TEST RUGBY: Victoria Cup

12.06.2010
Zimbabwe v Kenya in Nairobi

Preview
Kenya and Zimbabwe clash for the inaugural match for the Victoria Cup, Africa's newest rugby competition. Both side are playing their first tests for 2010. Both sides have a big programme of test rugby involing this new Cup in Africa as well as the CAR Africa Cup.

Last Five Encounters
24.07.2004 Zimbabwe 24-15 in Bulawayo (Friendly)
24.05.2003 Kenya 32-24 in Nairobi (Friendly)
28.09.2002 Kenya 19-12 in Nairobi (Kenya Airways Cup)
03.07.1993 Zimbabwe 42-7 in Nairobi (WCQ Africa)
13.08.1989 Zimbabwe 56-9 in ?

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Kenya 6th, Zimbabwe 10th
IRB Ranking Points-Kenya 49.68, Zimbabwe 46.91

Prediction: Kenya by 18 points

Teams

Kenya
15. Vincent Mose (Impala RFC)
14. Victor Sudi (Kenya Harlequin FC)
13. Innocent Simiyu, Capt. (Impala RFC)
12. Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequin FC)
11. Peter Abuoga (Kenya Harlequin FC)
10. Nato Simiyu (Impala RFC)
9. Peter Mutai (Kenya Commercial Bank)
8. Paul Oimbo (Impala RFC)
7. David Mogere (Kenya Harlequin FC)
6. Ben Nyambu (Nondescripts RUFC)
5. Michael Aung (Nondescripts RUFC)
4. Wilson K'Opondo (Mean Machine RFC)
3. Joel Ng'anga (Kenya Harlequin FC)
2. Vincent Ongera (Kenya Harlequin FC)
1. Daniel Kiptoo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Replacements
16. Edwin Alubaka (Kenya Commercial Bank)
17. Nzioka Muema (Impala RFC)
18. Tony Mutai (Kenya Harlequin FC)
19. Andrew Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank)
20. Charles Kanyi (Nondescripts RUFC)
21. David Ambunya (Kenya Harlequin FC)
22. Naftaly Bondo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
Head Coach: Michael Otieno

Kenya's Games ahead
June 12 v Zimbabwe in Nairobi (Victoria Cup)
June 19 v Mupumalanga in Witbank-Curtain raiser Italy v S.Africa
June 26 v Uganda (Elgon Cup)
July 17 v Zimbabwe in Bulawayo (Victoria Cup)

http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=64509

Zimbabwe Squad
Justin Butchanan (South Africa-based club) *
Prayer Chitenderu (Old Hararians)
Rocky Gurumani, Capt. (Old Hararians)
Daniel Hondo (Hurtpury RFC, England)
Vakai Hove (South Africa-based club) *
Paul Jessub (Harare Sports Club) *
Scotty Johns (South Africa-based club) *
Jacques Leitao (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Lloyd Machanjaira (Old Miltonians)
Tapiwa Mafi (Old Hararians)
W. Mbanje
Tafadzwa Mhende (Harare Sports Club)
Norman Mukondiwa (Matabeleland Province)
D, Mutamangira
Njabulo Ndlovu (Mashonaland Country Districts)
Gardner Nechironga (Polokwane, South Africa)
Danny Robertson
Josh Rowe (South Africa-based club) *
Sanele Sibanda (South Africa-based club) *
Paul Staak (Matabeleland Province)
Zacks Tondoro (England-based club)

Head Coach: Brandon Dawson
Assistant: Cyprian Mandenge
Manager: Noddy Kanyangarara

* New caps

Player info. put together from my own records.

Adapted from http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=19860&cat=5

TEST RUGBY: Fierce Test Predicted

12.06.2010
France v South Africa in Capetown

Venue: Newlands Park

Referee:Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)

Preview
The World Cup soccer tournament is being held at the same time in South Africa as this tour of the Republic by France. So the nations is really focused on soccer but instead of drawn defensive soccer games expect something very different in Capetown.

I recently watched again the South Africa v France rugby test played last November in France. I don't think I have seen a more physical game of rugby for sometime. Not dirty. Just pure physical confrontation as only this magnificent game can bring. France won that brutal game and then promptly folded against New Zealand a few weeks later.I Ah! French rugby!

Last Five Encounters
13.11.2009 France 20-13 in Toulouse
24.06.2006 France 36-26 in Capetown
26.11.2005 France 26-20 in Paris
25.06.2005 South Africa 27-13 in Port Elizabeth
18.05.2005 Drawn 30-30 in Durban

South Africa has not defeated France since June 2005, losing the last three in a row.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-France 2nd, South Africa 4th
IRB Rankings-South Africa 2nd (88.60), France 4th (85.43)

Prediction: Who knows? You certainly cannot predict the French. I'll Say France by 5

Teams

South Africa
15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie , 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield , 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Jannie du Plessis, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Juan de Jongh, 22 Jean de Villiers.
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

France
15 Clement Poitrenaud, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 David Marty, 12 Maxime Mermoz, 11 Aurélien Rougerie, 10 Francois Trinh-Duc, 9 Morgan Parra, 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Wenceslas Lauret, 6 Thierry Dusautoir (c), 5 Romain Millo- Chluski, 4 Lionel Nallet, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Thomas Domingo.
Replacements: 16 Guilhem Guirado, 17 Jean Baptiste Poux, 18 Julien Pierre, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Dimitri Yachvili, 21 David Skrela, 22 Marc Andreu.
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: Ireland Down Under

12.06.2010
Ireland v New Zealand in New Plymouth

Venue: Yarrow Stadium

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Preview
Could this be Ireland's day? For so long the Irish have played the All Blacks and lost. On Saturday they have a grand opportunity to achieve what no other Irish team has done.

