ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 1, Final Day

09.05.2015

Philippines v Sri Lanka in Manila (ARC Division 1, Final)

Referee:

Preview
Sri Lanka and the Philippines were the two teams that were demoted to Division 1 following the revamping of the Asia Rugby Championship. So it is no real surprise that they square off to find the winner of Division 1. My understanding is that the winner has the right to challenge, or not, the last placed team in the ARC Top 3. As from 2016, as I understand it, that challenge will be compulsory.

When these two teams met last year Philippines won by one point, a controversial second conversion attempt of a last minute try.

Historically Philippines has the better record and with the home advantage I expect them to win.

Previous Encounters
17.05.2014 Philippines 26-25 in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
21.04.2012 Philippines 28-18 in Manila (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Philippines 4th, Sri Lanka 7th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Sri Lanka 46.95, Philippines 45.57

Prediction: Philippines by 13 points. Score 33-20

TEAMS

Philippines Team list not available

Sri Lanka Squad

Randika Alwis (Army Sports Club)
Suhiru Anthony (Navy Sports Club)
Dinusha Chathuranga (Navy Sports Club)
Kavindu de Costa (Havelock Sports Club)
Shehan Dimithri (Kandy Sports Club)
Ganuka Disanayaka (Havelock Sports Club)
Sharo Fernando (Navy Sports Club)
Sandun Herath (Havelock Sports Club)
Kishore Jahan (Kandy Sports Club)
Shahsika Jayawardane
Fazil Marija, Capt. (Kandy Sports Club)
Jason Melder (Havelock Sports Club)
Riza Mubarak (Navy Sports Club)
Achala Perera (Navy Sports Club)
Dulaj Perera (Havelock Sports Club)
Lavanga Perera (Kandy Sports Club)
Dushmantha Priyadarshana (Havelock Sports Club)
Kanchana Ramanayaka (Colombo Rugby & Cricket Club)
Danushka Ranjan (Havelock Sports Club)
Nigel Ratwatte (Kandy Sports Club)
Henry Terence (Navy Sports Club)
Buwanaka Udangamuwa (Kandy Sports Club)
Roshan Weeraratne (Kandy Sports Club)
Dulanjala Wijesinghe (Army Sports Club)
Sean Wijesinghe

Kazakhstan v Singapore (Playoff 3rd-4th)

Referee:

Preview
The stakes are high as the losing team will be relegated to ARC Division 2. It will be a case of the strength of the Kazakh forward pack verses the fleet footed Singapore backs. It’ll be close.

Previous Encounters
09.05.2009 Kazakhstan 22-19 in Singapore (Asia 5 Nations)
08.06.2006 Kazakhstan 29-0 in Singapore (Asia Tournament, Tier 3)
22.11.2002 Singapore 30-14 in Bangkok (Asia Champ., Div.2, Playoff 3rd-4th)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Singapore 5th, Kazakhstan 8th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Kazakhstan 48.91, Singapore 44.54

Prediction: Singapore by 4 points. Score 26-22

TEAMS

Singapore Squad

1 Alvin, Ho Yao Wei (Wanderers RFC) 2 tests
2 Robertson, James (Singapore Cricket Club) 4
3 Leong Rong Xian, Reiner (Oldham RFC) 4
4 Muhammad Hasif Bin Azman (Wanderers RFC) 5
5 Tan Soon Heng, Gaspar (Bedok Kings RFC) 20
6 Lee Chang You (Oldham RFC) Debut
7 Lee Yew Loong, Gabriel (Singapore Cricket Club) 12
8 Julian Albert (XV Gaulois) 4
9 Roberts, Matthew (Wanderers RFC) 5
10 Nick Rose (Wanderers RFC) Debut
11 Mohamed Ashraf Nasser (Saint Andrews RFC) 7
12 Alexander Richard (Bucks RFC) Debut
13 Etheredge, Simon (Singapore Cricket Club) 3
14 Mc Feely, Peter (Singapore Cricket Club) 9
15 Mohammad Suhaimi Bin Amran (Singapore Cricket Club) 11
16 Kay Teck Yuan, Jonathan (Singapore Cricket Club) 1
17 Marah Muhammad Fahmy (Oldham RFC) 2
18 Mohammad Saifuludin Khalid (Wanderers RFC) 1
19 Edward Carne (Dorking RFC, England) 1
20 Graham Stewart (Wanderers RFC) Debut
21 Thomas Child (Wanderers RFC) Debut
22 Groen, Nicholas (Bedok Kings RFC) 10
23 Samuel, Lau Biyong (Bedok Kings) 3
24 Tiah Nan Hong (Wanderers RFC) Debut
25 Mickael Benkimoun (XV Gaulois) Debut
Adapted from http://www.singaporerugby.com/2015/05/s ... u2015.html

Kazakhstan squad not available

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kazakhstan v Singapore in Manila (ARC Div.1, Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

JAPAN v KOREA: Asia Rugby Championship, Top 3

09.05.2015

Venue: Fukuoka

Referee: Matthew Rodden (Hong Kong)

Preview
The clash of the No.1 Asian team with the No.2 team is one of the test rugby highlights this weekend.

Korea is a vastly improved side from last season. They recorded 30 points against Japan when they first met in April and then defeated Hong Kong away 33-26 two weeks ago. They lost against Hong Kong last year in Hong Kong 6-39. However many top players have been rested for the crucial games against Hong Kong next weekend

Japan are the favourites and in light of a much weaker Korean team taking the field they should win easily.Japanese coach Eddie Jones will not be pleased at the leaking of 30 points to Korea earlier. He has picked his most experienced side available.Shinya Makabe (Suntory Sungoliath) and legend Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba Brave Lupus) are both still injured. So whilst this is not Japan at full strength it certainly will be enough to easily defeat a depleted Korea Saturday.

