set-up with the demands of working with players who are all professionals with jobs to do and work and family commitments to meet.

 

“Last year, the build-up was not ideal with the domestic season ending just weeks before Division I. This year, we re-structured the League to finish a few months prior to the competition, which has allowed us to intensify our preparations,” added Afeaki.

 

Prior to Division II, Singapore toured Japan where they played the Japan Under-21 side as well as local clubs in Saitama. The match experience will be key for the Rugby Lions who arrive with 11 new faces in the team for the 2013 campaign, and under a new captain in Daniel Chow of Bedok Kings. 

 

“James (Forrester) has done a great job recruiting some of the newly eligible expatriate players in the league while we are also excited to have several new local players making the step up to senior level. I think our team is really representative of the Singapore rugby scene which is how we want it to be,” said Afeaki.

 

Hosts Malaysia have their own score to settle after failing to capitalize on a prime opportunity to win the same competition in 2012, losing 19-22 to Thailand in last year’s Division II final also at Petaling Jaya.  The frustration after spoiling the chance to close out the match against Thailand, the Malaysians knocked on at the try line in the 81^st minute last year against the Thais, is still keenly felt.

 

 

The memory of the lost on the same ground in 2012 should provide inspiration for a side that doesn’t feature wholesale changes to last year’s team.

 

One important change to the structure is the addition of two former players into the coaching team in new head coach Mohammad Mazuri, coach of the Malaysian league champions this year NS Wanderers, and 27-cap veteran Nik Safuan Bin Ismade. Mazuri is confident that things are in place for Malaysia to go one step further than 2012 saying:

 

“Last year, we only lost focus in the last minute of the last match. We had many opportunities to close out the game but we didn’t take advantage. This year, our build-up has been longer and better and from top to bottom and we have the right mindset to gain promotion. Last year, the reserves failed to make the impact required but this year the difference in quality from the starters to the reserves is minimal. We have had a very competitive build-up which should help at crunch time.”

 

Mazuri is equally clear-eyed about Malaysia’s opponents in the opening semi-finals, Iran, saying:

 

“Iran is a big and physical team, particularly in the pack. We want to move their big men around the park and use our fitness and speed as our main weapons,” added Mazuri.

 

The Malaysians will be using six of their long-time Fijian-born nationals against Iran, including fielding a fully Fijian back row as well as at flyhalf, inside centre and wing with burly captain Mohd Syahir Asyraf taking his customary outside centre spot.

Hosts Malaysia are intent on running off with Division II silverware this week.

 

India will face Singapore in its opening semi-final, in a reprise of the first ever official test match played by the India Rugby Union back in 1988. On that occasion, India lost 85-0 and tomorrow’s semi final will offer a timely analysis of how far the team has come in the intervening years.

 

India also arrives in Kuala Lumpur under a new coach in Ronny Ibrahim of Sri Lanka. The team toured Colombo en route to Malaysia playing matches against some of the top club sides in Sri Lanka, newly promoted to the 2014 HSBC A5N Top 5 after winning this season’s Division I competition. 

 

With a basic target of maintaining its Division II place after being promoted last season, India will mount its challenge with a veteran side under the captaincy of centre/fly-half Nasser Hussain, who has 10 A5N caps since 2008.  However the side will be missing its first choice fullback Rohaan Sethna whose metronomic kicking has accounted for many of India’s points in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations since 2009.  Sethna will be replaced at fullback by Delhi Hurricanes’ fullback Makesh Mankotia who is set to make his A5N debut.

 

Iran round out the coaching changes as former player Pedram Baniameriyan steps up to assume the coaching reigns, taking over a settled side that features many veterans from recent A5N campaigns. With raw talent and size to burn, the question for Iran always remains the challenge of securing enough regular international competition to enter the tournament with a chance of proceeding past the semi final stages. With its opponents in this year’s field boasting some of the best preparation to date for Division II competition, Iran’s challenge will be manifestly more difficult in 2013.

 

On Tuesday (June 4), Singapore will open its HSBC A5N account versus 3^rd-seeds India (kick-off at 15.00) followed by Malaysia versus Iran (17.00). 

