INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Denmark Travels to Slovenia

15.05.2010
Denmark v Slovenia in Ljubliana (ENC 3B)

Venue: Oval v Stanežičah

Referee: Mossford (Finland)

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

Preview
It would appear that only Slovenia has a chance of winning this division and thus promotion. Slovenia's main contender, Hungary, is playing Austria today. Denmark will have to play in ENC 3B again for 2010-12. Slovenia's big disappointment of the season was to be eliminated from Rugby World Cup qualifying by lowly Israel. They can make up for that with promotion.

Slovenian coach Dobnicar has plenty of experience in the side with Hocevar now in his 10th year with the side, the return of England-based Harrison (Slovenian grandparents) and the Hostnik brothers who play for Pucara in Argentina. Slovenia are certainly taking their bid to reach ENC 3A very seriously.

Slovenian coach Ziga Dobnicar. Image thanks to http://www.siol.net

Previous Encounters
01.11.2008 Slovenia 25-19 in Odense (WCQ Europe R1, ENC 3B)
25.10.2003 Denmark 21-3 in Odense (ENC 2B)
02.11.2002 Denmark 13-10 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Denmark 29th, Slovenia 33rd.

Prediction: Slovenia at home and more to play for, by 7 points

Teams

Denmark
15. Bradley Diamandis (RK Speed) 3 tests
14. Gerard Hounou (RK Speed) 2
13. Andy Nielsen (Aalborg RK) 15
12. Jesper G. Jensen (Lindø RSC) 21
11. Peter Madsen (CSR/Nanok) 8
10. Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England) 21
9. Kenneth Steel (RC Odense) 12
8. Nathanael Smalley (Aarhus RK) 11
7. Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok) 14
6. Kristian Riberholdt (Holstebro RK) 7
5. Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK) 32
4. Nicolas Eegholm (Lindø RSC) 2
3. Søren Brobyskov, Capt. (RC Odense) 35
2. Kasper Vad Pedersen (Aarhus RK) 25
1. Niels Bjerg Jensen (CSR/Nanok) 8
Replacements
16. Niels Gotfredsen (Aarhus RK) 5
17. Matias Dinesen (Frederiksberg RK) 3
18. Stephen Leitch (Aarhus RK) 3
19. Emad Libis (CSR/Nanok) 1
20. Alfi Escarbarte (CSR/Nanok RK) 1
21. Alexander Østergaard (RK Speed)
22. Stefan Sousson (CSR/Nanok)

Head Coach: Chrstopher Adby

Adapted from http://www.rugby.dk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1170&Itemid=2

Slovenia Squad
(36 named earlier to be reduced to 22 on match day)
Damjan Ahačič (RK Ljubjana)
Luka Arko (RK Ljubjana)
Boris Brezar (RAK Olimpija)
Žiga Burnik (RK Ljubjana)
Goran Djuratovič (RK Ljubjana)
David Duh (RAK Olimpija)
Peter Gobec (RK Ljubjana)
Simon Gombač (RK Bežigrad)
Marko Gumzej (RK Bežigrad)
Andrew Harrison (Foreign club)
Tit Hočevar (Oxford Harlequins, England)
Alejandro Hostnik (Pucara, Argentina)
Martin Hostnik (Pucara, Argentina)
Iztok Javornik (RK Ljubjana)
Goran Jelenčič (RK Bežigrad)
Damjan Jovič (RK Ljubjana)
Grega Kosanovič (RK Bežigrad)
Peter Kavčič (RK Ljubjana)
Matej Kos (RK Ljubjana)
Žiga Kosi (RK Ljubjana)
Žarko Krsmanovič (RK Ljubjana)
Igor Kukovec (RK Bežigrad)
Urban Magušar (RAK Olimpija)
Darko Maslakovič (RK Ljubjana)
Luka Miklič (RAK Olimpija)
Grega Miljuš (RK Ljubjana)
Luka Potnik (RAK Olimpija)
Luka Recek (RK Bežigrad)
Lovro Sambol (RK Bežigrad)
Klemen Slavec (RK Bežigrad)
Klemen Šobak (RK Ljubjana)
Dali Suljič (Foreign club)
Mirt Suljič (Foreign club)
Anže Troppan (RK Ljubjana)
Borut Završan (RAK Olimpija)
Pavle Žle (RK Ljubjana)

Head Coach: Žiga Dobnikar

Adapted from http://www.rugby.si/

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Hungarians in Vienna

15.05.2010
Hungary v Austria in Vienna (ENC 3B)

Venue: Sportklubplatz

Referee: Goffinet (Belgium)

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

Preview
Top team plays bottom team on home turf. A situation fraught with danger for the visitors. If you recall Austria won 9-6 back in 2008 here in Vienna. That win pushed a very disappointed Hungarian team away from promotion.

