Test Rugby: Romania v Spain

07.02.2009
Romania v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)

Last Five Encounters
23.02.2008 Romania 17-11 in Madrid (ENC 1)
10.03.2007 Romania 50-14 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
14.10.2006 Romania 43-20 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R5, Pool B)
06.03.2004 Romania 50-10 in Bucharest (ENC 1)
08.03.2003 Romania 31-6 in Madrid (ENC 1)

Spain last defeated Romania in 1992, winning 6-0 in Madrid.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Romania 16th, Spain 20th
Europe Table-Romania 8th, Spain 10th

Prediction: Romania by 22 points

Teams

Spain Squad
Juan Rafael Alvarez (Bera Bera RT)
César Bernasconi (CRC Madrid)
José Mª.Bohorquez CR Ciencias)
Aníbal Bonan (Vrac Valladolid)
Juan Cano (CRC Madrid)
Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid)
Damien Elgoyhen (Avion Bayonnais, France)
Pablo Feijoo (CRC Madrid)
Leandro Fernández-Aramburu CR Ciencias)
Juan Gonzalez (CRC Madrid)
Sebastián Hattori CR Ciencias)
David Hernandez (Getxo Artea RT)
Ion Insausti (CRC Madrid)
Ignacio Martin (Gran Parma RC, Italy)
Igor Mirones (Getxo Artea RT)
David Mota (CRC Madrid)
Jaime Nava (CE Salvador)
Martín Jeremías Palumbo (Getxo Artea RT)
Romain Roques (Stade Dijonnais, France)
Javier Salazar (CRC Madrid)
César Sempere (CRC Madrid)
Sergio Souto (CE Salvador)
Julien Tourtoulou (Colomiers RC, France)
Diego Zarzosa (CE Salvador)
Head Coach: Ged Glynn Squad

Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu (Steaua Bucuresti)
14. Catalin Fercu (Steaua Bucuresti)
13. Adrian Barbuliceanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
12. Catalin Dascalu (Steaua Bucuresti)
11. Madalin Lemnaru (Arad)
10. Ionut Dimofte (Steaua Bucuresti)
9. Petre Mitu (Montauban, France)
8. Daniel Carpo (Farul Constanta)
7. Stelian Burcea, Capt. (Dinamo Bucuresti)
6. Florin Corodeanu (Saint Marcelline Sport, France)
5. Alin Coste (Narbonne, France)
4. Laurent Giucal
3. Paulica Ion (Bath, England)
2. Florin Tasca (Dinamo Bucuresti)
1. Nicolae Nere (Steaua Bucuresti)
Replacements
16. Catalin Beca
17. Silviu Florea (Montauban, France)
18. Valentin Poparlan (Dinamo Bucuresti)
19. Daniel Ianus (Steaua Bucuresti)
20. Valentin Calafeteanu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
21. Dorin Manole (Universitate Cluj)
22. Stefan Ciuntu (Dinamo Bucuresti)
Head Coach:

Rugby test: Georgia v Germany

07.02.2009
Georgia v Germany in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)

The Germans are new to this level of international rugby. They won the right to play in this division due to the first place the ENC 2A Division they gained, played 2006-08. Their first match was a 11-22 loss to Spain in Madrid last November. They will find the Georgians very difficult to handle. This is all about learning to play the game at a greater pace against heavier energy-sapping forwards. The Germans will see this game as pivotal in their development having put so much energy and resources in to finally reaching this level of international rugby. A loss by less than 20 points will almost seem like a victory.

Germany's Last Five Tests
15.11.2008 v Spain Lost 11-22 in Madrid (ENC 1)
08.11.2008 v Welsh Clubs XV Lost 14-27 in Berlin
26.04.2008 v Netherlands Won 27-17 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
19.04.2008 v Ukraine Won 13-5 in Hannover (ENC 2A)
24.11.2007 v Moldova Won 34-5 in Heidelberg (ENC 2A)

Georgia travel to Germany with a squad full of players who went to the 2007 Rugby World Cup and many more experienced at the top level of the European Nations Cup. This is the team that won ENC 1 2006-08 and the only real advantage Germany has is that they will play on home soil. Other than that it looks all very one-sided.

Georgia's Last Five Test Matches
14.11.2008 v Scotland 'A' Lost 3-69 in Glasgow
20.06.2008 v Italy 'A' Won 25-3 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
15.06.2008 v Uruguay Won 20-18 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
11.06.2008 v Emerging Springbox Lost 3-11 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
26.04.2008 v Spain Won 22-20 in Tblissi (ENC 1)

Previous Encounters Between Germany and Georgia
15.10.1995 Georgia 14-3 in Tblissi (FIRA B1)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Georgia 7th, Germany 12th.

Prediction: Georgia by 40 points.

Teams

Georgia
15 Merab Kvirikashvili (Massy, France) Age 25, 28 Tests
14 Irakli Machkhaneli (Agen, France) 27, 28
13 Davit Kacharava (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 23, 21
12 Irakli Giorgadze (Dax, France) 26, 31
11 Irakli Chkhikvadze (Aia) 21, 11
10 Lasha Malaghuradze (Beziers, France) 22, 10
9 Irakli Abuseridze, Capt (Orléans, France) 31, 54
8 Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier, France) 24, 29
7 Rati Urushadze (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk, Russia) 33, 31
6 Giorgi Chkhaidze (Racing Metro, France) 27, 29
5 Kakhaber Uchava (Farul Constanta, Romania) 32, 11
4 Ilia Zedginidze (Aix-en-Provence, France) 31, 49
3 Davit Zirakashvili (Clermont Auvergne, France) 25, 18
2 Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 12
1 Goderdzi Shvelidze (Montauban, France) 30, 45

Replacements
16 Akvsent Giorgadze (Castres, France) 31, 51
17 Davit Khinchagishvili (Brive, France) 25, 18
18 Gia Labadze (Toulon, France) 35, 47
19 Dimitri Basilaia (Morlass, France) 23, 7
20 Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 35
21 Tedore Zibzibadze (Périgueux, France)
22 Otar Barkalaia (VPC, Andorra) 24, 34
Head Coach: Tim Lane

Twelve of these players last took the field when Georgia lost 3-69 to Scotland ‘A’ in Glasgow last November. Some old veterans return to the Georgian side. Both Labadze and Akvsent Giorgadze last played for Georgia at the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Ilia Zedginidze will play his 50th test for Georgia.
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3000&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=15 and to http://www.rugby.ge/KA2009/0205_GerRazmi.htmReferee: Graham Knox (Scotland)

Germany
15. Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim) Age 23, 2 Tests
14. Benjamin Brierley (SC Frankfurt 1880) 22, New Cap
13. Benjamin Simm (SG 78/08 Hannover) 23, 7
12. Edmorre Takaendesa (RG Heidelberg) 28, 4
11. Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orléans) 25, 20
10. Kieron Davies (Bedford RFC, England) 28, 23
9. Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg) 27, 22
8. Michael Poppmeier (Lazio Rom, Italy) 26, New Cap
7. Alexander Hug (TSV Handschuhsheim) 24, 1
6. Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England) 26, 19
5. Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim) 27, 35
4. Bobo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, South Africa) 30, 17
3. Pierre Faber (RG Heidelberg) 30, 18
2. Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg) 29, 31
1. Alexander Widiker (RC Orléans) 26, 31
Replacements
16. Benjamin Krause (SG 78/08 Hannover) 26, 24
17. Damien Tussac (RC Toulon, France) Age ?, New Cap
18. Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg) 28, 21
19. Kehoma Brenner (RG Heidelberg) 23, 6
20. Rolf Wacha (SC Frankfurt 1880) 27, 2
21. Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim) 25, 21
22. James Reid (Barking RFC, England) 24
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer

Please note: Test caps are unofficial. They derive from my own records, plus those found for 2006-08 at http://www.totalrugby.de/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showPlayers&p=6&ttid=285&Itemid=250, plus v Welsh Clubs XV played last November but not included in above.

Rugby Test: France v Ireland

07.02.2009
France v Ireland at Croke Park, Dublin

France is probably the most likely team to challenge Wales for the 6 Nations title for 2009. But can Ireland finally rise above some very ordinary form to create a 'Croke Park Special' and win this test match? So what do you think? Which team will win?
Post your comment now.

Preview
The team of experience verses the new and mostly untried. This is the mix of the teams when they run onto Croke Park tomorrow.

Ireland has a new coach but that's about all. The team has five players with 85 test matches or more to their credit. Unfortunately this experienced combination has hardly caused a stir since their exit from the 2007 Rugby World Cup. The team is based upon the European Champion side Munster and they are mostly in the forwards or the inside backs. This pack outplayed Argentina in November which is saying something.The brittleness and pedestrian nature of the backs ( 1 try scored in 3 tests last November) has caused Paddy Wallace to be employed at inside centre. This is not a backline that will excite. Will we get much of the same durgid rugby from Ireland we have come to expect?

Ireland's Last Five Tests
22.11.2008 v Argentina in Dublin Won 17-3
15.11.2008 v New Zealand in Dublin Lost 3-22
08.11.2008 v Canada in Limerick Won 55-0
11.06.2008 v Australia in Melbourne Lost 12-18
07.06.2008 v New Zealand in Wellington Lost 11-21

France, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air. The team consists of two players with more than 50 caps and whole lot more with ten or less. France looked far more solid up front in their November tests that they have for a while and the backline looks like it could spring an attack at any time soon. That's what the coaching staff want France to go back to, the good old days of French flare. Will we see it from France in Dublin. If they do they will walk the old solid Irish pack all over Croke Park.