The Irish arrive in New Zealand with virtually their strongest possible side whilst New Zealand introduces 6 new players to test rugby, either in the starting lineup or from the bench.

It will be a fascinating test, old v new.

Last Five Encounters
15.11.2008 New Zealand 22-3 in Dublin
07.06.2008 New Zealand 21-11 in Wellington
17.06.2006 New Zealand 27-17 in Auckland
10.06.2006 New Zealand 34-23 in Hamilton
22.06.2002 New Zealand 40-8 in Auckland

Of recent Ireland's best performances have been on New Zealand soil. The closest Ireland has come was 10-10 draw in Dublin, 1973.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 1st, Ireland 3rd
IRB Rankings-New Zealand 1st (91.68), Ireland 5th (82.61)

Prediction: New Zealand by 10 points.

Teams

New Zealand
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Benson Stanley, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, Capt. 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Anthony Boric, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Ben Franks.
Replacements: 16 Aled de Malmanche, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Zac Guildford.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

Ireland
15 Rob Kearney, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt. 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 John Muldoon, 5 Mick O'Driscoll, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 John Fogarty, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Dan Tuohy, 19 Shane Jennings, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Jonathan Sexton, 22 Geordan Murphy.
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

TEST MATCH: Pacific Nations Cup

12.06.2010
Samoa v Tonga in Apia

Venue: Apia Park

Referee: Peter FitzGibbon (Ireland)

Preview
The first of the Pacific Nations cup matches in Apia begins today. Host nation Samoa plays the visiting Tongan side. Both side will be flexing their muscles and preparing for next years Rugby World Cup. As usual both teams are without a number of their top overseas-based players so the opportunity is there for younger players to establish themselves before next years event.

Both sides have been able to call upon some of their overseas-based players including London Wasps' David Lemi and London Irish's George Stowers for Samoa. Traditionally Samoa has had the edge over their Pacific Island neighbours. The one famous exception was Tonga's magnificient win in the 2007 Rugby World Cup after suffering a mauling from Samoa earlier in the year. Expect some big hits!

Last Five Encounters
23.06.2009 Samoa 27-13 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
28.06.2008 Samoa 20-15 in Nuku'alofa (Pacific Nations Cup)
16.09.2007 Tonga 19-15 in Montpellier (World Cup, Pool A)
23.06.2007 Samoa 50-3 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)
01.07.2006 Samoa 36-0 in Gosford (Pacific 5 Nations)

Tonga last won in Apia in 1980, winning 15-12.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Samoa 12th, Tonga 14th
Oceania Table-Samoa 4th, Tonga 5th
IRB Rankings-Samoa 12th (72.08), Tonga 15th (68.18)

Prediction: Samoa too strong at home and in the slip stream of their successful 7's side, to win by 13 points.

Teams

Samoa
15 Paul Williams, 14 Mikaele Pesamino, 13 George Pisi, 12 Jamie Helleur, 11 David Lemi, 10 Lolo Lui, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 George Stowers, 7 Falemiga Selesele, 6 Iosefa Tekori, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Filipo Lavea Levi, 3 Sakaria Taulafo, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Anthony Perenise.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Williams, 17 James Afoa, 18 Manaia Salave'a, 19 Alafoti Faosiliva, 20 Uale Mai, 21 Fautua Otto, 22 Uarotafou Setu.
Head Coach: Fuimaono Tafua

Tonga
15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Alaska Taufa, 13 Saia Fekitoa, 12 Andrew Ma'ilei, 11 Manu Ahotaeiloa, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Daniel Morath, 8 tbc, 7 Paula Kata, 6 Kelepi Halafihi, 5 Alepini Olosoni, 4 Akameta Feao, 3 Pa'alo'i Taula, 2 Aleki Lutui (c), 1 Toma Toke.
Replacements: 16 Sione Vaiomounga, 17 Sione Fukofuka, 18 Sitiveni Mafi, 19 Atunaisa Sikalu, 20 Samisoni Fisilau, 21 Fangatapu Apikotoa, 22 Alipate Fatafehi.
Head Coach: Isitolo Maka

RUGBY TEST: Pacific Nations Opener

12.06.2010
Fiji v Japan in Lautoka

Venue: Churchill Park

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Preview
Japan started its 2010 campaign in grand style sweeping all Asian challengers before them. John Kirwan has got this side playing well and lasting 80 minutes of rugby, something they have failed to do against stronger opposition. So how will they do against stronger teams?

Fiji has problems. Firstly, they cannot get all their best players in from their European and Japanese clubs. This is usual for this union. Secondly two players are out due to suspensions following their 3-49 loss to Australia last weekend. 'Centre Saula Radidi was handed a two-match ban after being cited for a dangerous tackle on Giteau early in the second half, while full-back Taniela Rawaqa was suspended for one game after being cited for a dangerous tackle/shoulder charge, also on Giteau, this time in the first half'.

The Fijians have made nine changes to the lineup that was outclassed by Australia last weekend, including a new captain in Waqaniburotu.

John Kirwan took his Japanese side to New Zealand to prepare for this game. A Japan XV went down 19-23 to North Harbour at Albany Stadium. Down 0-16 at one stage the Japanese fought back and nearly stole the game in the dying moments. It was a good work out, especially for their defensive structure, a situation not tested by the Asian Teams in this years Asia5Nations competition.