 

On Wednesday, the Division III semi-finals will be held. Thursday is a rest day for all teams, with the combined 3^rd/4^th place relegation games for Division II and III on Friday (June 7).

 

The Division II and III finals (promotion matches) will be held on Saturday, June 8.  The Division III champions will be promoted to next year’s Division II tournament, while the 2013 Division II champions will join the 2014 Division I competition alongside relegated Top 5 side UAE, Kazakhstan and Chinese Taipei. Thailand was relegated from Division I this season and will round out next year’s Division II. 

 

About HSBC and Rugby

HSBC is a long-term investor in Rugby in Asia and around the world. As well as being the title sponsor of the Sevens World Series, Asian 5 Nations and Asian Sevens Series, the bank is co-title sponsor of the Hong Kong Sevens from 2012. HSBC is the Principal Partner of all the Hong Kong rugby teams, and the British & Irish Lions, who will play in Hong Kong in 2013 en route to Australia. The bank is also the title sponsor of the Waratahs Super 15 team in Australia, the Penguin International Coaching Academy and the Cobra 10s tournament in Malaysia.

Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU)

Marking its 45^th anniversary in 2013, ARFU was founded in 1968 with 8 member unions. In the past decade its membership has trebled to 28 full and associate members. Ranging from Kazakhstan in the north to Indonesia in the south and Lebanon in the west to Guam in the east, ARFU covers a territory of over 44 million sq. kilometres and more than three billion people. ARFU is the sanctioning body for the HSBC A5N, (which doubles as the qualifying event for the Rugby World Cup), and the HSBC Asian Sevens Series, which was held for the first time in 2011. ARFU also offers international competition for women and youth across Asia.

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 2 Day 1

04.06.2013
Singapore v India in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)
Malaysia v Iran in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Division 2)

Singapore Squad

Name Club CAP(s)

1 Leong Rong Xian, Reiner - Oldham - Debut

2 Tan Soon Heng, Gaspar - Bedok Kings RFC - 17

3 Vis, Dirk Erik - Bedok Kings RFC - 5

4 Lee Yew Loong, Gabriel - SCC - 9

5 Hewitson, Robert Alexander - Bucks RFC - Debut

6 Wyillie, Murray James - SCC - Debut

7 Chow Kwok-Ho Daniel Marc (Captain) - Bedok Kings RFC - 6

8 Mc Feely, Peter William - SCC - 5

9 Mohammad Suhaimi Bin Amran - SCC - 7

10 Cumbers, Ryan Murray - Wanderers RFC - 6

11 Ng Chung Jin, Bryan - SCC - Debut

12 Bourke Andrew - SCC - Debut

13 Tan Wei Liang, Blandon - Oldham - Debut

14 Sidney Kumar - Bedok Kings RFC - 5

15 Muhammad Zaki Bin Mahmood - Bedok Kings RFC - 10

16 Robertson, James Alexander Fair - SCC - Debut

17 Alvin, Ho Yao Wei - Wanderers RFC - Debut

18 Muhammad Hasif Bin Azman - Wanderers RFC - 3

19 Etheredge, Simon Peter - SCC - Debut

20 Lee Junhao, Jonathan - Bedok Kings RFC - 11

21 Roberts, Matthew John - Wanderers RFC - 2

22 Kay Teck Yuan, Jonathan - SCC - Debut

23 Groen, Nicholas Alexander - Bedok Kings RFC - 7

24 Samuel, Lau Biyong - Bedok Kings RFC - Debut

25 Toy, Neil Carr Maxwell - Bucks RFC - Debut

http://www.singaporerugby.com/2013/06/s ... 13-kl.html

Predictions
Singapore by 8 v India
Malaysia by 3 v Iran

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY TEST MATCH: Division 2

02.06.2012
Thailand v Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nat. Div. 2, Final)

Venue: Stadium Petaling Jaya

Referee:

Preview
Traditional rugby rivals in Asia, the history of Thailand against their Malaysian neighbours goes back to the mid fifties. In 1955 they contested the King’s Cup for the first time. Malaya (as it was called then) thumped their neighbours 47-6 in Bangkok to win the cup. This set up a rivalry that has persisted to this day, although whether the King’s Cup still survives is another question.