France's Last Five Tests
22.11.2008 v Australia in Paris Lost 13-18
15.11.2008 v Pacific Islands in Marseilles Won 42-17
08.11.2008 v Argentina in Marseilles Won 12-6
05.07.2008 v Australia in Brisbane Lost 10-40
28.06.2008 v Australia in Sydney Lost 13-34

Last Five test Results between France and Ireland
09.02.2008 France 26-21 in Paris (6 Nations)
21.09.2007 France 25-3 in Paris (World Cup Warm Up)
11.02.2007 France 20-17 in Dublin (6 Nations)
11.02.2006 France 43-31 in Paris (6 Nations)
12.03.2005 France 26-19 in Dublin (6 Nations)

Ireland's last win was 15-12 in Dublin 2003.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Ireland 7th, France 8th
Europe Table-France 3rd, Ireland 4th

Prediction: France by 8 points

Teams

Ireland
15 Robert Kearney (Leinster) Age 24, 11 tests
14 Tommy Bowe (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales) 24, 18
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt (Leinster) 29, 87
12 Patrick Wallace (Ulster) 29, 12
11 Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster) 21, 7
10 Ronan O'Gara (Munster) 31, 87
9 Tomas O'Leary (Munster) 25, 3
8 James Heaslip (Leinster) 24, 13
7 David Wallace (Munster) 32, 50
6 Stephen Ferris (Ulster) 23, 8
5 Paul O'Connell (Munster) 29, 57
4 Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster) 29, 50
3 John Hayes (Munster) 35, 89
2 Jeremy Flannery (Munster) 30, 26
1 Marcus Horan (Munster) 31, 61
Replacements
16 Rory Best (Ulster) 26, 27
17 Thomas Court (Ulster) 28, New Cap
18 Malcolm O'Kelly (Leinster) 34, 90
19 Denis Leamy (Munster) 27, 34
20 Peter Stringer (Munster) 31, 85
21 Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster) 28, 37
22 Geordan Murphy (Leicester Tigers, England) 30, 58
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

Tom Court makes his test debut for Ireland. An amazing five players have played in 85 tests or more for Ireland.

France
15 Clement Poitrenaud (Stade Toulousain) age 26, 32 tests
14 Julien Malzieu (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 6
13 Florian Fritz (Stade Toulousain) 24, 13
12 Yannick Jauzion (Stade Toulousain) 30, 55
11 Maxime Medard (Stade Toulousain) 21, 3
10 Lionel Beauxis (Stade Français) 22, 11
9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde (Castres) 23, 4
8 Imanol Harinordoquy (Biarritz Olympique) 29, 51
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo (Montpellier) 22, 11
6 Thierry Dusautoir (Stade Toulousain) 27, 17
5 Lionel Nallet, Capt. (Castres) 32, 42
4 Sebastien Chabal (Sale, England) 30, 41
3 Benoit Lecouls (Stade Toulousain) 30, 5
2 Dimitri Szarzewski (Stade Français) 25, 30
1 Lionel Faure (Sale, England) 30, 6
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser (Leicester, England) 24, 5
17 Nicolas Mas (Perpignan) 28, 21
18 Romain Millo-Chluski (Stade Toulousain) 25, 4
19 Louis Picamoles (Montpellier) 22, 8
20 Morgan Parra (Bourgoin) 20, 4
21 Benoit Baby (Clermont Auvergne) 25, 6
22 Cedric Heymans (Stade Toulousain) 30, 43
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont

Beauxis last played test rugby for France v Argentina in the 2007 Rugby World Cup playoff. Fritz last played for France v Italy at the start of the 2007 6 Nations competition.

Test Rugby: Italy v England

07.02.2009
Italy v England at Twickenham

Just imagine England getting the fright of their life. Just imagaine Italy creating another chapter in the horror story that is England test rugby at the moment. Can Italy upset England at Twickenham in the first 6 Nations encounter for 2009?
What do you think? Post your comments here now.

Preview
England must win this game and win it well if they are to begin to erase the horror of their Autumn campaign. England lost to Australia, South Africa and New Zealand by wide margins, leaving their fans bewildered after the euphoria of the change of direction expected under Martin Johnson. Places in the British and Irish Lions will also be up for grabs at the end of the 6 Nations Tournament. England need to perform consistantly well if they are to command a presence in that squad. There is still that fragility and brittleness about this side and the inclusion of Andy Goode, so long out of the mix, has an air of uncertainty about the side.

Last Five Test Matches
29.11.2008 v New Zealand at Twickenham Lost 6-32
22.11.2008 v South Africa at Twickenham Lost 6-42
15.11.2008 v Australia at Twickenham Lost 14-28
08.11.2008 v Pacific Islands at Twickenham Won 39-13
21.06.2008 v New Zealand (2nd test) at Christchurch Lost 12-44

Italy have a steady and developing (still?) look about their squad. They have built their pack into one of the most formidable in the world with a huge number of very experienced players. It is in the backs and especially the inside backs that Italy has weaknesses. For this game, the lack of depth at scrum half sees the placing of a loose forward in this position. They have yet to make any real impact in the 6 Nations tournament since joining in 2000. Their rugby fans would be looking for a rise in standards of play and consistency in results. If ever Italy can knock the Poms over this could be their chance.

Last Five Tests played
22.11.2008 v Pacific Islands at Reggio Emilia Lost 17-25
15.11.2008 v Argentina at Turin Lost 14-22
08.11.2008 v Australia in Padova Lost 20-30
28.06.2008 v Argentina in Cordoba Won 13-12
21.06.2008 v South Africa in Capetwon Lost 0-26

Last Five Encounters England v Italy
10.02.2008 England 23-19 in Rome (6 Nations)
10.02.2007 England 20-7 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
11.02.2006 England 31-16 in Rome (6 Nations)
12.03.2005 England 39-7 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
15.02.2004 England 50-9 in Rome (6 Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-England 5th, Italy 10th
Europe Table-England 2nd, Italy 5th

Prediction: Italy by 7 points.

Teams

England
15 Delon Armitage (London Irish) Age 24, 4 tests
14 Paul Sackey (London Wasps) 29, 19
13 James Noon (Newcastle) 29, 37
12 Riki Flutey (London Wasps) 28, 4
11 Mark Cueto (Sale Sharks) 28, 24
10 Andrew Goode (CA Brive, France) 28, 9
9 Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers) 26, 22
8 Nicholas Easter (Harlequins) 33, 20
7 Steffon Armitage (London Irish) 23, 0
6 James Haskell (London Wasps) 23, 12
5 Nicholas Kennedy (London Irish) 27, 2
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt. (Saracens) 28, 44
3 Phillip Vickery (London Wasps) 32, 68
2 Lee Mears (Bath Rugby) 29, 28
1 Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) 29, 27
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints) 22, 4
17 Julian White (Leicester Tigers) 35, 44
18 Thomas Croft (Leicester Tigers) 22, 8
19 Joseph Worsley (London Wasps) 31, 66
20 Benjamin Foden (Northampton Saints) 23, 0
21 Shane Geraghty (London Irish) 22, 2
22 Mathew Tait (Sale Sharks) 22, 24
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

Goode last played for England v South Africa in November 2006, whilst 35 year old White makes a comeback after last appearing for England v Wales in the 6 Nations match of 2007. Geraghty also last appeared for England v Wales in 2007.
Trinidadian born Steffon Armitage in the starting XV and Foden from the bench will make their test debuts.
On the injured list: Daniel Care, Michael Tindall

Italy
15 Andrea Masi (Biarritz, France) 27, 45
14 Kane Robertson (Viadana) 28, 35
13 Gonzalo Canale (Clermont Auvergne, France) 26, 42
12 Gonzalo Garcia (Calvisano) 24, 5
11 Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Francais, France) 25, 56
10 Andrea Marcato (Benetton Treviso) 25, 11
9 Mauro Beragamasco (Stade Francais, France) 29, 67
8 Sergio Parisse, Capt (Stade Francais, France) 25, 57
7 Alessandro Zanni (Calvisano) 24, 26
6 Joshua Sole (Viadana) 28, 33
5 Marco Bortolami (Gloucester, England) 28, 70
4 Santiago Dellapé (Toulon, France) 30, 52
3 Martin Castrogiovani (Leicester Tigers, England) 27, 54
2 Fabio Ongaro (Saracens, England) 31, 58
1 Salvatore Perugini (Toulouse, France) 30, 55
Replacements
16 Carlo Festuccia (Racing Metro, France) 28, 45
17 Carlos Nieto (Gloucester, England) 32, 29
18 Tommaso Reato (Rovigo) 23, 6
19 Jean-Francois Montauriol (Casinò di Venezia) 24, 0
20 Giulio Toniolatti (Almaviva UR Capitolina) 24, 1
21 Luke McLean (Calvisano) 21, 3
22 Matteo Pratichetti (Calvisano) 23, 10
Head Coach: Nik Mallett

Mauro Beragamasco’s selection at scrum half, after spending most of his international career on the side of the scrum, is a very rare occurrence of a forward being selected as a back at this level of international rugby.

Referee: mark Lawrence (South Africa)

British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour to South Africa

Quick, quick...we must do this quickly!!

Quickly pick your 35 players ( the experts are saying the party will number about this) who you think, at this stage, just before the 6 Nations kicks off, will make the tour. We can each review the team at the conclusion of each round. Your final selection can be made in a period from 22 March up until the day before the final selection is made (Date to be confirmed). I'll organise a prize for the contributor who gets either all 35 players correct or the closest.

Don't forget to include your captain. You can also vary the number of players for each position. It's up to you

So to get you going, here are my 35 players selected prior to 6 Nations Round 1.

Fullbacks
Lee Byrne (Wales)
Geordan Murphy (Ireland)
Wingers
Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Rob Kearney (Ireland)
Chris Patterson (Scotland)
Shane Williams (Wales)
Centres
Tommy Bowe (Ireland)
Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland)
Luke Fitzgerald (Ireland)
Jamie Roberts (Wales)
Tom Shanklin (Wales)
Fly Halves
Stephen Jones (Wales)
Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
Scrum Halves
Mike Blair (Scotland)
Mike Phillips (Wales)
Danny Care (England)
Number Eights
Ryan Jones (Wales) (Captain)
Jamie Heaslip (Ireland)
Loose Forwards
David Wallace (Ireland)
John Barclay (Scotland)
Martyn Williams (Wales)
Stephen Ferris (Ireland)
Thomas Croft (England)
Lock Forwards
Paul O'Connell (Ireland)
Nathan Hines (Scotland)
Alan Wyn Jones (Wales)
Steve Borthwick (England)
Prop Forwards
Phil Vickery (England)
Euan Murray (Scotland)
Andrew Sheridan (England)
Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Julian White (England)
Hookers
Lee Mears (England)
Ross Ford (Scotland)
Rory Best (Ireland)

I'm looking forwards to viewing your selections. Come on, less than 12 hours or so before the kick off!!