Last Five Encounters
03.07.2009 Fiji 40-39 in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)
22.06.2008 Fiji 24-12 in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Cup)
12.09.2007 Fiji 35-31 in Toulouse (World Cup, Pool B)
24.05.2007 Fiji 30-15 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
01.07.2006 Fiji 29-15 in Osaka (Pacific Five Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Fiji 10th, Japan 13th
IRB Rankings-Fiji 10th (75.90), Japan 13th (70.59)

Prediction: Japan to turn the tide, an win by 5 points.

Teams

Fiji
15 Jaoji Dakuvula, 14 Timoci Naqusa, 13 Ropate Ratu, 12 Sireli Naqelevuki, 11 Nemani Nasiganiyavi, 10 Jonetani Ralulu, 9 Nikola Matawalu, 8 Kelepi Ketedromo, 7 Jimilai Naikadawa, 6 Rupeni Nasiga, 5 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, Capt., 4 Seko Qaraniqio, 3 Alefoso Yalayalatabua, 2 Vili Veikoso, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements: 16 Tuapati Talemaitoga, 17 Graham Dewes, 18 Anthony Wise, 19 Samu Bola, 20 Emosi Vucago, 21 Naipolioni Nalaga, 22 Iliesa Keresoni.
Head Coach: Samuela Domoni

Japan
15 Kaoru Matsushita, 14 Alisi Tupuailei, 13 Koji Taira, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Kosuke Endo, 10 Shaun Webb, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Takashi Kikutani (c), 7 Touetsu Taufa, 6 Micheal Leitch, 5 Luke Thompson, 4 Hitoshi Ono, 3 Shinsuke Nakamura, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements: 16 Hiroki Yuhara, 17 Naoki Kawamata, 18 Toshizumi Kitagawa, 19 Ryukoliniasi Holani, 20 Koji Wada, 21 James Arlidge, 22 Hirotoki Onozawa.
Head Coach: John Kirwan

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RESULTS; IRB Nations Cup Day 1

In Bucharest

11.06.2010
Namibia 21, Romania 17
Italy A 22, Argentina A 20
Georgia 22, Scotland 'A 21

Briefly
Upsets all round in my book. Well, lets say all my predictions were WELL out!

Namibia fought hard to win against Romania, the host nation. Italy A edged out the Jaguars, whilst Georgia, with a below-strength side, defeated last years tournament winner Scotland 'A'

This sets up a most interesting competition from this point.

TEST RUGBY: Pacific Nations Cup Begins

This year the tournament is again being held in one location, Apia Samoa. Today's Fiji v Japan is in Lautoka, Fiji, but then all teams meet in Apia. For the first time Australia and New Zealand is not represented, which is a great shame. Both these Pacific nations have used the tournament to blood up-and-coming players as they sent their 'A' teams or NZ Maoris. The reasons given are the world economic situation and the Rugby World Cup next year. I'm not convinced! These two Pacific super powers should be doing more to help the development of the game in the Pacific. Being a Kiwi living in Australia I'm okay to bag both these nations. What do you think?

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY MATCH: IRB Nations Cup

11.06.2010
Namibia v Romania

Venue: Bucharest

Referee:

Preview
Namibia return to this competition, having last played in 2007. They are without two key players, unavailable, in Kees Lensing and Hugo Horn. There is a smattering of South African or European based players. This is an important tournament for Namibia, a year out from the Rugby World Cup finals. They also have an Africa Cup competition to take part in over the next two months after this event.

I cannot find any team list for Romania. I suspect it will be a similar squad to that which easily accounted for the Ukraine in its last two test matches. I expect the Romanians, even if not at full strength, will be too powerful up front for the Namibians.

Previous Encounters
16.06.2007 Romania 28-16 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
30.10.2003 Romania 37-7 in Luanceston (World Cup, Pool A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Romania 18th, Namibia 20th
IRB Ranking-Romania 18th (67.10), Namibia 22nd (58.98)

Prediction: Romania by 19 points

Teams

Namibia Squad
Johan Adriaanse (Mariental) *
Heini Bock (Reho Falcons)
Jacky Bock (reho Falcons)
Chrysander Botha (Kurdus)
Jacques Burger (Saracens, England)
Colin de Koe (Reho Falcons)
Darryl de la Harpe (Western Suburbs)
Sergio de la Harpe (Western Suburbs) *
Tinus du Plessis (English Club)
Jane du Toit
Nico Esterhuizen (Boland, South Africa)
Shaun Esterhuizen (United)
Eugene Jantjies (Western Suburbs)
Uakazuvara Kazombiaze (Reho Falcons)
Heinz Koll (Wanderers)
Justin Nel (Western Suburbs)
Virgil Ngongo
Jacques Niewenhuis (French Club)
Bertus O’Callaghan (Potchefstroom, South Africa) *
Mahco Prinsloo (Wanderers)
Johnny Redelinghuys (Wanderers)
P.J van Lill (Wanderers)
Piet van Zyl (Boland, South Africa)
Ronald Van Zyl
Marius Visser (Border, South Africa)
Godwin Walters (Western Suburbs)
McGrath van Wyk (Western Suburbs)
Wally Winckler (Stellenbosh Univ, South Africa)
Head Coach: Johan Diergaardt

* New caps

Changes from Original selection
Andre Schlecter (Free State Cheetahs, South Africa) *-Not released
Henk Franken *-No passport!

