TEST RUGBY RESULTS Saturday 22 May

22.05.2010
Japan 94, Hong Kong 5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan 32, Korea 25 in Incheon (WCA Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Romania 33, Ukraine 3 in Kiev (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff, 1^st leg)
Slovenia 16, Norway 13 in Oslo (ENC 3B)
Finland 22, Estonia 15 in Viismi (Friendly. Estonia’s first test match

Briefly
Japan is going to the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals in New Zealand. Sounds like a big announcement and it is. It's just that that fact was known long ago as Japan is light years ahead of any Asian rivals, as this years Asia5Nations results prove. Japan were too good for a Hong Kong team who needed a bonus point to keep their 2nd Asia spot. It wasn't to be because fireworks were happening across the water in Korea.

Kazakhstan came from being down 25-13 to mount the mother of a comeback to gain all the points needed (including a bonus for 4 tries, 3 to a certain Anton Rudoy!) and snatch that second place away from Hong Kong. What a game they tell me. I said it would be a cracker!

Romania, with a number of stars absent, rumbled their way over Ukraine to gain a decisive 33-3 win. Romania look to have Europe R5 sewn up with a home game second leg fixture against Ukraine in Bucharest next month.

Slovenia will play in ENC 3A for 2010-12 with a close 16-13 win in Oslo, whilst Estonia kicked off their international rugby with a respectable loss to Finland in Estonia.

We, players and media, have an international rugby rest next weekend as there are no, as far as I'm aware, test matches scheduled for the 29th. Which is just as well as I'm running a stamp and coin fair in my home town here in Tasmania.

WORLD CUP RUGBY: Japan certain of Title and No.1 Spot

22.05.2010
Hong Kong v Japan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Stadium

Referee:

Preview
Unless Hong Kong can produce a stunner of a performance, Japan will almost certainly go to the 2011 Rugby World Cup as Asia No.1. Japan has had the spot virtually wrapped up even before this tournament began. It is a worrying factor that Japan stands so far out from the pack. The other nations just do not seem to be catching up.

Hong Kong has had, apart from the loss to the Arabian Gulf a great season. They started with a convincing win over Korea and then defeated Kazakhstan 19-15 at home. But given those successes, Japan is in an Asia shelf all on its own. Even if John Kirwan placed his most inexperienced players on the paddock, it would still be enough to defeat Hong Kong.

Hong Kong will be without two stalwarts in the forwards. Prop Nigel Hobler, who scored a vital try against Kazakhstan and was one of the best of the forwards, is out with injury, and lock forward Simon Clarke has returned to England.

Previous Encounters
02.05.2009 Japan 59-6 in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
18.05.2008 Japan 75-29 in Niigata (Asia5Nations)
29.04.2007 Japan 73-3 in Tokyo (Asia Nations Div.1)
18.11.2006 Japan 52-3 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R3; 20th Asia Champ.)
08.05.2005 Japan 91-3 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia Qualifying; Div.1)

Hong Kong defeated Japan 17-16 back in 1998 in the Pacific Rim days, but not since.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Japan 13th, Hong Kong 27th
IRB Rankings: Japan 70.59,13th; Hong Kong 52.49, 26th
GWC Asia table-Japan 1st, Hong Kong 2nd.

Prediction: Japan by 50 points.

Teams

Hong Kong Squad
John Abel (DeA) 31
Timothy Alexander (Valley) 29
Alexander Baddeley (Valley) 29
Jack Bennett (Valley) 28
Colin Bisley (HKCC) 31
Renaud Chavanis (Valley) 29
Kenneth Chun Hang(Kowloon) 20
Charles French (HKFC) 26
Simon Hempel (HKCC) 30
Tsang Hing Hung (DeA) 24
Rory Hussey (HKFC) 32
Yiu Kam Shing (Valley) 22
Simon Leung (HKCC) 29
Kwok Ka Chun (Kowloon) 24
Alexander McQueen (HKCC) 22
Alex Ng Wai Shing (Valley) 21
Adam Raby (HKFC) 24
Keith Robertson (DeA) 23
Peter Spizzirri (HKFC) 35
James Stokes (Valley) 30
Rowan Varty (DeA) 24
Mark Wright (HKFC) 25

Head Coach: Dai Rees

Adapted from http://www.rugby-japan.jp/hm/1005_a5n/10hk.html#0522jm

Japan
15. Goshi Tachikawa (Toshiba) Age 33, 16 Tests
14. Alisi Tupuailei (Canon Eagles) 29, 5
13. Koji Taira (Suntory) 27, 20
12. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 30, 19
11. Kosuke Endo (Toyota) 29, 28
10. Shaun Webb (Coca-Cola) 28, 18
9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 25, 16
8. Ryuko Holani (Sanyo) 27, 8
7. Toetu’u Taufa (Kintetsu) 29, 12
6. Masakazu Toyota (Coca-Cola) 23, 8
5. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 29, 21
4. Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba) 31, 39
3. Shinsuke Nakamura (Suntory) 22, 4
2. Shota Horie (Sanyo) 24, 4
1. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe) Age 27, 13 Tests
Replacements
16. Hiroki Tuhara (Toshiba) 26, 2
17. Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo) 24, 5
18. Toshizumi Kitagawa( Toyota) 29, 27
19. Michael Leitch (Tokai University) 21, 9
20. Timoki Toshida (Toshiba) 28, 21
21. James Arlidge (Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales) 30, 19
22. Kaoru Matsushita (Toyota) 26, 3