International rugby: Wales v Scotland

08.02.2009
Wales v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)

Wales comes into this competition on top of the European rugby scene. They were the only team to prevent a Southern Hemisphere clean-sweep last November when they defeated Australia. So can they carry this form on to win another 6 Nations title? Are Wales that good? And can Scotland rise to cause what would be a major upset?
Post your opinions here now.

Test Rugby This Weekend 7-8 February

We got a little taste of international rugby in late January with England Saxons taking the sword to Portugal 66-0 in Sale, Northern England and tiny Monaco recording a 38-12 win over Azerbaijan. This weekend it's time for the BIG GAMES

07.02.2009
Italy v England at Twickenham (6 Nations)
France v Ireland in Dublin (6 Nations)
Georgia v Germany in Heidelberg (WCQ Europe R1, ENC 1)
Romania v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Russia v Portugal in Lisbon (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)

08.02.2009
Wales v Scotland at Murrayfield (6 Nations)

2008 A Year of Rugby Part 5

CAR Nations 20th-28th

Benin
Benin did not participate in international rugby in either 2007 and 2008 and thus falls off the ladder.

28th Burundi
Burundi played two matches in 2008, both at home in Bujumbura. The first was against a Belgian Club side made up mainly of Congolese. The Kibubu RFC played in place of the side from Congo who pulled out of the CAR Development Cup, South, Pool A tournament. Burundi went on to lose 5-7 to neighbour Rwanda.

27th Swaziland
Swaziland's only game in 2008 was against Botswana in Gaborone to decide who would move on to the World Cup qualifying matches for Africa. The 7-25 loss eliminated Swaziland.

26th Algeria
Algeria played its first ever international rugby test against Tunisia 'B' in Nabeul. The Algerians won 8-7. They also played club sides in France and look set to enter the CAR competitions soon.

25th Rwanda
Rwanda travelled to Bujumbura to play in the CAR Development Trophy, South, Pool A. They defeated the home side Burundi 7-5. Unfortunately they were unable to play the winner of the other CAR South winner.

24th Mali
Mali played its first international rugby test in 2003. Since then they have failed to make much impression in the local tournaments. in 2008 the team travelled to Accra, Ghana to play in the North Zone, Pool B. All the games were low-scoring affairs, and although they drew 3-3 with Niger they lost their other games.

23rd Chad
Chad first played international rugby in 2006. They won their first ever test match 10-0 against Mali in the CAR Development Trophy Tournament in Accra, Ghana. The Chadians lost their two other games.

22nd-Togo
Togo won two of their three games in the 2007 CAR Castel Beer cup matches in the tournament played in Lagos. They won only one match in this years tournament, thus slipping to 22nd on the African ladder.

21st Ghana
As host of this years CAR Tournament for Africa's minor nations, the Ghanese were expected to do well. They lost to Burkino Faso by one point but it was enough to push them out of the final. They won their other two games comfortably.

20th Burkino Faso
Winners of the CAR Castel Beer Trohpy, North Pool B tournament in 2007, the Fasians were expected to challenge strongly for the title in 2008. They defeated Chad easily in their first game but only just won 9-8 against hosts Ghana in the second. Niger was too strong for them in the final.

For a full list of all the above nations international rugby results go to www.rugbyinternational.net.

Next I will cover Africa from 10th to 19th place

Overseas

I will be away overseas 11 January to 1 February. This blog will not be updated during this time.

Come back though in February for a continued summary of 2008 and some insight into the 6 Nations and European Nations Cup international Championships.

2008 A Year of Rugby Part 4

North America

The main features about international rugby in North America was the NAWIRA (North American and West Indies Rugby Association) World Cup qulaifying matches and the USA v Canada Churchill Cup clash.

12th Costa Rica
Costa Rica participated in the CONSUR B (South American Zone) competition in 2006, held in Caracus. They were outclassed in all their games and stayed away from international competition to rebuild. In 2008 they hosted the Cayman Islands losing 17-20 in San Juan on 17 May. This was a very good effort considering the Caymans had particpated in the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying matches in April. Coast Rica may well look to NAWIRA for future competition.

11th Saint Vincent and Grenadines
This country, like Costa Rica, re entered the international scene after a year's absence. They played Mexico at home in late March to decide the final place in the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament on Grand Cayman. The Mexicans, also playing for the first time since 2006, won easily 47-7.


10th Jamaica
Jamaica was one of a number of Caribbean nations to reappear on the international scene after a few years absence. Jamaica lost all their games but they were all close encounters, including a 3-10 loss to Guyana, one of the tournament finalists, in the first World Cup knockout match.


9th Cayman Islands
The hosts of the NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament could well be disappointed with their 7th placing. They were outplayed by eventual tournament winner Trinidad and Tobago in the first match, a World Cup knockout match, then lost to newcomers Mexico in the second and then defeated Jamaica in the Shield final. Caymans then travelled to Costa Rica in May to narrowly defeat their hosts 20-17.


8th Mexico
Mexico qualified for the NAWIRA Tournament after a 47-7 win against St Vincent and Grenadines away. At the tournament they nearly caused a major upset in their first game, just losing 20-21 to Barbados in the World Cup knockout round. They then suprised the hosts Cayman Islands to win 13-7 but lost their last game to Bahamas.


7th Bahamas
The Bahamas lost their first game of the NAWIRA Tournament 13-29 to Bermuda in the World Cup qualifying knockout round. They went on to win the other two matches against Jamaica and Mexico to take the tournament's bowl prize.


6th Barbados
Barbados was the team that won the 2005 NAWIRA World Cup qualifying tournament, which included a 25-17 win over Trinidad and Tobago. The Barbadians went on to play the USA and Canada for a place in the World Cup Final. They lost heavily to the two North American giants but were expected to fare well again at this tournament. They started with a very shakey 21-20 win over Mexico and were humbled 0-56 against Trinidad and Tobago in the next match. A dispirited team then lost the plate final to Bermuda 6-17 to end a disappointing tournament.


5th Bermuda
Bermuda has been around the Caribbean Championship scene for over thirty years. Their most recent matches were losses to Cayman Islands and Canada Under 21 in a tournament in the Caymans in 2006. At the 2008 NAWIRA tournament they started in style defeating the Bahamas 29-13 but then lost 13-25 to eventual finalist Guyana 13-25. In their last match they defeated Barbados 17-6 to take the Plate final.


4th Guyana
Guyana had defeated Trinidad and Tobago 29-21 back in the NAWIRA Tournament in 2005. After winning their first two games at the 2008 NAWIRA tournament, the Guyanese were pitted against the Trindadians in the final. They showed great spirit in the final only to lose to the better side 24-40.


3rd Trinidad and Tobago
The Trinidadians defeated Guyana 40-24 in the final and won the right to play the CONSUR B finalist Brazil to move to the next World Cup qualifying stage. Althought they lost both legs of the games against Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago can be proud to be the champion team of the Caribbean until the next NAWIRA competition.


2nd United States
For the third year running the USA had to play second fiddle to their northern neighbours Canada. The USA lost 10-26 to Canada in Chicago in the Churchill Cup 5th/6th (Bowl) playoff.

1st Canada

Part 5 will look at Africa (CAR-Confederation Africa Rugby) placings 20th to 29th

Seasons Greetings

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL

2008 A Year of Rugby; Part 3

Oceania

Travel! For the lower nations on this table this has been a major factor in their international rugby arrangements for 2008, especially at the senior level.

Oceania is governed by FORU, The Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions. There are fourteen rugby unions affiliated to this federation. The minor unions are divided into two zones, East and West. These zones will be involved in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying process in 2009, the winner playing Samoa for a place in the Cup Finals.

Each zone holds a round robin tournament at one venue with the winners squaring off for a single winner-takes-all title. There is no promotion-relegation into the Pacific Nations Cup, which involves Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.

In 2008 the Eastern Zone tournament was to be held in Rarotonga, whilst the West was to be in Noumea. It was expected that American Samoa would enter for the first time. But it all turned out to be a bit of a fizzer.

Firstly, Papua and New Guinea and Solomon Islands pulled out of the Western Zone, to be held in Noumea, at the last minute due to travel difficulties. PNG had warmed up with a 5-41 loss to Fiji 'A' in the curtain raiser to the Fiji v Samoa game at Lautoka, June 7. Wallis and Futuna also withdrew. That just left Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with the home side winning 29-20.

The Eastern Zone fared no better. Tahiti pulled out as did American Samoa leaving just the Cook Islands and Niue to play in Rarotonga. The Cook's decided only to play home-based players and lost 7-18, a mistake I'm sure they will not make in next years World Cup qualifiers.

The final in Noumea saw Niue easily win 27-5 to take the Oceania Cup for 2008.

Neither Tahiti nor Solomon Islands played international rugby in 2008 so they both drop off the table. The lower rankings look like this.

10th-Vanuatu
9th - New Caledonia
8th-Papua New Guinea
7th - Cook Islands
6th-Niue

Samoa, Tonga and Fiji played in the Pacific Nations Cup, along with Japan, Australia 'A' and New Zealand Maori.

5th-Fiji
The Fijians were unable to improve on their 5th placing in 2007. Traditionally the leading Pacific island nation over the years they have slipped against their close neighbours. An early win over Samoa was countered by an away loss to Tonga in the last fixture of the tournament, sealing Fiji's 5th ranking.

4th-Tonga
The Tongans slipped from 3rd in 2007, losing to Samoa early in the tournament but upsetting the Fijians at home to prevent a slip further to 5th place. Generally the Tongans were unable to maintain their magnificent efforts at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

3rd-Samoa
Although losing to Fiji early in the tournament, the Samoans came back strongly with a youthful side to defeat Tonga at the right time and secure 3rd place. The gap from 3rd to 2nd to the top nations was emphasised with the Samoans' 14-101 loss to New Zealand in New Plymouth

New Zealand and Australia again hold the top two positions. It is difficult to see any other Oceania nations coming anywhere near these two.

2nd-Australia
For the fourth year in a row the Aussies play second fiddle to the Kiwis who had a magnificent season, except for a slight wobble in the middle of the Tri Nations. New Zealand and Australia played four times for the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand dropped the first encounter in Sydney, but then took out the next three, including an historic meeting in Hong Kong, to keep their top position in Oceania.