Other Previews
http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-a-la-coree-du-sud-2015-2.php  (In French)

Last Five Encounters
18.04.2015 Japan 56-30 in Incheon (ARC Top 3)
17.05.2014 Japan 62-5 in Incheon (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
04.05.2013 Japan 65-5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
12.05.2012 Japan 52-8 in Seoul (Asia 5 Nations)
01.05.2010 Japan 71-13 in Daegu (WCQ Asia R2; Asia 5 Nations)

In 2004 Korea drew 19-19 with Japan in Tokyo as part of an Asia Tournament. Korea last defeated Japan in 2002 when they won 45-34 in the gold medal game at the Asia Games held in Korea.

Japan Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
02.05.2015 v Hong Kong W 41-0 in Tokyo (ARC Top 3)
18.04.2015 v Korea W 56-30 in Incheon (ARC Top 3)
23.11.2014 v Georgia L 24-35 in Tbilisi
15.11.2014 v Romania W 18-13 in Bucharest
21.06.2014 v Italy W 26-23 in Tokyo

Korea last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
25.04.2015 v Hong Kong W 33-26 in Hong Kong (ARC Top 3)
18.04.2015 v Japan L 30-56 in Incheon (ARC Top 3)
24.05.2014 v Philippines W 52-22 in Makati (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
17.05.2014 v Japan L 5-62 in Incheon (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
10.05.2014 v Hong Kong L 6-39 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Japan 1st, Korea 2nd

World Rugby Ranking Points
Japan 74.70, Korea 58.38

Prediction: Japan by 62 points. Score 70-8

TEAMS

Japan

1-Hisateru Hirashima (Kobelco Steelers, 36 caps) 2-Takeshi Kizu (Kobelco Steelers, 32 caps) 3-(c) Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory Sungoliath, 62 caps) 4-Shoji Ito (Kobelco Steelers, 30 caps) 5-Kazuhiko Usami (Canon Eagles, 2 caps) 6-Justin Ives (Canon Eagles, 25 caps) 7-Tsuyoshi Murata (NEC Green Rockets, 2 caps) 8-Ryu Koliniasi Holani (Panasonic Wild Knights, 37 caps) 9-Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath, 40 caps) 10-Harumichi Tatekawa (Kubota Spears, 30 caps) 11-Kenki Fukuoka (Tsukuba Univ., 11 caps) 12-Yu Tamura (NEC Green Rockets, 28 caps) 13-Karne Hesketh (Munakata Sanix Blues, 4 caps) 14-Yoshikazu Fujita (Waseda Univ., 20 caps) 15-Ayumu Goromaru (Yamaha Jubilo, 45 caps)

Remplaçants:

16-Masataka Mikami (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 25 caps) 17-Hiroki Yuhara (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 19 caps) 18-Hiroshi Yamashita (Kobelco Steelers, 38 caps) 19-Luke Thompson (Kintetsu Liners, 51 caps) 20-Hayden Hopgood ( ? , 5 caps) 21-Yuki Yatomi (Yamaha Jubilo, 14 caps) 22-Ryohei Yamanaka (Kobelco Steelers, 2 caps) 23-Toshiaki Hirose (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 25 caps)

http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-a-la-coree-du-sud-2015-2.php

Korea

1-Son Young Ki (POSCO) 2-Kim Jeep (KEPCO) 3-Shin Dongwon (KRU) 4-Kim Ho Bum (Kubota Spears) 5-Youn Kwon Woo (Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars) 6-Jang Seok Hwan (Sangmu) 7-(c) Kim Jeong Min (KEPCO) 8-Park Soon Chai (NTT-Docomo Red Hurricanes) 9-Shin Ki Chul (KRU) 10-Lee Eu Tteum (POSCO) 11-Kim Gwong Min (KEPCO) 12-Kim Nam Uk (KEPCO) 13-Jegal Bin (NTT Shining Arcs) 14-Park Han Gyul (KRU) 15-Jang Sung Min (Sangmu)

Remplaçants:

16-Na Kwan Young (Sangmu) 17-Kim Min Kyu (Sangmu) 18-Kim Kwangsik (Honda Heat) 19-Choi Kang San (Korea Univ.) 20-Hwan In Jo (KEPCO) 21-Lee Myung Jun (Sangmu) 22-Oh Youn Hyung (KEPCO) 23-Nam Young Soo (Sangmu)

http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-sud-coreen-face-au-japon-2015-2.php

ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 1, Day 1 Results

06.05.2015
Sri Lanka 35, Kazakhstan 14 in Manilla (ARC Div.1, Semi-final 1)
Philippines 20, Singapore17 in Manilla (ARC Div.1, Semi-final 2)-After extra time

Review. Copied directly.

The Philippines and Sri Lanka booked their spots in the Asia Rugby Championship Division I final after opening wins over Singapore and Kazakhstan respectively today at the new Philippine Sports Stadium outside of Manila.


The Philippines and Sri Lanka booked their spots in the Asia Rugby Championship Division I final after opening wins over Singapore and Kazakhstan respectively today at the new Philippine Sports Stadium outside of Manila.

Sri Lanka were made to work hard for their 35-14 win over Kazakhstan, despite having a man advantage for most of the match after Kazakhstan hooker Rustam Kurbanov was shown a red card for stamping after 20 minutes.

Sri Lanka had opened the scoring with two quick tries. Wing Lavanga Perera scored in the 7th minute followed by centre Danushka Ranjan two minutes later. Fullback Riza Mubarak converted the first to push the second seeds to a 12-0 lead after ten minutes.

Kazakhstan rallied for a massive effort despite being reduced to 14 men – and later 13 – when flanker Daulet Akymbekov was sin-binned moments after Kurbanov was ejected.

Sri Lanka could only manage one more try in the first half with Ranjan crossing over to complete an early brace. Mubarak added the conversion to bring the score at the break to 22-7 after Kazakhstan captain Serik Zhanseitov pulled his side back from the brink with a try from in close in the 30th minute. Fullback Ivan Olkhovskiy added the extras for his side.

