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.
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
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.
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
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
23.04.2014
Singapore v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (Asia Nations Division 1)
Venue: The Sevens
Referee: Taizo Hirabayashi (Japan)
Preview
The first match in the 2014 Asia Nations competition sees United Arab Emirates host Singapore in Dubai. For both teams a new rugby chapter opens.
Last year the Emirates side was relegated from the Asia 5 Nations competition, the elite level of Asia 15’s men’s rugby. It was a great disappointment for the Gulf area as the original Arabian Gulf RFU had been at the elite level since the Asian competition was revamped.
Singapore is not new to Division 1. Relegated from a brief stint at the elite level in 2009. They lost two Division 1 finals in 2010 and 2011. They then found themselves relegated down to Division 2 in 2012 but fought their way back up to Division 1 for this season.
The Emirates side this year is an inexperienced side but sees the return of veteran Chris Burch to lead the team.
The Emirates side has proven to be below the strength of the original Arabian Gulf side. Singapore to win.
These two sides have never met before.
GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: UAE 5th, Singapore 8th
IRB Ranking Points
Singapore 44.54, UAE 30.00
Note: UAE started on 30.00 when their union was reformed.
Prediction : Singapore by 10 points
Teams
UAE Squad
Forwards:
Ali Ghulam Shaheen
Adam Telford Jebel Ali Dragons
Jay Danielson Abu Dhabi Saracens
Mohamed Hassan Arabian Knights
Rossouw van Dijk Arabian Knights
Joe Cooper Jebel Ali Dragons
Mark Weissenborn Dubai Hurricanes
Graham Murphy Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Pete Sampson Abu Dhabi Saracens
Riaan Boshoff Abu Dhabi Saracens
James Parker Dubai Hurricanes
Chris Jones-Griffiths Abu Dhabi Harlequins
Daniel Minks Jebel Ali Dragons
Backs:
Cyrus Homayoun Jebel Ali Dragons
Adel Alhendi Abu Dhabi Harlequins first test
Neil Robert Pommerel Abu Dhabi Saracens
Mohammad Alawi Shaheen
Ray Gilburt Jebel Ali Dragons
Jono Bester Xodus Wasps
Michael Lancaster Xodus Wasps
Charlie Sargent Dubai Exiles
Chris Burch Dubai Hurricanes (Capt.) Age 35
Gareth Armstrong Xodus Wasps
James Elliot-Square Dubai Hurricanes
Head Coach: Roelof Kotze,
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/uae-step-into-the-unknown-ahead-of-asian-five-nations
Singapore Squad not available
18.05.2013
Korea 43, Hong Kong 22 in Seoul (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Philippines 24, United Arab Emirates 8 in Manilla (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Briefly
Korea established itself as No.2 nation in Asia moving up from 3rd last year. In Manilla the Philippines pushed the UAE down to Asia Nations Division 1 for 2014. They will remain in Asia 5 Nations for another season and a chance to qualify for the repechage section of the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying stages.
18.05.2013
United Arab Emirates v Philippines in Manilla (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Venue: Rizal Memorial Stadium
Referee: Taku Otsuki (Japan)
Preview (Adapted from media esa press release)
The loser of the game between UAE and the Philippines in Manila will miss out on the chance to qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals.The loser being relegated to Division One. Sri Lanka, winners of Division One this season, will be promoted to the elite division.
Philippines coach Jarred Hodges was enthusiastic about his team’s chances and the Volcanoes’ debut season in the Top 5, saying, “It's been fantastic. We have learnt a lot about ourselves and identified areas we need to work on if we are to be a major player in the next two to three years.
“We have improved week on week but it is now time to string two 40-minute halves together. We know that if we can compete for 80 minutes we're going to win more games than we lose. The set piece remains an area that we need to work on and the guys are working hard to improve their skill sets.”
Hodges knows that the UAE forwards are strong and will be intent on exploiting any perceived weakness in their opposition up front.
“The UAE team is very experienced and has been in the top flight for a number of years. They have played the relegation match before and have always got the result, so that’s going to help them. They’re big and physical, so we’re going to need to be up for the contest.
“But I’m confident that this week at home, people are going to see a different side. We have made a few personnel changes that will strengthen us; guys who have been injured and are now fit to give it a go. I think we will surprise people.