1st-New Zealand.

Part 4 will see a review of North American rugby

For a complete list of all 2008 GWC Rugby Rankings, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

2008 A year of Rugby, Part 2

I will now look at each region and work my way through the nations of that region from the bottom up. Part 2 looks at South America, or its official IRB name CONSUR (Confederation Sudamericana de Rugby).

The 2008 CONSUR B tournament was held in Asuncion, Paraguay and signalled that nations return to international rugby after an absence of 3 years. The tournament was also part of the 2011 World Cup qualifying process, the winner playing the North American zone winner in order to proceed.

8th-Peru
Peru lost all their games and finished last. They hosted the 2007 tournament in Lima where they did well in only losing to tournament winner Brazil. They lost heavily in all their games except for the 20-25 loss to Colombia. They dropped from 6th Ranking in 2007.

7th-Colombia
Colombia hold the same ranking as in 2007, again managing to win only one of its games, a close 25-20 win over Peru. They have never got close to either Brazil nor Paraguay, the top seeds in CONSUR B.

6th-Venezuela
Venezuela was the first CONSUR B winner outside of Brazil and Paraguay to play in CONSUR A against the likes of Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. This took place in 2004 but it was a disaster. Venezuela were well below the required standard losing all the games heavily, including 147-7 against Argentina. That little experiment would not be repeated. In 2008 though, and against similiar standards, they fared better than their last in 2007. Wins over Colombia and Peru ensured a better placing, but they lost heavily to both Paraguay and Brazil.

5th-Paraguay
What a disappointment 2008 turned out for the Paraguayans. A self imposed exile from international rugby to build their strength and their finances failed in the last match of the tournament. Brazil caused a major upset to topple the hosts 15-6.

4th-Brazil
In winning this tournament Brazil won the right to play Trinidad and Tobago for the right to proceed in the 2011 World Cup qualifiers. Their 15-6 win over Paraguay was their first since 1979. They won all their other tournament matches easily. Brazil also qualified for the World Table because they played against Trinidad and Tobago, outside their region.

3rd-Chile
The Chileans failed to improve on their position from 2007. They lost 71-3 to Argentina 'A' and 46-12 to Uruguay to record a most disappointing season. Their standard has slipped since the expansive days of 2001-2004 when Chile made a huge effort to play outside their zone.

2nd-Uruguay
Uruguay cemented its place in South American rugby underneath the Argentinians with a 46-12 win at home against Chile and a 8-43 loss to Argentina 'A' in May. A trip to the USA in early November with a below par side registered a loss 43-9. Earlier, Uruguay travelled to Bucharest to play in the IRB Nations Cup. They played impressively to hold Romania 6-10, Georgia 18-20 and finally Russia 19-23.

1st-Argentina
Argentina hold their top position without being threatened. Their 'A' side did the job comfortably. Argentina is of course concentrating their efforts with the No.1 side, using the CONSUR tournaments to blood their home-based players into international rugby.

Part 3 will look at the Oceania Zone.

2008: A year of Rugby. Part 1

2008 A year of Rugby will follow in a number of parts as Rugbyinternational looks at rugby around the world at the international level.

Part 1: What is GWC Rugby Rankings?

My Rugby Ranking system is simplicity to a fault. It's so easy it defies all the technically enhanced computer generated systems led of course by the IRB Ranking System.

The IRB System is now so respected that it determines the placings of the top Rugby nations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. That seeding system was completed with the 2008 November round of international rugby tests and the resulting draw for that tournament was made in early December.

The only real grizzle I have with such a system is that teams who never play each other are all ranked in together. For the top tier of nations that is not really a problem as they mostly play each other in a clalendar season. When you go beyond that level teams who never play each other are ranked together. To me that is just not logical.

So about 5 years ago I came up with a simple system of ranking nations in geographical groups, which is where most teams below the top tier play. So I grouped teams in the following areas.

Europe
North America
South America
Asia
Oceania
Africa

The rankings follow the old tennis ladder system. If you defeat a team above you on the ladder, you move to their position, and then all teams move down. If you draw with a team above you you go to the position imediately below, with all teams in between moving down.

The rankings are readjusted at the end of any tournament. In the 6 Nations tournament, if team No.1 is defeated by team No.6 in the last round there may not be a change if, on the points table there is no change. Small adjustments can be made.

All teams are ranked in their geographical zones, and then if they play a test match across the regions they then enter the World Table as well, which of course is the premier table. For example, both Hong Kong and Tunisia entered the World Table earlier in the year as they played two tests, home and away. Hong Kong is in the Asian zone whilst Tunisia is in the African. Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago also entered the World Table for 2008 because they played against each other in Rugby World Cup qualifying matches.

A team must play a test match within a calendar year to remain on any table. Teams drop out of the World Table for the same reason. No play, no gain.

The ladder philosophy is very simple. You are only as good as the last game you played.

You can view the completed GWC Rugby Ranking tables at www.rugbyinternational.net.

Post your views on the various ranking systems around. Post the links here and others can view and discuss. Look forwards to hearing from you.

Test Rugby results 6 Dec.

06.12.2008
Serbia 32, Andorra 7 in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Cyprus 24, Monaco 3 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

Rugby Test: Monaco v Cyprus

06.12.2008
Monaco v Cyprus in Episkopi (ENC 3D)

Venue: Happy Valley, RAF Episkopi, Near Limassol

Previews
Cyprus come into this test match with an impressive 37-3 win over Azerbaijan away last weekend. A clear win over Monaco here will put the Cypriots up there with Bosnia Herzegovina as competition leaders.

These two teams met for the first time in October last year at the ENC 3D tournament held in Cyprus. On that occassion Cyprus won 19-10. Cypris won that tournament and qualified to play Israel in a 3C/3D playoff in September. The result placed Cyprus back into ENC 3D and out of World Cup qualification. They will be out to make amends.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Cyprus 39th, Monaco 41st.

Prediction: Cyprus by 15 points.

Teams not available

Test Rugby: Andorra v Serbia

06.12.2008
Andorra v Serbia in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)

Preview
Andorra and Serbia have both had a shocker start to the new competition. Andorra lost 10-26 to competition high-roller and new comer Lithuania at home. Serbia crashed 0-41 to Armenia at this same venue back in September after defeating Armenia 19-8 back in May! Picking form is going to be tricky.

Andorra are without some of their leading players due to injury. Heading into Serbia for the first time the Andorrans will find this assignment tough although they will be slight favourites. There is no information available about the make up of the Serbian side.

These two teams have not met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Andorra 24th, Serbia 27th

Prediction: Andorra by 6 points

Teams
David Martinez
Roger Font
Xavier Vilasetru
Joan Castellon
Franck Mitjana
Oscar Cabanes
Ritchie Ortega
Marcos Cellone
Josef Chelidze
Paul Alieu
David Kirikashvili
Toni Carmona
Peter Ambor
Waki Tchatokey
Fabian Tonino
Jonathan Garcia
Eduard Vergara
Sergi Lucas
Roger Fite
Marc Gispert
Flavien Sayo
Maxim Taurinya
Anthony Gaulin
Benjami Fajol
Roberto Gimenez
Emmanuel Sarti-Gardes
Gerard Sotera
Head Coach:

Special thanks to ‘AndorranFanClub’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2950
For Andorra: Taurinyà, Magallón, Jonathan Garcia, Lucas, Paul Alieu and Carmona are all injured, Thanks to 'Quentin'.

Serbia-Not available

December-January

The months of December and January are the quietest months of international rugby around the world. There are a few more games to be played, mostly in the European Championship, known as the European Nations Cup. They are in the lower divisions.

The international action hots up again in February when the 6 Nations International Championship for 2009 gets underway, and the European Nations Cup fires up, especially in Division 1 games.

So what is this blog going to do for two months? I've made a list below. If there are aspects of the international game you want to know about then you can add a question in the comments box.

Here we go..

• A review of international rugby in 2008
• A summary of the European Nations Cup, which is sort of mid-season now.
• A best of for 2008 (best try, best player, most improved team, biggest upset..all ideas I think I'll pinch from the FIRA-AER forum)
• Just what is this 'GWC Rugby Rankings' you see on every game preview.
• A summary of the final table of GWC Rankings 2008
• In January a preview of the 6 Nations Championship
• A look at the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour.
• A look at the 2011 Rugby World Cup Qualifying process and where it is up to.
• How about a quiz with some prizes?
• A look at some other rugby blogs from around the world.
• The web sites I most use to build my data base of international rugby.

Gee Wizz, I thought I might have a rest over December-January. That's not going to happen. Well, after all, there are a lot of rugby fans out there busting to find out more about this game of rugby.

So, fire your questions/ideas at me.

Test Results: 29 November

29.11.2008
New Zealand 32, England 6 at Twickenham
Wales 21, Australia 18 in Cardiff
Bulgaria 18, Luxembourg 10 in Luxembourg City (WCQ Euro.R2:ENC2A)
Cyprus 37, Azerbaijan 3 in Baku (ENC 3D)

Rugby Test: New Zealand v England

29.11.2008
New Zealand v England at Twickenham

Preview
After last week's hammering by the Springbox and a flood of criticism from the Press you would think Martin Johnson and his team would be cringing in their rugby boots at the thought of a rampant All Black side. Well, rugby is a funny game and we have seen this English side bounce back before. Remember the 2007 Rugby World Cup? South Africa defeated England 36-0. England then bounced back to defeat Australia 12-10 and then to play South Africa again in the final. After all, one of Martin Johnson's bleak looks would be enough to motivate any player to play better. I expect England to put up a much stronger display but they are a very inexperienced side and they will be playing the best rugby side in the world.

The All Blacks are clever enough to know that England has bounced back before. They will be expecting a much tougher England side determined to make amends for last weekend's disaster. The New Zealanders have commented that they can still up their game by 20%. Well, look out England if they do. This team is playing excellent rugby at the moment and has swept all before it on this tour. I can't see England getting close.