Not Available
Kees Lensing-wife expecting baby
Hugo Horn-Work commitments

Romania
Team list at present not available

TEST MATCH RUGBY: IRB Nations

11.06.2010
Italy A v Argentina A

Venue: Bucharest

Referee:

Preview
It is quite likely that one of the finalists for this tournament could could from one of these teams. Both are strong squads, especially the Italians who have a number of test caps among them.

Prediction: Italy A by 5 points

Teams

Argentina A
15. Joaquin Tuculet
14. Belisario Agulla
13. Gabriel Ascarate
12. Nicolas Sanchez
11. John Imhoff
10. Santiago González Iglesias
9. Nicolás Bruzzone
8. Macoma Benjamin
7. Agustín Guzmán
6. Bruno Rodrigo
5. Agustin Smidt
4. Carlos Caceres
3. Guillermo Roan
2. Alvaro Tejeda
1. Matías Narváez
Replacements
16. Esteban Bustillo
17. Nahuel Chaparro
18. Pasman Ignacio
19. Paul Colacrai
20. Landajo Martin
21. Thomas Rosati
22. Francisco Merello
Coaches: Daniel Hourcade and Raul Perez

Adapted from http://www.rugbyfun.com.ar/nota.asp?not_codigo=69634

Italy A
15 Andrea MARCATO (Benetton Treviso, 16 caps)
14 Tommaso BENVENUTI (Benetton Treviso)
13 Andrea PRATICHETTI (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
12 Alberto SGARBI (Benetton Treviso, 5 caps)
11 Samuele PACE (MPS Viadana, 3 caps)
10 Luciano ORQUERA (Brive, 14 caps)
9 Fabio SEMENZATO (Benetton Treviso)
8 Jaco ERASMUS (MPS Viadana, 3 caps)
7 Francesco MINTO (Banca Monte Parma)
6 Robert BARBIERI (Benetton Treviso, 7 caps)
5 Enrico PAVANELLO (Benetton Treviso, 8 caps)
4 Antonio PAVANELLO (Benetton Treviso, 5 caps)
3 Pedro DI SANTO (Benetton Treviso)
2 Carlo FESTUCCIA (Racing-Metro Paris, 47 caps)
1 Matteo MUCCIGNAT (Benetton Treviso)
Replacementsa
16 Davide GIAZZON (Banca Monte Parma)
17 Andrea DE MARCHI (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
18 Massimiliano RAVALLE (Femi-CZ Rovigo)
19 Agustin CAVALIERI (Carrera Petrarca Padova)
20 Silvio ORLANDO (Benetton Treviso, 14 caps)
21 Giulio TONIOLATTI (Futura Park Rugby Roma, 5 caps)
22 Roberto QUARTAROLI (Banca Monte Parma, 3 caps)
Head Coach: Gianluca Guidi

Adapted from http://www.federugby.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1648:nazionale-a-domani-esordio-in-irb-nations-cup&catid=110:italia-a&Itemid=416

RUGBY TEST MATCH: IRB Nations Begins

11.06.2010
Scotland A v Georgia

Venue: Bucharest

Referee:

Preview
Georgia and Scotland A begin this IRB tournament, being held in Bucharest.

Georgia A could not have picked a more difficult opponent to begin this series with. They have not selected, for various reasons, their top side, leaving at least 15 top players back in France, where they are based. Plus they have left out four of their most experienced players in this squad. It looks a daunting prospect for Georgia. On the positive side if Georgia wishes to compete at next years Rugby World Cup they will need a broader base of experienced players and I guess bringing them to this tournament is not such a bad move.

Scotland A won this tournament last, although with a much stronger squad than they have in Romania this year. This is still a good team of young players who will certainly pick out the lack of experience, fitness levels and lack of pace that will make up this Georgian side.

The only time these two teams have met in the past was in November 2008, when a similar Georgian outfit were outclassed 3-69 in Glasgow.

GWC and IRB rankings do not apply

Prediction: Scotland A by 30 points.

Teams

Georgia
15 Irakli Qiasashvili (Lelo) 3 tests
14 Sandro Todua (Lelo) 18
13 Rezo Gigauri (Massy, France) 26
12 Tedo Zibzibadze, Capt. (Perigueux, France) 47
11 Irakli Chkhikvadze (AIA) 16
10 Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo) 3
9 Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 46
8 Victor Kolelishvili (Lelo) 1
7 Lasha Tavartkiladze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 5
6 Simon Maisuradze (ASM Clermont-Auvergne, France) 11
5 Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy, France) 10
4 Kakha Uchava (Farul Constanta, Romania) 16
3 Beka Sheqlashvili 0
2 Jaba Bregvadze (Kochebi) 6
1 David Dadunashvili (Massy, France) 26
Repkacements
16 Kakha Aseishvili (Kochebi) 1
17 Vasil Kakovini (Brive, France) 5
18 Kote Mikautadze 0
19 Shota Sakvarelidze (Saint-Etienne, France) 0
20 George Rokhvadze (AIA) 4
21 Giga Korkelia (Lelo) 0
22 Mamuka Ninidze (Batumi) 0
Head Coach: Tim Lane

Resting: Urjukashvili, Kvirikashvili / Natriashvili, Bolghashvili

Zibzibadze will become 20th Georgian captain in their 122 tests played.

