Test Rugby: Asia Nations Rugby Tournament Ready To Go.

What: Asia Nations Division 2

Venue: Stadium UiTM Shah Alam

Who: Malaysia, China, India, Pakistan

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table
China 9th
Malaysia 11th
India 13th
Pakistan 14th

Today 3 June
China v Pakistan -Prediction: China by 50 points
Malaysia v India -Prediction: Malaysia by 14 points.

Saturday 6 June
Winner v Winner (Winner promoted to Division 1 2010)
Loser v Loser (Loser may face relegation to Division 3 2010)

Squads

Malaysian Rugby Team. Image thanks to http://www.mru.org.my/ver3/

Malaysia

Ahmad Farhan bin Azizan
Ardyanshah Mohd Arifin
Azizan bin Abdul
Azman bin Osman
Dinesvaran Krishnan
Frankie Joilin
Helberth bin Jemlit
Khairul Nizar bin Shamsudin
Lee Wai Meng
Mohd Azli bin Ibrahim
Mohd Fairuz bin Abd Rahman
Mohd Faiz bin Shamsukidir
Mohd Khuzaidi bin Abdullah
Mohd Nizam bin Muhd Aziz
Mohd Saifudin bin Sahrini
Mohd. Azwan bin Azimi, Captain
Nacani Seniu
Nik Safuan Ismade bin Nik Man
Paul Wellington
Sarizan bin Yasir
Semi Seruvakula Sovunidakua
Shahizam bin Tukiran
Stanie James Majanau
Timoci Nacokula
Head Coach Dean Herewini

http://www.mru.org.my/ver3/

Pakistan Nations Rugby Team. Image thanks to http://www.pakistanrugby.com/

Pakistan

Aftab Ashraf Qureshi
Agha Nawazish Ali
Ahmed Khan Niazi
Anwaar-Ul-Haq Zafar
Arsalan Zahid,
Azmat Khan Niazi
Bilal Mehmood Butt
Fouzan Majeed Wain
Juniad Malik
Hashim Niazi.
Kashif Khawaja (Captain)
Mansoor Aziz Ahmed
Mansoor Rehan
Moazzam Ali Shah
Mohammed Junaid Liaqat
Mohammed Yasir Fida
Muhammad Babar
Muhammad Manan Naseem (Vice Captain)
Salman Majeed Wain
Shakeel Ahmed
Siar Riaz
Syed Usama Ahmed
Syed Xeeshan Rizvi
Taimur Zia Butt
Umer Islam
Umer Usman
Zaheer Uddi
Head Coach: Rizwak Malik

India

Nasser Hussain (capt)
Parvinder Singh
Sandeep Singh
Amit Lochab
Balaram Gopinathan
Hemant Kumar
Surinder Singh
Sukhdeep Singh
Kamaldeep Dagar
Rohit Suvach
Charanjit Singh
Karl Tata
Naresh Kumar
Suresh Sajwan
Ranjit Jhambale
Gautam Dagar
Ganesh Sawant
Tudu Sailen
Zafar Khan
Sujai Lama
Bikash Jena
Pritom Roy
Rohaan Sethna
Thimmaiah Thiman
Coaches: Hendre Marnitz and Norman Laker

China Team not available

Test Rugby This Weekend 6 June

06.06.2009
England v Argentina in Manchester
United States v Wales in Bridgeview, Illinois
Canada v Georgia in Ottawa (Churchill Cup, Pool A)
Argentina 'A' v England Saxons in Ottawa (Church.Cup, Pool B)-Non Test
Lithuania v Netherlands in Vilnius (WCQ Euro.R3 Playoff)
Winner v Winner and Loser v Loser from Kuala Lumper
Kyrgystan v Uzbekistan in Tashkent (Asia Regions 2)
Jordan v Beit Jala Lions RFC (Palestine) (Friendly)


Previews
What a rich and varied world of rugby we have nowadays. We now have test rugby from the land of its origin, England, through to the wild steppes of Asia, Tashkent.


Speaking of England we have the unusual sight of a test match in the middle of England in summer. Some may say it ain't cricket and cricket it certainly isn't. Cricket fans arriving at Old Trafford in Manchester will find themselves watching a test match between England and Argentina in what looks like a deliberate move to uniform the season of the playing of the game at the international level. Lets hope Argentina place a stronger side on the paddock from the won that lost to South Africa and Italy this time last year.


Wales ends its North American tour with a test against the USA whilst just up the road in Canada the Churchill Cup gets underway. Followers of the game in Georgia will be watching their team keenly as they enter this competition for the first time.


In Europe the final World Cup qualifier for 2009 will be played in Vilnius. The so far undefeated Lithuanians face a huge hurdle in the form of Netherlands who seem to be working their way back up to the top level of European rugby. The winner will play the winner of ENC Division 2A next year.


Kuala Lumpur hosts the 2009 Asia Nations Division 2 tournament. Malaysia, as host nation, will do battle with China, Pakistan and India. China, the only new team, were relegated from Division 1 last year as they failed to turn up for that tournament amid controversy. It will be interesting to see if Pakistan can improve on their 92-0 thrashing at the hands of India in last years tournament. There may even be a new Division 3 next year so last place here in Kuala Lumpur could mean relegation.


Asia Regions Tournament No.2 kicks off in Tashkent involving Uzbekistan, the team I can't spell Kyrgyzstan, and newcomer to the international scene, Jordan. Jordan begins its international career by playing a Palestinain club today in Amman.