Last Five Encounters
21.06.2008 New Zealand 44-12 in Christchurch
14.06.2008 New Zealand 37-20 in Auckland
05.11.2006 New Zealand 41-20 at Twickenham
19.11.2005 New Zealand 23-19 at Twickenham
19.06.2004 New Zealand 36-12 in Auckland.

The last time England defeated New Zealand was the one off test in Wellington in June 2003. England won 15-13 and then went on to win the World Cup in Australia four months later. The last time England defeated New Zealand at Twickenham was in November 2002 when they won 31-28. This was the time when England was at its height.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, England 5th

Prediction: New Zealand by 28 points.

Teams

England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Paul Sackey
13 James Noon
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Tobias Flood
9 Daniel Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Michael Lipman
6 James Haskell
5 Nicholas Kennedy
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery,
2 Lee Mears
1 Timothy Payne.
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Matthew Stevens
18 Thomas Croft
19 Thomas Rees
20 Harold Ellis
21 Daniel Cipriani
22 Daniel Hipkiss
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina
14 Joseph Rokocoko
13 Conrad Smith
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Daniel Carter
9 James Cowan
8 Rodney So'oialo
7 Richard McCaw, Capt.
6 Jerome Kaino
5 Alistair Williams
4 Bradley Thorn
3 Neemia Tialata
2 Keven Mealamu
1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements
16 Hikawera Elliot
17 John Afoa
18 Anthony Boric
19 Kieran Read
20 Piri Weepu
21 Stephen Donald
22 Isaia Toeava
Head Coach: Graham Henry

Test Rugby: Australia v Wales

29.11.2008
Australia v Wales in Cardiff

Preview
Australia is looking to emulate the South Africans and, probably, the New Zealanders, in winning all tests on this tour. So far all the Southern Hemisphere sides (except Argentina) have won all their games in the North. If Australia and New Zealand can win tomorrow it will create a clean-sweep the likes of which has not happened before.

Wales will be desperate to win. The put pressure on their opponents in all their November tests but have been unable to consistently keep that pressure up for 80 minutes. The best they kept for New Zealand, dominating the first half but were unable to do so for the second. They will be wanting to play like that for the whole match.

Australia just keeps getting better and better. Robbie Deans has made a bi difference with this youngish side and they pose a big threat to Wales. They key will be in the forwards where the tight five can dominate and the loosies are quick to the breakdowns. Australia will be hard to defeat.

Last Five Encounters
15.09.2007 Australia 32-20 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool B)
02.06.2007 Australia 31-0 in Brisbane
26.05.2008 Australia 29-23 in Sydney
04.11.2006 Drawn 29-29 in Cardiff
26.11.2005 Wales 24-22 in cardiff

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 3rd, Wales 4th

Prediction: Australia by 4 points.

Teams

Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Mark Jones
13 Thomas Shanklin
12 James Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Andrew Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones, Capt.
5 Alun-Wyn Jones
4 Ian Gough
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Martin Roberts
21 James Hook
22 Andrew Bishop
Head Coach; Warren Gatland

Australia
15 Drew Mitchell
14 Peter Hynes
13 Ryan Cross
12 Stirling Mortlock, Capt.
11 Digby Ioane
10 Matthew Giteau
9 Luke Burgess
8 Richard Brown
7 Phillip Waugh
6 Hugh McMeniman
5 Nathan Sharpe
4 Mark Chisholm
3 Alistair Baxter
2 Stephen Moore
1 Benn Robinson
Replacements
16 Adam Freier
17 Matthew Dunning
18 Dean Mumm
19 George Smith
20 Samuel Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Lote Tuqiri/Adam Ashley-Cooper
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

Rugby Test: Bulgaria v Luxembourg

29.11.2008
Bulgaria v Luxembourg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)

Preview
Bulgaria are in trouble. Their condidence is low after their shock loss at home to Israel and they rarely play well away from home.

Luxembourg drooped their first game away against Finland so has a grand opportunity to win this vital home fixture.

Previous Encounters
24.04.2004 Luxembourg 39-5 (ENC 3B)
18.10.1997 Luxembourg 39-6 in Sofia (FIRA Bronze A)
1993 Bulgaria 16-13 in Luxembourg (FIRA C1)
1989 Bulgaria 13-4 in Sofia (FIRA C)
1988 Bulgaria 14-4 in Luxembourg (FIRA C)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 33rd, Luxembourg 35th

Prediction: Luxembourg by 3 points.

Teams

Not available

Test Rugby: Cyprus v Azerbaijan

29.11.2008
Cyprus v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)

Preview
ENC 3D is the last/newest division formed by FIRA-AER. Previously a single venue played host in a tournament format. For the first time this division, for 2008-10, is played out as the other divisions. Although the teams do not qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying tests the competition is fierce. The aim is, after two seasons, to win the division and automatically qualify for promotion to Division 3C.

Azerbaijan tavelled last weekend to Zenica to face the Bosnians with an undermanned side, having to leave ten front-line players behind due to injuries or work committments. The lost 7-18, putting up a garnd fight in a game many, including myself, thought they would lose by an avalanche.

Cyprus will play their second game of the season. In September they travelled to Israel to play for a place in the next division up. Unfortunately for them, they lost 14-23. This meant they stayed in ENC 3D whilst Israel went up to ENC 3C. The Cypriates could field a very strong side providing their top players can travel.

Azerbaijan will be working on improving from their loss last week and may be just a little too strong for the visitors.

Previous Encounter
28.10.2007 Cyprus 29-0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 39th, Azerbaijan 42nd.

Prediction: Cyprus by 7 points

Teams not available

Test rugby this weekend.

29.11.2008
New Zealand v England at Twickenham
Australia v Wales in Cardiff
Luxembourg v Bulgaria in Cessange (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Azerbaijan v Cyprus in Baku (ENC 3D)

Test Result: South Africa 42, England 6

South Africa recorded a win on Saturday that saw England suffer their heaviest defeat ever at Twickenham.

Comment.
This must be a severe set back for Martin Johnson and his team. Just what went wrong and why? English fans must have had nowhere to look coming out of Twickenham last Saturday. Just how angry are they? So many questions after such a loss.

What is your comment? Post your views here.

My Apologies

I have been only occasionally able to work on updating this blog this week due to work committments. Also because of work committments the usual data for each test player in team lists will not be available. Unfortunately my busiest month in my job coincides with the busiest test rugby month of the year. Such is life!

Latest International Rugby Results: 22 Nov.

Updated
22.11.2008
New Zealand 29, Wales 9 in Cardiff
South Africa 42, England 6 at Twickenham
Australia 18, France 13 in Paris
Ireland 17, Argentina 3 in Dublin
Pacific Islands 45, Italy 17 inReggio Emilia
Japan 32, United States 17 in Tokyo
Scotland 41, Canada 0 in Aberdeen
Uruguay 46, Chile 12 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Czech Republic 11, Moldova 9 in Prague (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)
Israel 25, Greece 10 in Kfissia (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina 18, Azerbaijan 7 in Zenica (ENC 3D)

Test Rugby: Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina

22.11.2008
Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)

Preview
Earlier in the season Bosnia crushed Monaco 52-5 and last October Monaco crushed Azerbaijan 41-3. The arithematic does not look good for the visiting Azerbaijanies. Bosnia look to be way ahead in this division and Azerbaijan will struggle.

Previous Encounters
14.05.2006 Bosnia & H. 28-7 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
30.04.2005 Azerbaijan 11-6 in Baku (ENC 3C)
16.04.2005 Bosnia & H. 36-17 in Zenica (ENC 3C)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia & H. 38th, Azerbaijan 42nd.

Prediction: Bosnia & H. by 70 points.

Teams not available

Test Rugby: Israel v Greece in Kfissia

22.11.2008
Israel v Greece in Kfissia (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)

Preview
Israel is fresh from an upset away win over Bulgaria. That was Israel's third win in a row and they now look to be a leading contender in this division.

The Greeks started their life in this division with an away win over Finland. Much newer to competition rugby at this level the Greeks may struggle against the Israelies but they will have a good home crowd behind them.

These two teams have not met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Israel 32nd, Greece 36th.

Prediction: Israel by 14 points.

Teams not available

Rugby Test: Moldova v Czech Republic

22.11.2008
Moldova v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)

Preview
Following their 20-8 win over ENC 2A high rollers Belgium last weekend, the Moldovans move to Prague with confidence. Having fallen at the last couple of hurdles last season and bailing out of top division contention, the Moldovans look to have a harder resolve. They travel to Prague with the same squad of 26 the prepared for Belgium.

The Czechs lost 7-13 to Poland last weekend to confirm predictions that this could be one of the closest of all divisions in ENC. The inclusion of Toulon back Martin Jagr will make a huge difference to the organisation of the Czech backline. This could well be a different team performance from last week. A Czech win could through the competition wide open.

This is the first time these two nations have met.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Czech Republic 14th, Moldova 15th

Prediction: Czech Republic by 2 points

Teams

Czech Republic
15 Tomáš Krejčí (Dragon Brno)
14 Martin Jágr, Capt. (Toulon, France)
13 Martin Pekárek (Říčany)
12 Jan Kolář (Slavia Praha)
11 Michal Schlanger (Říčany)
10 Milan Jirman (Slavia Praha)
9 Pavel Syrový (Praga Praha)
8 Jiří Buryánek (Dragon Brno)
7 Jan Macháček (Slavia Praha)
6 Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France)
5 Robert Voves (Narbonne, France)
4 Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
3 Lukáš Rapant (US Oyonnax, France)
2 Jiří Skall (RC Sparta Praha)
1 Roman Šuster (RC Rouen, France)
Replacements
Jan Benda (Sparta Praha)
Martin Wognitsch (Oyonnax, France)
Tomáš Veniger (Tatra Smíchov)
Josef Bláha (Říčany)
Petr Okleštěk (Auxerre, France)
Jan Rudolf (Tatra Smíchov)
Roman Kodera (Říčany)
Head Coach: Martin Kafka
http://www.rugby.cz/s-martinem-jagrem-proti-moldavsku

Moldova Squad
Dumitru Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Victor Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Anton Bajutinde (Olimp - Electromaş Tiraspol)
Adrian Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Vasile Bolea (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Ion Buşilă (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)
Sergiu Castraveţ (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Chirilă (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Maxim Cobîlaş (Steaua Bucureşti, Romania)
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Vitalie Coropcean (UTM Chişinău)
Alexei Cotruţa (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Vitalie Gîra (UTM Chişinău)
Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău)
Veaceslav Lozinschii (USEFS Blumarine)
Octavian Manoli (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Alexandr Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexandru Şîşcan, Capt. (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Pavel Titarenco (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Veaceslav Titica (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Constantin Zubco (USEFS Blumarine)
Head Coach: Vasile Revencu

Rugby Test: Chile v Uruguay

22.11.2008
Chile v Uruguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A)

Preview
Uruguay looks to be a stronger side than that which travel to the USA. A couple of overseas-based players have arrived in Montevideo to strengthen the side. The Chileans have called only upon home-based players.