Thailand dominated its neighbour after that winning most matches up to 1990. A number of drawn contests followed with Malaysia winning 25-18 in Kuala Lumpur in 1993. Malaysia’s losing trend continued until they won in 1999. They lost again in 2002 but won again in 2006. Thailand has continued to dominate in the two encounters since.

For a full list of all Thailand-Malaysia rugby test matches go to www.rugbyinternational.net

This should prove to be a close encounter. Malaysia comes off a convincing but easy 89-0 win over China. That result may not have prepared them enough for this tough test match. They have the home crowd and ground advantage.

Thailand had a tough win over Iran on Thursday. This may have sapped some energy. On the other hand they should be toughened up for this crucial match. The winner gets to play the Division 3 winner (India) in a Rugby World Cup qualifying play off.

Last Five Encounters
14.06.2008 Thailand 30-7 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.2, Final)
10.11.2007 Thailand 44-7 in Colombo (Asiad Cup)
22.07.2006 Malaysia 36-27 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament. Tier 4)
16.06.2001 Thailand 29-13 in Bangkok (Asia Plate)
1999 Malaysia 18-14 in Ipoh Padang (Int. Quad. Tournament; Kings Cup)

Note: I don’t have any record of the Kings Cup being played since 1999. If not Malaysia holds that cup!

Thailand Last Five
31.05.2012 v Iran W 37-17 in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.2)
07.05.2011 v Chinese Taipei L 10-22 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, Final)
04.05.2011 v India W 37-24 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)
05.06.2010 v China W 56-3 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)
02.06.2010 v Philippines L 33-53 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)

Malaysia Last Five
31.05.2012 v China W 89-0 in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.2 SF)
04.06.2011 v Philippines L 20-86 in Ansan (Asia Nations Div.1, 3rd-4th)
01.06.2011 v Singapore L 17-52 in Ansan (Asia Nations Div.1, Semi-final)
17.04.2010 v Chinese Taipei W 35-8 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1, 3rd-4th)
14.04.2010 v Singapore L 20-22 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1, 3rd-4th)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Malaysia 10th, Thailand 11th

IRB Ranking Points
Malaysia 43.05, Thailand 41.74

Prediction: It could either way. Malaysia by 6 points

Teams

Malaysia Squad
1. Mohd Syahir Asyraf bin Rosli (Team Captain)
2. Mohd Khuzaidi bin Abdullah (Assistant Team Captain)
3. Amadis Chong Yuen Jun
4. Azman bin Osman
5. Badrul bin Musa@Muktee
6. Dineswaran a/l Krishnan
7. Helbarth Jemlit
8. Khairul Nizar bin Shamsudin
9. Kini Rosolosolo
10. Megat Zubaidi bin Buang
11. Mohamad Amin bin Jamaludin
12. Mohamad Nazeer bin Mohamed Nesharah
13. Mohd Farid Syazwan bin Abu Bakar
14. Mohd Hafizh bin Zainal
15. Mohd Zulkifli bin Azmi
16. Mohd Nizard bin Mohd Noor
17. Mohd Razif bin Zainol Abidin
18. Mohd Shafiq Marican bin Ariffin
19. Muhammad Fazrin bin Noor Zaid
20. Nathaneal Tan Aik Ming
21. Ras Suhael Nur Rahim bin Razbi
22. Ras Hurairah bin Razbi
23. Timoci Nacocula
24. Veliameveto Tuinivanua

Thailand Squad 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.

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Philippines power past Malaysia to stay in Division I

Philippines 86, Malaysia 20

The Philippines made an emphatic statement about its own Top 5 aspirations in today’s 3^rd/4^th play-off with an 86–20 rout of Malaysia. The Philippines become one of only two teams this year (alongside Iran in Division II) to retain their spot after being promoted a year earlier.