Kazakhstan struck first in the second half with prop Ruslan Galiyev again scoring off of set piece play where the bulky Kazakh forwards gave them a natural advantage over the fleet Sri Lankans. Olkhovskiy’s conversion closed the deficit further to 22-14.

But the experienced Sri Lankans maintained their composure better in the second half, making Kazakhstan pay for any indiscipline. Sri Lanka slotted two penalties late in the half through Kanchana Ramanayaka and Dulaj Perera to push ahead to 28-14. Perera crossed over for a final try in the last minute. Ramanayaka’s conversion brought the final score to 35-14 and sent Sri Lanka on to the final.

Sri Lanka coach Johan Taylor commented on the result saying, “It wasn’t perfect but the main goal was to win and we achieved that, so we will look at the positives and erase the negatives from this afternoon.

“I thought our handling was pretty good and we did reasonably well in our scrums and lineouts against a bigger Kazakhstan pack. We did well in those three areas and I’m fairly happy with our performance,” Taylor added.

The second semi final was a thrilling encounter with fourth seeds Singapore pushing the hosts and top seed Philippines through two ten-minute periods of sudden death extra time before the result was finally confirmed.

Singapore enjoyed the early run of play, posting a 10-0 lead at halftime after tries from flanker Alexander Cook and winger Tom Child. The hosts meanwhile left several scoring opportunities begging as their handling deserted them for large stretches in the first stanza.

The Volcanoes first try didn’t come until early in the second half when flanker Terry Carroll capitalized on a man advantage after Singapore centre Graham Harkness was sent to the sin bin. Captain Oliver Saunders added the conversion to close the gap to 7-10.

But the Volcanoes then conceded their brief advantage as no 8 Ashley Heward was binned for failing to wrap in the tackle. Harkness returned from his spell in the bin to help spark Singapore’s first try of the second half, figuring in a nice flowing move that eventually put prop James Robertson over for the try. Scrumhalf Suhaimi Amran added the extras to push Singapore out to 17-7 with 20 minutes remaining.

The game came into its own in the last quarter with both sides pushing desperately for the win. Reserve wing Alex Aronson entered the match in the 60th minute for the home side and would prove to be the difference maker.

Aronson coolly slotted his first penalty in the 32nd minute to close the gap to 17-10 and was again on the spot in the 40th minute to cap some good work in close by the Volcanoes with a nice jinking run that brought the hosts to within two points of Singapore. Aronson converted his own try to level the scores as regulation time expired, sending the game into extra time.

Singapore attacked furiously in the first ten minutes of extra time but the Philippines defence held fast, leaving the score still drawn through 90 minutes and pushing the match into a second ten-minute golden point period.

Inspired by a large and vocal audience, the Volcanoes finally found some space against a brave Singapore defence with a series of sustained attacks that forced Singapore to concede a penalty. Aronson converted the penalty from just outside the Singapore 22 metre line to give his side a memorable win and send them through to the final against Sri Lanka on Saturday (18.00 Philippines time).

Although Singapore staked its claim today and were in contention to the last the final will be a fitting affair as the Philippines and Sri Lanka were both part of the former Asian Five Nations Top Five format last year.

In 2014, the Volcanoes pipped Sri Lanka 27-26 – benefiting from successfully being able to re-take a conversion of another last-gasp try after Sri Lanka had prematurely charged a failed first attempt to eke out an away win in Colombo and finish fourth behind Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea.

In 2015 both Sri Lanka and the Philippines were relegated due to the revamped format where the premier Division is now reserved for the top three sides - Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea, playing on a home-and-away format.

Fittingly the two sides will again face off to see who can claim boasting rights as the top Asian team outside of the premier competition.

http://www.arfu.com/news/2015/05/top-5- ... division-i

Saturday’s Fixtures
Sri Lanka v Philippines (Final)
Kazakhstan v Singapore (Playoff 3rd-4th)

ASIA RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP: Division 1

6 –9 May

Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineRugby

Philippine Sports Stadium.
Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineRugby

The Asia Rugby Championship Division 1 is being played in Manila.It has come as a surprise that this is the only ARC tournament that is not round robin.

Sri Lanka and the hosts The Philippines are the favoured teams. Singapore are always strong. Kazakhstan were strong a few years back but their standard has slipped.

Day two on Saturday will see the winners playoff for the Division 1 title whilst the two losing teams will fight it out to avoid relegation.

Games Day One
Sri Lanka v Kazakhstan

Referee:

Last Five Encounters
06.04.2013 Sri Lanka 49-18 in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.1)
15.05.2011 Kazakhstan 34-18 in Almaty (Asia 5 Nations)
10.11.2007 Kazakhstan 24-17 in Colombo (Asiad Cup)
08.05.2007 Kazakhstan 71-6 in Almaty (Asia Nations Div.2)
12.11.2005 Sri Lanka 24-12 in Almaty (WCQ Asia D3 playoff, 2nd leg)

The rivalry between these two nations goes back to 2002.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Sri Lanka 7th, Kazakhstan 8th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Kazakhstan 48.91, Sri Lanka 46.95

Prediction: Sri Lanka by 15 points. Score 41-26

TEAMS

The Sri Lanka 15s squad:
Randika Alwis (Army Sports Club)
Suhiru Anthony (Navy Sports Club)
Dinusha Chathuranga (Navy Sports Club)
Kavindu de Costa (Havelock Sports Club)
Shehan Dimithri (Kandy Sports Club)
Ganuka Disanayaka (Havelock Sports Club)
Sharo Fernando (Navy Sports Club)
Sandun Herath (Havelock Sports Club)
Kishore Jahan (Kandy Sports Club)
Shahsika Jayawardane
Fazil Marija, Capt. (Kandy Sports Club)
Jason Melder (Havelock Sports Club)
Riza Mubarak (Navy Sports Club)
Achala Perera (Navy Sports Club)
Dulaj Perera (Havelock Sports Club)
Lavanga Perera (Kandy Sports Club)
Dushmantha Priyadarshana (Havelock Sports Club)
Kanchana Ramanayaka (Colombo Rugby & Cricket Club)
Danushka Ranjan (Havelock Sports Club)
Nigel Ratwatte (Kandy Sports Club)
Henry Terence (Navy Sports Club)
Buwanaka Udangamuwa (Kandy Sports Club)
Roshan Weeraratne (Kandy Sports Club)
Dulanjala Wijesinghe (Army Sports Club)
Sean Wijesinghe
Stand by
Ashoka Jayalal (Army Sports Club)
Hirantha Perera
Rohan Theagarajah (Havelock Sports Club)
Reserves
Rahul de Silva (Colombo Rugby & Cricket Club)
Anuradha Herath (Colombo Rugby & Cricket Club)
Ganidu Lakshan

Kazakhstan Squad not available

Philippines v Singapore

Referee:

Preview
Singapore spent a week in Perth preparing for this game. They played Western Force ‘A’.