UAE coach Duncan Hall was equally sanguine about his side’s prospects: “We have made good progress on the field, but unfortunately it doesn't reflect in the scorelines. The competition gets harder every year and you need to lift your own standards to keep up. But it is always an honour to be in the top division and we very much enjoy punching above our weight and I am sure the Philippines do as well.”
Both UAE and the Philippines are winless and all it needs is a simple victory this weekend to keep hold of their places at the top table - ensuring that the teams will be putting everything they have out on the pitch on Saturday night.
Philippines Volcanoes no 8 Michael de Guzman carries the ball v South Korea. De Guzman has been recalled to the injury-hit Philippines side.
Philippines coach Hodges said: “The relegation match is obviously important in terms of what happens next year. But is it the be-all and end-all? No it's not. Philippine rugby has got a stronghold and is growing all the time in the country. We’ll continue beyond next year whatever the result may be. But we would like to make sure that we continue in the top flight - that is for sure.
UAE coach Hall said, “I have been asked recently, would we be better playing in the division below and have more even matches? On the one hand, the answer is yes. It is very difficult to ask players to go into a competition where you are possibly going to lose three games and you have a chance of winning one. But that is the way it is and we look forward every year to that challenge.
“We all want to play in the top division and our aim is to stay there. But it is very difficult as we are working off a small pool of qualified players.”
“But being up in the Top 5 - and staying there, gives us credibility as a union and encourages players who qualify to give up their time and be a part of a great concept and a great competition,” Hall added.
Other previews
http://www.prfu.com/1/post/2013/05/volcanoes-fight-to-stay-in-top-5-of-asia.html
Philippines Volcanoes flyhalf Alex Aronson.
Prediction: Philippines by 10 points
TEAMS
Philippines
1. Abraham, Philip Benares
2. Hagan, Graeme Santillan
3. Bellenie, Matthew Orag
4. Feeney, David
5. Howorth, Stephen Pagtalunan
6. Carroll, Terrence Javier
7. Hitch, Christopher Baltazar
8. Ward, Jake Pingal
9. Letts, Jake Robrigado
10. Aronson, Alexander Noroña
11. Holgate, Gareth dela Rosa
12. Saunders, Benjamin Abalos
13. Olivier, Patrice Ortiz
14. Matthews, Joseph Bembo
15. Letts, Michael Robrigado (c)
16. Dacanay, Austin Garnica
17. Duhig, Michael Estrada
18. Robinson-Polkey, David
19. Perry, Nicholas Ergina
20. De Guzman, Michael
21. Gomez, Cleo Ferrer
22. Coveney, Justin Villazor
23. Saunders, Matthew Abalos
Comment
’Surprised to see both Coveney and Matt Saunders on the bench. Also curious about the status of James Price at scrumhalf. Jake Letts is no slouch, and has only missed one test match in the history of Philippines test rugby but Price has proven himself quite a talent the past couple of seasons. No film from the Korea game so no word on whether he was injured or just didn't play well.’
martin.dunham10
United Arab Emirates
15 Steve Smith, 14 Jono Bester, 13 Harry Woods, 12 Chris Burch 11 Malcolm Greenslade, 10 James Ham, 9 Gareth Armstrong, 1 Graham Murphy, 2 Jonathan Greenwood, 3 Dan Boatwright, 4 Anthony Murphy, 5 Ed Talbot, 6 Renier Els, 7 David Knight, 8 Jamie Clarke
Replacements 16 Ollie Delapp, 17 Chris Jones Griffiths, 18 Brett Bowie, 19 David Matasio, 20 Mark Weissenborn, 21 Sean Hurley, 22 Cyrus Homayoun, 23 Antoine Berthuile
Other Previews
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/uae-rugby-vice-captain-brett-williams-to-miss-asian-five-nations-decider-in-philippines
10.05.2013
Japan v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
[Dubai, UAE, May 9 2013]: With the HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Top 5 title assured for a sixth straight year, Japan coach Eddie Jones opted for a curious mix of the old and the new for Friday's test with the United Arab Emirates, Japan's final game in this year's tournament.
Just three players who started in last week's win over South Korea in Tokyo keep their places in the starting line-up as Jones looks to give every member of his squad some playing time.
“We've won the Asian 5 Nations and achieved our first goal,” said Jones. “So we are using this game as preparation for the Pacific Nations Cup. It's an opportunity for some guys to cement their place in the squad.”