The Volcanoes rumbled to a 26-0 lead by the 15^th minute today. The Philippines centre pairing was too hot to handle for Malaysia as inside centre Justin Coveney scored four tries while outside centre Gareth Holgate, (who along with captain Michael Letts is one of two Volcanoes to have been signed to play professionally in Japan next season), added a hat-trick of his own to put Malaysia out of reach.

Philippine’s Justin Coveney
is off to play in Japan in 2012

Winger Joven Clarke continued his strong debut tournament for the Philippines adding two tries this afternoon to the one he tallied on Wednesday against Korea. Other try scorers were props Austin Dacanay and Josh Sutcliffe, No 8 Chris Hitch, scrumhalf James Price and reserve back Patrice Olivier in a 15-try blitz.

Malaysia captain and flanker Nik Safuan Ismade added his own impressive performance in a losing effort today scoring all of his side’s points through a try and five penalties.

Malaysian flanker (headgear) and captain
scored all of Malaysia’s points.

Philippines Manager Matt Cullen commented on the win saying, “We were gutted after losing to Korea on Wednesday but I am proud of the boys for picking up the pieces and making a statement today.”

“We have a young side whose average age is just 22 and I think we have shown this week that we have what it takes to compete at this level. What we need now are more games against the Korea’s, Hong Kong’s and Japan’s of Asian rugby to help us close the gap on the Top 5. We will come back even stronger for next year’s Division I tournament.”

Philippines were too good for Malaysia
and stay in Division 1 for 2012.

HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division I 3^rd/4^th Place Playoff

Match: Malaysia vs Philippines

Half- time score: 17 – 38

Full- time score: 20 – 86

Scorers

Name	Country	Try	Conv.	Pen.	DG	Total (pts)
Joven Clarke	Philippines	2	1			12
Gareth Holgate	Philippines	3				15
Oliver Saunders	Philippines		7			14
Justin Coveney	Philippines	4				20
Ismade Nik Man	Malaysia	1		5		20
Chris Hitch	Philippines	1				5
James Price	Philippines	1				5
Austin Dacanay	Philippines	1				5
Patrice Oliver	Philippines	1				5
Josh Sutcliffe	Philippines	1				5

ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 1 Playoff. Malaysia Meets Newcomers Philippines

04.06.2011
Philippines v Malaysia in Ansun (Asia Nations Division 1, Playoff 3rd-4th)

Venue: Ansum-Wa Stadium

Referee:

Preview
Philippines real test in this tournament comes with this rugby test match. They lost 20-34 to Korea mid week with a resounding and spirited second half revival. Korea scored a final try at the end of the game to finally pull away but all credit to the Philippines.

The started their test rugby history fairly recently, compared to Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, who are old hands in Asian test rugby. Starting in 2006 they were in division 5, losing 3-24 to Pakistan in the final. In 2007 they again lost the Division 5 final, this time to India. By 2008 they were only playing in regional tournaments but with the restructuring of Asian test rugby tournaments in 2009 they found themselves in Division 3.

It was in 2009 that their big break come. The won Division 3 with a 25-0 win over Guam. In 2010, now in Division 2, they defeated India 34-12 to gain promotion to Division 1. They won’t gain promotion this year but their aim will be to hold their division 1 place. To do that they have to defeat Malaysia today.

Malaysia has played test rugby, as far as I’m aware, since 1955. They entered the second Asia Championship in 1970 and has been a constant presence in Asia rugby ever since.

More recently, in 2007, they were in Asia Nations Division 3. The revamp of 2007 saw them play in Division 2 in 2008, losing 7-30 to Thailand in the final. In 2009 they defeated China 43-15 to finally gain promotion to Division 1. In 2010 they lost to Singapore in the semi-final but held their position with a 35-8 win over Chinese Taipei to stay in Division 1.

They lost heavily mid-week to Singapore  and now must defeat Philippines to hold their Division 1 status.