Test Rugby Result 31 May

31.05.2009
Canada 27, United States 10 in Santa Clara

Rugby Test Match: USA Begins International Season

31.05.2009
United States v Ireland in Santa Clara

Venue: Buck Shaw Stadium

Referee

Preview
The USA mens national rugby team has little to celebrate about over the past few years. They have won only one test out of the last thirteen since the beginning of 2007. The last three wins since 2006 have all been against Uruguay. The low point came last November when they were humbled by the Japanese away, losing the series 2-0. They last won against Canada in 2005 and have come last in all their Churchill Cup tournaments since being in the first final.

This test match heralds a new beginning for USA rugby. Ironically, former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan will line up a USA team with a mix of experience and newcomers. O'Sullivan faces a not uncommon problem in USA rugby, the non-availability of players, especially those based overseas. Unavailable, some because of injury, are experienced players Valenese Malifa, Alec Parker, Rikus Pretorius, Tod Cleaver, Paul Emerick, Mike Palefau, Thretton Palamo, Salesi Sika, Gavin DeBartolo, Matt Wyatt, Taku Ngwenya and Kort Schubert. O'Sullivan has chosen eight new caps, six being in the run on lineup.

Ireland were not convincing in their 25-6 win over Canada last weekend. They have stuck with the same lineup with only Michael Ross replacing Tom Court in the front row. This new look Irish side will be looking to improve their performance.

Previous Encounters
20.11.2004 Ireland 55-6 in Dublin
10.06.2000 Ireland 83-3 in Manchester, USA
02.10.1999 Ireland 53-8 in Dublin
07.01.1996 Ireland 25-18 in Atlanta
05.11.1994 Ireland 26-15 in Dublin.

In recent years the USA has lost twice to Ireland 'A' in the Churchill Cup, 46-9 in 2008, and 28-13 in 2006.

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Ireland 3rd, USA 20th

Prediction: The Irish will have too much spit and polish for this fairly in experienced Eagles side. Ireland by 30 points

Teams

U.S. Eagles:
15 – Christopher Wyles (Saracens, England) Aged 26, 13 tests
14 – Kevin Swiryn (Old Puget Sound Beach) , New Cap
13 – Junior Sifa (Middleton) 26, 3
12 – Roland Suniula (Pearl City) , New Cap
11 – Justin Boyd (Dallas Harlequins) 25, 1
10 – Michael Hercus (Sunshine Coast, Australia) 30, 42
9 – Michael Petri, Capt. (New York Athletic Club) 24, 7
8 – Nicholas Johnson (Denver Barbarians RFC) , New Cap
7 – Peter Dahl (Belmont Shore RFC) , New Cap
6 – Louis Stanfill (New York Athletic Club) 23, 11
5 – Hayden Smith (Saracens, England) 24, 3
4 – John Van Der Giessen (Denver Barbarians) 27, 5
3 – William Johnson (Oxford University, England) , New Cap
2 – Christopher Biller (California) , New Cap
1 – Michael MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England) 28, 53
Replacements:
16 – Joseph Welch (Belmont Shore) 25, 3
17 – Matekitonga Moeakiola (Park City Haggis) 31, 10
18 – Courtney Mackay (Counties Manukau, New Zealand) 26, 1
19 – J.J. Gagiani (Univ. of Cape Town, South Africa) 24, 3
20 – Timothy Usasz (Nottingham, England) , New Cap
21 – Ata Malifa (Belmont Shore) 23, New Cap
22 – Alipate Tuilevuka (Provo Steelers) 28, 3
Head Coach: Eddie O’Sullivan

http://www.usarugby.org/

Ireland
15. Gavin Duffy (Connacht) Age 27, 9 Tests
14. Barry Murphy (Munster) 26, 3
13. Darren Cave (Ulster) 22, 1
12. Ian Whitten (Ulster) 21, 1
11. Ian Dowling (Munster) 24, 1
10. Ian Keatley (Connacht) 22, 1
9. Peter Stringer (Munster) 31, 90
8. Denis Leamy (Munster) 27, 41
7. Niall Ronan (Munster) 26, 1
6. John Muldoon (Connacht) 24, 1
5. Michael O'Driscoll (Munster) 30, 16
4. Robert Casey (London Irish, England) 30, 6
3. Michael Ross (Harlequins, England) 29, New Cap
2. Rory Best, Capt. (Ulster) 26, 32
1. Anthony Buckley (Shannon/Munster) 28, 12
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin (Connacht) 23, New Cap
17. Thomas Court (Ulster) 28, 2
18. Ryan Caldwell Ulster) 24, 1
19. Donnacha Ryan (Munster) 24, 2
20. Eoin Reddan (London Wasps, England) 28, 15
21. Niall O'Connor (Ulster) 21, New cap
22. Denis Hurley (Munster) 24, New Cap
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

International Rugby Results: Saturday 30 May

30.05.2009
Barbarians (UK) RFC 33, England 26 at Twickenham (Non Test)
British and Irish Lions 37, Highvelt Royals XV 25 at Rustenburg (Non Test)
Wales 32, Canada 23 in Toronto
Poland 14, Belgium 3 in Gdansk (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 2A)
Romania v Tunisia in Tunis (not sure if Romanian U23 or Romania)

Review
The old hands of world rugby taught the new rugby boys of England a thing or two. The British and Irish Lions stuttered their way to an inglorious first win on tour. Perhaps a bit rusty? Canada gave Wales a good fright and the outsiders Poland have reached second in their division at the halfway point of ENC 2A. They won 14-3 against a weakened Belgian side.

