RUGBY WORLD CUP

11.10.2015
Japan 28, United States 18 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool B)
Argentina 64, Namibia 19 in Leicester (World Cup, Pool C)
Italy 32, Romania 22 in Exeter (World Cup, Pool D)
Ireland 24, France 9 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool D)

Reviews
Ireland placed themselves at the top of Pool D after defeating France 24-9 in Cardiff. There concern though is for a trio of injured players who may not be fit enough to play in next weekends quarter final match against Argentina. Coach Schmidt may have to find four replacements for injured players Peter O'Mahony, Paul O'Connell and Jonathan Sexton.

France will rue their lost opportunities on attack and will face a real battle against old foes New Zealand next weekend.

In other results Italy eventually defeated Romania but not without the Eastern Europeans putting up a great fight. Argentina overwhelmed a tired Namibia whilst Japan finished their Rugby World Cup tournament with a win but not enough to secure a quarter final place.

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Sunday’s Fixtures 11 October

United States v Japan in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool B)
Argentina v Namibia in Leicester (World Cup, Pool C)
Italy v Romania in Exeter (World Cup, Pool D)
France v Ireland in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool D)

Briefly
The USA v Japan game is for pride only. Because Scotland defeated Samoa Japan did not reach the quarter finals. But they can be proud of their achievement in gaining automatic qualification to the 2019..hang on! They automatically qualified as they will be the host nation.

Pool C has also been sorted so the Argentina-Namibia game has no bearing.

The action is in Pool D. Ireland and France clash to see who tops this pool and has an easier ride to the semi-finals. Romania and Italy clash for third place. Romania will desperate to win this game, qualify for 2019 and push the claim that Romania and Georgia should be included into the 6 Nations tournament.

There is a lot to play for tomorrow.

Predictions
Japan to win by 14 points. Score 27-13
Argentina to win by 31 points. Score 42-11
Ireland to win by 8 points. Score 21-13
Italy to win by 9 points. Score 24-15

RUGBY WORLD CUP RESULTS

25.09.2015
Argentina 54 Georgia 9 in Gloucester (World Cup, Pool C)

24.09.2015
New Zealand 58, Namibia 14 in London (World Cup, Pool C)

Reviews
New Zealand eased passed Namibia in their second game of the tournament, Namibia’s first. The second half was a dis jointed display by the world number one team. Namibia on the other hand played to their ability and performed better as the game progressed. They were never going to win but continued a series of good performances by the minnows at this tournament. World rugby is in good health.

Other Reviews
http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,3562_82612,00.html
http://www.espnscrum.com/2015-rugby-world-cup/rugby/story/275893.html

Argentina were too strong and fast for a disappointing Georgian side in Gloucester. The sinbinning of captain Gorgodze knocked the stuffing out of Georgia and they had no answer to the slick and pacey Argentinians.

POOL C

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
NEW ZEALAND	2	2	0	0	84	30	54	11	2	1	9
ARGENTINA	2	1	0	1	70	35	35	8	2	1	5
GEORGIA	2	1	0	1	26	64	-38	2	8	0	4
TONGA	1	0	0	1	10	17	-7	1	2	1	1
NAMIBIA	1	0	0	1	14	58	-44	0	0	0	0

What’s Next?

29.09.2015	TONGA		NAMIBIA		EXETER
02.10.2015	GEORGIA		NEW ZEALAND		CARDIFF
04.10.2015	ARGENTINA		TONGA		LEICESTER
07.10.2015	NAMIBIA		GEORGIA		EXETER
09.10.2015	NEW ZEALAND		TONGA		NEWCASTLE
11.10.2015	ARGENTINA		NAMIBIA		LEICESTER

NEW ZEALAND v NAMIBIA: World Cup Pool C

25.09.2015

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Venue: The Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London

Pool Standings

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	TF	TA	BP	PT
NEW ZEALAND	1	1	0	0	26	16	10	2	1	0	4
GEORGIA	1	1	0	0	17	10	7	2	1	0	4
TONGA	1	0	0	1	10	17	-7	1	2	1	1
ARGENTINA	1	0	0	1	16	26	-10	1	2	0	0
NAMIBIA	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Preview
The highest ranked team at this tournament meets the lowest. The result could be a cricket score. But I think not. That New Zealand will win is without a doubt but two factors will contribute to the score being large but not a century.