For today, which team has the most to fight for? From 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3475 "A win for Hungary is enough to seal the promotion spot as they have a better try count in the head-to-head with Slovenia who are the only team who can equal their final points total unless Austria spring a surprise win here". Slovenia has a game in hand.

No matter the result Austria will be relegated to ENC 3C for 2010-12. A win would not give them enough points to overtake Norway. Three years ago Austria was in Division 3A. Now they slide further to 3C. What is happening in Austrian rugby?

During the week Austrian rugby was surprised by George Kaiser's announcing his retirement after a decade and more than 50 tests for Austria. There is some doubt over Krauchenberg’s position as he was injured at training.

Last Five Encounters
18.04.2009 Hungary 25-13 in Estergom (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3B)
08.06.2008 Austria 9-6 in Vienna (ENC 3B)
21.04.2007 Hungary 27-5 in Dunaujvaros (ENC 3A)
29.04.2000 Hungary 48-18 in Budapest (FIRA D1)
10.04.1999 Austria 33-7 in Vienna (FIRA Pool B)

Hungary hasn't won in Vienna for a good many years. (My data base does not have venues for some of the earlier Austria-Hungary test matches)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Hungary 30th, Austria 32nd

Prediction: Hungary's first win in Austria for a long time, by 6 points

Teams

Austria
15. Max Navas (RC Donau)
14. Nicola Bignotti (AC BB, France)
13. Martin Leidl (RC Wombats Wr. Neustadt)
12. Rudi Glock (RC Donau)
11. Paul Hruschka Capt. (RC Wombats Wr. Neustadt)
10. Alexis Rigaud (RC Stade Viennois)
9. Valentin Richter (?)
8. Amir Yassari (RC Stade Viennois)
7. Ferdinand Richter (Vallee du Girou, France)
6. Alexander Krauchenberg (RC Donau)
5. Clemens Kaindl (RC Stade Viennois)
4. Andreas Gaul (RC Donau)
3. Max Müller (RC Stade Viennois)
2. Milad Farkhondeh Fal (RC Stade Viennois)
1.Wilfried Payer (RC Reichenhall, Germany)
Replacements
Sebastian Borer (RC Donau)
Alberto Gomez Novak (RC Stade Viennois)
Christoph Forchtner (RC Donau)
Sebastian Freydell (RC Donau)
Mushegh Aslanyan (Vienna Celtic RFC)
Michael Kerschbaumer (RC Donau)
Julian Zöchling (?)

Head Coach: Gael Mouysset

http://www.rugby-austria.at/content/deutsch/news/7f4cd9ccf2b801e57fc3.php

Hungary
Team not yet known

RUGBY TEST RESULTS: Friday 14 May

14.05.2010

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

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

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

ASIA 5 NATIONS TEST RUGBY

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

Venue: Sevens Stadium

Referee:

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

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

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

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

Teams

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

Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

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

Korea
Team not yet available

FIRST RUGBY TEST: Lebanon and Jordan

14.05.2010
Lebanon v Jordan in Dubai

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
I am awaiting details of both these teams, newcomers to the stage of international rugby. It is no coincidence that these two teams meet in Dubai as a curtain-raiser for the Korea v Arabian Gulf Asia5Nations test match. The occasion marks the 41st and last test match to be played by the Arabian Gulf Rugby Union. The union will disband. The present nations in the gulf will emerge as rugby identities in their own rights in time. Syria is already formed. Bahrain, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates will quickly form, then we should see Oman and Saudi Arabia follow. The first clash today signifies the end of an era and the starting of a new one.

Jordan failed to turn up to their first international 15s tournament last year in Uzbekistan. However they are ready for this encounter. There is sadly no information on the web address http://www.jordanrugby.com

The Beirut Phoenicians was the only club in Lebanon from 1995 to 2004. In that year a new was formed, the Jamhour Black Lions. The Lebanon coach is Robbie Yule, a New Zealander. The Lebanese web site also says Lebanon will play Syria in a test match 21 May. But sadly no team list posting http://www.rugbylebanon.com/

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply but these two nations will join the Asia Table after this match.

Prediction: Lebanon look to have the longer established clubs and a Kiwi coach. What else do you need? I'll say Lebanon by 10 points.

CONSUR A RESULTS 13 May

13.05.2010
Uruguay 26, Brazil 10 in Santiago (CONSUR A, Round 1)
Chile 42, Paraguay 6 in Santiago (CONSUR A, Round 1)

CONSUR A RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Hosts' first Game

13.05.2010
Paraguay v Chile in Santiago

Venue: Santiago

Referee: G.Gerbasi (Uruguay)

Preview
In last years tournament Chile fielded their reserves and rested players in this game, won 34-13. I'd expect this year for the Chileans to come out firing in their first game of the tournament in front of a home crowd. For Paraguay this could be bad news.