There are six changes in the pack with just Michael Broadhust and Takashi Kikutani keeping their places, though Kikutani once again is involved in a positional switch.
The 33 year old – who will lead the side in the continued absence of Toshiaki Hirose – moves from flanker to No. 8 allowing Hendrik Tui to return on the side of the scrum.
Ahead of them there is a brand new front five with Masataka Mikami and Hiroshi Yamashita propping down either side of Takeshi Kizu, and Shoji Ito joining up with Shinya Makabe in the second row.
Keisuke Uchida is rewarded for his hard work at training with a start at scrum half, where the University of Tsukuba student will partner Yu Tamura.
The one new cap in the starting XV is at inside centre with former Australia rugby league star Craig Wing set to make his debut for his adopted country. Wing will be partnered by Seiichi Shimomura, who returns to the international fold to win his fourth cap.
Yoshikazu Fujita, who scored six tries in the corresponding fixture last year, is the third player to be retained from last week and the Waseda University student will be joined by Yuta Imamura on the wing, with veteran Hirotoki Onozawa returning from injury to win his 78th cap, one shy of Yukio Motoki's record number of appearances for the Brave Blossoms.
"We wanted to give (Ayumu) Goromaru a rest and Onozawa was the next best person in that position," said Jones.
In addition to Wing, flanker Ryuta Yasui and fly half/centre Ryota Nakamura are also in line to win their first caps if they come off the bench.
“The first half was probably as good as we have ever played,” Jones said of last week's victory over South Korea.
“There were some individual errors in the second half and a lack of flow and we weren't as clinical as we could have been, but overall I was pretty pleased with the result.”
SQUADS:
UAE
1. Graham MURPHY 2. Oliver DELAPP 3. Brett BOWIE 4. Anthony MURPHY 5. Eddy TALBOT 6. Renier ELS (Capt) 7. David KNIGHT 8. Brett WILLIAMS 9. Gareth ARMSTRONG 10. James HAM 11. Cyrus HOYAMNOUN 12. Christopher BURCH 13. Harry WOODS 14. Jono BESTER 15. Steve SMITH 16. Jonathan GREENWOOD 17. Christopher JONES-GRIFFITHS 18. Daniel BOATWRIGHT 19. David MATASIO 20. George PERKINS 21. Antoine BERTHEUIL 22. Malcolm GREENSLADE 23. Sean HURLEY
JAPAN
1. Masataka MIKAMI 2. Takeshi KIZU 3. Hiroshi YAMASHITA 4. Shoji ITO 5. Shinya MAKABE 6. Hendrik TUI 7. Michael BROADHURST 8.Takashi KIKUTANI 9. Keisuke UCHIDA 10. Yuu TAMURA 11. Yuta IMAMUURA 12. Craig WING 13. Seiichi SHIMOMURA 14. Yoshikazu FUJITA (Capt) 15. Hirotoki ONOZAWA 16. Yusuke AOKI 17. Takuma ASAHARA 18. Kensuke HATAKEYAMA 19. Hitoshi ONO 20. Ryuta YASUI 21. Atsushi HIWASA 22. Ryoto NAKAMURA 23. Harumichi TATEKAWA
Prediction: UAE will be doing well to help Japan to under 100 points.
Japan by 95 points.
Played Friday 26th April
(34-10 HALF-TIME)
KOR 10T, 8C,3P
UAE 1T, 1C, 1P (Try from Harry Woods, Con and Pen from Ross Coombe)
Source - Twitter: https://twitter.com/SportingWag
Review at http://www.asian5nations.com/node/795 with all point scorers
HSBC Asian 5 Nations week 2 pits Hong Kong v red-hot Japan while UAE hosts South Korea on its 2013 debut
[Hong Kong, April 26 2013]: The HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) opens the second week of the five-team, five-week competition tonight as UAE host South Korea in Al Ain (17.00 UAE time) while Hong Kong hosts red-hot Japan on Saturday (April 27) at the Hong Kong Football Club (16.00 Hong Kong time).
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has not unsurprisingly tinkered little with the side that beat the Philippines 121-0 last week. Jones named a 23-man squad that shows just three changes and one positional switch from the side that set an HSBC A5N scoring record in Fukuoka last weekend.