Argentina 'A' defeated Chile 71-3 in Santiago earlier this month in this competition.

Last Five Encounters
25.08.2007 Uruguay 35-34 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
22.07.2006 Uruguay 43-15 in Montevideo (WCQ America, South)
11.05.2005 Chile 34-25 in Buenos Aires (26th S.America Champ.)
01.05.2004 Uruguay 20-13 in Santiago (25th S.America Champ.)
26.04.2003 Uruguay 20-13 in Montevideo (24th S.American Champ.)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Chile 23rd, Uruguay 24th
South America Table-Uruguay 2nd, Chile 3rd

Prediction: Uruguay by 17 points

Teams

Chile Squad
Matetic Andres (Alumni)
Sebastian Aviles (Alumni)
Oliver Bassa (Santo Tomas)
Felipe Burgos (Troncos)
Felipe Osorio Burgos (Troncos)
Matias Cabrera (Old Boys)
Francisco De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's)
Sergio De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's)
Francisco Deformes (Old Mackayan's)
Ignacio Deformes (Old Mackayan's )
Bejamin Del Solar (Old Boys)
Manuel Gurruchaga (Old john's)
Cristian Manzur (Univ.Catolica)
Andres Matetic (COBS)
Cristian Onetto (COBS)
Juan Pablo Perrota (Univ.Catolica)
Javier Reyes (Prince of Wales Country Club)
Diego Schachner (COBS)
Pablo Sepulveda (Old Georgeans)
Javier Valderrama (Old John's)
Nicolas Venegas (Stade Francais)
Cristobal Westenenk (Old Boys)
Head Coach: Daniel Graco

Uruguay Squad
15 Jeronimo Etcheverry (Carasco Polo)
14 Jolivet (?)
13 Joaquin Pastore (Old Boys)
12 Martin Llovet (Old Christians)
11 Juan Lavat (Old Christians)
10 Matias Arocena (Old Christians)
9 Juan Campomar (Old Boys)
8 Nicolas Brignoni (Oyonax, France)
7 Alfredo Giuria (L’Aquila, Italy)
6 Ignacio Conti (Carasco Polo)
5 De Oliveria (?)
4 Juan Bado (Montauban, France)
3 Pablo Lemoine, Capt. (Montevideo Cricket)
2 Carlos Arboleya (Trebol)
1 Rodrigo Sanchez (Carasco Polo)
Replacements
16 Nicholas Klappembach (Champagnat)
17 Mario Sagario (Carasco Polo)
18 Matias Fonseca (Los Cuervos)
19 Martin Espiga (Old Christians)
20 Manuel Martinez (Old Christians)
21 Nicholas Morales (Trebol)
22 To be named
Head Coach: Guillermo Garcia
http://www.uru.org.uy/show.php?page=completa&i=1272

Rugby Test: United States v Japan

22.11.2008
United States v Japan in Tokyo (2nd test)

Preview
The USA team will improve the longer they are together. They lost shape as a team against Japan and with good coaching that should improve this week.


The question is will they improve enough to get past a Japanese side that is batting well above their weight. With 16 top line players out with injury coach John Kirwan has this young side firing at the right time.


Prediction: USA by 3 points

Teams

United States
15 Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)
14 Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France)
13 Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma, Italy)
12 Junior Sifa (Midleton)
11 Gavin Debartolo (Eastern Suburbs)
10 Michael Hercus (IBM, Japan)
9 Mike Petri (New York AC)
8 Pat Quinn (Denver Barbarians)
7 Todd Clever, Capt. (Xerox Lions)
6 Inaki Basaui (Agen, France)
5 Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
4 John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians)
3 Brian LeMay (Boston Irish Wolfhounds)
2 Mark Crick (Potomac AC)
1 Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England)
Replacements
16 Joseph Welch (Univ. of California)
17 Mate Moeakiola (undeclared)
18 Courney MacKay (Auckland, New Zealand)
19 JJ Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, Sth Africa)
20 Chad Erskine (Rotherham)
21 Thretton Palamo (Biarritz, France)
22 Valenese Malifa (Belmont Shore)
Head Coach: Scott Johnson
http://www.gainline.us/

Japan
15. Kaoru Matsushita (Yamaha)
14. Kosuke Endo (Toyota)
13 Bryce Robins (NEC)
12. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory)
11. Koji Tomioka (Yamaha)
10. Shaun Webb (World)
9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo)
8. Ryu Holani (Sanyo)
7. Takashi Kikutani, Capt. (Toyota)
6. Michael Leitch (Tokai University)
5. Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota)
4. Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba)
3. Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory)
2. Yusuke Aoki (Suntory)
1. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe Steel)
Replacements
16. Naonori Mizuyama (NEC)
17. Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo)
18. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu)
19. Mosata Toyida (Toshiba)
20. Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba)
21. Masakazu Irie (Sanyo)
22. Piei Mafileo (Nihon University)
Head Coach: John Kirwan
http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=433&Itemid=1

Test Rugby: Pacific Islands v Italy

22.11.2008
Pacific Islands v Italy

Preview
This test match looks an interesting contest. These two teams have never met before. Both teams are looking for their first win in the 'Autumn' series.Only occasionally have the Italans played any of the Pacific Island nations.

The Pacific Islanders have looked well short of a gallop in each of their games. They just haven't had the preperation time the other teams have been allowed.

Italy looked the goods against Australia and then dropped the game against Argentina. The size and grunt of their pack should be enough to hold the Islanders but their backs just can't find the gaps

Prediction: Italy by 14

Teams

Italy
15 Andrea Masi
14 Kaine Robertson
13 Mirco Bergamasco
12 Gonzalo Garcia
11 Matteo Pratichetti
10 Andrea Marcato
9 Pietro Travagli
8 Sergio Parisse, Capt.
7 Mauro Bergamasco
6 Joshua Sole
5 Marco Bortolami
4 Tommaso Reato
3 Carlos Nieto
2 Leonardo Ghiraldini
1 Matias Aguero
Replacements
16 Fabio Ongaro
17 Andrea Lo Cicero
18 Salvatore Perugini
19 Alessandro Zanni
20 Pablo Canavosio/Giulio Toniolatti
21 Luke McLean
22 Riccardo Pavan
Head Coach: Nik Mallett

Pacific Islands
15 Kameli Ratuvou
14 Sailosi Tagicakibau
13 Seilala Mapusua
12 Epi Taione
11 Vilimoni Delasau
10 Seremaia Bai
9 Sililo Martens
8 Sisa Koyamaibole
7 Nili Latu, Capt.
6 Viliami Vaki
5 Paino Hehe
4 Filipo Levi
3 Kisi Pulu
2 Tanielu Fuga
1 Justin Va'a
Replacements
16 Sunia Koto
17 Tonga Lea'aetoa
18 Semisi Naevo
19 Hale T-Pole
20 Mosese Rauluni
21 Seru Rabeni
22 Gavin Williams
Head Coach: Quiddus Fielea

Test Match: Argentina v Ireland

22.11.2008
Argentina v Ireland in Dublin

Preview
On a magnificent occasion in Paris last September Argentina powered their way to a 30-15 win over Ireland in Pool D to propel themselves in the Quarter Finals and bounce Ireland out of the tournament. One just feels Argentina has not been able to recapture the high standard of that match in their November 2008 tour so far.

As for Ireland, they are rebuilding after that failed World Cup and a number of new players has emerged on the scene. Some of the old hands from that World Cup are still around making the team an interesting mix.

Last Five Encounters
30.09.2007 Argentina 30-15 in Paris (World Cup, Pool D)
02.06.2007 Argentina 16-0 in Buenos Aires
26.05.2007 Argentina 22-20 in Santa Fe
27.11.2004 Ireland 21-19 in Dublin
26.10.2003 Ireland 16-15 in Adelaide (World Cup, Pool A)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Argentina 7th, Ireland 12th

Prediction: Los Pumas to recapture some glory, by 15 points

Teams

Argentina
15 Horacio Agulla
14 Francisco Leonelli
13 Federico Martin Aramburu
12 Miguel Avramovic
11 Rafael Carballo
10 Juan Martin Hernandez
9 Nicolas Vergallo
8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon
7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Capt
6 Martin Durand
5 Patricio Albacete
4 Rimas Alvarez Kairelis
3 Juan Pablo Orlandi
2 Mario Ledesma
1 Rodrigo Roncero
Replacements
16 Alberto Vernet Basualdo
17 Marcos Ayerza
18 Esteban Lozada
19 Alvaro Galindo
20 Agustin Figuerola
21 Santiago Fernandez
22 Bernardo Stortoni
Head Coach: Santiago Phelan

Ireland
15 Geordan Murphy
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt.
12 Luke Fitzgerald
11 Robert Kearney
10 Ronan O'Gara
9 Tomas O'Leary
8 James Heaslip
7 David Wallace
6 Stephen Ferris
5 Paul O'Connell
4 Donncha O'Callaghan
3 John Hayes
2 Jerry Flannery
1 Marcus Horan
Replacements
16 Rory Best
17 Anthony Buckley
18 Malcolm O'Kelly
19 To be named
20 Eoin Reddan
21 Paddy Wallace
22 Keith Earls
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

Test Rugby: Australia v France

22.11.2008
Australia v France in Paris


Preview
Australia does not have a good record against France in Paris.Forget the results of France's tour down south in June with a scratch team. This French side is developing, improving, still unpredictable and eager to continue their winning way on their home turf. There could be some pressure from the crowd. Remember how badly the french team let their fans down towards the end of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They need a good win.