Last Five Encounters
29.04.2009 Chile 34-13 in Montevideo (CONSUR A Preliminary)
08.10.2005 Chile 38-22 in Santiago (WCQ America R2)
03.05.2003 Chile 102-0 in Montevideo (24th S.America Champ.)
28.04.2002 Chile 57-5 in Santiago (23rd S.America Champ.)
27.10.2001 Chile 48-0 in Santiago (22nd S.America Champ.)

Paraguay last defeated Chile back in 1993, when they won 25-24 in Santiago at the 17th S.American Championship. That has been the only time Paraguay has won in test matches going back to 1971.Given Paraguay's scant exposure to rugby outside CONSUR and the few tests they play, I can't see this trend changing.

The Chileans will be under enormous pressure to perform in front of their home crowd. Defeating Brazil and Paraguay should be a given, but the aim would be to defeat Uruguay and thus make the CONSUR final.

Chilean coach Graco and his team will be under pressure.

GWC Rugby Rankings
CONSUR Table-Chile 3rd, Paraguay 5th

Prediction: Chile by 42 points

Teams

Chile Squad
Oliver Bassa (Universitat Santo Tomas)
Felipe Brangier (Prince of Wales Country Club)
Matias Cabrera (Old Boys)
Aldo Cornejo (Viña R.C.)
Francisco De La Fuente (Auch, France)
Sergio De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's)
Francisco Deformed (Old Mackayan's)
Benjamin Del Solar (Old Boys)
Matias Gamboa (Prince of Wales Country Club)
Philipp Gerhard (Prince of Wales Country Club)
German Herrera (Old John's)
Pablo Huete (Old Boys)
Pablo Llorens (Prince of Wales Country Club)
Paul Marsalli (Univ. Catolica)
Cristian Onet (COBSA)
Rolando Pellerano (Viña R.C.)
Juan Pablo Perrot (Univ. Catolica)
Alejandro Rios (Catholic Univ) (Univ. Catolica)
Diego Sahadi (Univ. Catolica)
Diego Schachner (COBSA)
German Suazo (Stade Francais)
Rodrigo Tobar (Old John's)
Javier Valderrama (Old John's)
Nicolas Veneges (Stade Francais)
Cristobal Westeneck (Manly RFC, Australia)
Claudio Zamorano (Stade Francais)
Head Coach: Daniel Feruchi.cl Graco
List adapted from http://www.consur.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=286:chile-ya-tiene-su-plantel&catid=30:mayor-a&Itemid=91 and http://www.feruchi.cl/index.php?id=12&tx_ttnews%5btt_news%5d=496&tx_ttnews%5bbackPid%5d=7&cHash=5525286865

Not selected from original Training squad
Saloman Diaz ( COBSA)
Manuel Gurruchaga (Old John's)
Farncisco Hurtado (Old George’s)
Alfonso Lepe (Old John's)
Mathieu Manas (Stade Francais)
Luka Salamunic (Old Boys)
Rocardo Sifri (Univ. Catolica)
Ignacio Silva (Stade Francais)
Patricio Valladares (Viña R.C.)
Matias Vergara (Old Boys)
Felipe Yaconi (Old John's)

Paraguay
Sergio Alvarenga (Luque Rugby)
Argaña Diego (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Diego Ayala (Santa Clara)
Juan Ballasch (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Daniel Bittar (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Matias Carbonatti (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Geralt Cutties (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Diego Duarte (Santa Clara)
Alejandro Feldmann (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Fabio Franco (Stramburgo)
Juan Manuel Gabigan (Luque Rugby)
Guillermo Gomez (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Eberhard Heydel (San Jose)
Rodrigo Llamosas (San Jose)
Ariel Lopez (Luque Rugby)
Daniel Nasser (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Horacio Ocampos (Club Universitario de Asunción)
José Otaño (U.S. Cenac, France)
Eduardo Peña (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Martin Pineda (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Juan Portillo (Luque Rugby)
Fernando Recalde (Santa Clara)
Sarubi Francisco (Universidad Autónoma de Asunción)
Alexander Sharman (Club Universitario de Asunción)
Diego Sotelo (University of New Mexico Rugby, USA)
Felix Zarate (Luque Rugby)
Head Coach: Marcelo Gomez

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: CONSUR A

The teams involved in this tournament are Chile (host), Paraguay, Brazil and Uruguay. The Argentine Jaguars come into the picture later when they play the second placed side from above, and if they win that they play the first placed side. (last year Argentina defeated Chile, then defeated Uruguay in the final)

13.05.2010
Brazil v Uruguay (CONSUR A Preliminary)

Venue: Santiago

Referee: J.Vial (Chile)

Preview
A number of Uruguay's top players are unavailable either through retirement, or through work commitments. I'd expect a number will return for the World Cup repecharge rounds beginning in June. The two coaches are brothers. Would this be unique in world rugby? Uruguay is on another planet as far as comparing these two teams, but this Uruguayan side has a 'development' look about it, so I'd expect Brazil to get closer than they did in Montevideo last year.