Head Coach: John Kirwan

Adapted from http://www.rugby-japan.jp/hm/1005_a5n/10hk.html#0522jm

WORLD CUP RUGBY:Asia Saga About to End

22.05.2010
Kazakhstan v Korea in Incheon (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
Forget about the Asia5Nations. Both these teams are well out of that race. Both have eyes on other targets.

Korea is in the position of facing relegation. Never before has Korea been in this situation. Up until today they have lost to all the other teams in this competition and another loss will mean they possibly play in Asia Nations Division 1 for 2010, being replaced by Sri Lanka. That may not eventuate depending upon what the Asia RU will do with the disbanded Arabian Gulf. Until that decision is made Korea's position is precarious. They must win today to regain some credibility.

Kazakhstan has a special prize within its grasp. Loses to Arabian Gulf and to Hong Kong has meant that the valued 2nd Asia position has slipped from its grasp, a position they held last year. A win with a bonus point for 4 or more tries will be their aim. If they can do that, and hope that Hong Kong doesn't somehow manage a bonus point against Japan, then the second place will be theirs. This game will be a cracker!

Kazakhstan are not the team they were in 2009. I watched the recorded Hong Kong-Kazakhstan game and the boys from Almaty have little more happening in their game plan other than grunting away in the forwards. It was very one dimensional. They will struggle if Korea decides to play an expansive game out wide and use their backs. Another factor will be if their world class loose forward Anton Rudoy will play.

Previous Encounters
02.05.2009 Kazakhstan 30-27 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
17.05.2008 Korea 40-21 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
20.10.2003 Korea 45-19 in Seoul (Asia Tournament)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Kazakhstan 3rd, Korea 5th
IRB Rankings-Korea 55.73, Kazakhstan 54.05, Korea being just one place away on the Asia table

Prediction: Korea by 3 points and Hong Kong takes 2nd place and a chance to go the the Rugby World Cup finals.

Teams are not as yet available.

TEST RUGBY MATCHES THIS WEEKEND 21-23 MAY

21.05.2010
Uruguay v Argentina 'A' in Santiago (CONSUR A, Phase 2)

22.05.2010
Hong Kong v Japan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan v Korea in Incheon (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Romania v Ukraine in Kiev (WCQ R5, Semi-final, 1st leg)
Norway v Slovenia in Oslo (ENC 3B)
Finland v Estonia in Viimsi (Friendly)

23.05.2010
Chile v Argentina 'A' in Santiago (CONSUR A, Phase 2)

Previews
The Korea v Kazakhstan game takes centre stage in Asian rugby. A win with a bonus point to Kazakhstan could see them take second place on the Asia5Nations table and into second place. Hong Kong needs a bonus points against Japan to see them hold second place and a World Cup repecharge position.

In Europe the fist leg of the World Cup Europe Round 5 final begins in Kiev. Ukraine will play Romania, the second leg taking place in early June.

Slovenia looks poised to take promotion to ENC 3A for 2010-12. A win against Norway will secure this place.

I'm awaiting confirmation of the status of the Finland-Estonia game. If it is an official test it will be Estonia's first

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 15 May

15.05.2010
Japan 101, Kazakhstan 7 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Slovenia 14, Denmark 12 in Ljubliana (ENC 3B)
Austria 19, Hungary 17 in Vienna (ENC 3B)
Laos 16, Cambodia 14 in Vientiane (Mekong Cup)

Briefly
Kazakhstan shipped a huge cricket score against Japan. A disaster for Kazakhstan rugby. They are not up to Rugby World Cup finals standard on that performance. My money for the 2nd Asia spot is now on Hong Kong. Next weekend's Korea v Kazakhstan will be interesting. How the Kazahks do and how Hong Kong deals with japan will determine 2nd place.

Slovenia pipped Denmark in the dying stages of this match keeping Slovenia's hopes of promotion well and truly alive. After Austria's shock 19-17 win over leaders Hungary all Slovenia has to do against Norway next weekend is win and they are in. Hungary must be wondering what they have to do to win in Vienna (They lost 6-9 back in 2008 under exact same circumstances).