Firstly, Namibia has improved considerably since the last World Cup. They were never humiliated in 2011 but despite a largely semi-professional side they have certainly put in the hard work this year. They have played nine tests leading up to this tournament.

Secondly, New Zealand will start with a second XV look. Combinations wont be as crisp and they have a new captain for the day, Sam Cane. However, the bench includes three test centurions who could well create a nightmare late in the game if ‘things go wrong’ which they wont.

Last Five Encounters
These two teams have never met before in a test match.

Previous World Cups
These two teams have never met before at a World Cup.

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1 
20.09.2015 v Argentina W 26-16 in London (World Cup, Pool C)
15.08.2015 v Australia W 41-13 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup)
08.08.2015 v Australia L 19-27 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)25.07.2015 v South Africa W 27-20 in Johannesburg (Rugby Championship)17.07.2015 v Argentina W 39-18 in Christchurch (Rugby Championship)

Namibia Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
15.08.2015 v Zimbabwe W 80-6 in Windhoek (Africa Cup 1A)
08.08.2015 v Kenya W 46-13 in Windhoek (Africa Cup 1A)
18.07.2015 v Russia W 43-5 in Windhoek
11.07.2015 v Russia W 39-19 in Windhoek
21.06.2015 v Spain L 3-20 in Bucharest (World Rugby Nations Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: New Zealand 5th, Namibia 18th

World Rugby Ranking Points
New Zealand 92.89, Namibia 61.85

Prediction: New Zealand by 71 points. Score 86-15

TEAMS

New Zealand
15 Colin Slade, 14 Nehe Milner-Skudder, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito,
7 Sam Cane (Capt.), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Luke Romano,
3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Benjamin Franks.
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Tony Woodcock, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Richie McCaw, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Ma'a Nonu, 23 Benjamin Smith.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

Namibia
15 Johan Tromp, 14 David Philander, 13 JC Greyling, 12 Johan Deysel,
11 Conrad Marais, 10 Theuns Kotzè, 9 Eugene Jantjies, 8 Leneve Damens,
7 Tinus du Plessis, 6 Jacques Burger (Capt.), 5 Pieter-Jan van Lill, 4 Tjiuee Uanivi, 3 Johannes Coetzee, 2 Torsten van Jaarsveld, 1 Jaco Engels.
Replacements
16 Louis van der Westhuizen, 17 Casper Viviers, 18 Raoul Larson, 19 Renaldo Bothma, 20 Janco Venter, 21 Rohan Kitshoff, 22 Eneill Buitendag,
23 Chrysander Botha.
Head Coach: Phil Davies

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

08.08.2015
New Zealand v Australia in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Championship)
South Africa v Argentina in Durban (Rugby Championship)
Ireland v Wales in Cardiff (World Cup Warm Up)
Kenya v Namibia in Windhoek (Africa Cup 1A)

Briefly
The warm up fixtures will be well and truly underway this weekend with the first 6 Nations side hitting out. Ireland and Wales clash in Cardiff.

The Africa Cup 1A competition continues with Namibia at home against up-and-coming Kenya. It will be a big test for both sides. Kenya has impressed this season whilst Namibia will be keen to add the Africa Cup to the silverware cabinet before they land in England for the World Cup. They have another game in Windhoek next weekend. This will be the last Africa Cup 1A game and it will be against Zimbabwe.

The final round of the 2015 Rugby Championship (shortened because of the Rugby World Cup) will see a final between New Zealand and Australia in Sydney. Both teams go into this test match undefeated. Australia, as hosts, will be eager to defeat New Zealand for the first time in four years. New Zealand captain will equal Brian O’Driscoll’s world record 141st test caps. This game will be a cracker. Can’t wait!