Last Five Encounters
29.04.2009 Uruguay 71-3 in Montevideo (WCQ America R2; CONSUR A Preliminary)
1981 Uruguay 77-0 in Montevideo (S.America Champ.)
1979 Uruguay 48-0 in Santiago (S.America Champ.)
1977 Uruguay 47-15 in Tucuman (S.America Champ.)
1975 Uruguay 38-7 in Asuncion (S.America Champ.)

GWC Rugby Rankings
CONSUR Table-Uruguay 2nd, Brazil 4th

Prediction: Uruguay by 50 points

Teams

Uruguay Squad (DOB)
Carlos Arboleya (Trébol Rugby) 1985.07.23, Age 24, 9 tests
Santiago Arocena (Old Christians) 1987.06.19, Age 22, New cap
Nicolas Badano ( Old Boys) 1983.10.06, Age 26, New cap
Edgardo Benitez (Trébol Rugby) 1988.05.15, Age 21. New cap
Matias Braun (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)1987.02.06, Age 23, New cap
Emiliano Caffera (Champagnat) 1978.10.30, Age 31, 25
Alejo Corral (San Isidro, Argentina) 1981.09.11, Age 28, New cap
Martin Crosa (Old Boys)1986.09.08, Age 23, 2
Juan De Freitas (Champagnat) 1989.12.13, Age 20, New cap
Santiago Deicas (Old Christians) 1986.10.31, Age 23, New cap
Ivo Dugonjic (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)1985.06.12, Age 24, 10
Martin Espiga (Old Christians)1985.02.02, Age 25, 9
Matais Fonseca (Los Cuervos)1988.07.25, Age 21, 5
Santiago Gortari (Old Boys) 1989.09.20, Age 20, New cap
Ignacio Grignola (Trébol Rugby) 1982.10.22, Age 27, New cap
Juan Pablo Horta (Old Christians) 1986.10.10, Age 23, 2
Leandro Leivas (Old Christians)1988.07.06, Age 21, 4
Adrian Lewis (Los Cuervos)1988.06.10, Age 21, New cap
Juan Martin Llovet (Old Christians)1985.10.15, Age 24, 13
Diego Lussich (Trébol Rugby) 1985.09.12, Age 24, New cap
Diego Magno (Montevideo Cricket Club)1989.04.27, Age 21, 1
Manuel Martinez (Old Christians) 1984.12.10, Age 25, 1
Gaston Mieres (Los Lobos Rugby)1989.10.05, Age 20, New cap
Nicolas Morales (Trébol Rugby) 1984.04.07, Age 26, 12
Juan Pedro Rombys (Trébol Rugby) 1987.03.05, Age 23, 5
Juan Pablo Ruffalini (Los Cuervos)1989.02.24, New cap
Head Coach: Gonzalo Camardón

Brazil Squad

Fowards

Front Row
01.Ramiro Daniel Mina (C) (Bandeirantes RC)
02.Daniel Xavier Danielewicz (Desterro RC)
03.Gabriel Lombello Bueno (San Jose)
04.Ian Korolkovas (Bandeirantes RC)
Henrique César 05.Júlio FIGAL
Second Line
06.Antônio Górios (Rio Branco RC)
07.Reges Comoretto Portela (Desterro RC)
08.Marcelo Tessari Danesin (RR Ribeirão)
09.Pedro Sorribes Rosa (Bandeirantes RC)
Third Line
10.Danilo Wood Taino (Ilhabela)
11.Diego Martins Giménez López (AC Pasteur)
12.Henrique Dantas Pinto (San Jose)
13.João Luiz da Ros (Desterro RC)
14.Lucas Piero Celestino T. de Moraes (Desterro RC)

Backs

Scrum Halves
15.Felipe CALRE St. Anne Silva (SPAC)
16.Leandro Castiglioni Amaral (SPAC)
Fly Half
17.Lucas Rodrigues Duque (São José)
Centers
18.Fernando Henry Jungers Portugal (Bandeirantes RC)
19.Felipe Bezian Zeni (Pasteur AC)
20.Moisés Rodrigues Duque (São José)
21.Paulo Ricardo Souza (Ilhabela)
Wings and Fullbacks
22.Daniel Hubert Gregg (Niterói RFC)
23.David Grael Vasconcellos Dias (Niterói RFC)
24.Fernando Aurélio Bueno Martins (São José)
25.Gustavo Badino Krahembuhl (Pasteur AC)
26.Philip Theodor Veeren Ramos (Desterro RC)
Coach: Rodrigo Camardón

http://espnbrasil.terra.com.br/rugbi/noticia/120352_CBRU+CONFIRMA+A+LISTA+DE+CONVOCADOS+PARA+O+SUL+AMERICANO+NO+CHILE