Adapted from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3498&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

Scotland A
15 Jack Cuthbert (Bath, England
14 Colin Shaw (Scotland 7s)
13 John Houston (Edinburgh)
12 Rob Dewey (Glasgow Warriors)
11 Mark Robertson (Edinburgh)
10 Alex Blair (Edinburgh)
9 Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh)
8 Ally Hogg, Capt. (Edinburgh)
7 Roddy Grant (Edinburgh)
6 Scott Newlands (Edinburgh)
5 James Eddie (Glasgow Warriors)
4 Steven Turnbull (Edinburgh)
3 Bruce Douglas (Montpellier, France)
2 Fergus Thomson (Glasgow Warriors)
1 Ed Kalman (Glasgow Warriors)
Replacements
16 Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh)
17 David Young (Edinburgh)
18 Fraser McKenzie (Edinburgh)
19 Chris Fusaro (Heriot's FP RFC)
20 Mark McMillan (Glasgow Warriors)
21 David Blair (Edinburgh)
22 Bryan Rennie (Exeter Chiefs, England)
Head Coach: Sean Lineen

Adapted from http://www.scotlandrugbyteam.org/index.%20...%202&Itemid=9, and thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3498&start=0

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: IRB Nations Cup Begins

This IRB tournament takes place in Bucharest, Romania.

Schedule

11.06.2010
Namibia v Romania
Argentina A v Italy A
Scotland A v Georgia

15.06.2010
Italy A v Georgia
Scotland A v Namibia
Romania v Argentina A

20.06.2010
Georgia v Namibia
Italy A v Romania
Argentina A v Scotland A

Preview
The second cross-continental international rugby tournament kicks off in Bucharest Friday. There are two newcomers to this tournament, Namibia and Georgia. This tournament is an important benchmark for tier 2 nations to gauge their strength against A sides from tier 1 nations. It is also an important build up for Namibia and Georgia who have already qualified for the 2011 World Cup finals. Romania will use this tournament to prepare for its matches against Tunisia in its bid to qualify and fill the last place at the finals.

Scotland A won the tournament last year with a side handy with full Scottish rugby internationals behind them. This year the Scottish side is on tour and a good number of last years A side made that team. This side is younger and has fewer full internationals in it. Scotland A will find the going much tougher this year.

Scotland A squad

Forwards
Geoffrey Cross (Edinburgh) (*1)
James Eddie (Glasgow Warriors)
Calum Forrester (Glasgow Warriors)
Christopher Fusaro (Heriot's)
Roderick Grant (Edinburgh)
Ryan Grant (Edinburgh)
Allister Hogg (Edinburgh) (*47)
Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh)
Scott MacLeod (Edinburgh) (*21)
Fergus Thomson (Glasgow Warriors)
Kyle Traynor (Edinburgh)
Steven Turnbull (Edinburgh)
Richard Vernon (Glasgow Warriors) (*3)
Jon Welsh (Glasgow Warriors)

Backs
Alexander Blair (Edinburgh)
David Blair (Edinburgh)
Benjamin Cairns (Edinburgh) (*7)
Jack Cuthbert (Bath, England)
Robert Dewey (Glasgow Warriors) (*12)
John Houston (Edinburgh)
Greig Laidlaw (Edinburgh)
Mark McMillan (Glasgow Warriors)
Bryan Rennie (Exeter Chiefs, England)
Mark Robertson (Edinburgh)
Colin Shaw (Scotland Sevens)
Nikki Walker (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales) (*15)
Head Coach: Sean Lineen

(*12) indicates test caps.
Note. Allistair Hogg last played for Scotland v Wales 2009 6 Nations.
Robert Dewey last played for Scotland v Argentina at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Adapted from http://www.irb.com/nationscup/news/newsid=2037552.html#scotland+a+look+youth+nations+cup

Georgia are going to struggle. I have listed 15 top players who played in the European Nations Cup team that qualified Georgia for the Rugby World Cup who are missing from the team. This is very much a developmental team similar to the one that played in last years Churchill Cup and who failed to win a game

Georgia Squad

Backs
Merab Kvirikashvili (Figeac, France) 43 tests
Irakli Kiasashvili (Lelo) 3
Irakli Chkhikvadze (AIA) 16
Sandro Todua (Lelo) 18
Malkhaz Urjukashvili (Aurillac, France) 62
Rezo Gigauri (Massy, France) 26
Giga Korkelia (Lelo) 0
Mamuka Ninidze (Batumi) 0
Tedo Zibzibadze (Perigueux, France) 47
Lasha Khmaladze (Lelo) 3
Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 46
George Rokhvadze (AIA) 4

Forwards
David Dadunashvili (Massy, France) 26
Kakha Aseishvili (Kochebi) 1
Vasil kakovini (Brive, France) 5
Beka Sheqlashvili 0
Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25
Jaba Bregvadze (Kochebi) 6
Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy, France) 10
Kakha Uchava (Farul Constanta, Romania) 16
Kote Mikautadze 0
Simon Maisuradze (ASM Clermont-Auvergne, France) 11
Victor Kolelishvili (Lelo) 1
Lasha Tavartkiladze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 5
Shota Sakvarelidze (Saint-Etienne, France) 0
Dimitri Basilaia (ASM Clermont-Auvergne, France) 13

Head Coach: Tim Lane
Assistant Coach: Ilia Maisuradze
Manager Vasil Abashidze

Main players in ENC 1 who are missing
Irakli Machkhaneli-wing-41 tests
Davit Katcharava-centre-36 tests
Irakli Giorgadze-centre-39 tests
Lasha Malaghuradze-flyhalf-25 tests
Irakli Abusseridze-scrumhalf-65 tests-captain
Giorgi Chkhaidze-flanker-41 tests
Gia Labadze-flanker-61 tests
Ilia Zedguinidze-lock-59 tests
George Nemsadze-lock-16 tests
Goderdzi Shvelidze-prop-55 tests
Davit Khinchagishvili-prop-29 tests
Levan Datunashvili-lock-31 tests
David Kubriashvili-prop-14 tests
Besso Udessiani-No.8-39 tests
Davit Zirakashvili-prop-23 tests

That’s 15 top players unavailable-injured. That’s your first team!