The Wallabies are still rebuilding their team. 2008 has not been a thoroughly happy year but Australia jumped a level with that convincing win against England last week. Now we know their pack is rock solid. And their backs aren't too bad as well


Last Five Encounters
05.07.2008 Australia 40-10 in Brisbane
28.06.2008 Australia 34-13 in Sydney
05.11.2005 France 26-16 in Paris
02.07.2005 Australia 37-31 in Brisbane
13.11.2004 France 27-14 in Paris

Australia last won in Paris 18-13 in 2000

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 3rd, France 9th

Prediction: Leus Blues to flop! Australia by 19.

Teams

France
15 Maxime Medard
14 Julien Malzieu
13 Yannick Jauzion
12 Benoit Baby
11 Cedric Heymans
10 David Skrela
9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde
8 Imanol Harinordoquy
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo
6 Thierry Dusautoir
5 Lionel Nallet
4 Sébastien Chabal
3 Nicolas Mas
2 Dimitri Szarzewski
1 Lionel Faure
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser
17 Benoit Lecouls
18 Romain Millo Chluski
19 Louis Picamoles
20 Julien Tomas
21 Damien Traille
22 Alexis Palisson
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont's

Australia
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper
14 Peter Hynes
13 Ryan Cross
12 Stirling Mortlock, Capt.
11 Drew Mitchell
10 Matthew Giteau
9 Luke Burgess
8 Wycliff Palu
7 George Smith
6 Dean Mumm
5 Nathan Sharpe
4 Hugh McMeniman
3 Alistair Baxter
2 Stephen Moore
1 Benjamin Alexander
Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Sekope Kepu
18 Mark Chisholm
19 David Pocock
20 Samuel Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Digby Ioane
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

Rugby Test: South Africa v England

22.11.2008
South Africa v England at Twickenham

Preview
This clash is brewing up into a most interesting encounter. These two teams battled out the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and were at the time the giants of world rugby. It would be difficult to tag that label on them at the moment. Both sides has struggled to dominate their opposition so a rematch of the Cup final looms as a titanic struggle with the pressure on both sides to perform.

England were too organised for a Pacific Island team flung together at the last minute but found the Australians too tough last weekend. England is rebuilding their side after the disappointments of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the 2007-08 6 Nations tournament. Their forwards are certainly lacking the muscle usually associated with an English side whilst the backline is missing the composure of a Johno Wilkinson.

South Africa has experienced the high and lows of test rugby in 2008 but at the tail end of their season they are struggling. South Africa has rarely showed the form this year that won them the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They look a tired bunch only they only just squeeked past Scotland last weekend.
Last Five Encounters
20.10.2007 South Africa 15-6 in Paris (World Cup Final)
04.09.2007 South Africa 36-0 in Paris (World Cup, Pool A)
02.06.2007 South Africa 55-22 in Pretoria
26.05.2007 South Africa 58-10 in Bloemfontein
21.11.2006 South Africa 25-14 at Twickenham

You have to go back seven test matches before you read an England win in the history of clashes between these two nations. That was a close 23-21 win at Twickenham November two years ago.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-South Africa 2nd, England 5th.

Prediction: South Africa by 11 points.

Teams

England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Paul Sackey
13 James Noon
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Daniel Cipriani
9 Danny Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Thomas Rees
6 James Haskell
5 Thomas Palmer
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery
2 Lee Mears
1 Timothy Payne
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Matthew Stevens
18 Simon Shaw
19 Thomas Croft
20 Jordan Crane
21 Harry Ellis
22 Tobias Flood
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

South Africa
15 Conrad Jantjes
14 JP Pietersen
13 Adrian Jacobs
12 Jean de Villiers
11 Bryan Habana
10 Ruan Pienaar
9 Ricky Januarie
8 Pierre Spies
7 Danie Rossouw
6 Schalk Burger
5 Victor Matfield
4 Bakkies Botha
3 Jannie du Plessis
2 John Smit, Capt
1 Beast Mtawarira
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle
17 Brian Mujati/CJ van der Linde
18 Andries Bekker
19 Ryan Kankowski
20 Heinrich Brussow
21 Francois Steyn
22 Jaque Fourie
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

For lists of all international rugby tests played by South Africa, and by England, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Test Rugby: New Zealand v Wales

22.11.2008
New Zealand v Wales

Preview
6 Nations title holder Wales takes on the ruthless All Blacks at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. Wales has always been regarded as a major foe that the New Zealanders love to defeat. However its been over fifty years since Wales has won a test against the All Blacks and in the last twenty years the Welsh have taken some mighty hammerings from the Kiwis.

I call the AllBlacks ruthless because of the way they shut out opposing attacks and then stamp their authority on the game. Not since Hong Kong has a side scored a try against this team. This All Black side has the chance to grab the 'Grand Slam', which for Southern Hemisphere sides involves winning tests against all the 'Home' nations (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland) in one test series. So far the New Zealanders have defeated Scotland 32-6 (with virtually their second-string side) and Ireland 22-3 (with the full complement) with ease.

Wales on the other hand conceded 20 points against South Africa and 13 against Canada this month. They were unlucky to lose to the Springbox (am I allowed to call them that?) and their second-string side struggled against a determined Canadian side. Wales on their hallowed ground (Why did they ever drop the name 'Cardiff Arms Park'?) in front of a passionate crowd are always a handful. The Welsh will need to play well beyond what they have produced so far in November to get near the New Zealanders. The last two occasions the Kiwis ventured out on this ground each time they gave the Welsh an almighty walloping.

One thing you can be sure of is that the Welsh will throw everything at the All Blacks in the first half. Whether they can maintain that for the whole eighty minutes is another story.

Mid-week the second-string All Black side won 18-16 against the European Champions side Munster. What a day for the provincial side and for rugby outside the main test arena. A match like in the gold-old-days when touring teams played a mid-week game and then took on a test side come Saturday. Unfortunately such matches usually always produce casualties and New Zealand hooker Corey Flynn broke his arm in this match. Elliott may well gain his first All Black test 'cap'. To me being able to front up in a test match after a mid-week match is the real 'test' of an international rugby team.

Last Five Encounters
25.11.2006 New Zealand 45-10 in Cardiff.
05.11.2005 New Zealand 41-5 in cardiff
20.11.2004 New Zealand 26-25 in cardiff
02.11.2003 New Zealand 53-37 in Sydney (World Cup, Pool D)
21.06.2003 New Zealand 55-3 in Hamilton

GWC Rugby Rankings: New Zealand 1st, Wales 4th

Prediction: New Zealand by 23 points.

Teams

Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Leigh Halfpenny
13 Thomas Shanklin
12 James Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Andrew Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones, Capt.
5 Ian Evans
4 Alun-Wyn Jones
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Dwayne Peel
21 James Hook/Dan Biggar
22 Andrew Bishop
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina
14 Joe Rokocoko
13 Richard Kahui
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Daniel Carter
9 James Cowan
8 Rodney So'oialo
7 Richard McCaw, Capt.
6 Jerome Kaino
5 Alistair Williams
4 Bradley Thorn
3 Tony Woodcock
2 Keven Mealamu
1 Neemia Tialata
Replacements
16 Hikawera Elliot
17 John Afoa
18 Anthony Boric
19 Kieran Read
20 Piri Weepu
21 Stephen Donald
22 Isaia Toeava
Head Coach: Graham Henry

For lists of all international rugby tests played by Wales, and by New Zealand, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Test rugby: Canada v Scotland

22.11.2008
Canada v Scotland in Aberdeen

Preview
This will be the first time a test match has been staged in the beautiful North of Scotland city of Aberdeen.

Canada move into this game with a few wounded. Fly half Ander Monro and captain Pat Riordan are unable to play to injury. They lost 10-26 to Scotland 'A' in Canada in the Churchill Cup contest back in June, and again to Scotland 'A' 10-15 back in 2006.

"It's possible the weather could slightly favour Canada - if the Canucks can deal with the bitter cold and wind expected at Pittodrie in Aberdeen. An arctic blast will be blowing through the ocean-side pitch on Scotland's East coast and forecasters are predicting snow and a consistently high wind for game time. Apparently - players may need to keep an eye out for one other thing on the pitch - fish. In high wind with big waves crashing nearby - it is not unknown for fish to be blown onto the pitch." I Like it!

Scotland have three players from the test against South Africa unavailable. They are Chris Paterson, Thom Evans and Jason White. I feel that Scotland can absorb such loses whilst Canada just does not have the depth.

Previous Encounters
15.06.2002 Canada 26-23 in Vanvouver
21.01.1995 Scotland 22-6 in Edinburgh

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Scotland 6th, Canada 17th

Prediction: Scotland by 55 points.

Teams

Scotland
15 Rory Lamont (Sale Sharks, England)
14 Simon Webster (Edinburgh)
13 Benjamin Cairns (Edinburgh)
12 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh)
11 Nikki Walker (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales)
10 Phil Godman (Edinburgh)
9 Mike Blair, Capt. (Edinburgh)
8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais, France)
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester, England)
5 Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh)
4 Nathan Hines (Perpignan, France)
3 Euan Murray (Northampton, England)
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)
Replacements
16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors)
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester, England)
18 Matt Mustchin (Edinburgh)
19 Scott Gray (Northampton, England)
20 Rory Lawson (Gloucester, England)
21 Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors)
22 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors)
Head Coach: Frank Hadden
http://www.scottishrugby.org/sru/international/scotland/news.cfm?news_uuid=AF2ABF2B-01A0-15D2-DA917BEC3FF980D4

Canada
15. James Pritchard (Bedford, England)
14. Sean Duke (University of Victoria)
13. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)
12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish)
11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Plymouth Albion)
10. Matt Evans (Hartpury College)
9. Ed Fairhurst, Capt.(Cornish Pirates, England)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins)
7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
6. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers)
5. Josh Jackson (Bordeaux Begles, France)
4. Tyler Hotson (Northern Suburbs, Australia)
3. Scott Franklin (Cornish Pirates, England)
2. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians)
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
Replacements:
16. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC)
17. Mike Burak (Cornish Pirates, England)
18. Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion)
19. Morgan Williams (James Bay AA)
20. Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria)
21. Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians)
22. To be named
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley
http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=4392

Full complete lists of international rugby results by these two nations go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Test Rugby: This Weekend 21-22 Nov.

