AFRICA CUP 1B: Third and final day

11.06.2015
Ivory Coast 22, Senegal 19 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Uganda 59, Botswana 10 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Madagascar 33, Mauritius 24 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

 

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIF	BP	TOT
UGANDA	3	3	0	0	134	32	102	3	15
MADAGASCAR	3	3	0	0	99	68	31	2	14
SENEGAL	3	1	0	2	82	51	31	3	7
IVORY COAST	3	1	0	2	59	89	-30	1	5
BOTSWANA	3	1	0	2	54	136	-62	0	4
MAURITIUS	3	0	0	3	38	110	-72	0	0

Uganda is promoted to Africa Cup 1A for 2016. Mauritius is relegated back to 1C.

The relatively poor showing of both Ivory Coast and Senegal (with their predominantly France-based squad) was a surprise.

 

Uganda v Mauritius, Day 2

Botswana v Senegal, Day 2

Images from http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=543&start=25

AFRICA CUP 1B: Day 2

08.06.2015
Uganda 35, Mauritius 11 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Madagascar 30, Ivory Coast 26 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Botswana 26, Senegal 21 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

Briefly
Uganda’s result was predicted but the other two results came as a surprise. Botswana’s win over Senegal was a real boil over whilst Madagascar came back against Ivory Coast to take the game at the end.

Saturday’s Draw for Final Day

11.06.2015
Ivory Coast v Senegal in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Uganda v Botswana in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Madagascar v Mauritius in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

AFRICA CUP 1B

First Day’s play is today, Sunday

05.07.2015
Madagascar v Botswana in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Mauritius v Senegal in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Uganda v Ivory Coast in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

Predictions
Madagascar by 25 v Botswana: Score 40-15
Ivory Coast by 8 v Uganda: Score 27-19
Senegal by 50 v Mauritius: Score 57-7

SENEGAL 20, IVORY COAST 14: Test Match Friendly

14.03.2015

SENEGAL v IVORY COAST

Test rugby Friendly

14.03.2015

Venue: Stade du TOEC, Toulouse,

Referee:

Preview
Both teams are in the same Division of the Africa Cup.They meet again in early July in Kampala, Uganda in Division 1B. The winner is promoted to the elite division for 2016.

All the players from both teams are based in France, and especially in the south thus the choice of Toulouse. In a lot of cases the players have never met before let along played together. This will be an opportunity for combinations to be tested and for players to put themselves forward for selection in the July teams. Local players back in Africa were not considered mainly because of visa problems.

Other Previews
http://www.rugbyafrique.com/african-meeting/

Previous Encounters
08.11.2013 Senegal 33-10 in Castres (Friendly)
19.10.2010 Senegal 21-6 in Tunis (Africa Cup; Pool A, 3rd-4th)
26.05.2007 Ivory Coast 12-10 in Dakar (Africa Cup, Div.1, North B)
09.07.2005 Ivory Coast 20-6 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Round 1B, Pool A)
1983 Ivory Coast 25-0 in Abidjan (Friendly)

Ivory Coast Last Five.P 5, W 2, L 3
14.06.2014 v Tunisia L 6-26 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B Final)
10.06.2014 v Uganda W 22-19 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final)
01.03.2014 v Algeria L 18-25 in Blagnes (Friendly)
01.02.2014 v Burkino Faso W 36-3 in Ougadougou (Friendly)
08.11.2013 v Senegal L 10-33 in Castres (Friendly)

Senegal Last Five P 5, 3, L 2
14.06.2014 v Uganda W 32-31 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, 3rd-4th)
10.06.2014 v Tunisia L 14-22 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final)
08.11.2013 v Ivory Coast W 33-10 in Castres (Friendly)
15.06.2013 v Botswana W 41-5 in Dakar (WCQ Africa, Africa Cup 1B 3rd-4th)
11.06.2013 v Namibia L 12-35 in Dakar (WCQ Africa, Africa Cup, Semi-Final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table: Ivory Coast 7th, Senegal 8th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Senegal 48.69, Ivory Coast 47.08

Prediction: Senegal by 17 points

Teams

Ivory Coast
Team not available

Head Coach: André Adopo

Senegal
Team not available

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND; 14-15 March

14.03.2015
Ireland v Wales in Cardiff (6 Nations)
Scotland v England at Twickenham (6 Nations; Calcutta Cup)
Russia v Georgia in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
Spain v Portugal in Lisbon (REC 1A)
Romania v Germany in Heidelberg (REC 1A)
Moldova v Belgium in Brussels (REC 1B)
Ivory Coast v Senegal in Toulouse (Friendly)

15.03.2015
France v Italy in Rome (6 Nations; Garibaldi Cup)

Briefly
The 6 Nations International Championship heads into the fourth round this weekend. Ireland head to Wales in what could decide the competition winner. Ireland needs to win to keep their ‘Grand Slam’ intentions alive.