In the other game South Africa meets Argentina in Durban to sort out the minor placings. The Rugby Championship though is not really the top prize for 2015. These games are really just curtain raisers.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 18 July

18.07.2015
Australia 24, South Africa 20 in Brisbane (Rugby Championship)
Fiji 30, Tonga 22 in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)
Japan 20, Canada 6 in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
Samoa 21, United States 16 in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
Namibia 43, Russia 5 in Windhoek (2^nd test)
Kenya 36, Spain 27 in Nairobi (Friendly)

Briefly
Australia scored a try in the dying moments to snatch the game away from South Africa.

Fiji, Japan and Samoa opened the Pacific Nations Cup with wins.

In test rugby in Africa, Namibia easily accounted for Russia in the second test in Windhoek while Kenya defeated Spain in Nairobi,

TEST RUGBY AHEAD: Saturday 18 July

18.07.2015
Canada v Japan in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
United States v Samoa in San Jose (Pacific Nations Cup)
Namibia v Russia in Windhoek (2^nd test)
Spain v Kenya in Nairobi (Friendly)

I’m not able to review these games in detail.

Pacific Nations Cup

Canada v Japan
I expect Canada to just brush past Japan although a Japanese win would not surprise. The Japanese, under former Australian coach Eddie Jones, has made considerable progress over the last two seasons.
Prediction: Canada by 3 points. Score 21-18

United States v Samoa
Samoa are fresh from their powerful display against New Zealand last week. The travel and that game may well have taken the sting out of this side. A win will depend on how they shape up. For the USA this is their first outing for the season. I’d expect them to be a bit rusty
Prediction: Samoa by 10 points. Score 29-19

African Test Rugby

Namibia v Russia
Namibia won the first test in Windhoek 39-19 last weekend against the visiting Russian side. This series is part of Namibia’s build up to the Rugby World Cup. I expect Russia to perform better this week.
Prediction: Namibia by 8 points. Score 25-17

Kenya v Spain
For me this is one of the matches of this weekend. These cross-continental rugby test matches are what makes the rugby rankings more meaningful and are a fantastic advertisement for this worldly game. Spain will struggle. They have left a large number of test regulars behind this being very much an experimental side. Kenya has defeated Portugal 41-15, Tunisia 46-15 but lost to Zimbabwe 20-28 in their three test matches so far. Spain last played a test match in March.
Prediction: Kenya by 18 points. Score 36-18

INTERNATIONAL AND TEST RUGBY: 11 July

11.06.2015
South Africa 46, World XV 10 in Capetown (Non test)
New Zealand Maori 27, Fiji 26 in Suva (Friendly)
Namibia 39, Russia 19 in Windhoek (1^st test)

Briefly
South Africa were too polished and fit for a World XV in Capetown. This international non test match was organised to help South Africa prepare for the Rugby Championship (which starts next weekend).

Fiji built up a huge halftime lead before running out of steam and succumbing to the Maoris by one point. Fiji begins its Pacific Nations Cup campaign next weekend with a test match against Tonga in Suva.

Namibia went 1-0 up in their two-test series against Russia in Windhoek. This was a much improved performance compared to their disastrous Nations Cup outing last month

NATIONS CUP: Final Day

21.06.2015
Spain 20, Namibia 3 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
Romania 23, Argentina XV 0 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)

Briefly
Romania took out the World Rugby Nations Cup in Bucharest with a surprisingly comfortable win over the Argentinians. Namibia’s poor form has created some concerns over that nation’s performance at the 2015 Rugby World Cup

NATIONS CUP

17.06.2015
Argentina XV v Spain in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
Namibia v Romania in Bucharest (Nations Cup)

Day One Results
Argentina XV 30, Namibia 10 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)
Romania 35, Spain 9 in Bucharest (Nations Cup)

Preview
Argentina XV should account for Spain in the first game. Spain has not provided a strong squad at this tournament (neither did they last year). Romania defeated them with ease on day 1.

The Namibia-Romania should be a more even contest. Romania won on day one against Spain but Namibia lost against the Argentina team 10-30.