Previous Encounter
15.04.2012 Philippines 37-20 in Manilla (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Div.1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Philippines 4th, Singapore 5th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Philippines 45.57, Singapore 44.54

Prediction: Philippines by 12 points. Score 30-18

TEAMS

Philippines

15. Gareth Holegate (Alabang Eagles) 27, 3
14. Jeff Gregson (Broadstreet RFC, England) 26, 3
13. Timothy Bweheni (Alabang Eagles) 28, 2
12. Justin Coveney (West Red Sparks, Japan) 29, 16
11. Harry Morris (Alabang Eagles) 30, 10
10. Oliver Saunders, (Capt.) (Easts RFC, Sydney, NSW) 28, 15
9. Jake Letts (Alabang Eagles) 27, 23
8. Steven Howorth (Cornish All Blacks RFC, England) 24, 10
7. Benjamin Mudie (Alabang Eagles ) 24, Debut
6. Terry Carroll (Northern Outlaws, Noosa, Queensland) 23, 6
5. Ashley Heward (Burgess Hill RFC, England) 21, 4
4. David Feeney (Manila Nomads) 30, 7
3. Matthew Bellenie (Brighton RFC, England) 25, 7
2. Michael Duhig (Brothers OBRC, Queensland) 29, 17
1. Austin Dacanay (Tampa Krewe RFC, Florida, USA) 38, 22

Replacements
16. Masayuki Sekiguchi (Alabang Eagles) 33, 1
17. Philip Abraham (Abu Dhabi Harlequins RFC, UAE) 31, 10
18. David Robinson-Polkey (Maungarua RFC, New Zealand) 26, 7
19. Fred Morris (Pavours RFC, England) 28, 6
20. Christopher Anderson (Manila Nomads) 31, 4
21. Cleo Gomez (Gordon RFC, NSW) 26, 7
22. Daniel Matthews (Eastwood RFC, Sydney, NSW) 22, Debut
23. Alexander Aronson (CBRE Mavericks) 24, 8

Head Coach: Stu Woodhouse

Information thanks to Jake Letts, Philippines RFU
Team list from https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineRugby

Singapore Squad

1 Alvin, Ho Yao Wei (Wanderers RFC) 2 tests
2 Robertson, James (Singapore Cricket Club) 4
3 Leong Rong Xian, Reiner (Oldham RFC) 4
4 Muhammad Hasif Bin Azman (Wanderers RFC) 5
5 Tan Soon Heng, Gaspar (Bedok Kings RFC) 20
6 Lee Chang You (Oldham RFC) Debut
7 Lee Yew Loong, Gabriel (Singapore Cricket Club) 12
8 Julian Albert (XV Gaulois) 4
9 Roberts, Matthew (Wanderers RFC) 5
10 Nick Rose (Wanderers RFC) Debut
11 Mohamed Ashraf Nasser (Saint Andrews RFC) 7
12 Alexander Richard (Bucks RFC) Debut
13 Etheredge, Simon (Singapore Cricket Club) 3
14 Mc Feely, Peter (Singapore Cricket Club) 9
15 Mohammad Suhaimi Bin Amran (Singapore Cricket Club) 11
16 Kay Teck Yuan, Jonathan (Singapore Cricket Club) 1
17 Marah Muhammad Fahmy (Oldham RFC) 2
18 Mohammad Saifuludin Khalid (Wanderers RFC) 1
19 Edward Carne (Dorking RFC, England) 1
20 Graham Stewart (Wanderers RFC) Debut
21 Thomas Child (Wanderers RFC) Debut
22 Groen, Nicholas (Bedok Kings RFC) 10
23 Samuel, Lau Biyong (Bedok Kings) 3
24 Tiah Nan Hong (Wanderers RFC) Debut
25 Mickael Benkimoun (XV Gaulois) Debut

Management

Head Coach - Afeaki Inoke Unaanga
Assistant Coach - Forrester, James
Assistant Backs Coach - Mee, Casey Jonathan
Manager – Yazid Rosli
Head Physio - Walter, Joan Margaret
Physio – Sam Brennan

Adapted from http://www.singaporerugby.com/2015/05/s ... u2015.html

CONSUR A: CHILE v PARAGUAY

03.05.2015

Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/UnionDeRugbyDelParaguay?fref=ts

Image thanks to http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=459

Venue: National Rugby Stadium, Asuncion

Referee:

Preview
Chile won comfortably 32-3 over Brazil last weekend. They have their France-based players available, two forwards. This gives Chile a much stronger team than they fielded last year.

Paraguay struggled against Uruguay in the opening CONSUR A game played in early April. They lost 3-77. They will be a stronger proposition in front of their home crowd playing in their brand new stadium.

Last Five Encounters
03.05.2014 Chile 22-18 in Conception (CONSUR A)
17.05.2011 Chile 71-3 in Iguazu (CONSUR A Prelim.)
13.05.2010 Chile 42-6 in Santiago (CONSUR A Prelim.)
29.04.2009 Chile 34-13 in Montevideo (CONSUR A Prelim.)
08.10.2005 Chile 38-22 in Santiago (WCQ America R2)

The last time Chile played in Asuncion was 1998. Chile won 58-17. Paraguay last defeated Chile in 1993, winning 25-24 in Santiago.