Rugby Match: Young England take on the Barbarians

30.05.2009
England v Barbarians (UK) RFC at Twickenham

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Preview
Although not a test match, this fixture is a good warm-up for an England side about to do battle with the full-blooded Argentineans.

With a number of English players either with the Lions in South Africa or injured, Martin Johnson has taken the opportunity introduced a few new players to international rugby.

The Barbarians is made up of mostly hardened veterans who may lack a pace or two for this stage of their careers. It will be Martin Corry's last game of rugby. An interesting inclusion on the bench is 37 year-old Mike Catt.

Prediction: The oldies, much to the annoyance of Martin Johnson who will not be venturing to play open rugby,to fling the ball all over the park, enjoying themselves, entertaining the crowd, and to win by 10 points.

Teams

England
15 Delon Armitage (London Irish)
14 Ben Foden (Northampton)
13 Jamie Noon (Newcastle)
12 Jordan Turner-Hall (Harlequins)
11 Matt Banahan (Bath)
10 Andy Goode (Brive)
9 Danny Care (Harlequins)
8 Nick Easter (Harlequins)
7 Lewis Moody (Leicester)
6 Chris Robshaw (Harlequins)
5 Louis Deacon (Leicester)
4 Steve Borthwick (Saracens, capt)
3 David Wilson (Newcastle)
2 Dylan Harltey (Northampton)
1 Tim Payne (Wasps).
Replacements
16 Steve Thompson (Brive)
17 Nick Wood (Gloucester)
18 Chris Jones (Sale Sharks)
19 Steffon Armitage (London Irish)
20 James Haskell (Wasps)
21 Paul Hodgson (London Irish)
22 Tom May (Newcastle)
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

Barbarians
15 Ben Blair (Cardiff Blues & New Zealand)
14 Doug Howlett (Munster & New Zealand)
13 Josh Lewsey (London Wasps & England)
12 Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster & Ireland)
11 Iain Balshaw (Gloucester Rugby & England)
10 Glen Jackson (Saracens)
9 Justin Marshall (Saracens & New Zealand)
8 Rocky Elsom (Leinster & Australia)
7 Serge Betsen (London Wasps & France)
6 Jerry Collins (Toulon & New Zealand)
5 Chris Jack (Saracens & New Zealand)
4 Martin Corry, Capt. (Leicester Tigers & England)
3 Greg Somerville (Gloucester Rugby & New Zealand)
2 Schalk Brits (Stormers & South Africa)
1 Clarke Dermody (London Irish & New Zealand).
Replacements
16 Sebastien Bruno (Sale Sharks & France)
17 B J Botha (Ulster & South Africa)
18 Paul Tito (Cardiff Blues)
19 Phil Waugh (Waratahs & Australia)
20 Chris Whitaker (Leinster & Australia)
21 Mike Catt (London Irish & England)
22 Ratu Nasiganiyavi (Waratahs).

International Rugby: British Lions Tour Begins

30.05.2009
British and Irish Lions v Highvelt Royal XV in Rustenburg


Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium

Referee: Marius Jonker

Preview
This long awaited unique tour on the international rugby calendar begins in South Africa on Saturday. By unique I mean that the days of long tours by international rugby teams ended with the advent of firstly, better airline travel, and finally, the beginning of the professional rugby era.

Coach Ian McGeechan has started with a team that looks on paper to be balanced. Solid at the back, experimental mid-field, experience in the halves and very solid and experienced up front. The world waits with anticipation.

The local side is made up of players mainly from Griqualand West and is not expected to win. They will certainly be playing the game od their lives and will rise to the occasion, to annoy and even worry the tourists at time but eventually the more experienced and fitter Lions will prevail.

No previous encounters and GWC Rugby Rankings to not apply.

Prediction: Lions by 15 points

Teams

Royal XV
15 Russell Jeacocks
14 Egon Seconds
13 Deon van Rensburg
12 Hanno Coetzee
11 Bjorn Basson
10 Naas Olivier
9 Sarel Pretorius
8 Jonathan Mokuena
7 Devon Raubenheimer
6 Wilhelm Koch (c)
5 Jacques Lombaard
4 Rudi Mathee
3 Bees Roux
2 Rayno Barnes
1 Albertus Buckle.
Replacements
16 Pellow van der Westhuizen
17 Stef Roberts
18 Rynard Landman
19 RW Kember
20 Jacques Coetzee
21 Riaan Viljoen
22 Jovan Bowles
Head Coach:

British and Irish Lions
15 Lee Byrne (Wales)
14 Thomas Bowe (Ireland)
13 Keith Earls (Ireland)
12 James Roberts (Ireland)
11 Shane Williams (Wales)
10 Ronan O'Gara (Ireland)
9 Michael Blair (Scotland)
8 Andrew Powell (Wales)
7 Martyn Williams (Wales)
6 Joseph Worsley (England)
5 Paul O'Connell, Capt. (Ireland)
4 Simon Shaw (England)
3 Adam Jones (Wales)
2 Matthew Rees (Wales)
1 Andrew Sheridan England)
Replacements
16 Lee Mears (England)
17 Philip Vickery (England)
18 Alun-Wyn Jones (Wales)
19 Stephen Ferris (Ireland)
20 Michael Phillips (Wales)
21 Stephen Jones (Wales)
22 Riki Flutey (England)
Head Coach: Ian McGeechan

http://www.planetrugby.com/story/0,25883,16024_5354637,00.html

Test Rugby: Wales Begin Tour

30.05.2009
Canada v Wales in Toronto

Venue: York University Stadium, Toronto

Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Preview
Against Ireland last week the Canadians played well for the first 60 minutes and then let Ireland through. Up to that point the game was even. The Canadians will be looking to play a full 80 minutes and win the game.