TEST RUGBY COMING UP

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

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

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

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

RUGBY TEST RESULTS SATURDAY 8 MAY

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

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

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

TEST MATCH RUGBY: Japan and Asia 5 Nations

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

Venue: Prince Chichibu Stadium

Referee:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Japan by 65 points

Teams

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

Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

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

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

Head Coach: John Kirwan

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

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

08.05.2010
Kazakhstan v Hong Kong in Hong Kong

Venue:

Referee:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Kazakhstan by 5 points.

Neither team lists are as yet available

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Lithuania's Big Day Out

08.05.2010
Ukraine v Lithuania in Šiauliai (WCQ Europe R4 Final)

Venue: Šiauliai miesto centrinis stadionas

Referee: Cyril Lafon (France)

Poster image thanks to http://www.kaunas.lt/regbis/

Preview
This is THE big match ever for Lithuania. This Baltic rugby nation, with only a handful of clubs and with even fewer foreign-based players to call upon, will face the might of the Ukraine in a winner takes all World Cup qualifying Europe Round 4 final. The winner of this game will go on to face Romania on the 22 May in the first leg Round 5 two-leg elimination series.

Lithuania broke the world record for the most consecutive winning test matches on the 24 April when they defeated Serbia 77-5 in a European Nations Cup Division 3A test match. They broke the record of 17 held jointly by the might All Blacks and South Africa. Illustrious company indeed.

Last year they broke Israeli and Dutch hearts as they powered their way to get to this stage in the Rugby World Cup qualifiers. Today they come up against a much more formidable foe.

The Ukraine has got to this stage by winning the European Nations Cup Division 2A. This is some three divisions ABOVE Lithuania although the Baltic nation has already gained promotion to ENC 2B for the 2010-12 competition.

The Ukraine though has not produced good form of late. They have dropped their last three games, two in the competition and one against Georgia 'A' back in November. It was a close thing as the other 2A teams rushed up to the Ukraine in this later part of the season. Winning 2A also means promotion to a newly structured ENC 1st Division for 2010-12. It appears they will be without Jaba Malaguradze, Vadym Mysyk and Russian-based Vitay Orlov according to http://www.kaunas.lt/regbis/

But the fact is the Ukraine has lost recent matches and will face a fired up Lithuania in Lithuania. It should be a cracker!

This and other test matches reviewed at http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/news/newsid=2037210.html#key+matches+race+qualify+rwc+2011

An article about that record http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/news/newsid=2037051.html#lithuania+rugby+world+record

No word yet about the makeup of the Lithuanian squad.

Previous Encounter
10.08.1995 Ukraine 27-8 in Šiauliai (FIRA B3)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Ukraine 15th, Lithuania 18th

Prediction: Lithuania by 3 points in a result that will stun the rugby world. It won't be Lithua..who? any more!

Teams

Ukraine Squad
Evigney Chaika (RC Kredo 63)
Vitaly Dotsenko (RC Aviator)
Sergei Garkavy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vasyl Glushchenko (Battai Bulldogok, Hungary)
Vladyslav Grabovsky (RK Sokol)
Nikolai Kirsanov (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Kosarev (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Krasylnyk (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Maksym Kravchenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Lomakin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleg Lytvynenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Jaba Malaguradze (RC Kredo 63)
Pavlo Masyukov (RCKredo-63)
Serge Monastir (RC Kredo 63)
Dmytro Mukhin (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Vyacheslav Ponomarkenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Sukhykh (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Oleksandr Tsapenko (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Serhiy Tserkovny (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Eduard Vertiletsky (RC Kredo 63)
Bogdan Voloshin (RK Sokol)
Sergei Yanchiy (RC Olymp-RSC KhTZ)
Ievgen Zapolsky (RK Sokol)

HeadCoach: Valeri Kochanov

Lithuania squad not yet known.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Andorra v Switzerland

08.05.2010
Switzerland v Andorra at Andorra La Vela

Venue:

Referee: Janssens (Belgium)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
LITHUANIA	7	7	0	0	250	55	195	21
ARMENIA	8	4	0	3	152	129	24	15
SERBIA	8	3	0	5	97	230	-133	14
ANDORRA	7	2	0	5	112	173	-61	11
SWITZERLAND	6	2	0	4	79	102	-23	10

Preview
These two teams, both at the bottom of the table, will battle to avoid relegation.'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3462 says, 'Switzerland won the first game between the teams last year by 32 - 9 with three tries to nil, so should these teams finish level on points they have a big advantage. The Swiss also have a game in hand but as that is against the runaway division winners Lithuania this is pretty much a game they can't afford to lose or draw to avoid the bottom place. If Andorra win or draw - although mathematics could still come into play - they are safe barring an unlikely Swiss victory against Lithuania'.