Chile Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
25.04.2015 v Brazil W 32-3 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
25.05.2014 v Argentina L 12-73 in Santiago (CONSUR CUP)
10.05.2015 v Uruguay L 13-55 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
03.05.2014 v Paraguay W 22-18 in Conception (CONSUR A)
26.04.2014 v Brazil L 16-24 in Barueri (CONSUR A)

Paraguay Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
11.04.2015 v Uruguay L 3-77 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
29.11.2014 v Brazil L 13-21 in Sao Jose Dos Campos (Friendly)
10.05.2014 v Brazil W 31-24 in Asuncion (CONSUR A)
03.05.2014 v Chile L 18-22 in Conception (CONSUR A)
26.04.2014 v Uruguay L 10-34 in Asuncion (CONSUR A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
CONSUR Table: Paraguay 3rd, Chile 4th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Chile 55.10, Paraguay 49.74

Prediction: Chile by 17. Score 32-15

TEAMS

Chile

1.Ramón Ayarza (US Carcassonne, France)
2. Manuel Gurruchaga (COBS)
3. Luis Sepulveda (Troncos RC)
4. Ignacio Alvarez (COBS)
5. Paul Huete (Massy, France)
6. Benjamin Soto (Stade Francais)
7. Javier Richard (COBS)
8. Matías Cabrera (Old Boys)
9. John Paul Perrotta (Univ. Catolica)
10. Javier Valderrama (Old Macks)
11. Italo Zunino (COBS)
12. Cristián Onetto (COBS)
13. Matías Nordenflycht (COBS)
14. Matías Contreras (Alumni RC)
15. Francisco Urroz (Old Reds)

Substitutes
16. Christopher Niedmann (PWCC)
17. Claudio Zamorano (Stade Francais)
18. José Tomás Munita (Univ.Catolica)
19. Francisco Hurtado (Old Georgians)
20. Manuel Dagnino (Old Macks)
21. Sergio Bascuñán (Old Macks)
22. José Ignacio Larenas (Univ.Catolica)
23. Felipe Neyra (Old Johns)

Coach: Paul Healey

COBS-Craighouse Old Boys RFC
Old Boys- Old Grangonian Club
Old Macks- Old Mackayans RFC
Alumni RC-Santiago College Alumni Rugby Association
Old Reds-ARUSA- Asociación de Rugby de Santiago
PWCC-Prince of Wales Country Club
Old Georgians-Old Georgians Association. St George’s College
Old Johns-St John’s College Old Boys

Adapted from https://www.facebook.com/UnionDeRugbyDelParaguay?fref=ts

Paraguay Squad

Horacio Aguero
Sergio Alvarenga
Diego Argaña (captain)
Matthew Arevalo
Gonzalo Bareiro
Matías Carbonatti,
Hugo Chavez
Gerard Cuttier
Rodrigo Da Rosa
Cesar De Brix
Pablo Espinola
Alexander Feldman
John Gavigan
Leonardo Glitz
Carlos Bareiro Icho
Miguel Jara
Jose Lezcano
Christian Martinez
Luis Mauger
Alejandro Montiel
Andres Nasser
Juan Martin Ortiz
Carlos Plate
Alvaro Rojas
Martin Sitjar

Head Coach: Eduardo Acosta (Argentina)
Coach: Sebastián Leguizamón
Trainer: Rodrigo Silguero
Physiotherapist: Mark González
Manager: Matthew Retarnozo Chaparro.

Adapted from http://www.consur.org/index.php/torneos/mayor-a/item/2359-los-yakares-inauguraran-su-estadio-enfrentando-a-los-condores

TEST RUGBY RESULTS SATURDAY 2 MAY

02.05.2015
Japan 41, Hong Kong 0 in Tokyo (ARC Top 3)
Andorra 14, Latvia 5 in Riga (REC 2B)
Lithuania 26, Cyprus 20 in Paphos (REC 2B)
British Virgin Is v Curacao in New Town (NACRA Carib.Cup, Sth)-Result to come

NACRA CARIBBEAN CUP, SOUTH: BVI v CURACAO

02.05.2014

Venue: A.O.Shirley Stadium, New Town, Tortola

Referee: Rommel Parris (Barbados)

Preview
This is the final match in the NACRA Caribbean Cup, South zone. The winner has the right to challenge Barbados, who came last in the Championship, South competition. Last year Curacao lost 0-29 to Barbados in the promotion-relegation playoff.

For Curacao to repeat their winning the Cup South competition last year they need to win over British Virgin Islands Saturday. Held to a draw earlier by St Vincent & Grenadines their position looked precarious until BVI won unexpectedly against SVG away.

Previous Encounters
21.06.2014 Curacao 42-12 in Willemstad (NACRA Carib.Cup, South)
15.01.2013 Curacao 38-10 in Tortola (NACRA Carib. Champ., South R1)

NACRA Caribbean Cup, South So far.
28.02.2015 BVI 22, St Lucia 14 in Castries
07.03.2015 SVG 24, Curacao 24 in Willemstad
21.03.2015 SVG 16, St Lucia 8 in Castries
11.04.2015 Curacao 36, St Lucia 19 in Willemstad
18.04.2015 BVI 22, SVG 15 at Kingstown

GWC Rugby Rankings
NACRA Table: Curacao 11th, BVI 12th

Prediction: Curacao by 5. Score 16-11

    

Team lists not available

REC 2B: ANDORRA v LATVIA

02.05.2015

Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/RugbiAndorra

Venue: Daugavas Stadium, Riga

Referee: Sergey Poplavski (Ukraine)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
LITHUANIA	3	3	0	0	118	55	63	3	15
LATVIA	3	2	0	1	66	81	-15	1	9
CYPRUS	3	2	0	1	67	64	3	0	8
ANDORRA	3	1	0	2	48	82	-34	0	4
HUNGARY	4	0	0	4	76	94	-18	4	4

Preview
Previously undefeated Latvia went down away to competition leaders Lithuania last weekend. Playing at home against the traveling Andorrans I’d expect them to perform better.