ASIA 5 NATIONS: Kazakhstan Tackles Japan

15.05.2010
Kazakhstan v Japan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Ground

Referee:

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BPL	BPT	PT
JAPAN	2	2	0	0	131	18	113	0	2	12
HONG KONG	3	2	0	1	60	39	21	1	1	12
ARABIAN GULF	4	2	0	2	70	131	-61	1	0	11
KAZAKHSTAN	2	1	0	1	58	47	11	1	1	7
KOREA	3	0	0	3	40	124	-84	1	0	1

Preview
It would be a little presumptuous to expect Kazakhstan to win in Tokyo. Originally scheduled for Kazakhstan, the match was transferred to Tokyo because the facilities/amenities in Almaty were not up to standard. Whatever chance Kazakhstan had of winning (and it was slim even in the best possible circumstances) disappeared with that decision.

However, Kazakhstan has a real possibility of securing the much prized second Asian place in this competition. That would result in a repecharge playoff with Uruguay. Only Hong Kong stands in their way. Kazakhstan would have to win against Korea and hope that Hong Kong doesn't get a bonus point against Japan, or, most unlikely, a win.

Kazakhstan has a couple of dynamic players. Anton Rudoy is a world class loose forward. He bagged 3 tries against Arabian Gulf, missed the game against Hong Kong (which Kazakhstan lost) but returns against Japan. Fullback Lifantov is a real asset at fullback. Dynamic when he enters the backline and has a huge boot.

Anton Rudoy (left) could well make life very difficult for Japan. Image thanks to http://www.rugbyworldcup.com

Japan is on the home run for that finals place at the world Cup. John Kirwan has made a number of changes in the lineup and has left out seasoned campaigners Holani, captain Kikutani, Kitigawa and half back Toshiba. Is it a gamble? Well, I just can't see Kazakhstan getting close but it might not be a cricket score either.

Previous Encounters
24.04.2009 Japan 87-10 in Osaka (Asia5Nations)
10.05.2008 Japan 82-6 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
10.12.1998 Japan XV 118-3 in Bangkok (Asia Games)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Japan 1st, Kazakhstan 3rd

Prediction: Japan by 30 points

Teams

Japan
15. Goshi Tachikawa (Toshiba) 33, 15
14. Kosuke Endo (Toyota) 29, 27
13. Koji Taira (Suntory) 27, 19
12. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 30, 18
11. Yasunori Nagatomo (Suntory) 24, 2
10. Shaun Webb (Coca-Cola) 28, 17
9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 25, 15
8. Masakazu Toyota (Coca-Cola) 23, 7
7. Toetu’u Taufa (Kintetsu) 29, 11
6. Sione Vatuvei (Sanyo) 27, 2
5. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 29, 20
4. Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba) 31, 38
3. Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory) 24, 11
2. Shota Horie (Sanyo) 24, 3
1. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe) Age 27, 12 Tests
Replacements
16. Takeshi Kizu (Tokai Univ) 21, 2
17. Shinsuke Nakamura (Suntory) 22, 3
18. Nozomu Fujita (Honda Heat) 25, 2
19. Shinya Makabe (Suntory) 23, 1
20. Koji Wada (Toyota) 25, 1
21. James Arlidge (Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales) 30, 18
22. Alisi Tupuailei (Canon Eagles) 29, 2

Head Coach: John Kirwan

Adapted from http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=858&Itemid=1

Kazakhstan Squad
Ildar Abdrazakov (Almaty RFC) 11.09.1987, Age 22
Azattto Abishev (Almaty RFC) 19.11.1981, Age 28
Daulet Akymbekov (CSKA Almaty) 06.04.1988, Age 22
Evgeniy Antonov (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk) 03.05.1974, Age 35
Akhmetzhan Baratov (Almaty RFC) 15.12.1985, Age 24
Mikhail Bzhitskih (RC Novokuznetski, Russia) 29.12.1986, Age 22
Denis Cherkashin (Almaty RFC) 06.01.1979, Age 31
Vladimir Chernykh (RC Novokuznetski, Russia) 12.08.1973, Age 36
Oleg Gusel’nikov (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia) 25.04.1989, Age 21
Sergey Harlov (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia) 26.08.1983, Age 26
Grigoriy Ivanchenko (Almaty RFC) 24.03.1985, Age 25
Sergey Konev (CSKA Almaty) 06.10.1987, Age 22
Maxim Lifontov (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk) 30.12.1986, Age 23
Timur Mashurov, Capt.), (Almaty RFC) 19.04.1981, Age 29
Ilya Poplavskiy(RC Novokuznetsk, Russia) 01.01.1985, Age 25
Yevgeniy Romanov (CSKA Almaty) 12.05.1987, Age 22
Anton Rudoy (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk) 21.02.1983, Age 27
Yevgeniy Shekurov (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia) 28.11.1978, Age 31
Roman Sorokodzyuba (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia) 19.12.1988, Age 21
Alexandr Zakharov (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia) 17.09.1986, Age 23
Alehandr Zateev
Serik Zhanseitov (CSKA Almaty) 08.07.1981, Age 28

Head Coach: Valeriy Popov

Adapted from http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=858&Itemid=1

RUGBY TEST RESULTS: Friday 14 May

14.05.2010

Arabian Gulf 21, Korea 19, in Dubai (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Lebanon 27, Jordan 8 in Dubai (Friendly)

Briefly
Korea slumped to yet another defeat. With only Kazakhstan to play they look likely to take bottom place. But does that mean relegation? With the demise of the AGRFU will perhaps United Arab Emirates take their place? Will keep you posted once something official is announced.