The Welsh begin their North American tour with a team that has a mixture of experience and youth. Two new caps are in the starting line up with Daniel Evans and Jonathan Davies starting in the backline. Mitchell, Warburton and Spratt may well get their first caps from the bench. With players like Dwane Peel and Ian Gough on the bench Wales will have plenty of options during the match.

Previous Encounters
14.11.2008 Wales 34-13 in Cardiff
09.09.2007 Wales 42-17 in Nantes (World Cup, Pool B)
17.11.2006 Wales 61-26 in Cardiff
11.06.2005 Wales 60-3 in Toronto
12.10.2003 Wales 41-10 in Melbourne (World Cup, Pool D)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Wales 6th, Canada 19th

Prediction: A tough game but Welsh fitness will tell in the end. Wales by 13 points.

Teams

Canada
15. James Pritchard (Bedford RFC, England) Age 28, 25 tests
14. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers) 22, 4
13. DTH van der Merwe (James Bay AA) 23, 7
12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish) 29, 40
11. Sean Duke (University of Victoria) 21, 1
10. Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy) 27, 12
9. Edward Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates, England) 30, 41
8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harelquins) 25, 21
7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria) 25, 16
6. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers) 23, 5
5. Luke Tait (Stade Montois, France) 27, 15
4. Michael Burak (Cornish Pirates, England) 28, 18
3. Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria) 20, New Cap
2. Patrick Riordan (University of Victoria) 29, 21
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) 32, 44
Replacements:
16. Michael Pletch (Velox Valhallians) 26, 18
17. Douglas Wooldridge (Cowichan) 23, 1
18. Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens) 24, 6
19. Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers) 24, 4
20. Matthew Evans (Hartpury College, England) 21, 3
21. David Spicer (University of Victoria) 24, 18
22. Phillip Mack (James Bay AA) 23, 1
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

Wales
15 Daniel Evans (Llanelly Scarlets) 20, New Cap
14 Thomas James (Cardiff Blues) 21, 3
13 Jonathan Davies (Llanelly Scarlets) 20, New Cap
12 Andrew Bishop (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 4
11 Christopher Czekaj (Cardiff Blues) 22, 6
10 Daniel Biggar (Neath Swansea Ospreys) Aged 19, 1 test
9 Gareth Cooper (Gloucester, England) 29, 40
8 Ryan Jones, Capt. (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 28, 30
7 Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues) 26, 6
6 Dafydd Jones (Llanelli Scarlets) 28, 38
5 Deiniol Jones (Cardiff Blues) 30, 5
4 Bradley Davies (Cardiff Blues) 21, 2
3 John Yapp (Cardiff Blues) 25, 12
2 Richard Hibbard (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 25, 7
1 Duncan Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 30, 52
Replacements
16 Gareth Williams (Cardiff Blues) 28, 5
17 Craig Mitchell (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 22, New Cap
18 Ian Gough (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 32, 59
19 Samuel Warburton (Cardiff Blues) 20, New Cap
20 Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks, England) 27, 67
21 Nicholas Robinson (Cardiff Blues) 26, 12
22 Jonathan Spratt (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 22, New Cap
Head Coach: Robin McBryde (caretaker)

Rugby Match: Young Romanian Side in Tunisia

30.05.2009
Romania Under 23 v Tunisia in Tunis (Friendly)

Venue: Venue: Stade Municipal de rugby d’El Menzah.

Referee: Referee: Bernard Dalmaso (France)

Preview
A young Romanian side takes on the full strength of Tunisia. Some off the Romanian players will be looking to force their way into the Romanian squad for the IRB Nations cup which starts 12 June. The Tunisians will use this game as a warm-up for their World Cup qualifying games, starting against Uganda 13 June.

Previous Encounters
None: Romania last played Tunisia back in 1993 winning 51-0. Tunisia was then playing in the FIRA competition.

GWC Rankings: Does not apply

Prediction: Romania U23 by 10 points.


Teams

Romanian Squad
Vlad Ailenei (CSM Baia Mare)
Ionut Botezatu (CSM Baia Mare)
Alexandru Braileanu (Olimpia Bucuresti)
Vlad Bunea (RC Timisoara)
George Catuna (CSM Baia Mare)
Alin Coste (Narbonne, France)
Marius Danila (CSM Baia Mare)
Mihai Dico (CSM Baia Mare)
Stefan Drusca (CS Poli Iasi)
Ionut Florea (RCJ Farul)
Andrei Gorcioaia (CSU Cluj)
Nicu Ignea (CS Poli Iasi)
Valentin Ivan (Dinamo Bucuresti)
Andrei Kiss (RC Grivita)
Eduard Marinca (CS Metrorex)
Florin Mitroi (CS Olimpia)
Alexandru Mitu (RCJ Farul)
Mihai Moraru (RC Cleopatra)
Ionel Munteanu (CS Cleopatra)
Cristian Onofrei (RC Barlad)
Andrei Radoi (CSM Baia Mare)
Cristian Rizea (CS Metrorex)
Mihai Rosca (CSM Baia Mare)
Florin Rusu (CS Metrorex)
Gabriel Sibiceanu (CS Metroex)
Georgian Tonita (RC Barlad)
Sergiu Ursache (Parma, Italy)
Viorel Zamfir (Steaua Bucuresti)
Coaches: Romeo Gontineac and Razvan Mavrodin