Andorra has the advantage of winning here in October 2013 so winning away is not foreign to the rugby players from the Pyrenees.

Previous Encounters
26.10.2013 Andorra 22-19 in Riga (REC 2B)
30.03.2013 Latvia 22-11 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2B)
24.11.2007 Latvia 20-9 in Riga (ENC 2B)
04.11.2006 Latvia 31-24 in Andorra La Vela (ENC 2B)

In the last two tests these sides have played they have gone against the trend of test rugby at this level by winning away.

Andorra Last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
04.04.2015 v Hungary W 23-18 in Andorra La Vela (REC 2B)
01.11.2014 v Cyprus L 10-30 in Paphos (REC 2B)
18.10.2014 v Lithuania L 15-34 in Andorra La Vela (REC 2B)
12.04.2014 v Israel L 16-20 in Netanya (ENC 2B)
29.03.2014 v Serbia W 23-13 in Andorra La vela (ENC 2B)

Latvia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
25.04.2015 v Lithuania L 11-46 in Siaulai (REC 2B)
15.11.2014 v Cyprus W 39-20 in Riga (REC 2B)
02.11.2014 v Hungary W 16-14 in Ezstergom (REC 2B)
21,06,2014 v Croatia L 10-16 in Riga (ENC 2A-2B Playoff)
03.05.2014 v Denmark W 16-9 in Odense (ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Latvia 25th, Andorra 27th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Latvia 42.73, Andorra 41.70

Prediction: Latvia by 4 points. Score 15-11

TEAMS

Latvia Squad

Sandris Jauntēvs (1964) 13 spēles izlasē (test caps)
Elmārs Imbrass (1964) 12
Kārlis Dzenis (Miesnieki) 4
Jānis Šveds (Eži) 4
Ingus Aivars (Eži) 12
Guntis Cirša (Miesnieki) 39
Santis Podāns (Ovāls) 14
Emīls Balodis (Miesnieki) 5
Māris Streikišs (Eži) 16
Viktors Silvoniks (Miesnieki) 26
Leno Bramanis (Miesnieki) 29
Artūrs Kisle (Livonia) 1
Ainārs Bērziņš (Livonia) 3
Andrejs Borisovs (Ovāls) 9
Norberts Bekmanis (Livonia) 7
Vigo Valdavs (Livonia) 10
Ruslans Kotļevs (Eži) 32
Andris Andersons (Miesnieki) 10
Matīss Zalcmanis (Ovāls) 14
Kristaps Bērziņš (Livonia) 28
Valters Raņķis (Livonia) 47
Raivis Kokins (Miesnieki) 2
Mikus Ozols (Sigulda) 7
Gundars Grieķis (Livonia) 0
Mārtiņš Rundāns (Livonia) 4
Dāvis Gauja (Livonia) 1
Mārtiņš Bokišs (Eži) 0
Kārlis Garokalns (Miesnieki) 3
Toms Asējevs (Miesnieki) 0

Head Coach: Sergey Liska

http://rugbylatvia.com/?p=9179

Andorra Squad not available

REC 2B: LITHUANIA v CYPRUS

02.05.2015

Venue: Paphiako Stadium, Paphos

Referee: Mario Jelavic (Croatia)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
LITHUANIA	3	3	0	0	118	55	63	3	15
LATVIA	3	2	0	1	66	81	-15	1	9
CYPRUS	3	2	0	1	67	64	3	0	8
ANDORRA	3	1	0	2	48	82	-34	0	4
HUNGARY	4	0	0	4	76	94	-18	4	4

Preview
These two teams appear to be the favourites in this competition despite Cyprus’ loss earlier to Latvia. Lithuania will be aiming to get back into Division 2A for the 2016-18 competition.

Lithuania will have stars Ignas Darkintis and Gediminas Marcisauskas returning from England for this crucial game. They gave a strong display against undefeated Latvia last weekend.

Cyprus will be very strong at home. They have never lost at home, winning 14 tests matches on the trot. They will find Lithuania their biggest challenge at home since 2007 when they started playing test rugby.

These two teams have never met before in a test rugby match.

Lithuania Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
25.04.2015 v Latvia W 46-11 in Riga (REC 2B)
25.10.2014 v Hungary W 38-29 in Siauliai (REC 2B)
18.10.2014 v Andorra W 34-15 in Andorra La vela (REC 2B)
26.04.2014 v Switzerland W 24-18 in Vilnius (ENC 2A)
19.04.2014 v Croatia L 21-25 in Zagreb (ENC 2A)

Cyprus Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
29.03.2015 v Hungary W 17-15 in Szazhalombatta (REC 2B)
15.11.2014 v Latvia L 20-39 in Riga (REC 2B)
01.11.2014 v Andorra W 30-10 in Paphos (REC 2B)
17.05.2014 v Hungary W 46-13 in Paphos (ENC 2C)
26.04.2014 v Bulgaria W 46-15 in Sofia (ENC 2C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Lithuania 23rd, Cyprus 26th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Do not apply. Cyprus is not a full member of World Rugby

Prediction: Lithuania by 9 points. Score 26-17

TEAMS

Lithuania

1. Augustinas Terleckas-11.7.1985 (VAR Vilnius)
2. Tomas Zibolis-6.10.1981 (Baltrex, Siaulia)
3. Ignas Darkintis-8.2.1989 (Ealing Trailfinders RFC, England)
4. Julius Sutkus-9.2.1990 (Baltrex, Siauliai)
5. Naglis Duncikas-13.2.1986 (Azuolas, Kaunas)
6. Martynas Liansbergas-18.5.1994 (Baltrex, Siauliai)
7. Justinas Urbonas-27.3.1992 (Vairas, Siauliai)
8. Zygimantas Radzius-30.6.1990, Capt. (Baltrex, Siauliai)
9. Mindaugas Misevicius-11.2.1982 (Vairas, Siauliai)
10. Dovydas Taujanskas-14.7.1994 (Hartpury College, England)
11. Donatas Vilimavicius-11.9.1993 (Vairas, Siauliai)
12. Kestutis Marcisauskas-24.7.1985 (Vairas, Siauliai)
13. Justinas Vasiliauskas-10.7.1985 (Vairas, Siauliai)
14. Mantautas Vilimavicius-18.8.1992 (Vairas, Siauliai)
15. Vytaras Bloskys-30.8.1991 (Baltrex, Siauliai)