The lone change in the backs sees Yuta Imamura come in for Hirotoki Onozawa, who limped out of last week's game and the rest of the tournament with a leg injury. Jones said Imamura had impressed in training and with Kenki Fukuoka - who marked his debut last week with two tries - nursing a tender hamstring, his experience earned him the nod ahead of Yoshikazu Fujita.
Fujita, who will start the game on the bench, scored six tries on his debut last year against the United Arab Emirates before missing the rest of the international season and the 2012-13 domestic season with a knee injury. Fujita was named the 2012 HSBC A5N Emerging Player of the Year last season for his remarkable debut prior to his injury.
Recently, Fujita toured Australia and New Zealand with Junior Japan and Jones thinks he is now has a better understanding of what is needed to play international rugby.
"He either started or came off the bench for most of Junior Japan's recent games and has worked pretty hard the last couple of weeks," said Jones.
In the pack, Takeshi Kizu comes into the starting XV, having missed last week's game, while Hendrik Tui is promoted from the bench.
"Kizu wasn't quite right to go last week," Jones said. "We wanted to give him an extra week as he gives us extra size and is very robust around the ruck, which will be useful.”
Tui and Ryu Koliniasi Holani swap roles with Jones stressing that Holani did well last week, but he just wants to give Tui more playing time. "Koli played very well last week and will come off the bench. Tui wasn't 100 percent last week but he needs time in that position," Jones explained.
The move also means Takashi Kikutani moves from flanker to his preferred position of No. 8. Jones said he was pleased with the way his side started the tournament last week, especially given the weather, but added he was looking for an improvement this week particularly in terms of physicality.
"Given the conditions last week, we played really well and it showed how hard the players have been working," he said. "We looked much better than we did in our opener last year and in the second half moved the ball really well."
With Japan rapidly achieving mid-season form, damage limitation may be the number one priority for Hong Kong. The home team readily admitted that the fully professional Japan Brave Blossoms were in a class of their own and that stopping Japan for the first time in the five-year history of the tournament would be difficult.
“It is hugely important for the players to pit themselves against the best in Asia which is Japan. But as a fully professional team, they are at a different level to us and I’m not sure the playing field is really level at this moment,” said Hong Kong head coach Leigh Jones.
Japan has piled on half-century scores over Hong Kong on all but one occasion in the last five years – the closest game being a 45-22 result in 2011. Hong Kong captain Tom McColl has set his sights on emulating that feat, which also came at the Hong Kong Football Club, while hoping his side can go one better and compete for the full game, instead of only the second half as they did two years ago.
In 2011, Japan led Hong Kong 31-3 at the break but a revitalised home team came fighting back after the break to outscore the visitors by three tries to two to finish on 45-22 and proud losers.
“The aim is to put in an 80-minute performance,” said McColl. “If we can come away having accomplished our own targets and processes, I will be happy. We have set our own benchmark and if we come anywhere close to that, the score will take care of itself.”
It is almost a mission impossible for Hong Kong who will be missing all of its sevens players currently preparing for the London Sevens and Hong Kong’s bid to become a core team on the IRB Sevens World Series.
Backline problems have been exacerbated by the absence of fly-half Chris McAdam who has been ruled out of the competition after breaking his ribs in Hong Kong’s 53-7 victory over the United Arab Emirates last Saturday. This will push Niall Rowark into the limelight and he will team up with Peter McKee as Hong Kong field a new halves combination against Japan.
“The thing about world rugby is that it throws up players through injuries. Niall has been given the chance and it is up to him to grasp this opportunity,” said Leigh Jones.
But the loss of McAdam, whose strength, apart from his accuracy with his left foot, was his tackling, will be felt as Hong Kong try to stop Japan’s try-scoring machine which ran in 18 tries against the Philippines.
Hong Kong have also made a few tactical changes, mainly up-front, which coach Jones said was implemented to make the forwards more mobile and to be able to contest the breakdown which they failed to do consistently against the UAE.
“We are looking for more consistency. Last week we had some good moments and some ordinary moments. We will have to be at our best as we test ourselves against the best in Asia,” Jones added.
The Brave Blossoms are only scratching the surface of a 10-tests in 10-weeks schedule but are cagey enough not to look past Hong Kong - especially at home.
“I was reasonably satisfied against the Philippines but obviously the opposition was not quite at the same level. We are expecting a physical challenge from Hong Kong whom we respect greatly. We will have to do the hard yards,” Japan’s Jones said.