Lebanon and Jordan played their first ever rugby test match. Lebanon being the winner. The new Gulf region is on its way.

ASIA 5 NATIONS TEST RUGBY

14.05.2010
Korea v Arabian Gulf in Dubai (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue: Sevens Stadium

Referee:

Preview
This will be the final test played by the present Arabian Gulf Rugby Union. As explained on a previous thread, the Union will disband and individual nations will form their own unions. It is a special occasion, a changing from one era to another. A win to Korea would certainly save an embarrassing situation in which they are bottom of the table. I expect, though, that Sri Lanka will be promoted to join Asia5Nations for 2011 without any relegation as the Gulf Union disbands.

Previous Encounters
09.05.2008 Korea 43-20 in Doha (Asia5Nations)
05.05.2006 Korea 20-5 in Al Ain (WCQ Asia R4, Division 1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Arabian Gulf 4th, Korea 5th

Prediction: The Gulf to go out with a bang, and win by 7 points.

Teams

Arabian Gulf Squad
Taif Al Delamie (Lansdowne FC, Ireland)
Paul Beard
Rama Chand (Dubai?)
David Clark (Dubai Exiles)
Michael Cox-Hill, Capt. (Dubai Exiles)
Nicholas Croker (Doha RFC)
Nicolas De Marco (French Club)
Trent Eastgate (Dubai Dragons)
Lindsay Fiztgerald (Doha RFC)
Mark Gathercole (Dubai Exiles)
Daniel Heal (Dubai Dragons)
Sean Hurley (Dubai Dragons)
Byron Kraemer (Dubai Dragons)
Edward Le Pine-Williams (Dubai Dragons)
James Love (Hartpury College, England)
John MacDonald (Cardiff University, Wales)
Duncan Murray (Dubai Hurricanes)
Rory Power (Bahrain RFC)
Michael Riley (Dubai Exiles)
Steven Smith (Dubai Hurricanes)
Karl Sutcliffe (Bahrain RFC)
Jason Voyce (Muscat RFC)

Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

Adapted from http://www.agrfu.com/news.php?newsid=228

Korea
Team not yet available

TEST RUGBY COMING UP

13.05.2010
CONSUR A tournament begins Thursday in Santiago, Chile
Brazil v Uruguay
Paraguay v Chile

14.05.2010
Korea v Arabian Gulf in Dubai (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Lebanon v Jordan in Dubai (Friendly, first test match for both nations, curtain raiser to above)

15.05.2010
Japan v Kazakhstan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Denmark v Slovenia in Ljubliana (ENC 3B)
Austria v Hungary in Vienna (ENC 3B)
Laos v Cambodia in Vientiane (Mekong Cup)

16.05.2010
Second round of CONSUR B in Santaigo, Chile
Paraguay v Uruguay
Chile v Brazil

RUGBY TEST RESULTS SATURDAY 8 MAY

08.05.2010
Japan 60, Arabian Gulf 5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Hong Kong 19, Kazakhstan 15 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Ukraine 27, Lithuania 16 in (WCQ Europe R4; Final)
Andorra 10, Switzerland 0 in Andorra La Vella (ENC 3A)
Barbados XV v British Virgin Islands in Bridgetown (Friendly)

Briefly
Japan continued on its winning way and is still way out in fron as far as gaining the No.1 Asia rugby spot and a place in the Rugby World Cup finals. The second place getter looks more interesting. This team will qualify for the repecharge rounds. Hong Kong's win over Kazakhstan has now made it even more interesting. Korea looks well out of it and in danger of relegation!

The Ukraine ended Lithuania's dream of a place in the World Cup finals with this win. It also ended Lithuania's run of 18 wins on end. All hats off to Lithuania. To me they are the team of the year.

TEST MATCH RUGBY: Japan and Asia 5 Nations

08.05.2010
Arabian Gulf v Japan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue: Prince Chichibu Stadium

Referee:

Preview
Japan looks certain favourite to take the Asia 1 spot at the Rugby World Cup finals. Their 71-13 win over Korea last weekend will cause alarm bells to ring throughout Asia.

This game will be huge for the visiting Arabian Gulf side. Their record against Japan is not good. The last time they played in Japan, in 2008, they lost by a huge 114-6! This will be their third game in three weeks, two of them away. They did defeat Hong Kong at home 16-9 last weekend but Japan will be a different prospect.

Japanese coach John Kirwan has rung the changes from last week's side. “We want to give everyone an opportunity,” said Kirwan. “But we have to balance not putting the World Cup at risk.” So there is a smattering of experienced players. The only real hope the Gulf has is that this Japanese combination will not work. That I can't see happening.