Scotland travels to Twickenham to face England in the traditional Calcutta match. Both sides lost two weekends ago but Scotland’s performance against Italy was woeful. Expect a big lift from the Scots for this one.

Sunday’s France v Italy clash in Rome has a mouth watering prospect of a possible Italian win. Playing at home lifts the Italians and after defeating Scotland two weeks ago they are on a high. France has lost to Ireland and Wales and are struggling.

The Rugby Europe Championship continues with the Russia-Georgia clash being top of the bill. Georgia hasn’t set the world on fire in their last two encounters whilst Russia has defeated Germany and Romania to lift their performances. These two nations actually fought a war only a few years ago. The Russians can expect a ‘warm’ reception in Tbilisi.

The Spain-Portugal clash looks even but Spain has been playing the better rugby lately but Portugal has got the home advantage.

Romania should have too much strength for a struggling Germany.

Moldova travelled to Amsterdam two weeks ago with a weakened squad and lost. They do not travel well. If they lose to Belgium this weekend their hopes for promotion to the elite level of European rugby will take a dive yet again.

In a friendly encounter in France Senegal faces their African cousins the Ivory Coast. I’d expect all players to be France-based. Both these African nations will contest the African Cup Division 1B in early July.

IVORY COAST v SENEGAL

14.03.2015
This test match is to be played in Toulouse. For both teams it is a warm-up for their Africa Cup matches coming soon.

The Ivory Coast will take part in the Africa Cup Division 1B tournament to be held in Kampala, Uganda July 3-11. Senegal will take part in the same tournament.

The Ivory Coast team will be coached by André Adopo. Players will be selected from French club sides.

Source: http://rugbivoire.midiblogs.com/

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

CAR AFRICA CUP 1B Day 1

10.06.2014
Ivory Coast 22, Uganda 19 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final 1)
Tunisia 22, Senegal 14 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final 1)

Finals Day Saturday 14 June
Ivory Coast v Tunisia (Final)
Uganda v Senegal (Playoff 3rd-4th)

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.

RUGBY CELEBRATION IN MADAGASCAR

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

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

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

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

AFRICAN TEST RUGBY: World Cup Qualifying CAR Division 1B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Madagascar 57, Namibia 54-after extra time!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‘YUSSSSSSSSS’ – ‘jhar367’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TEST RUGBY IN AFRICA: World Cup Qualifying Africa. CAR Division 1B Playoff

08.07.2012
Morocco v Senegal in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1B)

Venue: Mahamasina Stadium

Referee: Lesego Legoete (South Africa)

Preview
Following their loses on Wednesday, these two teams will be desperate to win this rugby test match. The losing team will drop to CAR Division 1C for 2013. Not only that they will drop out of Rugby World Cup 2015 contention. This is a game you do not want to lose.

I expect the experience of the Moroccans to prevail.

These two teams have never played a rugby test match against each other before.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Cup: Senegal 7th, Morocco 26th
Note: Because the GWC Ranking system deletes a team’s position if they do not compete at test rugby on that table in a calendar year Morocco dropped out in 2011. Following their loss on Wednesday that appear at the table but at the bottom. They need to win today to go above Senegal on the tables for Africa. If they lose they stay at 26th!