Replacements

1. Daivaras Jonatits-14.3.1992 (Vairas, Siauliai)
2. Modestas Bekeris-3.1.1990 (Vairas, Siauliai)
3. Airidas Savickas-24.8.1994 (Baltrex, Siauliai)
4. Nerijus Maciulis-4.4.1993 (Vairas, Siauliai)
5. Domantas Tautkus-2.6.1993 (Azuolas, Kaunas)
6. Dainius Tamaliunas-29.4.1993 (Azuolas, Kaunas)
7. Gediminas Marcisauskas-4.6.1982 (Peterborough RFC, England)
8. Ignas Jankaitis-4.1.1990 (Baltrex, Siauliai)

Head Coach: Ntando Majokweni Manyosha

Team sheet thanks to Tomas Bieliauskas, Lithuania RF

Players not included from v Latvia

Marius Andrijauskas-22.7.1980 (Shelford RC, England)
Jonas Mikalcius-1.5.1994 (Hartpury College, England)
Lukas Radzevicius-21.3.1993 (Baltrex, Siauliai)
Dominykas Matuzevicius-20.8.1995 (Baltrex, Siauliai)

Cyprus Squad

George Agathokleous *
Jack Anthony
Michael Aspros
Stevie Awah
Ryan Bennett
Jack Bilton
Stavros Economou 
Fidias Efthymiou
Alexander Filiotis
Christos Ioannou
Christos Kasapis
Matthew King
Konstantinos Konstantinidis
John Loizou
Dan McFarlane
Mark Mladenovic (Captain)
Panagiotis Nikolaidis
Stelios Panayiotou
Jonathan Pettemeridis*
Luke Phrixus
Anthony Thomas
Burham Torgut
Marios Zakakiotis

Adapted from http://www.nonstopjournal.com.cy/index.php/athlitika/8842-cyprus-rugby-mall

Only two remaining players from Cyprus’ first test match, v Greece, March 2007.

ASIA RUGBY CHAMP: Top 3 HONG KONG v JAPAN

02.05.2015

Venue: Tokyo

Referee: Norman Drake (UAE)

Preview
When you look at the opposition both sides has faced over the past year, Japan has a far more extensive world test programme than Hong Kong. Hong Kong has played two tests against Russia last November as they continually seek international opposition. But in terms of who you are facing on the international stage Japan is way above their Asian neighbour.

In recent encounters Hong Kong has always struggled in Tokyo and I can’t see Hong Kong getting near their hosts.

Other Previews
http://www.hkrugby.com/eng/news/4794.php
http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-a-hong-kong-2015.php (in French)

Last Five Encounters
25.05.2014 Japan 49-8 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
27.04.2013 Japan 38-0 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
19.05.2012 Japan 67-0 in Tokyo (Asia 5 Nations)
30.04.2011 Japan 48-22 in Hong Kong (Asia 5 Nations)
22.05.2010 Japan 94-5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia 5 Nations)

Hong Kong last defeated Japan in 1998, winning 17-16 in Tokyo in a Pacific Rim Championship test match. Hong Kong actually won four games against Japan in the period 1996-1998 during the Pacific Rim competition.

Japan Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
18.04.2015 v Korea W 56-30 in Incheon (ARC Top 3)
23.11.2014 v Georgia L 24-35 in Tbilisi
15.11.2014 v Romania W 18-13 in Bucharest
21.06.2014 v Italy W 26-23 in Tokyo
14.06.2014 v USA W 37-29 in Halawa

Hong Kong Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
25.04.2015 v Korea L 26-33 in Hong Kong (ARC Top 3)
15.11.2014 v Russia L 27-39 in Hong Kong (Ustinov Cup, 2nd test)
08.11.2014 v Russia L 10-31 in Hong Kong (Ustinov Cup, 1st test)
25.05.2014 v Japan L 8-49 in Tokyo (WCA Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
10.05.2014 v Korea W 39-6 in Hong Kong (WCA Asia; Asia 5 Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Japan 13th, Hong Kong 23rd
Asia Table: Japan 1st, Hong Kong 3rd

World Rugby Ranking Points
Japan 74.70, Hong Kong 54.64

Prediction: Japan by 44 points.

TEAMS

Hong Kong

1 WEI Hon Sum Leon (Valley)
2 Alex HARRIS (Kowloon)
3 Jack PARFITT (HKS)
4 Adam BUTTERFIELD (HKFC)
5 Paul DWYER (HKCC)
6 Matthew LAMMING (HKCC)
7 Toby FENN (Valley)
8 Nicholas HEWSON (Valley)
9 LEE Ka To Cado (Kowloon)
10 Ben RIMENE (Valley)
11 Charlie HIGSON-SMITH (HKFC)
12 Max WOODWARD (Valley)
13 Jamie HOOD (HKFC)
14 Tom MCQUEEN (HKCC)
15 Alex MCQUEEN (HKCC)

Replacements
16 John AIKMAN (HKS)
17 Lachlan CHUBB (HKS)
18 Jack NIELSEN (HKCC)
19 Alex BADDELEY (Valley)
20 Damian BAILEY (HKCC)
21 Adam ROLSTON (Valley)
22 Jonny REES (HKFC)
23 Niall ROWARK (HKFC)
24 Jack DELAFORCE (HKCC)