Another preview of this game here http://www.agrfu.com/news.php?newsid=225

Previous Encounters
03.05.2008 Japan 114-6 in Osaka (Asia5Nations)
16.04.2006 Japan 82-9 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R4, Division 1)
20.04.2003 Japan XV 79-5 in Colombo (Asia Tournament, Pool A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Japan 1st, Arabian Gulf 3rd

Prediction: Japan by 65 points

Teams

Arabian Gulf
15.James Love (Hartpury College, England)
14.Joshua Sherrin
13.Trent Eastgate (Dubai Dragons)
12.Taif Al Delamie (Lansdowne FC, Ireland)
11.Steven Smith (Dubai Hurricanes)
10.Duncan Murray (Dubai Hurricanes)
9.John MacDonald (Cardiff University, Wales)
8.David Clark (Dubai Exiles)
7.Byron Kraemer (Dubai Dragons)
6.Karl Sutcliffe (Bahrain RFC)
5.Jason Voyce (Muscat RFC)
4.Michael Cox-Hill, Capt. (Dubai Exiles)
3.Nicholas Croker (Doha RFC)
2.Rory Power (Bahrain RFC)
1.Michael Riley (Dubai Exiles)
Replacements
16. Daniel Heal (Dubai Dragons)
17. Mark Gathercole (Dubai Exiles)
18. Steven Little (Dubai Dragons)
19. Edward Le Pine Williams (Dubai Dragons)
20. Sean Hurley (Dubai Dragons)
21. Paul Beard
22. Ross Stapleton (Bahrain RFC)

Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

Adapted from http://www.agrfu.com/news.php?newsid=224

Japan
15. Kaoru Matsushita (Toyota) Age 26, 2 tests
14. Kosuke Endo (Toyota) 29, 26
13. Alisi Tupuailei (Canon) 29, 3
12. Ryo Kanazawa (Ricoh) 28, New cap
11. Yasunori Nagatomo (Suntory) 25, 1
10. James Arlidge (Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales) 30, 17
9. Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba) 28, 20
8. Takashi Kikutani, Capt. (Toyota) 30, 29
7. Sione Vatuvei (Sanyo) 27, 1
6. Masakazu Toyota (Coca Cola) 23, 6
5. Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 29, 26
4. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 29, 19
3. Shinsuke Nakamura (Suntory) 22, 2
2. Hiroki Yuhara (Toshiba) 26, 1
1. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe Steel) 27, 11
Replacements
16. Takeshi Kizu (Tokai Univ.) 21, 1
17. Nozomu Fujita (Honda) 25, 1
18 Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba) 32, 38
19. Touetsu Taufa (Kintetsu) 29, 10
20. Koji Wada (Toyota) 25, New cap
21. Ryohei Yamanaka (Waseda Univ.) 21, New cap
22. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 30, 18

Head Coach: John Kirwan

Adapted from http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=844&Itemid=1

ASIA 5 NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Could this be the Decider?

08.05.2010
Kazakhstan v Hong Kong in Hong Kong

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
This could be the test match that decides which team will take second place in this the final round of Asian World Cup qualifying matches.

Hong Kong began with a hiss and a roar to defeat Korea 32-8 a few weeks again. They crashed last weekend to the Arabian Gulf away but will host Kazakhstan this week. Two key players returnfor Hong Kong. Both Colin Bisley and Nigel Hobler could not travel to Bahrain but are back in the side. They must win this match to stay up in the leading group. A loss today would almost certainly eliminate them from any chance of gaining that second place. Hong Kong will be out to repeat their 2008 home win against Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan will be without their top player Anton Rudoy who was not released by his Russian club. The side is a different team without him. They will have to work hard against Hong Kong who will have a huge local support.

Kazakhstan will be without Anton Rudoy. Image thanks to www.rugbyworldcup.com

Previous Encounters
24.05.2009 Kazakhstan 25-6 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
03.05.2008 Hong Kong 23-17 in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Kazakhstan 2nd, Hong Kong 4th.

Prediction: Kazakhstan by 5 points.

Neither team lists are as yet available

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND 8 MAY

08.05.2010
Arabian Gulf v Japan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan v Hong Kong in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Ukraine v Lithuania in (WCQ Europe R4; Final)
Andorra v Switzerland in Andorra La Vella (ENC 3A)
Barbados XV v British Virgin Islands in Bridgetown (Friendly)

Last Weekend
02.05.2010
Bermuda 26, Cayman Islands 15 in Grand Cayman (Friendly)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS FOR SATURDAY 1 MAY

01.05.2010
Japan 71, Korea 13 in Gyeongsang (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Sweden 17, Croatia 14 in Enkoping (ENC 2B)
Hungary 34, Norway 17 in Esztergom (ENC 3B)
Luxembourg v Israel in Luxembourg (ENC 3C)-no result yet

Briefly
As expected Japan proved too strong for Korea and retains their 'certainty' label for the Asia No.1 spot and a place in the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals. The race is to see who will get the No.2 spot which earns that team a repechage place.