In recent games for both sides, Andorra lost 17-26 away to Armenia whilst Switzerland defeated Armenia at home 18-0.

For the hosts Roger Font will make his 50th appearance whilst Arnaud Olive and Nuno Oliveira Teixeira will be making their test debuts.

Previous Encounters
14.03.2009 Switzerland 32-9 in Avusy (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 3A)
05.05.2001 Switzerland 38-25 in Switzerland (WCQ Euro. Rnd A; FIRA Pool 1)
26.09.1998 Switzerland 15-14 in Andorra La Vela (FIRA D)
29.10.1992 Switzerland 10-0 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Andorra 25th, Switzerland 27th

Prediction: Switzerland by 5 points

Teams

Andorra Squad
Paul Alieu
Peter Ambor
Àlex Ballesta
Jeremy Berrier
Albert Canturri
Benjamí Fajol
Àlex Fernández
Roger Fité
Roger Font
Galaction Gagnidze
Jonathan Garcia
Marc Gispert
David Kirikaixvili
Josep Magallón
David Martínez
Franck Mitjana
Arnaud Olive
Manu Sarti-Gardes
Màxim Taurinyà
Nuno Oliveira Teixeira
Eduard Vergara
Xavier Vilasetrú
Head Coach: Michael Broad

Adapted from http://www.elperiodicdandorra.com/default.asp?idpublicacio_PK=16&idioma=CAS&idnoticia_PK=711384&idseccio_PK=254&h=

Switzerland Team not yet available

RUGBY TEST: Barbados takes on the Virgins

08.05.2010
British Virgin Islands v Barbados Select XV

Venue: Garrison Savannah

Referee: George Nicholson (Barbados)

Preview
Barbados are probably not regarding this as an official test. BVI probably will but the result will not go towards IRB rankings.

Incidentally the 2010 NACRA men's championship, due to be held in Barbados, has been postponed to 2011 pending a change to the tournament format, which has to be approved by the IRB.

BVI squad that travelled to Barbados in 2009. Image thanks to www.bvirugby.com

Previous Encounters
2009 Barbados 17-12-To be confirmed (Not on my data base)-Could have also been a Barbados select XV.
15.06.1996 Barbados 10-0

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply

Prediction: Barbados Select by 10 points

Teams

British Virgin Islands Squad
Andre Adams
Mariano Marco Andres
Niall Brookes
Adam Cole
Alexander Davidson
Patrick Dennis
Stephen Dougherty
Brandon Folkes
Victor Franklin
David Griffin
Lester Hamer
Clinton Hempel
William Innes
John Keyes
Ronan Kuzjac
Christopher McKenzie
Jimmy Peters
Steven Pollard
Nicolas Recondo
Matthew Richardson
Andrew Simmonds
Sherlock Soloman
Jerome Springette
Donovan Staples
Roan Thornton
Christian Victory
Wayne Voogt
Mark Zanon

Adapted from http://www.bvirugby.com/events/bvi-squad-off-barbados-play-1539-s/

Barbados Select not as yet available

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND 8 MAY

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

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

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY MATCH: Calypso Rugby

02.05.2010
Bermuda v Cayman Islands in Grand Cayman (Friendly)

Venue: South Sound Ground

Referee:

Preview
Five teams from Bermuda will land on the Cayman Islands as part of a special contest between these two nations. Bermuda will field U210, U12, U14 and U16 age group teams along with the senior side. The country with the most matches won takes the Conyers Youth Challenge Cup. The senior game is recognized as a full rugby international.

Of the 22 senior players, only ten went on Bermuda's Caribbean tour last year.

The Caymans has a home and recent history advantage over their visitors.