http://www.rugby.ro/articol/romania-joaca-maine-in-tunisia-14441/

Tunisia Squad
Kaïs Aïssa
Akram Aouamri (Dijon, France)
Sabeur Ben Charada
Mohamed Chargui
Haïthem Chelli
Amara Dridi
Imed Fhal
Mohamed Garali
Sabri Gmir
Mokhtar Gtari
Amine Gharsallah
Aymen Gloulou
Amor Hamdi (Perigueux, France)
Noureddine Hammami
Mohamed Ben Hamida
Tarek Jelali (Lyon-Villeurbanne, France),
Aziz Kassar
Mahmoud Khadraoui
Abbès Kherfani
Mohamed Kochlef
Sami Kochlef
Lotfi Ben M’sallem
Amor Mezgan
Anouar Ben Nhila
Slim Sallem
Yosri Souguir (Millau, France)
Hédi Souid (Montlucon),
Khaled Zegden
Abdelmajid Zemzem
Head Coach: Danie De Villiers

http://www.lapresse.tn/page_imprimable.php?news=93682

International Rugby: Belgium and Poland in Final ENC Match

30.05.2009
Belgium v Poland in Gdansk (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 2A)


Preview
This test match is the last to be played in European Nations Cup Division 2A before the halfway mark is reached. The next round, beginning in September 2009, will be crucial in determining which team qualifies for a World Cup 2011 playoff position and which teams are promoted to ENC 1 or relegated to ENC 2B.

This is an important rugby test match for both teams. Poland, poised near the top of the table just beneath Ukraine, were promoted from ENC 2B at the beginning of the season. They have taken this division by storm with wins over Czech Republic and, just recently, a 30-28 upset over Moldova. A win today will place Poland on ten points, the same as the Ukraine but they will remain in second place due to their one point loss to the Ukraine earlier in the season.

Belgium has been disappointing this season. Unlucky to miss promotion last season, they have struggled to dominate a very even field. A win to Belgium will steer it clear of the relegation zone.

Belgium will be without several regulars. Mathieu Verschelden, Bertrand Billi and Fred Rongé are sitting exams whilst Simon Marote, Romain Orban and Pierre Plasman are injured. Amid some controversy Alan Williams has made himself unavailable for the national team. Daniel Janssens, Victor Wartique, Aurélien Batardy, Stefan Zinzen, Bram Coupe and Mathias Rondou will be making their test debuts. Selector Richard McClintock has had to announced a rearranged team.

Last Five Encounters
16.10.1999 Poland 43-14 in Brussels (FIRA C)
28.03.1998 Poland 30-10 in Gdynia (WCQ Euro. Pool 2, Rd B)
28.10.1995 Poland 30-10 in Lodz (FIRA A2)
15.10.1994 Poland 50-13 in Siedlce (FIRA A1)
12.10.1991 Drawn 16-16 in Lublin (FIRA B1)

These two teams have not played each other for ten years so the results above count for little.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Poland 13th, Belgium 16th

Prediction: Poland gaining in strength with their now strong France-based contingent, whilst Belgium is missing leading players. Poland by 28 points.

Teams

Belgium
15 Thibaut André (Soignies)
14 Aurélien Batardy (Soignies),
13 Jérôme Cauwe (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
12 Daniel Janssens (Arras, France)
11 David Nemsadze (Domont, France)
10 Peter Duchau (Boitsfort)
9 Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
8 Charlie Fourneau (Lille, France)
7 Michaël Demolder (Boitsfort),
6 Denis Eppe (ROC Ottignies)
5 Damien Godefroy (Lille, France)
4 Cyril Nana (Lille, France)
3 Alain Miriallakis (Orléans, France)
2 Norman Wende (Rouen, France)
1 Julien Massimi (Arras, France)
Replacements
16 Jimmy Mulumba (Domont, France)
17 Thomas Dienst (Le LOU, France)
18 Jérôme Wey (St Nazaire, France)
19 Dries Bovijn (Boitsfort)
20 Victor Wartique (Frameries)
21 Stefan Zinzen (Bédarieux, France)
22 Bram Coupé (Dendermonde)

Head Coach: Richard McClintock

http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=6771

Poland

15 David Chartier (?)
14 Donald Gargasson (Toulon, France)
13 Krzysztof Hotowski (Beaurepaire, France)
12 Romuald Berthe (RC Rouen, France)
11 Tomasz Rokicki (Lechia Gdańsk)
10 Dawid Banaszek (Bourgoin, France)
9 Łukasz Szostek (Arka Gdynia)
8 Stanislas Krzesinski (Albi, France)
7 Kacper Ławski (Budowlani Łódź)
6 Ciril Monarcha (C.A. Riberacois, France)
5 Michał Krużycki (Bourgoin, France)
4 Grzegorz Falk (Juvenia Kraków)
3 Marcin Wilczuk (Old Belvedere, Ireland)
2 Yaan Levandowski (Cahors, France)
1 Fabien Kwarta (U.S. Morlaas Rugby, France)
Replacements
16 Kamil Bobryk (St Etienne, France)
17 Eric Piorkowski (?)
18 Aleksander Bartoszewicz
19 Kazimierz Raszpunda (Pogoń Siedlce)
20 Paweł Nowak (Arka Gdynia)
21 Dawid Popławski (Lechia Gdańsk)
22 Jurij Buhało (Posnania Poznan)
Head Coach: Tomasz Putra

http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html

International Rugby This Weekend

29.05.2009
South Africa XV v Namibia Invitation XV in Windhoek (Non-test)

30.05.2009
England v Barbarians (UK) RFC at Twickenham (Non-Test)
Canada v Wales in Toronto
Romania v Tunisia in Tunis
Belgium v Poland in Gdansk (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 2A)