Sweden continued the trend in this competition by defeating the giant-killers Croatia. Croatia upset Netherlands last weekend and now suffered at the hands of Sweden. The final ENC 2B below sees Netherlands promoted to ENC 2A for 2010-12, whilst Latvia is relegated to ENC 3A.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	8	7	0	1	219	90	129	22
CROATIA	8	6	0	2	161	113	48	20
MALTA	8	4	0	4	132	156	-24	16
SWEDEN	8	2	0	6	146	164	-18	12
LATVIA	8	1	0	7	97	237	-140	10

Hungary too good for Norway in their ENC 3B clash.

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
HUNGARY	7	5	0	2	185	125	60	17
DENMARK	7	4	0	3	137	134	-3	15
SLOVENIA	6	4	0	2	113	96	17	14
NORWAY	7	3	0	4	98	114	-16	13
AUSTRIA	7	1	0	4	67	130	-63	9

I'm not even going to try and work this out so I'm leaving it to a far better student of the rules of competition 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3450 ' That puts Hungary top of 3B in another closely contested division. Next up is the crucial Denmark - Slovenia game, which is 2nd vs 3rd. Hungary have the 7 - 6 advantage over Slovenia by tries scored in the head-to-head games which is tied at 43 points each. So if Slovenia win they go 2nd with possibility of 20 points if they also beat Norway. If Denmark win and Austria beat Hungary they also have inferior head2head with Hungary and will both have 18 points. So if Hungary win in Austria and reach 20 points they will win the division regardless'.

That leaves the Israel-Luxembourg result to come.

TEST RUGBY: Japan Begins Quest

01.05.2010
Japan v Korea in Daegu (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue: Gyengsang Stadium

Referee:

Last Five Encounters
16.05.2009 Japan 80-9 in Osaka (Asia5Nations)
26.04.2008 Japan 39-17 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
22.04.2007 Japan 82-0 in Tokyo (Asia Nations Div.1)
25.11.2006 Japan 54-0 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R3; 20th Asia Champ.)
22.04.2006 Japan 50-14 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R4, Div.1)

Preview
Last week Korea took a young side south to Hong Kong and crashed 8-32. Yesterday the Arabian Gulf defeated Hong Kong in Bahrain 16-9. This has left the second spot in Asian rugby up for grabs. The second Asian team will contest a repechage spot in the Rugby World Cup qualifying rounds. Now all we need is for Korea to cause what would be a huge upset by defeating Japan at home Saturday. I can't see it happening.

Japan first played Korea in a full international in 1976, winning 11-3 at the 5th Asian Championship. Japan had first played Korea in 1969 at the 1st Asia Championship, but did not recognize the game as an official test. At that time, and for a number of years, Japan only recognized the final of the Asia Championship as an official test match. Korea has managed to defeat Japan in a full test match on a handful of occasions, the last being 21-17 in 1998.In recent times though japan has won this contest fairly easily.

Japan has a strong squad with a blend of experience and youth. It is crucial that Japan put up a good show against the Koreans, to win well and set fear into the hearts of the other competing nations. This they should do.

Without knowing the details of the Korean squad and assuming it wont be greatly changed from last weekend, their chances do not look good. The Koreans have traditionally put up a good fight at home against the Japanese but recent history suggests it will all be one way traffic-Japan steam rolling ahead.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Japan 1st, Korea 4th.

Prediction: Japan by 40 points.

Teams

Japan Squad
James Arlidge (Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales) Age 30, 16 tests
Kosuke Endo (Toyota) 29, 25
Nozomu Fujita (Honda Heat) 25, New cap
Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory) 24, 10
Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe) 27, 10
Ryu Koliniasi Holani (Sanyo) 28, 8
Shota Horie (Sanyo) 24, 2
Ryo Kanazawa (Ricoh) 28, New cap
Takashi Kikutani (Capt.) (Toyota) 30, 28
Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 29, 25
Takeshi Kizu (Tokai Univ) 21, 1
Michael Leitch (Tokai Univ.) 21, 9
Shinya Makabe (Suntory) 23, 1
Kaoru Matsushita (Toyota) 26, 2
Shinsuke Nakamura (Suntory) 22, 2
Yasunori Nagatomo (Suntory) 24, New cap
Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 30, 17
Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba) 31, 37
Goshi Tachikawa (Toshiba) 33, 14
Koji Taira (Suntory) 27, 17
Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 25, 14
Toetu’u Taufa (Kintetsu) 29, 9
Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 29, 18
Masakazu Toyota (Coca-Cola) 23, 5
Alisi Tupuailei (Canon Eagles) 29, 2
Sione Vatuvei (Sanyo) 27, New cap
Koji Wada (Toyota) 25, New cap
Shaun Webb (Coca-Cola) 28, 16
Ryohei Yamanaka (Waseda Univ.) 21, New cap
Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba) 28, 20
Hiroki Yuhara (Toshiba) 26, New cap
Head Coach: John Kirwan (NZ).