Japan captain and winger Toshiaki Hirose added: “Two years ago we didn’t play well in the second half against Hong Kong and we have come back this time determined to play 80 minutes of rugby. This is the most important game for us in the A5N.”
Hirose’s estimation could be radically altered by the results of tonight’s match in Al Ain as the hosts UAE look to regroup after their 53-7 loss to Hong Kong last week against a well-stocked South Korean XV that includes 11 players with Top League experience in Japan.
South Korea are fielding a strong side on their HSBC A5N 2013 debut with 11 of their Japan-based professional players in the wider squad. Eight Top League (Japan’s professional league) players are included in the 23 against the UAE. Coach Park Ki-haeng has gone for his big men with the front row consisting of Top league stars Kim Kwang-sik (NEC), Park Sung Ku (Kubota) and Heo Woong (NTT-Docomo).
Behind the front row, Top League veterans Youn Kwon-woo (Yokogawa) and Panasonic’s You Young Nam (who captains the side for the first time in an A5N encounter from flanker) add further weight and nous as Korea aims to nullify the UAE’s traditional forward pack strength. The backline is made up mostly of domestic-based players with Top League scrumhalf Yang Young Hun (Honda) and Lim Jae Beom (Samsung) ready in the reserves.
In response, the UAE have put forward its strongest team yet in this year’s competition. Duncan Hall, UAE Rugby Performance Manager and National Coach hailed a positive performance by his team in the opening round, despite their loss.
“Although the scoreboard doesn’t reflect the effort in the opening round, the players put in a positive and confident performance. A number of combinations we have worked on were executed successfully. We achieved a number of turnovers, our defence was strong and our scrums were dominant. Ultimately, our respective fitness levels came into play in the final quarter of the game where, unfortunately Hong Kong held the upper hand,” added Hall.
With Friday’s game being played at home Hall has the benefit of selecting from an almost full complement of players, and remains optimistic with his goal of a win over the Korean side.
“A number of our key players were either unavailable for travel against Hong Kong or recovering from injury so to have a complement of over 90% to draw from for Korea is an advantage. We successfully challenged Hong Kong on a number of fronts. This building experience was invaluable as we move ahead in this year’s campaign. We believe we can put in a strong performance against Korea.”
Notable changes in the UAE team are the inclusion of Al Ain Amblers player Ross Combe, Harry Woods, Sean Hurley and the return of Renier Els as Captain, who step in at the expense of David Knight, Gareth Armstrong, Kenny Munier and James Ham (due to injury).
UAE v South Korea (April 26, Al Ain RFC, kick-off 17.00 local time)
Hong Kong v Japan (27 April, Hong Kong Football Club, kick-off 16.00 local time)
edia esa mediaesa@elitestep.com
Japan set HSBC A5N record score versus Philippines, fourth highest points total ever in a Rugby World Cup qualifier
[Fukuoka, Japan, 20 April 2013]: Japan and Hong Kong recorded impressive opening wins on the first weekend of HSBC Asian Five Nations (HSBC A5N) Top 5 action. Japan set a new points scoring record with 18 tries and 121 points to nil against in their win over the Philippines on their Top 5 debut. In the day’s second match, Hong Kong posted a fitful 53-7 win over the United Arab Emirates at the Hong Kong Football Club.
Japan gave the Philippines a reminder that they were now in the big time Saturday as the five-time HSBC Asian 5 Nations champions ran in 18 tries in a 121-0 win to get their 2013 campaign off to a flying start.
Defying the conditions at a cold and wet Level 5 Stadium, the Brave Blossoms secured their 21st straight bonus-point win in the competition in a game that also served as a qualifier for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Thirteen different players touched down for the Brave Blossoms – including the four debutants – as Japan's power and speed proved too much for the Volcanoes.
“It was a good performance first up,” said Japan coach Eddie Jones. “But it's always difficult to tell given the quality of the opposition. We have been working on getting physically stronger and you saw a little of that today.”
The winning score was the biggest ever in the history of the tournament, the third highest score ever recorded by Japan and the fourth highest in a World Cup qualifier.
“Japan are the benchmark in Asian rugby and showed us what it takes to be at that level,” said Volcanoes coach Jarred Hodges. “They were too big, too strong and too fast.”