Predictions:
Argentina by 30 v Spain: Score 46-16
Namibia to just edge the host by 3 points. Score 19-16

TEAMS

Argentina XV
1.- Santiago García Botta, 2.- Tomás Baravalle, 3.- Lucas Martínez; 4.- Manuel Plaza, 5.- Gerónimo Albertario; 6.- Lucas Maguire, 7.- Miguel Urtubey, 8.- Aníbal Panceyra Garrido; 9.- Lucas Alcácer (cap), 10.- Cristian Nacassian; 11.- Bautista Álvarez, 12.- Brian Ormson, 13.- Juan Ignacio Brex, 14.- Franco Cuaranta; 15.- Tomás Carrió.

Suplentes: 16.- Roberto Tejerizo, 17.- Facundo Bosch, 18.- Nicolás Mirande, 19.- Franco Baldoni, 20.- Martín Chiappesoni, 21.- Gonzalo Bertranou, 22.- Juan Cappiello, 23.- Augusto López.

Entrenadores: Felipe Contepomi y Ricardo Le Fort

http://www.uar.com.ar/noticias/noticias.asp?idinfo=4044

Spain
1. Fernando López 2. Juan Anaya 3. Fco Javier Sanz 4. Tomás Urbaitis 5. Anibal Bonán 6. David Barrera 7. José Luis Del Valle 8. Jaime Nava (c) 9. Gregory Maiquez 10. Marcos Puig 11. Ignacio Contardi 12. Thibaut Álvarez 13. Bradley Linklater 14. Antoine Sánchez 15. Sergi Aubanell

Suplentes: 16. Fco Blanco 17. Johnathan Phipps 18. Joe Hutchinson 19. Manuel Mora 20. Javier de Juan 21. Facundo Munilla 22. Pierre García 23. Gauthier Minguillón

http://www.ferugby.es/noticias2.php?titulo=Nations Cup: Leones contra Jaguares

Romania Squad

Mihai Adăscăliţei (Dinamo Bucureşti)
Marius Antonescu (Tarbes, France)
Adrian Apostol (Ştiinţa Baia Mare)
Ionuţ Botezatu (Ştiinţa Baia Mare)
Stelian Burcea (RCM Timişoara)
Valentin Calafeteanu (RCM Timişoara)
Alin Coste (Carcassonne, France)
Robert Dascălu (Steaua Bucureşti)
Dănuţ Dumbravă (Steaua Bucureşti)
Ionuţ Dumitru (Steaua Bucureşti)
Cătălin Fercu (London Saracens, England)
Csaba Gal (Universitatea Cluj)
Stephen Hihetah
Paulică Ion (Perpignan, France)
Florin Ioniţă (Steaua Bucureşti)
Mihăiţă Lazăr (Castres, France)
Viorel Lucaci (Steaua Bucureşti)
Mihai Macovei (Massy, France)
Randall Morrison (Timişoara Saracens)
Vlad Nistor (Castres, France)
Valentin Popîrlan (RCM Timişoara)
Alexandru Porojan (Steaua Bucureşti)
Horaţiu Pungea (Lyon, France)
Andrei Rădoi (Ealing Traifinders, England))
Jody Rose (Timişoara Saracens)
Sabin Strătilă (Steaua Bucureşti)
Florin Surugiu (CSM Bucureşti)
Alexandru Ţăruş (RCM Timişoara)
Otar Turaşvili (CSM Olimpia Bucureşti)
Andrei Ursache (Carcassonne, France)
Valentin Ursache (Oyonnax, France)
Florin Vlaicu (CSM Olimpia Bucureşti)
Michael Wiringi (Ştiinţa Baia Mare)