More to come.

ASIA NATIONS Div.3

Results just in
09.06.2010
Iran 44, Guam 11 in Jakarta
Pakistan 13, Indonesia 11 in Jakarta

Finals Day 12 June
Iran v Pakistan (Promotion)
Guam v Indonesia (Relegation)

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Churchill Cup Day 2

09.06.2010
England Saxons v Russia in Glendale
France A v Uruguay in Glendale

Previews
I would expect England Saxons and newcomers to the tournament France A to have little difficulty with their opponents. Uruguay and Russia showed themselves to be a level below that of Canada and USA with their first day performances.

Uruguay, despite the return of a few overseas-based players were no match for Canada. Russia's squad is missing a few name players being rested and they were defeated by the USA, who lost to Canada on point aggregate in the World Cup qualifiers last year. Russia has already qualified for the World Cup Finals. Uruguay still has to playoff against Kazakhstan in the repecharge first round.

England Saxons and France A are dripping with up-and-coming stars of the future.

England Saxons v Russia

Prediction: England too much grunt up front and speed out wide, by 30 points

Teams

Russia
15. Igor Klyuchnikov
14. Vasily Artemiev
13. Mikhail Babaev
12. Alexey Makovetsky
11. Dmitry Gerasimov
10. Yury Kushnarev
9. Alexander Yanyushkin
8. Nikita Medkov
7. Kirill Kushnarev
6. Viktor Gresev
5. Artem Fatakhov
4. Alexander Voitov
3. Evgeny Pronenko
2. Vladislav Korshunov (c)
1. Carlo Maglakelidze
Replacements
16. Evgeny Matveev
17. Vladimir Botvinnikov
18. Alexander Khrokin
19. Sergey Sergeev
20. Alexander Shakirov
21. Alexey Korobeynikov
22. Andrey Kuzin
Head Coach: Nikolay Nerush

Adapted from http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3484

England Saxons
15 Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)
14 James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester Rugby)
13 Jon Clarke (Northampton Saints)
12 Anthony Allen (Leicester Tigers)
11 Tom Varndell (London Wasps)
10 Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints)
9 Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons)
8 Luke Narraway (Gloucester Rugby)
7 Phil Dowson, Capt. (Northampton Saints)
6 Tom Wood (Worcester Warriors)
5 George Skivington (London Wasps)
4 Graham Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
3 Duncan Bell (Bath Rugby)
2 Rob Vickers (Newcastle Falcons
1 Nick Wood (Gloucester Rugby)
Replacements
16 Andy Titterrell (Leeds Carnegie)
17 Alex Corbiserio (London Irish)
18 Nathan Catt (Bath Rugby)
19 Kearnan Myall (Leeds Carnegie)
20 Andy Saull (Saracens)
21 Lee Dickson (Northampton Saints)
22 Alex Goode (Saracens)
Head Coach: Stuart Lancaster

Adapted from http://www.rfu.com/News/2010/June/News%20Articles/070610_Saxons_team.aspx

France A v Uruguay

Much the same as the above game. France A has lost a few top class backs called into the French team in South Africa. All these players play at the top level in France which puts them light years ahead of the Uruguyans, who boast only one playing at that level, their 35 year old prop lemoine.

Prediction: Pain for Uruguay against Canada last weekend. Pain again v France A. France A by 25 points.

France A
15 Benjamin Thiery (Montpellier HRC).
14 Adrien Plante (USA Perpignan)
13 Henri Chavancy(Racing Métro 92)
12 Lionel Mazars (Aviron Bayonnais)
11 Yohan Audrin (Castres Olympique)
10 Jonathan Wisniewski (Racing-Métro 92)
9 Julien Dupuy (Stade Français)
8 Jérôme Schuster(USA Perpignan)
7 Benjamin Kayser, Capt. (Stade Français),
6 Clément Baiocco (Racing Métro 92)
5 Joselino Suta (RC Toulon)
4 Guillaume Vilaceca (USA Perpignan)
3 Antoine Battut (US Montauban)
2 Sylvain Nicolas (CS Bourgoin-Jallieu)
1 Florian Faure (Biarritz OPB)
Replacements
16 Jean-Philippe Genevois (CS Bourgoin-Jallieu)
17 Rabah Slimani (Stade Français)
18 Yoann Maestri (Stade Toulousain)
19 Damien Chouly (Perpignan)
20 Florian Cazenave (Perpignan)
21 Lionel Beauxis (Stade Français)
22 Julien Arias (Stade Francaise)
Head Coach: Fabien Pelous