Hodges' team tackled bravely early on, and Japan had players held up over the line on two occasions in the first half. But it was only a matter of time before the floodgates opened.
The Volcanoes weren't helped by flyhalf Gareth Holgate missing a couple of simple shots at goal.
“We worked very hard for the first 30 minutes,” said Hodges. “But we missed a couple of kicks that could have made it 10-6. After that though Japan played to their strengths. They were a class above.”
Flanker Chris Hitch was tireless in a losing effort as the Philippines Volcanoes marked their HSBC A5N Top 5 debut in Japan
Japan ran in six tries in the first half to lead 43-0 at the break before doubling their effort in the second half.
Kenki Fukuoka was one of the debutants to score, the 20-year-old replacement wing touching down with each of his first two touches before turning supplier for another new cap Takuma Asahara.
New Japan cap and local boy Kenki Fukuoka scored twice on his debut v the Philippines.
“He's got speed. He's got Bryan Habana pace,” Jones said of the University of Tsukuba student. “But that doesn't make him a test player. But as long as he keeps on learning and focuses on improving then he has the chance to be a very good player.”
Male Sa'u, like Fukuoka, also bagged a brace on debut, though Jones thought the centre could have had a few more.
“I thought he was very generous to his teammates. He has fitted in very well and gives us a different attacking ability at 13.”
Japan fullback Ayumu Goromaru notched 31 points today with the boot as Japan set a A5N points record.
Japan head to Hong Kong next week looking to build on the win, while the Philippines have the week off to regroup.
“I can't fault the team’s effort,” said Volcanoes captain Michael Letts. “We will learn from that and I can tell you now we will be a completely different side for our next three games.”
The day’s second match between Hong Kong and UAE saw a disjointed effort which left Hong Kong captain Tom McColl and coach Leigh Jones both unhappy. But Hong Kong still accomplished the task at hand, which was to win their opening game in the Top Five.
Hong Kong ran in eight tries as they overcame a spirited UAE outfit 53-7. While the scoreline might look impressive, the performance was hardly one to write home about as the hosts struggled to put together a cohesive attack and had to mostly feed on the mistakes of their opponents.
“I’m happy with the win but our execution was not up to our standard,” said skipper McColl. “We didn’t get going until the last ten minutes of the game and I don’t want to put the blame fully on the conditions.”
Captain Tom McColl (red) led Hong Kong to record their first win at today’s 2013 HSBC Asian Five Nations Top 5 campaign.
Credit-Andy Yeung
High humidity turned the ball into a piece of soap at the Hong Kong Football Club, resulting in an error-ridden display from both sides. Passes were spilled and the ball was constantly turned over by the Hong Kong forwards who couldn’t string together a number of phases.
Hong Kong led 27-7 at the break and continued to struggle to find their rhythm in the second half. It was only a late spurt, when three tries were scored in the closing ten minutes, that brought respectability to the scoreline.
“It was a disjointed effort from us but it was to be expected. We had a number of new guys playing in the A5N for the first time and we were missing our sevens players, those with the X-factor,” Jones said.
“I’m not happy at all with our performance but we have to give credit to UAE for their nuggety and tough defence which put us under a lot of pressure,” Jones added.
Yet, the task of winning the opening game was accomplished. It was crucial for Hong Kong to do so and take a giant step towards securing their place in next year’s Top Five which doubles as the direct World Cup qualifier for Asia.
With 12 of its sevens players not being considered for the opening two games – against UAE and Japan – Hong Kong didn’t want to be in a position of needing to win both their last two games against the Philippines and South Korea which sandwich the London Sevens on May 11-12.
A loss today at home would have necessitated a late call-up for the sevens squad members for the Philippines match in two weeks, followed by an overnight flight to London for the London Sevens.
Winger Jonny Rees and centre Stewart Megaw led the try-scoring stakes each with a brace while flanker Matt Lamming, fullback McColl, centre Ally Maclay and reserve scrumhalf Pete McKee also touched down. Flyhalf Chris McAdam knocked over an early penalty and a conversion before he had to leave the field with sore ribs. His place was ably filled by Niall Rowark who knocked over four more conversions.
UAE coach Duncan Hall admitted that the conditions had affected his players. “Our ball control was poor with the ball like a piece of soap. But we also overplayed a certain type of game (keeping it with the forwards) and under pressure we reverted to type.