IRB Rankings
Morocco 56.11, Senegal 45.24

Prediction: Morocco by 15 points

Teams

Morocco
Squad not available

 

Senegal Squad

Prop : Yogane Corréa, Capt. (Albi Pro D2), Antoine Laporte (Lavaur F1), Ousmane Ndiaye, Jérémy Fickou (La Seyne F1), Assane Dièye (Requins SEN)
Hooker : Sékou Sakho (Epernay F2), Ciré Sam (Bellegarde F2)
Lock : Mouhamed Samba (Limoges F1), Magnamé Koïta (Limoges F1), Moktar Sougoufara (Bastia F3)
Back row : Oumar Sy (Figeac F2), Charles Preira Ndiaye (Saint Jean d'Angely F2), Aboubakry Signaté (Drancy F2)
Scrum-half : Demba Kane (Bobigny F1), Moussa Magassa (Red Star Honneur)
Fly-half : Steeve Sargos (Vannes F1), Aldric Folliot (Castanet F1), Maxime Boyer (Lannemezan F1), Grégory Déjardin (Monteux F2)
Centre : Victor Biram Samb (Souston Honneur)
Wing : Mouhamadou Diarra (Montauban F1), Moussa Koïta-Gros (Montmélian F2)
Arrière : Ndiogou Sané (Requins SEN), Maxime Perrais (Stade Phoceén F1)

Head Coach : Jean-Marc Foucras
Most of the players are young and were in Top 14/Pro D2 acadamies.

http://www.walf-groupe.com/walf-sports/autres/6317-rugby-tournoi-de-madagascar.html

TEST RUGBY IN AFRICA: World Cup Qualifying Africa. CAR Africa Cup 1B Day One

04.07.2012
Madagascar 35, Morocco 28 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1B)
Namibia 20, Senegal 18 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa CAR Division 1B)

Briefly
It was all fireworks and excitement on day in front of a huge crowd of 35,000 in the Madagascan capital Antananarivo. If you didn’t know it by now this stat. is confirmation that rugby is THE national sport in this island republic off the east coast of Africa.

The home side came from behind to overhaul their Moroccan opponents to win this crucial game. The winner plays in the final Sunday today against Namibia.

The scenes of jubilation following the victory were dampened by a stampede which injured some 20 adults and children, some of them seriously. With a bigger crowd expected today security, safety and organisation is going to have to be better to avoid a repeat panic.

Namibia had to also come from behind to win the game in the last five minutes. Senegal held an 18-12 lead at that time before Namibian flyhalf Botha scored a try and then a dropped goal in that last five minutes.

These results bode well for African rugby. The IRB site states that the growth of rugby in Africa has grown 33% in the last four years. Based on numbers now playing for official clubs in official competitions shows that this represents the fastest growth on the planet.

If Madagascar wins against Namibia on Sunday the national stadium in Antananarivo will be the most exciting place to be today if not the safest. I’d sure be there if I could!!

TEST RUGBY: CAR Africa Cup Division 1B

04.07.2012
Namibia v Senegal in Antananarivo (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-Final 2)

Preview
Namibia finds itself in Division 1B due to their non-participation in the 2011 Africa Cup. Financial and administration problems following the Rugby World Cup are said to have been the cause with the IRB refusing to bail them out.

The Namibians will be a force to contend with. They and Morocco are the favourites and I expect both to be in the final.

Senegal must not be underestimated. They have a huge contingent of France-based players and will give Namibia a tough contest.They could catch the Namibians off balance on the first day.

Previous Encounter
14.06.2008 Namibia 13-10 in Dakar (WCQ Africa R1, Pool A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Namibia does not register on the Africa table as they failed to take part in the 2011 Africa Cup.

IRB Ranking Points
Namibia 61.24, Senegal 45.24

Prediction: Namibia by 8 points

Teams

Senegal squad
Prop : Yogane Corréa, Capt. (Albi Pro D2), Antoine Laporte (Lavaur F1), Ousmane Ndiaye, Jérémy Fickou (La Seyne F1), Assane Dièye (Requins SEN)
Hooker : Sékou Sakho (Epernay F2), Ciré Sam (Bellegarde F2)
Lock : Mouhamed Samba (Limoges F1), Magnamé Koïta (Limoges F1), Moktar Sougoufara (Bastia F3)
Back row : Oumar Sy (Figeac F2), Charles Preira Ndiaye (Saint Jean d'Angely F2), Aboubakry Signaté (Drancy F2)
Scrum-half : Demba Kane (Bobigny F1), Moussa Magassa (Red Star Honneur)
Fly-half : Steeve Sargos (Vannes F1), Aldric Folliot (Castanet F1), Maxime Boyer (Lannemezan F1), Grégory Déjardin (Monteux F2)
Centre : Victor Biram Samb (Souston Honneur)
Wing : Mouhamadou Diarra (Montauban F1), Moussa Koïta-Gros (Montmélian F2)
Arrière : Ndiogou Sané (Requins SEN), Maxime Perrais (Stade Phoceén F1)