Coach: Lynn Howells

Adapted from http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=523

Namibia

1-Johnny Redelinghuys, 2-Callie Swanepoel, 3-Casper Viviers, 4-Janco Venter, 5-Nico Esterhuizen,
6-Thomasau Forbes,7- Leneve Damens, 8-PJ van Lill (captain), 9-Eugene Jantjies, 10-Shawn Kaizemi, 11-Conrad Marais, 12-JC Greyling, 13-Danie van Wyk, 14-David Philander,15- Johan Tromp.
The substitutes
16-DG Wiese,17- Jaco Engels,18- AJ de Klerk, 19-Tjiuee Uanivi, 20-Victor Rodrigues, 21-Eniell Buitendag, 22-Theuns Kotze, 23-Heinrich Smit. –

http://www.namibian.com.na/indexx.php?id=27985&page_type=story_detail

AFRICA CUP; 1A

06.06.2015
Namibia 22, Tunisia 14 in Tunis (Africa Cup 1A)

Briefly
Namibia were made to work hard for their win in Tunisia. In very hot conditions 20 minute water breaks were conducted. Namibia led 12-8 at halftime.


Namibian team v Tunisia
Image thanks to https://twitter.com/RugbyNamibia

Blow-by-blow accounts at https://twitter.com/RugbyNamibia

NAMIBIA v TUNISIA: Africa Cup, Division 1A

06.06.2015

Venue: Nabeul, Tunisia

Referee: C.Berdos (France)

Preview
Namibia has an advantage here in that they have a greater exposure to world rugby than does Tunisia. Tunisia is restricted to playing in Africa Cup competition which involved two perhaps three games annually plus the occasional test match friendly against a nations outside Africa.

Tunisia gained promotion to Africa Cup Division 1A after winning the 1B competition in 2014.

This is an important warm-up game for Namibia’s preparations for this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Last Five Encounters
16.06.2013 Namibia 45-13 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR 1B, Final)
28.11.2009 Namibia 22-10 in Windhoek (WCQ Africa, Africa Cup Final, 2nd leg)
14.11.2009 Namibia 18-13 in Tunis (WCQ Africa, Africa Cup Final, 1st leg)
07.10.2006 Namibia 23-15 in Windhoek (WCQ Africa R2, Grp B; Africa Cup B)
01.07.2006 Tunisia 24-7 in Tunis (WCQ Africa R2, Grp B; Africa Cup B)

Encounters between these two nations go back to 1998 when Tunisia won 20-17 in Tunis in a World Cup qualifying game. These games were evenly contested until 2006 when Namibia began to dominate. Results have always been close, last year excepted.

Namibia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
22.11.2014 v Portugal L 20-29 in Lisbon
07.11.2014 v Canada L 13-17 in Colwyn Bay
29.10.2014 v Germany W 58-20 in Windhoek
06.07.2014 v Madagascar W 89-10 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup 1A)
02.07.2014 v Zimbabwe W 24-20 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup 1A)

Tunisia Last Five P 5, W3, L 2
14.06.2014 v Ivory Coast W 26-6 in Tunis (CAR Division 1B, Final)
10.06.2014 v Senegal W 22-14 in Tunis (CAR Division 1B, Semi-final)
02.11.2013 v Belgium L 10-26 in Tabiz
15.06.2013 v Namibia L 13-45 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR 1B, Final)
11.06.2013 v Botswana W 43-12 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR 1B, Semi-final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table: Namibia 2nd, Tunisia 6th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Namibia 58.27, Tunisia 49.89

Prediction: Namibia by 26 points. Score 39-13

TEAMS

Namibia Squad

Rathony Becker (FNB Western Suburbs, 10 Tests)
Eneill Buitendag (FNB Wanderers, 10)
Johannes (Aranos) Coetzee (Brive, Frankryk, 0)
Leneve Damens (FNB Wanderers, 0)
Tinus du Plessis (FNB Wanderers, 39)
Jaco Engels (Trustco United, 8)
Nico Esterhuyse (FNB Wanderers, 31)
Thomasau Forbes (FNB Western Suburbs, 4)
JC Greyling (Trustco United, 2)
Eugene Jantjies (RCJ Farul, Roemenië, 38)
Shaun Kaizemi (FNB Western Suburbs, 3)
Theuns Kotzé (Bourge Bresse, Frank­ryk, 19)
Conrad Marais (Beziers, Frankryk, 4)
David Philander (Spotswood United, Nieu-Seeland, 18)
Heinrich Smit (Pukke, 6)
Johann Tromp (FNB Wanderers, 11)
Tjiuee Uanivi (Brive, Frankryk, 3)
PJ van Lill (Dax, Frankryk, 33)
Danie van Wyk (Trustco United, 9)
Casper Viviers (Trustco United, 7)
Roderique Victor (FNB Western Suburbs, 2)
DG Wiese (FNB Wanderers, 2)