From Ian McDonnell, RiJ Newsletter at http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Korean Squad not yet available

TEST RUGBY RESULT: Arabian Gulf Cause Upset

30.01.2010
Arabian Gulf 16, Hong Kong 9 in Bahrain (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Briefly
Wow! Another upset. The battle for the vital second place is on. But what if Korea does the unthinkable and upsets Japan today Saturday. Suddenly there is a lot of interest in Asian rugby.

RUGBY TEST: Hong Kong in the Middle East

30.04.2010
Hong Kong v Arabian Gulf in Bahrain (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue: Bahrain RFU Club

Referee:

Preview
Both teams showed some impressive form last weekend. Both teams need to win this crucial encounter for different reasons.

Last Weekend in Almaty, The Arabian Gulf held the strong Kazakhstan team until the dying stages of the match. The locals ran away with two quick tries in the last minutes of the game. It was a disappointing experience for the Arabian Gulf team. They must win at home on Friday to have any hope of competiting for the second Asian World Cup position.

Hong Kong must win this match away if it is to have a chance for that second spot. A good win last weekend will be all for naught if they don't win against the least favoured team in this competition. “We must come back with nothing less than a win. The Arabian Gulf will be strong and well organized and will be extremely motivated for their first home match of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations. We have to improve on our Korea performance to ensure a win in Bahrain", said Hong Kong coach Dai Rees. First choice prop Nigel Hobler is the only injury from the game v Korea with Alex Baddely being brought to the bench. No.8 Simon Leung will captain the side again.

Hong Kong Simon Leung was inspirational against Korea. Image thanks to www.agrfu.com

Previous Encounters
26.04.2008 Hong Kong 20-12 in Al Ain (Asia5Nations)
09.05.2004 Hong Kong 12-5 in Hong Kong (Asia Tournament)
20.04.2002 Arabian Gulf 17-7 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R1, Pool B)
26.01.2001 Arabian Gulf 55-22 in Dubai (Friendly)
18.06.2000 Hong Kong 21-20 in Hong Kong (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Hong Kong 26th, Arabian Gulf 28th
Asia Table-Hong Kong 3rd, Arabian Gulf 5th

Prediction: Hong Kong by 14 points

Teams

Hong Kong
15. Alex McQueen
14. Salom Yiu Kam Shing
13. Rowan Varty
12. Simon Hempel (vice captain)
11. Tom McQueen
10. Keith Robertson
9. Tim Alexander
8. Simon Leung Ho Yam (captain)
7. Mark Wright
6. Nick Hewson
5. Charles French
4. Nigel Clarke
3. Jack Bennett
2. Jon Abel
1. Peter Spizziri
Replacements
16. Alex Ng Wai Shing
17. Alex Baddeley
18. Renaud Chavanis
19. Kwok Ka Chun
20. So Hok Ken
21. James Kibble
22. Tsang Hing Hung
Head Coach: Dai Rees

Arabian Gulf:
15. James Love
14. Ross Stapleton
13. Trent Eastgate
12. Taif DeLamie
11. Joshua Sherrin
10. Duncan Murray
9. Jonathon MacDonald
8. David Clark
7. Byron Kraemer
6. Edward LePine – Williams
5. Jason Voyce
4. Michael Cox-Hill (captain)
3. Nicholas Croker
2. Rory Power
1. Michael Riley
Replacements
16. Daniel Heal
17. Mark Gathercole
18. Steven Little
19. Karl Sutcliffe
20. Sean Hurley
21. Paul Beard
22. Nicholas DiMarco
Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

Team lists adapted from http://www.agrfu.com/news.php?newsid=221

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 30 April-2 May

30.04.2010
Hong Kong v Arabian Gulf in Bahrain (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

01.05.2010
Japan v Korea in Gyeongsung (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Sweden v Croatia in Enkoping (ENC 2B)
Hungary v Norway in Esztergom (ENC 3B)
Luxembourg v Israel in Luxembourg (ENC 3C)

02.05.2010
Cayman Islands v Bermuda in Grand Cayman (Friendly)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 24 April

24.04.2010
Moldova 28, Ukraine 19 in Anenii-Noi (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Belgium 29, Poland 8 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 2A)
Hong Kong 32, Korea 8 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan 40, Arabian Gulf 28 in Almaty (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
Croatia 16, Netherlands 14 in Split (ENC 2B)
Malta 27, Latvia 10 in Paola (ENC 2B)
Lithuania 77, Serbia 5 in Pancevo (ENC 3A)
Denmark 24, Austria 13 in Odense (ENC 3B)
Bulgaria 18, Greece 15 in Pernik (ENC 3C)-Updated 26.04.2010

Briefly
Well now! Talk about upsets. The form book was thrown out as favoured teams were toppled on Saturday.

Moldova started it all by defeating Ukraine in front of their home crowd. With the Division 2A trophy already in their hands (they were actually awarded the title officially after the game) the Ukraine were promptly defeated.

In a close game in Split the home team were leading 16-9 towards the end before the Netherlands scored to give them the necessary points and promotion. So far the results suggest some very even divisions. Perhaps it's time to rethink how the ENC is being run. An article on this coming up soon.