31.05.2009
United States v Ireland in Santa Clara

International Rugby: Kazakhstan plays Hong Kong

24.05.2009
Kazakhstan 25, Hong Kong 6 in Almaty (Asia 5 Nations)


Review
A comfortable win to Kazakhstan places them second in Asian rugby for 2009.

Preview
A win to Kazakhstan will place them in 2nd place on the Asia Nations table.


Previous Encounter
03.05.2008 Hong Kong 23-17 in Hong Kong (Asia 5 Nations)


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


Teams: Not available

Rugby Test Results: 23 May

23.05.2009
Canada 25, Ireland 6 in Vancouver
Japan 45, Singapore 15 in Singapore (Asia 5 Nations)
Argentina 'A' 33, Uruguay 9 in Montevideo (CONSUR A Final)
Lithuania 19, Israel 3 in Netanya (WCQ Euro.R4 Playoff)
Cambodia 24, Laos 8 in Phnom Penh (Mekong Cup)-Updated 6:20pm SET

Tomorrow 24.05.2009
Kazakhstan v Hong Kong in Almaty (Asia 5 Nations)

Test Match: Japan in Singapore

23.05.2009
Japan 45, Singapore 15 in Singapore (Asia 5 Nations)

Review

I originally thought this game was on Sunday. Not much more is known only that the game was a lot tighter than many predicted. I'd like to see the Japan team sheet.

Preview

Japan has taken the Asia 5 Nations title for 2009 without really being threatened. Singapore has found the step up to this level of international rugby far too difficult and has lost their games mostly by big scores. They did give Kazakhstan a fright when they visited. I suspect Japan will not send their strongest team but will nevertheless prove far too strong for the locals. Iexpect a big score.

Previous Encounters
20.09.1992 Japan XV 120-3 in Hong Kong (13th Asian Champ.)
25.10.1990 Japan XV 80-3 in Colombo (12th Asian Champ.)
13.11.1988 Japan XV 82-0 in Hong Kong (11th Asia Champ.)
25.10.1984 Japan XV 84-6 in Fukuoka (9th Asia Champ.)
04.11.1972 Japan XV 60-4 in Hong Kong (3rd Asia Champ.)

All the above results do is paint a very gloomy picture for Singapore. They have never met the full Japanese team before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Japan 1st, Singapore 5th

Prediction: Not made in time

Teams:

International Rugby: Irish Tour Begins

23.05.2009
Ireland v Canada in Vancouver

Preview
Ireland's inexperienced side will not find Canada the pushover they were during the November 2008 test between these sides. This Canadian side is a good mix of experience and youth. The Canadians will be remembering their famous 27-27 draw against the Irish in Toronto back in 2000.

Previous Encounters
08.11.2008 Ireland 55-0 in Limerick
17.06.2000 Drawn 27-27 in Toronto
30.11.1997 Ireland 33-11 in Dublin
30.05.1987 Ireland 46-19 in Dunedin (World Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Ireland 3rd, Canada 19th

Prediction: Ireland by 24 points
Ireland will eventually outlast the Canadians but it will be a physical encounter,

Teams

Canada
15. James Pritchard (Bedford RFC, England) Age 28, 24 tests
14. Dean van Camp (Velox Valhallians) 26, 7
13. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers) 22, 3
12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish) 29, 40
11. DTH van der Merwe (James Bay AA) 23, 6
10. David Spicer (University of Victoria) 24, 17
9. Edward Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates, England) 30, 40
8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harelquins) 25, 20
7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria) 25, 15
6. Chauncey O'Toole (Castaway Wanderers) ?, New Cap
5. Michael Burak (Cornish Pirates, England) 28, 18
4. Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens) 24, 5
3. Scott Franklin (Cornish Pirates, England) 28, 7
2. Patrick Riordan (University of Victoria) 29, 20
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) 32, 43
Replacements:
16. Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria) 20, New Cap
17. Luke Tait (Stade Montois, France) 27, 14
18. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers) 23, 4
19. Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers) 24, 3
20. Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion, England) 26, 16
21. Phillip Mack (James Bay AA) 23, New Cap
22. Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy) 27, 11
Coach: Kieran Crowley

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=13651&page=35729

Van der Merwe and Tait both last played for Canada v Australia at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
Data from rugbyinternational database