Head Coach : Jean-Marc Foucras

’Most of the players are young and were in Top 14/Pro D2 acadamies.’
Thanks to ‘Olivier’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3660&start=360

Namibia Squad
Johnny Redelinghuys, Callie Swanepoel, Collen Smith, Henk Franken, Heinz Koll, Tinus du Plessis (captain), Morné Blom, PJ van Lill, Eugene Jantjies (vice captain), Theuns Kotzé, Chrysander Botha, Rodger Thompson, Anthony Jevu, Danie Dames, Justin Nel, Martin Goeieman, Shaun du Preez, Herald Kasera, Petrus Human, Arthur Bouwer, Lean Stoop, Godwin Walters, Herman Ströh and Shaun Esterhuizen.

RUGBY IN AFRICA: CAR Division 1C Finals Day

This tournament is being held at the Stade Ahidjo de Yaoundé in  Cameroun.

Wednesday semi-finals saw Cameroun squeak past Zambia 12-10 whilst Senegal accounted for Botswana 30-12. The winner of the final is due to play in CAR Division 1B in 2012, whilst the 4th place-getter will play in CAR Division 1D

25.06.2011
Senegal v Cameroun (Final)

Previous Encounters
11.07.2009 Senegal 11-3 in Safi, Morocco (CAR Trophy, North, Playoff 3rd-4th)
08.04.2006 Senegal 20-16 in Dakar (CAR Africa Cup, Group C)
26.03.2005 Senegal 6-0 in Duala (WCQ Africa, Rnd 1A, North)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Senegal 8th, Cameroun 12th

IRB Ranking Points
Senegal 43.83, Cameroun 38.21

Prediction: Senegal by 6 points

Teams

Cameroun Training Squad from earlier in the year.
Piliers
NUETSA FOTSO Alain - US OYONNAX
N’NOMO Arsène (cap) - SU AGEN
PODIE Georges - Raiders Rugby Club AFSUD
DIABOU William - AS VILLEURBANNE
MEPEWOU Gero - YAOUNDE UC

Talonneurs
LOWE Fabrice - RENNES EC
FAMBOU Simplice - Raiders rugby club AFSUD
Deuxième ligne
NYATTO Hilaire - VALENCE D’AGEN
NJEWEL Christian - LYON OU
SANKOU Steve - SAINT SAVIN

Troisième ligne
GAMBO Adamou - CASTRES OLYMPIQUE
TCHALE WATCHOU R. - USAP PERPIGNAN
TSAMA Victor - LILLE MRC
TCHAKAM William - RC DOUALA
Demis de mêlées
MAURICE Tony - US BEAUREPAIRE
TSIMI Alain - ESPOIR

Demis ouverture
HIRIART Eneko - CORPO PARIS
NOUBISSI TCHONLAHUI Joe Abdias - UNION DE BILONGUE
Centre
WANKAM LOTCHOUAN Joseph - Raiders Rugby Club AFS
LOUVAT Charles - US BEAUREPAIRE
TCHOUFFA Jaquillard - RENNES EC
MOMO Joseph - MONTPELLIER RH

Ailiers
TADAWAMBA Steve - Raiders Rugby Club AFS
YAKAN Serge - ST FOY LA GRANDE
ETAME Jacques - US BEAUREPAIRE
TTOUKO Noêl - RC DOUALA

Arrières
LOUVAT Patrick - PERTH AUSTRALIE
MBAKOP Flavien - RC DOUALA

Senegal Squad not available

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: CAR Division 1C

21.06.2011
Senegal 30, Botswana 12
Cameroun 12, Zambia 10

Finals Day-25 June
Senegal v Cameroun-Winner is promoted to CAR 1B for 2012
Botswana v Zambia-Loser relegated to 1D

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3660&start=120

TEST RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Africa Cup

The Africa Cup is Africa's major tier 1 15's rugby tournament. 12 teams are involved at this level, divided into 3 pools

Pool A-Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Senegal
Pool B-Namibia, Uganda, Cameroun and Zambia
Pool C-Kenya, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Botswana

The winner of each pool plus the best second-placed team will compete in the finals to be held in November, venue to be determined.