Head Coach: Andy Hall

Adapted from http://www.hkrugby.com/eng/news/4794.php

Japan

1-Masataka Mikami (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 24 caps) 
2-Takeshi Kizu (Kobelco Steelers, 31 caps) 
3-Kensuke Hatakeyama, Capt. (Suntory Sungoliath, 61 caps) 
4-Luke Thompson (Kintetsu Liners, 50 caps) 
5-Shoji Ito (Kobelco Steelers, 29 caps) 
6-Justin Ives (Canon Eagles, 24 caps) 
7-Tsuyoshi Murata (NEC Green Rockets, un cap) 
8-Ryu Koliniasi Holani (Panasonic Wild Knights, 36 caps) 
9-Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath, 39 caps) 
10-Harumichi Tatekawa (Kubota Spears, 29 caps) 
11-Akihito Yamada (Panasonic Wild Knights, 10 caps) 
12-Yu Tamura (NEC Green Rockets, 27 caps) 
13-Karne Hesketh (Munakata Sanix Blues, 3 caps) 
14-Chihito Matsui (Doshisha Univ., un cap) 
15-Ayumu Goromaru (Yamaha Jubilo, 44 caps)

Remplaçants:

16-Yusuke Nagae (Toyota Industries Shuttles, 17 caps) 
17-Ryuhei Arita (Coca-Cola Red Sparks, 7 caps) 
18-Shinnosuke Kakinaga (Suntory Sungoliath, un cap) 
19-Kazuhiko Usami (Canon Eagles, un cap) 
20-Hayden Hopgood ( ? , 4 caps) 
21-Keisuke Uchida (Panasonic Wild Knights, 9 caps) 
22-Toshiaki Hirose (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 24 caps) 
23-Yoshikazu Fujita (Waseda Univ., 19 caps)

Head Coach: Eddie Jones

Adapted from http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-a-hong-kong-2015.php

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: World

25.04.2015
Korea 33, Hong Kong 26 in Hong Kong (ARC Top 3)
Chile 32, Brazil 3 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
Trinidad Tobago 30, Mexico 16 in Port of Spain (NACRA Carib. Champ. Final)

Briefly
Korea edged out home side Hong Kong after building a big lead at half time. The Koreans looked to be a very strong side and managed to hold off a big Hong Kong comeback in the second half.

Chile were too good in a disappointing display by the Brazilians whilst Trinidad Tobago gathered their second Caribbean Championship title when they defeated Mexico. The Mexicans can be proud of their achievement in making th final after being promoted just last season.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: REC 2A & 2B

25.04.2015
Switzerland 23, Malta 20 in Valetta (REC 2A)
Israel 26, Czech Republic 26 in Prague (REC 2A)
Lithuania 46, Latvia 11 in Siaulai (REC 2B)

Briefly
Israel caused the major surprise of the test rugby weekend by drawing with the fancied Czech side in Prague. The Czechs had to come from way behind and just salvaged a draw but this is an indication of the development of Israeli rugby.

As I predicted Switzerland and Malta slugged out a very close contest in Malta. Meanwhile in Siaulai Lithuania were too strong for their neighbours.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: REC 2C & 2D 25

25.04.2015
Serbia 25, Denmark 22 in Odense (REC 2C)
Slovenia 17, Austria 16 in Vienna (REC 2C)
Bosnia Herzegovina 29, Finland 7 in Zenica (REC 2D)
Turkey 28, Bulgaria 26 in Antalya (REC 2D)

Briefly
In a close game in Odense Serbia continued its amazing turnaround by defeating Denmark. Serbia is now looking a likely promotion candidate next season.

Slovenia just edged out home team Austria in another very close game. This is now Austria’s second loss in a row.

In Division 2D Bosnia Herzegovina were too good for visitors Finland whilst Turkey caused an upset defeating Bulgaria by two points. This was a second leg game meaning normally it would have been played next season.

REC 2D: BULGARIA V TURKEY

25.04.2015

Venue: Anatayla

Referee: Kalaxilos (Greece)

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	B	TL
BOSNIA H.	2	2	0	0	93	37	56	1	9
FINLAND	1	1	0	0	32	10	22	1	5
BULGARIA	2	1	0	1	38	78	-40	1	5
TURKEY	2	0	0	2	44	60	-16	2	2
NORWAY	1	0	0	1	10	32	-22	0	0

Preview

These European neighbours have always had an uneasy political relationship ever since Bulgaria pulled away from the Ottoman Empire back in the 1880’s.

These two teams have met once before. Last November Bulgaria won 26-19 in Sofia. This match is being played as a second leg fixture, rather than it being played next year.

In this competition the relegated team from ENC 2C, Bulgaria, meets the promoted team from ENC 3, Turkey. Turkey has been finding the rise to this level a tough one

Bulgaria has had a horror trot of international test rugby results since they were promoted to ENC 2C in 2012. There were relegated last year.

Turkey Last Five P 5, W3, L 2
01.11.2014 v Bulgaria L 19-26 in Sofia (REC 2D)
25.10.2014 v Bosnia Herzegovina L 25-34 in Edrine (REC 2D)
23.11.2013 v Slovakia W 55-3 in Bratislava (ENC 3)
20.11.2013 v Azerbaijan W 31-3 in Bratislava (ENC 3)
17.11.2012 v Azerbaijan W 53-3 in Kemer (ENC 3)

Bulgaria Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
01.11.2014 v Turkey W 26-19 in Sofia (ENC 2D)
04.10.2014 v Bosnia Herzegovina L 12-59 in Zenica (ENC 2D)
26.04.2014 v Cyprus L 15-46 in Sofia (ENC 2C)
12.04.2014 v Slovenia L 17-43 in Ljubliana (ENC 2C)
19.10.2013 v Austria L 14-58 in Vienna (ENC 2C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Bulgaria 35th, Turkey 39th

World Rugby Ranking Points do not apply as Turkey is not a full member of World Rugby.

Prediction: Bulgaria by 7 points. Score 19-12

TEAMS

    

Not available