21.11.2008
Canada v Scotland in Aberdeen

22.11.2008
New Zealand v Wales in Cardiff
South Africa v England at Twickenham
Australia v France in Paris
Argentina v Ireland in Dublin
Pacific Islands v Italy in Reggio Emilia
United States v Japan in Tokyo (2nd Test)
Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Moldova v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Euro. R2; ENC 2A)
Greece v Israel in Kfissa (WCQ Euro. R5; ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)

Test Results16 November

16.11.2008
Japan 29, United States 19 in Nagoya (1st Test)
Moldova 20, Belgium 8 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)

Reviews
Well, how out was I? Japan's result was abit of an upset. They did well without many of their top players. How did the USA lose this game?

I played Moldova up well in my previews but didn't back them! Silly me. It looks like they are well on the way back up. Belgium, if I can make an excuse, had to leave three of their original selections behind. Did this make a difference. Post your views on either game here.

Rugby Result: Bosnia Herzegovina 46, Slovakia 32

15.11.2008
A very high scoring game saw the Bosnians home against relatively new players in ENC 3D. Someone who saw the game, and who posted on the FIRA-AER Forum, commented that the defence was 'not good'. They didn't mention to whom this applied, but perhaps both teams were at fault. Was it an entertaining game? Post your views here.

Test Rugby: Belgium v Moldova

16.11.2008
Belgium v Moldova in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)

Preview
Belgium squeaked passed Ukraine in their first game of the season. This will be Moldova's first. The standard between the teams in this competition looks very even. Yesterday we saw Poland upset Czech Republic 13-7 and in early October the Ukraine defeated Poland 13-12.

Belgium has been one of the high flyers in European rugby. They have embarked on a rugby promotional programme which has seen Argentina and the British Barbarians play in Brussels. Their team has also been up there close with the leaders of Continental rugby. They were only just pipped by Germany last season in the race for a place in Division 1. They have sent a strong team to Chisinau and they remain favourites to win.

Moldova is a rugby playing country that we hear little about. But they have quietly worked their way up the European rugby ladder in the last five years. Their first year in the present format of the European Nations Cup, 2003, saw them competing successfully in Division 3A.

In late 2004 they entered the 2007 World Cup qualifying rounds defeating Denmark and Luxembourg, but lost to Germany (18-27) and suprisingly to Austria. They qualified for Round 3 and began with a shock 30-27 win over the Netherlands. The world began to take notice. They lost to Spain but went on to defeat Poland (27-13), with Spain eventually progressing.

This success story continued the next season when they were, on their qualifying efforts, promoted to ENC 2A. They promptly celebrated their rise in stature with a 26-24 win over Germany. This was in November 2006. They continued to dominate the first round with more wins, crushing the Netherlands, and then narrowly defeating both the Ukraine and Belgium in away games. Suddenly Moldova was a likely candidate for promotion into Division 1. But then rugby went pear-shaped for Moldova. The warning signs were out after a narrow win against the Netherlands. A week later Germany crushed the Moldovans 34-7 and then lost to both Belgium and Ukraine at home. Wins in the last two games could well have propelled the Moldovans into Division 1. Not so.

Today the Moldovans have a lot to play for. A new two-year competition and a lot more hard work is ahead of them if they are to keep in contention for that ellusive promotion. It could start here in Chisinau. They will have to be at the top of their game to defeat Belgium.

Previous Encounters
12.04.2008 Belgium 22-19 in Chisinau (ENC 2A)
21.04.2007 Moldova 29-27 in Brussels (ENC 2A)
07.04.2001 Belgium 26-10 in Brussels (FIRA Pool1; WCQ Euro. R1)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Belgium 14th, Moldova 15th

Prediction: Belgium by 2 points.

Teams
Julien Berger (Stade Rochelais, France)
Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
Dries Bovijn (Boitsfort)
Jérôme Cauwe (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
Aurélien Decerf (Arras, France)
Thomas Dienst (Lyon, France)
Denis Eppe (Rugby Ottignies Club)
Charles Fourneau (Lille, France)
Damien Godefroy, Capt. (Lille, France)
Dirk Haghedooren (Lille, France)
Mathew Hocken (Brussels Barbarians RFC)
Simon Marote (Arras, France)
Julien Massimi (Arras, France)
Alain Miriallakis (St.Nazaire, France)
James Mulumba (Domont, France)
Cyril Nana (Lille, France)
David Nemsadze (Domont, France)
Joseph Nwema (Surennes, France)
Frédéric Rongé (Haywards Heath, England)
Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
Alan Williams (Castres, France)
Kevin Williams (Arras, France)
Head Coach: Richard McClintock

Moldova squad
Dumitru Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Victor Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Anton Bajutinde (Olimp - Electromaş Tiraspol)
Adrian Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Vasile Bolea (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Ion Buşilă (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)
Sergiu Castraveţ (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Chirilă (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Maxim Cobîlaş (Steaua Bucureşti, Romania)
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Vitalie Coropcean (UTM Chişinău)
Alexei Cotruţa (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Vitalie Gîra (UTM Chişinău)
Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău)
Veaceslav Lozinschii (USEFS Blumarine)
Octavian Manoli (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Alexandr Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexandru Şîşcan, Capt. (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Pavel Titarenco (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Veaceslav Titica (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Constantin Zubco (USEFS Blumarine)
Head Coach: Vasile Revencu
http://www.rugby.md/index.php?pagina=7&articol=1

For lists of all international rugby tests played by Belgium, and by Moldova, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Rugby Test: United States v Japan

16.11.2008
United States v Japan at Nagoya (1st of 2 tests)

Preview
The USA arrived in Japan last week having just broken a rather embarrasing drought of victories. Not since October 2006 had the Americans won a game when they took the field in Salt lake City against the Uruguyans last Saturday. The 43-9 win, against a team missing all of their European-based players, and a welcomed relief for coach Scott Johnson and the USA rugby administration, may not have been the test they really needed. Johnson has been able to call upon most of his regulars for this months tests against Japan. The outcomes may not be much of a guide either.

Japanese coach, former All Black great John Kirwan, was unable to call upon seventeen of his Asia 5 Nations and Pacific Nations squads when he named a squad of thirty to do battle with the Americans. The Japanese starting line up includes four new test players with another three on the bench. This will leave the Japanese seriously under done to have call upon so many new caps or players with limited international experience.

You can be sure that the USA will concentrate their efforts in the scrum and use muscle to wear the Japanese down whilst Japan will try to outrun their heavier opponents. I can't see the Americans losing this first test.

Last Five Encounters
27.10.2003 USA 39-26 in Gosford (World Cup, Pool B)
17.05.2003 USA 69-27 in San Francisco (Superpowers Cup)
27.05.2000 USA 36-21 in Osaka (Pacific Rim)
12.06.1999 Japan 47-31 in Honolulu (Pacific Rim)
13.06.1998 Japan 25-21 in San Francisco (Pacific Rim)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Japan 14th, United States 18th

Prediction: USA by 22 points

The Teams

Japan
15. Kaoru Matsushita (Yamaha) 24, New Cap
14. Kosuke Endo (Toyota) 27, 21
13. Koji Taira (Suntory) 25, 10
12. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 29, 7
11. Koji Tomioka (Yamaha) 28, New Cap
10. Shaun Webb (World) 26, 7
9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 23, 6
8. Ryu Holani (Sanyo) 27, 6
7. Takashi Kikutani, Capt. (Toyota) 28, 16
6. Hajime Kiso (Yamaha) 30, 31
5. Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 27, 15
4. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 27, 11
3. Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory) 23, New Cap
2. Yusuke Aoki (Suntory) 25, 10
1. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe Steel) 25, New Cap
Replacements
16. Naonori Mizuyama (NEC) 26, 2
17. Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo) 23, New Cap
18. Tomoaki Taniguchi (Toyota) 26, 11
19. Michael Leitch (Tokai University) 20, New cap
20. Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba) 26, 14
21. Masakazu Irie (Sanyo) 27, New Cap
22. Bryce Robins (NEC) 28, 19
Head Coach: John Kirwan

USA
15.Christopher Wyles (Saracens, England) Age 25, 11 tests
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France) 23, 7
13. Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma, Italy) 28, 30
12. Junior Sifa (Middleton) 25, 1
11. Gavin DeBartolo (Eastern Suburbs) 26, 3
10. Michael Hercus (IBM, Japan) 29, 40
9. Michael Petri (NYAC) 23, 5
8. Patrick Quinn (Denver Barbarians) 26, 2
7. Todd Clever, Capt. (Xerox Lions) 25, 25
6. Inaki Basauri (Agen, France) 24, 4
5. John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians) 26, 3
4. Hayden Smith (Saracens, England) 23, 1
3. Matekitonga Moeakiola (Unattached) 30, 8
2. Mark Crick (Potomac Athletic Club) 33, 7
1. Michael MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England) 27, 51
Reserves
16. Joseph Welch (Cal) 24, New Cap
17. Shawn Pittman (Chuckanut Bay) 20, 1
18. Alexander Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen) 34, 51
19. J.J. Gagiano (Univ. of Capetown, Sth Africa) 23, 1
20. Chad Erskine (Rotherham, England) 27, 8
21. Valenese Malifa (Belmont Shore) 22, 5
22. Thretton Palamo (Biarritz, France) 20, 1
Head Coach: Scott Johnson
Palamo played his only test for the USA as a 19 year old against South Africa during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

For full lists of all the international rugby tests played by Japan, and by the USA, go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Test Results This weekend 14-15 Nov.

15.11.2008
New Zealand 22, Ireland 3
South Africa 14, Scotland 10
Australia 28, England 14
Argentina 22, Italy 14
Spain 22, Germany 11
France 42, Pacific Islands 17
China Taipei 35, Sri Lanka 23
Poland 13, Czech Republic 7
Lithuania 33, Switzerland 0
Israel 11, Bulgaria 8
Bosnia Herzegovina 46, Slovakia 32

14.11.2008
Scotland 'A' 69, georgia 3
Wales 34, Canada 13