Pool A Final
Morocco v Tunisia in Tunis

Preview
Morocco created a mild sensation with an emphatic 60-3 crushing of Ivory Coastmid week. The Ivory Coast team has gradually been building strength with a healthy smattering of France-based players but during the week Morocco systematically took the team apart. Morocco were bundled out of Rugby World Cup finals contention last year but appear to be bouncing back.

Morocco also has a healthy rugby player base in France. They will pose a serious threat to Tunisia.

The Tunisians will be warming up for their upcoming struggles with Romania in the World Cup Repechage playoffs. They were less than impressive with their 12-11 win over Senegal mid-week.

Last Five Encounters
23.04.2005 Morocco 10-3 in Tunis (CAR Div.1, Pool C)
24.04.2004 Morocco 17-7 in Casablanca (CAR Div.1, Pool A)
18.05.2002 Tunisia 27-26 in Tunis (WCQ Africa R3, North: CAR North 1)
19.05.2001 Morocco 30-3 in Casablanca (Africa Championship, North)
17.03.2001 Morocco 17-14 in Tunis (Africa Championship, North)

It has been a while since these two North African teams met. Morocco has an historical advantage.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Tunisia 3rd, Morocco 4th
IRB Ranking Points-Tunisia 54.20, Morocco 53.05

Prediction-Morocco looks to have the form. Morocco by 5 points

Teams are not available

Pool A Playoff
Ivory Coast v Senegal

Preview
Senegal gave the Tunisians a mother of a fright mid week whilst Ivory Coast fell apart against Morocco. On form Senegal would be favourites to win this playoff.

Previous Encounters
26.05.2007 Ivory Coast 12-10 in Dakar (Africa Cup, Div.1, North B)
09.07.2005 Ivory Coast 20-6 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1B, Pool A)
1983 Ivory Coast 25-0 in Abidijan
1977 Ivory Coast 15-9 in Dakar

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table- Ivory Coast 7th, Senegal 8th
IRB Ranking Points-Ivory Coast 50.31, Senegal 42.12

Prediction: The rankings would give it to Ivory Coast, but on form I have to go with Senegal to cause a bit of an upset, and win this by 5 points.

Teams

Ivory Coast squad
Edgar Babaou, Capt. (Gennevilliers, France) Prop
Arouna Cisse (ASPA) prop
? Stanislaus (p L'Abidjan Université Club) prop
Ahmed Hodroj (Begles-Bordeaux, France) Prop
Brahima Konate (Trechville Biafra Olympique) hooker
Charles Zambia (L'Abidjan Université Club) hooker
Frank Acho (Poitiers, France) lock
Issa Meit (Auc L'Abidjan Université Club) lock
Claude Kouakou (Trechville Biafra Olympique) lock
Kinafo Diabate ((Trechville Biafra Olympique) lock or flanker
Gaoussou Dao (Drancy, France) flanker
Bemba Camara (Lunel, France) Flanker
Sydney Edward (Graulhet, France) lock or flanker
Hyacinthe Mouguy (Massy, France) Scrum half
Mohamed Dembele (Trechville Biafra Olympique) scrum half
Tidiane Kamara (Trechville Biafra Olympique) fly half
Jean Maurice Ulum (Oyonnax, France) fly half or centre
Djakaridja Sombes (Trechville Biafra Olympique) centre
Toure Salif (Epernay, France) center or winger
Tediaga Coulibaly (Gennevilliers, France) winger
James Zie winger or rear, Metro Racing)
Yann Lohore (Montauban, France) winger
Louis Konan Kouadio (Trechville Biafra Olympique) fullback
Coaches: Abou Camara and Ludovic Chaix

Adapted from http://rugbivoire.midiblogs.com/
Senegal
Squad list not available

Senegal Squad photo for 2010 African Cup. Thanks to http://www.senegal-rugby.com/

TEST RUGBY: Africa Cup Pool A

Semi-finals in Tunis

15.06.2010
Morocco 60, Ivory Coast 3
Tunisia 12, Senegal 11

Briefly
The huge win to Morocco was a surprise as Ivory Coast has been tough competition in the past (and made the 1995 Rugby World Cup). Even more alarming was Tunisia's close call with Senegal. Senegal has made grant strides in their rugby development.

Finals Saturday
Morocco v Tunisia

Playoff
Ivory Coast v Senegal

Winner of each pool plus best second place getter meet in November.