Ireland
15. Gavin Duffy (Connacht) Age 27, 8 Tests
14. Barry Murphy (Munster) 26, 2
13. Darren Cave (Ulster) 22, New cap
12. Ian Whitten (Ulster) 21, New Cap
11. Ian Dowling (Munster) 24, New Cap
10. Ian Keatley (Connacht) 22, New Cap
9. Peter Stringer (Munster) 31, 89
8. Denis Leamy (Munster) 27, 40
7. Niall Ronan (Munster) 26, New Cap
6. John Muldoon (Connacht) 24, New Cap
5. Michael O'Driscoll (Munster) 30, 15
4. Robert Casey (London Irish, England) 30, 5
3. Anthony Buckley (Shannon/Munster) 28, 11
2. Rory Best, Capt. (Ulster) 26, 31
1. Thomas Court (Ulster) 28, 2
Replacements:
16. Sean Cronin (Connacht) 23, New Cap
17. Michael Ross (Harlequins, England) 29, New Cap
18. Ryan Caldwell Ulster) 24, New Cap
19. Donnacha Ryan (Munster) 24, 1
20. Eoin Reddan (London Wasps, England) 28, 14
21. Niall O'Connor (Ulster) 21, New cap
22. Denis Hurley (Munster) 24, New Cap
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?clientID=3817&leagueID=13651&page=35729

Duffy and O’Driscoll last played for Ireland in 2007-08 , whilst Murphy last played in 2007-07. Casey last played for Ireland 9 years ago in 2000.
Stats from rugbyinternational database

Test Match: CONSUR A Final

23.05.2009
Argentina 'A' v Uruguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A Final)

Previews
The final of the 2009 CONSUR A competition will be played in Montevideo. The Argentinean side is virtually a 'C' selection following the announcement of the squad for the Churchill Cup. Only five players from the 22 will go to Canada.

Previous Encounters
31.05.2008 Argentina 'A' 43-8 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
27.04.2002 Argentina 'A' 35-21 in Mendoza (23rd S.Ameri. Champ. A)
24.11.2001 Argentina 'A' 63-9 in ? (22nd S.American Champ. A)

Prior to 2001 Argentina played Uruguay either with their full XV or a 'XV'.

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply.

Prediction: Argentina 'A' by 20 points.

Teams

Argentina 'A'
15- Lucas Barrera Oro *
14- Belisario Agulla
13- Facundo Vega
12- Santiago Piccaluga
11- Francisco Merello *
10- Santiago González Iglesias
9- Francisco Cubelli
8- Ignacio Pasman
7- Agustín Guzmán *
6- Miguel De Achával (capitán)
5- Gabriel Pata Curelo
4- Felipe Aranguren
3- Guillermo Roan
2- Mauricio Guidone *
1- César Bettolli*
Replacements
16- Ignacio Di Santi
17- Matías Narváez
18- Benjamín Macome
19- Rodrigo Bruno
20- Lucas Alcácer
21- Juan Imhoff
22- Pedro Garzón
Coaches: Mauricio Reggiardo and Mario Barandiarán

http://www.uar.com.ar/noticias324.asp?notcod=20090522165323

* Selected in Argentina ‘A’ squad for Churchill Cup.

Uruguay
15-Jerónimo Etcheverry
14-Santiago Gibernau
13-Juan Martín Llovet
12-Joaquín Pastore (capitán)
11-Juan Labat
10-Matías Arocena
9-Juan Campomar
8-Rodrigo Capó
7-Ignacio Barcos
6-Juan Horta
5-Carlos Protasi
4-Matías Fonseca
3-Mario Sagario
2-Carlos Arboleya
1-Rodrigo Sánchez
Replacements
16-Juan Rombys
17-Martín Espiga
18-Rafael Álvarez
19-Gonzalo Campomar
20-Manuel Martínez
21-Leandro Leivas
22-Alejandro Silveira
Head Coach: Guillermo García Porcel

http://www.uru.org.uy/show.php?page=completa&i=1509

World Cup Rugby: Israel takes on Lithuania

23.05.2009
Lithuania v Israel in Netanya (WCQ Euro.R4 Playoff)

Preview
As I said in an earlier post this is the biggest game yet in the history of the game in Israel.

Israel defeated Slovenia 26-19 here last weekend in a surprise result. The Slovenes were expected to win but the locals played their hearts out to win. Lithuania is a very different prospect. A hardened team of veterens with plenty of experience playing in ENC 3A which is two levels above what Israel has been playing this season.

Still, you can never tell in this game of rugby. Anything can happen. Lithuania has arrived with a squad of only twenty players. It's not known why. Perhaps they are cutting costs. Perhaps they are very confident. Perhaps they only have twenty fits players who could travel. For whatever reason that puts them at a slight disadvantage although in the end I predict it will not matter. Lithuania will be just too experienced and tough for Israel.

Previous Encounters
23.10.2004 Lithuania 60-7 in Vilnius (WCQ Euro.R1)
16.10.2004 Lithuania 53-0 in Ranaana (WCQ Euro. R1)
18.05.2002 Lithuania 33-24 in Klaipeda (FIRA B, Pool B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Lithuania 21st, Israel 28th

Prediction: Lithuania by 19 points

Teams


Lithuania Squad

Dainius Baltrukenas (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Ernestas Bartkevicius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Aleksandras Čiuchlejus (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Ignas Darkintius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Kestutis Marcisauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Mindaugas Misevicius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Darius Nosys (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Egidijus Petronis (RC Kursiai Klaipeda)
Žygimantąs Radžiųs (RC Salda Siauliai)
Audrius Ramancionis (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Edmundas Scavinskas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Paulius Šertvitis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Richardas Stankus (RC Salda Siauliai)
Evaldas Štitilis (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Tomas Stungįs (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Gediminas Svoba (RC Salda Siauliai)
Adrius Tatorius (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Laurynas Tipelis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Justinas Vasiliauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Edvardas Žilius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Head coach - Anatolijus Smirnovas

http://www.kaunas.lt/regbis

Israel
15 Stav Gurtovoy
14 Alon Akon
13 Nimrod Kaplan
12 Adrian Rainstein
11 Jonathan Radashkovich
10 Amir Beutler
9 Nir Bar-Or
8 Guy Dotan
7 Michael Eli
6 Gilad Goldstein
5 Oren Brodhurst
4 Shai Dekel
3 Matan Brosh
2 Tomer Bracha
1 Nathan Amos
Replacements
16 Hanan Gamburg
17 Ofer Hamburger
18 Alon Geller
19 Omri Lotan
20 Sean Kantor
21 Nestor Rainstein
22 Omer Mendelsohn Chafli
Coach Raanan Penn

Thanks to Julian Shapiro, Israeli team manager.