“Hong Kong without their sevens players still did more than enough to win and it was disappointing, for we have come a long way in the last few months. It shows we still have a lot of work to do,” Hall added.
United Arab Emirates (black) were kept at bay by Hong Kong.
Credit-Andy Yeong
UAE’s points came from stand-in skipper and No. 8 Brett Williams who scored a try from a lineout close to the Hong Kong tryline. The forwards, who at times seemed to outplay their counterparts, drove strongly to allow Williams to plant the solitary try. Flyhalf James Ham added the extra points.
20.04.2013
Feature Match No.1
Preview
The 2013 Asia Five nations kicks off in the Japanese city of Fukuoka The Philippines, whose rise in Asian rugby has been remarkable, will take on the top team in Asia.
I’d expect it to be a win for Japan, possible fairly comfortably in the end. The Philippines has a speedy and elusive looking backline but I expect the problems they will have will be in the forwards. Still they could put up a real fight. Only two of their players are from clubs in the Philippines. The rest have considerable experience in Japan and also New Zealand, Australia, The USA and England.
These two teams have never met before.
Prediction: Japan by 60 points.
TEAMS
Japan
| 15 | Ayumu Goromaru | Yamaha | |
| 14 | Toshiaki Hirose (Capt.) | Toshiba | |
| 13 | Male Sau | Yamaha | |
| 12 | Harumichi Tatekawa | Kubota | |
| 11 | Hirotoki Onozawa | Suntory | |
| 10 | Kosei Ono | Suntory | |
| 9 | Atsushi Hiwasa | Suntory | |
| 8 | Koliniashi Ryu Holani | Panasonic | |
| 7 | Michael Broadhurst | Ricoh | |
| 6 | Takashi Kikutani | Toyota | |
| 5 | Shinya Makabe | Suntory | |
| 4 | Hitoshi Ono | Toshiba | |
| 3 | Hiroshi Yamashita | Kobelco | |
| 2 | Hiroki Yuhara | Toshiba | |
| 1 | Masataka Mikami | Toshiba | |
| 16 | Yusuke Aoki | Suntory | |
| 17 | Takuma Asahara | Toshiba | |
| 18 | Kensuke Hatakeyama | Suntory | |
| 19 | Shoji Ito | Kobelco | |
| 20 | Justin Ives | Canon | |
| 21 | Hendrik Tui | Panasonic | |
| 22 | Yu Tamura | NEC | |
| 23 | Kenki Fukuoka | Tsukuba | |
| HEAD COACH: Eddie Jones | |||
http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-aux-philippines.php
Philippines
| 15 | Michael Letts | Kamaishi, Japan | |
| 14 | Patrice Olivier | Yamaha, Japan | |
| 13 | Matthew Saunders | NTT, Japan | |
| 12 | Justin Coveney | Western Red Sharks, Japan | |
| 11 | Joseph Matthews | Queanbeyan RFC, Australia | |
| 10 | Gareth Holgate | Kyudun, Japan | |
| 9 | James Price | Kyudun, Japan | |
| 8 | Jake Ward | Clifton RFC, New Zealand | |
| 7 | Christopher Hitch | Warnervale RFC, Australia | |
| 6 | Terrence Carroll | Western Bulldogs RLFC, Austr. | |
| 5 | Jaime Urquijo | Kraken RFC, USA | |
| 4 | Stephen Howorth | St Austell RFC, England | |
| 3 | Matthew Bellenie | Brighton RFC, England | |
| 2 | Michael Duhig | Brothers RFC, Australia | |
| 1 | Austin Dacanay | Tampa Crewe RFC, USA | |
| 16 | David Robinson-Polkey | Mt Wellington RFC, New Zealand | |
| 17 | Graeme Hagan | Pattaya Panthers | |
| 18 | Joshua Bautista | Santa Rosa, USA | |
| 19 | David Feeney | Manilla Nomads | |
| 20 | Darran Seeto | Gordon Highlanders RFC, Austr. | |
| 21 | Jake Letts | Kamaishi, Japan | |
| 22 | Alexander Aronson | California Golden Bears RFC, USA | |
| 23 | Jefferey Gregson | Coventry RFC, England | |
| HEAD COACH: Jarred Hodges | |||
http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-philippin-face-au-japon.php
Hong Kong v United Arab Emirates
The other game in this competition sees the local side host UAE.
Prediction: Hong Kong by 60 points
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