Adapted from http://www.ffr.fr/index.php/ffr/historique/2010/france_a__1

Uruguay Squad
Carlos Arboleya (Trébol)
Santiago Arocena (Old Christian's)
Nicolas Badano (Old Boys)
Edgardo Benitez (Trébol)
Mathias Braun, (PSG)
Emiliano Caffera (Champagnat)
Alejo Corral (San Isidro Club, Argentina)
Juan De Freitas (Champagnat)
Santiago Deicas (Old Christian's)
Ivo Dugonjic (PSG)
Martin Espiga (Old Christian's)
Matias Fonseca (Los Cuervos)
Ignacio Grignola (Trébol)
Juan Pablo Horta (Old Christian's)
Leandro Leivas (Old Christian's)
Pablo Lemoine (Valence d'Agen, France)
Adrian Lewis (Los Cuervos)
Juan Martin Llovet (Old Christian's)
Diego Lussich (Trébol)
Diego Magno (Montevideo Cricket Club)
Nicolas Martinez (PSG)
Manuel Martinez (Old Christian's)
Gaston Mieres (Lobos)
Nicolas Morales (Trébol)
Juan Pedro Rombys (Trébol)
Juan Pablo Ruffalini (Los Cuervos)
Head Coach: Gonzalo Camardon

Adapted from http://www.uru.org.uy/noticias/438/plantel_confirmado

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Churchill Cup

Each year a number of tier 2 nations along with some 'A' teams from tier 1, meet up somewhere in North America (usually), to do battle for this prestigious cup.

Churchill Cup. Previous winners.

	Winner	Second	Third
2003	England 'A'	United States	Canada
2004	NZ Maori	England 'A'	Canada
2005	England 'A'	Argentina Jaguars	USA
2006	NZ Maori	Scotland 'A'	Ireland 'A'
2007	England Saxons	NZ Maori	Ireland 'A'
2008	England Saxons	Scotland 'A'	Ireland 'A'
2009	Ireland 'A'	England Saxons	Argentina Jaguars

Teams come and go each year. This year France 'A', Uruguay and Russia are the new teams in, whilst regulars Canada, USA and England Saxons return.

The teams are organised into two pools, A and B.
Pool A-Canada, Uruguay, France A
Pool B-England Saxons, Russia, USA

Teams in each pool play each other in the first 3 rounds, to be played in Denver, USA. The finals round, sees 1st place in each pool play the final, 2nd places play for the Bowl, 3rd places play for the plate. The finals round is being played in Harrison, New York City.

The tournament begins today, Wednesday 9 June. All games in the first 3 rounds are played in Infinity Park.

Round 1
England Saxons v Russia
France A v Uruguay

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY: Division 3

Jakarta hosts its first major rugby tournament, the Asia Nations Division 3. Teams participating are Indonesia, Pakistan (relegated from Division 2 last year), Iran and Guam.

Day One-Semi Finals
09.06.2010
Guam v Iran
Pakistan v Indonesia

Previews

Pakistan Squad. Image thanks to Pakistan RFU

Pakistan has the most international experience of all the teams.Their first experience of international rugby was at the 2004 19th Asia Championship, held in Sri Lanka. Pakistan was in Pool C. Sri Lanka was their first opponent on the world stage; they lost 3-75. They also lost to India 3-56. Since then the game has developed rapidly in Pakistan and a healthy and competitive club competition thrives. Last year they crashed out of Division 2 losing both to China and India.

Guam first played test rugby in 2005 in a World Cup qualifying series against India, Kazakhstan and Malaysia. They drew their first test match 8-8 with India but lost with honour to the other more established rivals. Last year they defeated Indonesia 23-3 in Manilla but lost 0-25 to the Philippines who were promoted to Division 2.

Indonesia entered the world of international test rugby in 2006. Up until last year they have been involved in regional tournaments involving Cambodia, Laos and Brunei, winning most of their games. Last year they lost heavily to both Guam and Iran in the Division 3 Asia Nations Competition. There being no Division 4 Indonesia stayed put. The pressure will be on to improve against the same teams as last year, and hold their place.

Iran is the newest team on the world scene in this group. Their progress has been nothing short of amazing. They defeated Pakistan twice and India once in their first year! They took part in a regional tournament in 2008, defeating both Kygyzstan and Uzbekistan. Last year they entered the Asia Nations competitions for the first time playing in Division 3 in Manilla. They lost their first test match ever, going down 0-15 to eventual winner Philippines. They then defeated Indonesia 48-13 to showcase what Iran has to offer international rugby.

Previous Encounters
Guam and Iran have not played each other before.
Pakistan v Indonesia have not played each other before.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Iran 14th, Pakistan 15th, Guam 16th, Indonesia 17th
IRB only ranks Guam

Predictions
Iran by 14 v Guam
Pakistan by 7 v Indonesia

Teams

Guam Squad
Paul Claros (captain) (Para Todu)
Anthony "TJ" Ada (Para Todu)
Gerard Aguon (Para Todu) *
John Arceo (Taupiri Rugby Club, New Zealand)
Edward Calvo (Para Todu)
Vinson Calvo (Para Todu)
Leonard Calvo (Para Todu)
Billy Chennaux (Para Todu)
Michael Cruz (Para Todu) *
Paul Eustaquio (Taupiri Rugby Club, New Zealand)
Zeb Howser (Para Todu)*
Robert Leon Guerrero (Para Todu)
Jesse Manglona (Para Todu) *
Randy Mendiola (Para Todu)
Brandon O'Mallan (St Pauls Collegiate, New Zealand)
Earl Pascual (Para Todu)
Sixto Quintanilla (Southern Rugby) *
Stephen Santos (Para Todu)*
Christopher Sgro (Para Todu)
Matthew Toves (Southern Rugby)
Sakiusa Vaka (Guam Rugby Club)
Peter Walls (Guam Rugby Club)
William Williams (Para Todu)
* New cap
Head Coach Willie Hetaraka
Assistant coach Christopher Luman
Manager Neil Paynter
Team doctor Tom Mick.