From the lineup that faced Slovenia last weekend…
Michael Eli moves from the bench to the side of the scrum, for Nesi Abravanel.
Guy Dotan moves in to No.8 replacing Nimrod Kaplan who moves to centre for Sean Kantor to move to the bench.

Scrum half Nir Bar-Or moves from the bench for Stav Gurtovoy who moves to fullback.
Adrain Rainstein moves from the wing to centre replacing Mordechay Radashkovich.
Alon Akon comes into the wing position.
Omri Lotan and Nestor Rainstein are new players who are on the bench.

Updated 25.05.2009

Rugby Match This weekend: An alteration

23.05.2009
Argentina 'A' v Uruguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A Final)

The dates and venue for these finals changed from what was originally published. On Wednesday the semi-final between Argentina 'A' and Chile was played in Montevideo. Argentina 'A' were too strong winning 89-6.

This Saturday will see the final of CONSUR A, between Uruguay and Argentina 'A', to be played in Montevideo

Test Rugby This Weekend 23 May

23.05.2009
Canada v Ireland in Vancouver
Argentina 'A' v Chile in Buenos Aires (CONSUR A Semi-Final)
Israel v Lithuania in Netanya (WCQ Europe R2 Playoff)

24.05.2008
Kazakhstan v Hong Kong in Almaty (Asia 5 Nations)
Singapore v Japan in Singapore (Asia 5 Nations)

Previews
It's only days from the beginning of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa. Most of the followers of world international rugby will be giving their time to following that tour. But before that there are a few little morsels of rugby interest elsewhere.

Probably unknown to most, but certainly with some significance, will be the test to be played in Israel. Yes Israel! This Saturday the Israeli team will host the mighty Lithuanians. Both teams have made significant rises in their world rankings, whether it be the official IRB rankings or my GWC Rugby Rankings.

Lithuania arrives in Israel with some significant rugby attributes. Firstly, from a fairly small club base, they have built an amazing winning combination. Fourteen wins in fact, all in a row. Two of the wins were, over the past two seasons, against neighbours Latvia who play in a division above the Lithuanians. So the Lithuanians have conquered all in ENC Division 3A for 2008-09 and so they face another amazing team with an impressive record.

You wouldn't think Israel takes its rugby seriously but I'm afraid your wrong. They do. And they have an impressive record of late to back the boast up. Firstly they won the lowest division in Europe participating in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying system. Next they caused a major upset by defeating Slovenia who won Division 3B, which is above Israel's division. Now Israel play host to the Lithuanians who look to be favourites to take this match. Well, the Slovenians were favourites last week as well.

Another important test match this weekend is between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. Whilst it's not to decide anything really in the Asia 5 Nations it will give a gauge as to the progress these two Asia teams has made. Both play a standard below the Japanese but are threatening Korea's traditional position as No.2 in Asia.

And finally, Ireland arrive in North America for two tests. Well actually its more accurate to label the team Ireland 'B', as the British and Irish Lions team in South Africa contain most of Ireland's top players. Still, the significance of this tour is the blooding of new Irish players who will be required to take over from some of the veterans in the Six Nations 2009 Grand Slam winning side.

Weekend Test Rugby Results: 15-16 May

15.05.2009
Argentina 'A' 19, Namibia 7 in Buenos Aires

16.05.2009
Japan 80, Korea 9 in Osaka (Asia 5 Nations)
Hong Kong 64, Singapore 6 in Hong Kong (Asia 5 Nations)
Poland 30, Moldova 28 in Chisinau (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 2A)

Reviews
The Argentina 'A' selection for Friday's test was very different from the one that swamped Namibia 62-8 last weekend. The Argentine selectors were out to experiment with as many players as possible before the World Cup qualifiers, CONSUR A and Churchill Cup test matches just ahead. Given that, and Namibia's improved play, a much closer match resulted. For Namibia the question is how much stronger will they be if they can secure their South African-based players for the Africa Cup and World Cup qualifiers just around the corner?

As expected Japan walked all over Korea to put considerable distance between them and the rest of Asia. The gap is not closing, except that below Japan the field is now a lot more even. So how will the rest of Asia catch up to Japan?

Hong Kong surprised by the size of their win over Singapore. Singapore will move down to Asia Nations Division 1 for 2011 and are thus eliminated from World Cup finals contention. They will be replaced by Arabian Gulf. The problem is that the demise of the Arabian Gulf rugby union is very much on the IRB's agenda, that body preferring to have the individual states on the Arabian peninsula members of the governing body.

Poland caused a minor surprise with its 30-28 win over Moldova away. Poland's policy of picking a good number of French-based players is paying off. By late 2007 Moldova were picked to progress to European Nations Cup Division 1, but since then they have dramatically fallen away. I wonder why?