Full preview here at http://www.bermudasun.bm/main.asp?SectionID=8&SubSectionID=203&ArticleID=45967&TM=45837.78

When Caymans won 14-0 in 2003 it was a first time win against Bermuda. Image thanks to caymannetnews.com

Previous Encounters
30.04.2006 Caymans 37-14 in Georgetown (Bermuda Chall. Cup)
11.06.2005 Caymans 12-6 in Nassau (WCQ America R1; Caribbean Nth)
18.10.2003 Caymans 14-0 in Bermuda (Friendly)
1999 Bermuda 22-3 (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings
North America Table (NACRA)-Bermuda 4th, Cayman Islands 6th

Prediction: Caymans by 1 point

Teams

Bermuda Squad
Dustin Archibald
Lachlan Armour
Edward Barnes
David Bird
Richard Brown
Scott Brown (Mariners)
Jahan Cedenio
Paul Dobinson (Renegades)
Peter Dunkerley (Renegades)
Tom Edwards (Police)
Pieter Erasmus
Thomas Greenslade (Teachers)
Thomas Healy
Richard Holden
Michael Kane
Conor McGlynn (Renegades)
Mark Pomeroy (Mariners)
David Porter (Teachers)
David Rourke (Mariners)
Shauntino Simons
Christopher Way
Neville Zuill (Police)

Cayman Islands squad not yet available.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS FOR SATURDAY 1 MAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That leaves the Israel-Luxembourg result to come.

TEST RUGBY: Japan Begins Quest

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

Venue: Gyengsang Stadium

Referee:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Prediction: Japan by 40 points.

Teams

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

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

Korean Squad not yet available

TEST MATCH: Sweden Safe

01.05.2010
Croatia v Sweden in Enkoping (ENC 2B)

Venue: Enkoping Rugby Club

Referee: Morton (Norway)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
NETHERLANDS	8	7	0	1	219	90	129	22
CROATIA	7	6	0	1	147	97	50	19
MALTA	8	4	0	4	132	156	-24	16
LATVIA	8	1	0	7	97	237	-140	10
SWEDEN	7	1	0	6	130	150	-47	9

Preview
There is not a great deal hinging on this test match. Both teams are safely in Division 2B for the 2010-12 tournament. A win to Croatia would not be enough to overtake the Netherlands on the table, whilst Sweden has enough points on aggregate to send Latvia down to ENC 3A.

Croatia played strongly last weekend to inflict the first loss of the competition to leaders Netherlands. It wasn't enough to knock the Dutch off the top of the ladder as The Netherlands has a better points aggregate between the two teams.

For Sweden a win would give the team a great boost in their last game of the season, and a good platform for the new competition.

Previous Encounter
02.05.2009 Croatia 23-13 in Split (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Croatia 19th, Sweden 23rd

Prediction: Croatia by 16 points

Teams

Sweden Squad
Thomas Ardvisson (Bordeaux, France)
Ivar Bengtsson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Tobias Borg (Enköping RK)
Andrew Daish (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Robert Dibell (Enköping RK)
Ian Gowland (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Daniel Legge (Cambridge RFC, England))
Rikard Johansson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Timothy Johansson (Enköping RK)
Robert Nave (Enköping RK)
Stefan Obradovic (Attila)
Ricky Okpu (Enköping RK)
Richard Örnberg (Vänersborg RK)
Viktor Pettersson (Enköping RK)
Lee Sandberg (North Walsham RFC, England)
Paul Sullivan (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Alexander Taylor, Capt. (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Sebastian Taylor (Old Haberdashers RFC, England)
Mathias Thorhand (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Jim Wetterström (Enköping RK)
Peter Wiklund (Vänersborg RK)
Matthew Youngman (Enköping RK)
Head Coach: Mike Tatu

Adapted from http://www.erk.nu/

Croatia Squad
Carl Banks (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Ante Blažević Bandov (RK Nada)
Mate Borozan (RK Nada)
Nick Brajkovich (North Shore RFC, NZ)
Tomislav Burazin (RK Nada)
Tonči Buzov (RK Nada)
Goran Čulić (RK Nada)
Dominik Draženović (RK Mladost)
Tvrtko Dumančić (RK Mladost)
Duje Grubišić (RK Nada)
Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)
Špiro Matić (RK Nada)
Andrej Mihalj (RK Mladost)
Filip Mijić (RK Zagreb)
Ivan Nola (Waitemata RFC, NZ)
Ante Olujić (RK Nada)
Alek Osmanović (RK Makarska Riviera)
Ivan Rešetar (RK Nada)
Ivica Šimić (RK Makarska Riviera)
Ivan Šuta (RK Mladost)
Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)
Filip Ujaković (RK Mladost)
Michael Zovko (Souths RFC, Australia)
Head Coach: Jakša Lovreta

Adapted from http://nada-rugby.hr/content/view/9289/2/

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Norwegians Travel to Hungary

01.05.2010
Norway v Hungary at Esztergom (ENC 3B)

Venue: Esztergom RFC, Vasas Stadion

Referee: Butsenin (Latvia)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
DENMARK	7	4	0	3	137	134	-3	15
HUNGARY	6	4	0	2	151	108	43	14
SLOVENIA	6	4	0	2	113	96	17	14
NORWAY	6	3	0	3	81	80	1	12
AUSTRIA	7	1	0	4	67	130	-63	9

Preview
This division is still wide open. Four teams still have a chance to take the honours and win promotion to Division 3A. Hungary and Slovenia command a good hold, each with two loses and with a game in hand. Competition leader Denmark won against Austria last weekend but are a game behind Hungary and Slovenia. Although behind the others Norway still has a mathematical chance for promotion. There has been a few upsets so anything is possible. All matches count.