Belgium were too good at home for Poland. The Moldova-Poland match is now crucial to decide promotion-relegation.

Lithuania walked all over Serbia away and so achieved its 18th successive test match victory and a new world record. They next challenge the Ukraine in the next stage of Rugby World Cup qualifying. I think the Ukrainians must be a little concerned.

Malta defeated Latvia at home whilst Denmark were too strong for Austria at home. The Greece-Bulgaria result is not yet known.

And another upset. Hong Kong easily defeated Korea 32-8 at home in a Major upset. After a good tussle Kazakhstan finally overcame The Arabian Gulf by 40-28. Apart from Japan, Asia5Nations look interestingly even so far. The battle for 2nd place and a chance for a 2011 Rugby World Cup finals place is on!

All results thanks to the guys at www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007

ASIA 5 NATIONS: Korea Travels to Hong Kong

24.04.2010
Korea v Hong Kong in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
Korea has proved too strong for Hong Kong in recent encounters. They have a young squad, a rebuilding time for the Koreans.

If Hong Kong is going to place itself within striking distance of Japan and Kazakhstan for the vital 2nd place in this competition they must defeat Korea today.

Previous Encounters
09.05.2009 Korea 36-34 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
24.05.2008 Korea 50-24 in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
27.05.2007 Hong Kong 27-20 in Hong Kong (Asia Nations Div.1)
21.11.2006 Korea 23-5 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R5; 20th Asia Champ.;Div.1)
22.05.2005 Korea 51-3 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div.1)

Korea first played Hong Kong back in 1972, in the 3rd Asia Championship. Hong Kong won 18-6

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Korea 3rd, Hong Kong 4th

Prediction: Hong Kong by 3 points

Teams

Korea Squad
An, Seak Yung 4/24/1988, Age 22, 178cm 78kg
Bae, Chang Whan 12/08/1986, Age 23, 183cm 95kg
Choi, Si Won 04/05/1986, Age 24, 185cm 85kg
Han, Kun Kyu 01/22/1987, Age 23, 186cm 105kg
Im, Jeong Min 11/21/1988, Age 21, 191cm 100kg
Jeon, Chi Do 05/30/1987, Age 22, 183cm 91kg
Jeong, Gyeong Won 10/10/1986, Age 23, 180cm 115kg
Kim, Hobum 12/10/1990, Age 19 198cm 115kg
Kim, Jeong Min 03/15/1983, Age 27, 180cm 90kg
Kim, Jong Wook 11/20/1983, Age 26, 174cm 100kg
Kim, Sung Whan 07/15/1986, Age 23, 182cm 105kg
Kim, Won Yong 01/05/1986, Age 24, 174cm 80kg
Kwon, Oh Yong 04/28/1989, Age 21, 193cm 100kg
Lee, Kwang Moon 08/04/1983, Age 27, 188cm 100kg
Noh, Byung Kwan 02/22/1985, Age 25, 178cm 85kg
Oh, Sinam 02/28/1988, Age 22, 180cm 95kg
Oh, Youn Hyung 10/29/1984, Age 25, 178cm 81kg
Park, Jong Yeul 03/05/1991, Age 18, 182cm 128kg
Park, Wan Yong 06/02/1984, Age 25, 170cm 77kg
Yang, Young Hoon 12/06/1980, Age 29, 175cm 79kg
Yoo, Chul Kyu 13/04/1982, Age 28 175cm 80kg
You, Young Nam 10/13/1983, Age 26, 191cm 192kg
Youn, Kwon Woo 01/23/1985, Age 25, 185cm 110kg
Head Coach: Kim, Myung Joo
Assistant Coach: Han, Young Hoon

Thanks to Yun, Ja young, Korea Rugby Union

Hong Kong

15 Simon Hempel (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
14 Colin Bisley (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
13 Leung, Ho Yan (Simon), Capt (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
12 Alexander McQueen (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
11 Nigel Clarke (DeA Rugby Club)
10 Timothy Alexander (Valley Rugby Club
9 Keith Robertson (DeA Rugby Club)
8 Yiu Kam Shing, Salom (Valley Rugby Club
7 Mark Wright (Hong Kong Football Club)
6 Nick Hewson (Valley Rugby Club
5 Nigel Hobler (Hong Kong Football Club)
4 Charles French (Hong Kong Football Club)
3 Jon Abel (DeA Rugby Club)
2 Rowan Varty (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
1 Peter Spizziri (Hong Kong Football Club)
Replacements
16 Renaud Chavanis (Valley Rugby Club
17 Ng, Wai Shing, (Valley Rugby Club
18 Kwok, Ka Chun (Kowloon Rugby Football Club)
19 Jack Bennett (Valley Rugby Club
20 So, Hok Ken (Kowloon Rugby Football Club)
21 Thomas McQueen (Hong Kong Cricket Club)
22 James Kibble ( Hong Kong Football Club)

Head Coach: Dai Rees

http://www.hkrugby.com/node/758