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=515

Tunisia squad not available

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 TIER 2 07-08 NOVEMBER

08.11.2014
New Zealand Maori 20, Japan 18 in Tokyo
Tonga 23, Georgia 9 inTbilisi
United States 27, Romania 17 in Bucharest
Russia 31, Hong Kong 10 in Hong Kong

07.11.2014
Canada 17, Namibia 13 in Colwyn Bay

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)

TIER 2/3 RUGBY TESTS THIS WEEKEND

16.11.2013
Samoa v French Barbarians in Clermont
Uruguay v Spain in Montevideo
Namibia v Kenya in Windhoek (IRB Tri-Nations)

Briefly
Samoa has a chance to recoup after their defeat to Ireland last weekend. They will find that the French Barbarians team will contain a number aspiring to the top side.

Spain concludes their short trip to South American with a test against Uruguay whilst Namibia should have little trouble against Kenya in the final IRB Tri-Nations tournament in Windhoek.

Predictions:
French Barbarians by 7 v Samoa
Spain by 2 v Uruguay
Namibia by 40 v Kenya

NAMIBIA V TUNISIA; World Cup Qualifier, Africa, Division 1B Final

15.06.2013

Venue: Stade Iba Mar Doip Dakar

Referee:

Preview
This is a crucial game this weekend. Namibia were relegated to Africa Division 1B last year after losing 54-57 to Madagascar in a dramatic game played out in extra time.

That result just made Namibia’s quest to reach the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals a whole lot more difficult.The Africa 2 spot goes to the winner of Africa Division 1A in 2014. So Namibia must win this game to progress to 1A for next year and aim for that top spot.

Tunisia will also be out to regain their place in Africa Division 1A and try and make the Rugby World Cup finals for the first time.

Those outcomes rest with this result in Dakar, Senegal, host to this years World Cup qualifiers.

Wednesday’s games saw Nambia defeat Senegal 35-12 and Tunisia defeating Botswana 43-12.

Review of Wednesday’s games at…
http://www.namibian.com.na/sport/local/full-story/archive/2013/june/article/namibia-on-track-in-senegal/

Prediction: Namibia by 10 points

TEAMS

Namibia

1. Jaco Engels
2. Carel Swanepoel
3. Andre Schlechter
4. Munee Tjiueza
5. Morne Blom
6. Rohan Kitshoff
7. Tinus du Plessis
8. Pieter-Jan van Lill (c)
...
9. Arthur Bouwer
10.Theuns Kotze
11. Heinrich Smit
12. Darryl de la Harpe
13. David Philander
14. Hendrik Dames
15. Chrysander Botha

16. Rathony Becker
17. Johannes Redelinghuys
18. Jaco Swanepoel
19. Awie Thompson
20. Stefan Neustadt
21. Eneill Buitendag
22. Justin Nel
23. Malcolm Moore

https://www.facebook.com/NamibiaRugbyUnion

Tunisia Squad not available

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 11-12 JUNE

11.06.2013
South Africa Pres. XV 19, Emerg. Ireland 8 in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup) Non-test
Georgia 27, Uruguay 3 in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Namibia 35, Senegal 12 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR Africa Cup, Div.1B)
Tunisia 43, Botswana 12 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR Africa Cup, Div.1B)

Briefly
Namibia v Tunisia in 1B final on Saturday to decide who goes up to Division 1A in 2014. Senegal and Botswana scrap to decide who gets relegated to 1C in 2014.

CAR Africa Cup Division 1B Schedule

The Namibia-Senegal game is crucial for Namibia (and of course for Senegal). Namibia was relegated from Division 1A last year and must win this division to gain promotion to Division 1A for 2014. The Africa 1 position at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals will come from Division 1A 2014.