Hungary won their first encounter against Norway away 26-15 and thus hold a physiological advantage. I would expect them to have a strong team for this home game

Previous Encounters
27.09.2008 Hungary 26-15 in Oslo (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3B)
27.10.2007 Hungary 5-3 in Szekesfhervan (ENC 3B)
07.10.2006 Hungary 13-8 in Stavanger (ENC 3B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Hungary 30th, Norway 31st

Prediction: Hungary will be too strong for the Norwegians on their home turf. Hungary by 14 points

Teams

Norway Squad
Kristoffer Borsheim (Stavanger RK)
James Buncle (London Scottish RFC, England)
Glenn Collins (Oslo RK)
Alex Diessner (Stavanger RK)
Lewis Eaton (Stavanger RK)
Andreas Fyri (Oslo RK)
Joseph Greenshields (Bergen RK)
Robert Greig (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)
Andrei Hanger (Cheltenham RFC, England)
Karl Harper (Oslo RK)
Neal Hughes (Stavanger RK)
William Hume (Bergen RK)
Francis Hunt (Oslo RK)
Stein Ove Kristensen (Trondheim RK)
Eivind Lunde (Stavanger RK)
Pascal Raclin (Oslo RK)
Oliver Rogers (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)
Neil Ryan (Tønsberg RK)
Stian Røstberg (Bergen RK)
Michael Shelley (Bergen RK)
Fredrik Skovly (Oslo RK)
Håkon Stengrimsen (Holstebro RK)

Head Coach: John Chappell

Adapted from http://www.rugby.no/les.asp?ID=737

Hungarian Squad not yet available

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Israel May Struggle.

01.05.2010
Israel v Luxembourg in Luxembourg (ENC 3C)

Venue: Josy Barthel Stadium

Referee: Murinello (Portugal)

Image thanks to www.rugby.lu

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	PT
ISRAEL	6	6	0	0	205	36	169	18
GREECE	8	5	0	3	143	123	20	18
BULGARIA	8	5	0	3	162	162	0	18
LUXEMBOURG	7	2	0	5	81	129	-48	11
FINLAND	7	0	0	7	73	224	-120	7

Preview
Israel will travel without seven key players from the squad that was so convincing against Greece. Roi Alterlevi, Nathan Amos, Gilad Goldstein, Julien Maffi, Alon Okon, Mordechai Radashkovich and Yonatan Radashkovich are either injured or unavailable for the trip north. This has placed considerable pressure on selections, especially in the forwards. Regular back and captain Nimrod Kaplan moves into the forwards at number eight, whilst Ran Berzak, David Jacobi, Eyal Koren, Fabian Maguid, Ziv Melling and Adam Rubin have been brought into the squad to cover those unavailable.

Luxembourg lost 14-42 to Belgium A a few weeks ago. They have managed only two wins in the two years, both against Finland who will be relegated at the end of the competition.

Israel were too good for Luxembourg when they played in Israel in the first round, winning 30-0. Although I would expect Israel to win they have a much changed and younger team from two weeks ago.

Previous Encounters
21.03.2009 Israel 30-0 in Netanya (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3C)
03.05.2008 Israel 20-12 in Netanya (ENC 3C)
20.05.2007 Luxembourg 25-16 in Cessange (ENC 3C)
29.10.2005 Luxembourg 19-3 in Cessange (ENC 3C)
01.06.2002 Luxembourg 31-19 in Cessange (FIRA B, Pool B)

These two teams first met in 1996. Israel won, in Herzliya, by 20-12 in FIRA B5 match.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Israel 28th, Luxembourg 36th

Prediction: Israel by 7 points.

Teams


Israel Squad
Nesi Abravanel
Oren Alt
Amir Beutler
Ran Berzak
Oren Brodhurst
Matan Brosh
Michael Eli
Stav Gurtovoy
Oz Hayman
David Jacobi
Amit Kakoun
Nimrod Kaplan (Capt.)
Eyal Koren
Omri Lotan
Fabian Maguid
Guy Matisis
Ziv Melling
Omer Halfi Mendelsohn
Adrian Rainstein
Adam Rubin
Jonathan Shaki
Miron Shtiglitz

Head Coach: Raanan Penn

Luxembourg squad not available as yet

TEST RUGBY RESULT: Arabian Gulf Cause Upset

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

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