Malaysia and Philippines have never played a rugby test match against each other before.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Malaysia 8th, Philippines 14th

IRB Ranking points do not apply

Prediction: Philippines by 7 points

Teams

Malaysia Squad
Mohd Khuzaidi bin Abdullah (Blackhawk)
Mohd Adzhar bin Adnan (Blackhawk)
Mohd Nazri bin Ahmad (NSW, Australia)
Mohd Hafeez Faesal bin a Aziz (SSBP)
Mohd Farid Syazwan bin Abu Bakar (COBRA)
Khairul Nizar bin Camsudin (ORCA)
Mohd Khairul bin Fakri (ASAS) New cap
James Imran Miller bin Hamidon (NSW, Australia)
Mohamad Amin bin Jamaluddin (Keris Conlay)
Mohd Ezwan bin Jamil (NSW, Australia) New cap
Dineshvaran Krishnan (COBRA)
Nik Safuan Ismade bin Nik Man (DBKL) Captain
Sheikh Emir Omar bin Nasir (COBRA) New Cap
Mohamad Nazeer bin Mohamed Nesharah (COBRA)
Ras Suhael Nur Rahim bin Razbi (SSBP)
Mohd Syahir Asraf bin Rosli (COBRA)
Mohd Razmi bin Rozan (NSW, Australia) New cap
Mohd Rozaini bin Rozan (NSW, Australia) New cap
Najib bin Ruzlan (Keris Conlay) New cap
Mohammad Salmi bin Shaari, New cap
Mohammad Faiz bin Samsukhidir (COBRA)
Isoa Vuluma Turuva (COBRA)
Sarizan bin Yasir (ATM)
Mohd Hafiizh bin Zainal (COBRA)
Head Coach: Ishak bin Abidin

Adapted from http://www.mru.org.my/ver3/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=349:time-to-get-even-with-singapore&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

Abbreviations
SSBP- Bandar Penawar Sports School
COBRA- Combined Old Boys Rugby Association
ORCA-Navy Orca Rugby Club
ASAS- Kelab Ragbi Alumni Sekolah Alam Shah
ATM- Malaysian Armed Forces
DBKL-Kualur Lumpur team

Philippines Squad

Front row L to R: Luke Matthews, Patrice Olivier, Jaime Urquijo, Nick Perry, Michael Letts (Captain), Tyler Perez, Rupert Zappia, Nick Pineda
Middle row: Matt Cullen (Manager), Raf Zappia, Austin Dacanay, Michael de Guzman, Justin Coveney, Gaz Holgate, Chris Hitch (Vice Captain), Josh Sutcliffe, Damian Raper (Physiotherapist)
Top row: Jarred Hodges (Asst. Coach), Richard Taylor, Joven Clarke, James Price, Oliver Saunders, Kit Guerra, Matt Saunders, Michael Duhig, Phil Abraham, Jake Letts, Expo Mejia (Head Coach)

Image thanks to http://www.prfu.com/1/post/2011/05/philippine-volcanoes-head-to-korea-for-the-asian-5-nations-div-1-championships.html

TEST RUGBY: Asia Nations Division 1

This tournament is being held in Korea. Venue is the Ansa-Wa Stadium, in Ansan City. On Saturday the winners play for the right to promotion to the elite level of Asian rugby, the Asia Five Nations.

Day One

01.06.2011
Singapore v Malaysia

 

Preview
Old Asian rivals and neighbours clash in the first game on the programme.

Last Five Encounters
14.04.2010 Singapore 22-20 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.1; Semi-final
26.05.2007 Malaysia 31-19 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.3)
28.06.2003 Singapore 31-13 in Singapore (Asia Tournament, Pool B)
18.11.2002 Singapore 46-9 in Bangkok (18th Asia Champ.,Div.2, Sect.1)
06.04.2002 Singapore 34-5 in Singapore (WCQ Asia R1; Pool A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table- Singapore 7th, Malaysia 8th

IRB Ranking Points
Singapore 45.03, Malaysia 43.05

Prediction
Very close. Singapore by a single point!

01.06.2011
Korea v Philippines

 

Preview
The Philippines are undefeated in their Asia Nation competition games to date. This has seen them rise up the divisions. They have a daunting task against hosts Korea first game up.

These teams have never met in a 15’s test match. Philippines lost 10-70 to Hong Kong last month

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Korea 6th, Philippines 14th

IRB Rankings do not apply

Prediction: Korea by 50 points