Pakistan
“PRU President Fawzi Khawaja announced the following 32-member squad, which is to be whittled down to 24 for the tournament”.

Adnan Niazi
Aftab Qureshi
Ahmed Mumtaz
Amrez Hamid
Anwaar-Ul-Haq Zafar
Azmat Khan Niazi
Billal Butt
Durani Haroon
Fouzan Wain
Hammad Safdar
Imran Rashid
Junaid Malik
Khalid Bhatti
Mansoor Rehan
M. Junaid Liaqat
M. Babar
M. Manan Naseem
Muneeb Baqapuri
Omer Shafqaat
Romail Ashraf
Saad Arif
Sahir Aslam
Sair Riaz
Salman Majeed Wain
Shakeel Ahmed
Syed Xeeshan Rizvi
Taimur Zia Butt
Umer Islam
Umer Usman
Waqar Javaid
Waseem Abbas
Zaheer Niazi.
Head Coach Rizwan Malik
PRU President Fawzi Khawaja
National Team Manger Khuram Haroon
Doctor Rashid Malik

“In Indonesia the Pakistan team will also get coaching from international coaches led by Mr. frank Haden, former coach of the Scotland national team and brand ambassador for HSBC working on Rugby development in Asia”

http://www.pakistanrugby.com/

Final 24 not yet known.

Indonesia and Iran have not yet sent their squad details to me.

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY: Division 4

Kygyzstan has pulled out of this tournament. Hosts Kazakhstan will field a 'B' side in its place.

The Revised Draw
Wednesday 9th June
Uzbekistan v kazakhstan 'B'
Jordan v Mongolia

Previews
In the regional tournament, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan were the winners, defeating Kygyzstan 31-12 in the final. Earlier Kygyzstan defeated Mongolia 38-21 in what was Mongolia's maiden test match. Ironically it was Jordan who no-showed last year and Uzbekistan fielded a 'B' side to play Mongolia on the last day.

Very little is known about the teams for this year. We know that Jordan lost 8-27 to Lebanon last month in what was both nations' first international 15's test rugby match. Uzbekistan would be strong favourites to take out this tournament.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Uzbekistan 21st, Mongolia 23rd, Jordan 25th
IRB Rankings do not apply.

Predictions: Kazakhstan 'B' would be a useful I'd imagine and put up a good show against the Uzbekistan side. Uzbekistan by 10 points v Kazakhstan 'B'
Jordan by 10 v Mongolia
But honestly, anything could happen!

Teams
See previous posts for Jordanian squad
I've had no reply from Uzbekistan nor Mongolia re team lists.

ASIA NATIONS RUGBY: Jordanian Team for Division 4

The team has just been emailed to me as the head coach was about to run and catch the plane to Almaty.

This is the first time Asia Nations has featured a Division 4 competition. The other teams are Uzbekistan, Kygyzstan and Mongolia.

Uzbekistan, Kygyzstan and Mongolia played a regional tournament in Tashkent last year, Uzbekistan being the winner. They defeated Kygyzstan in the final 31-12.

Jordan lost its first international rugby test match on 15 May when it lost 8-27 to Lebanon in Dubai. This test match was a curtain raiser to the Arabian Gulf-Korean Asia5Nations game.

The Division 4 tournament was originally down to be held in the Kygyzstani capital Bishkent, but has been transferred to the Kazakhstani Capital, Almaty, due to civil unrest in Kygyzstan.

#	Given name	Family name	Date of birth	Age	Position
1	Freih	Kawar	10.09.1976	33	Full Back
2	Taher	Hamdan	19.09.1986	23	Scrum Half
3	Laith	Jalajel	26.04.1978	32	Fly Half
4	Bashar	Zreigat	20.06.1987	22	Winger
5	Hrair	Mardirossian	02.10.1989	20	Prop
6	Ghaith	Jalajel	28.04.1979	31	Hooker
7	Saleh	Fleifel	30.08.1981	28	Prop/Second Row
8	Firas	Al-Mugrabi	10.10.1982	27	Inside Centre
9	Nidal	Al-Zyadat	26.02.1986	24	Outside Centre
10	Duaine	Lindsay	17.03.1971	39	Head Coach
11	Rony	Al-Ghadban	22.06.1978	31	Scrum Half
12	Zaid	Arabiat	25.11.1985	23	Flanker
13	Ahmad	Hammouqah	06.09.1990	19	Flanker/Hooker
14	Masis	Mardirossian	12.03.1992	18	Outside Centre
15	Alaa	Hammad	27.05.1985	23	Second Row
16	Abdulla	Abdulameer	13.10.1987	22	Second Row
17	Faisal	Sadoun	28.04.1969	41	Prop/Number 8
18	Ma’en	Mola	02.06.1981	28	Inside Centre
19	Mohammad	Al-Majed	11.11.1987	22	Second Row
20	Mohammed	Al Najjar	04.12.1984	25	Prop
21	Motaz	Al-Majed	28.01.1987	23	Number 8
22	Omar	Alassi	18.06.1988	21	Full Back
23	Omar	Alfayyoumi	12.11.1985	23	Fitness Trainer
24	Rami	Jarwan	09.10.1984	25	Physio
25	Zahir	Mdanat	31.07.1991	18	Winger
26	Sameer	Al Faraj	10.06.1981	27	Winger
27	Jamal	Masri	07.12.1984	25	Fly half
28	Samer	Ghandour	22.11.1983	26	Prop
29	Mohammad	Obeid	13.03.1977	33	Assistant Coach