MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALLThursday, December 25, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
2008 A Year of Rugby; Part 3
Oceania
Travel! For the lower nations on this table this has been a major factor in their international rugby arrangements for 2008, especially at the senior level.
Oceania is governed by FORU, The Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions. There are fourteen rugby unions affiliated to this federation. The minor unions are divided into two zones, East and West. These zones will be involved in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying process in 2009, the winner playing Samoa for a place in the Cup Finals.
Each zone holds a round robin tournament at one venue with the winners squaring off for a single winner-takes-all title. There is no promotion-relegation into the Pacific Nations Cup, which involves Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
In 2008 the Eastern Zone tournament was to be held in Rarotonga, whilst the West was to be in Noumea. It was expected that American Samoa would enter for the first time. But it all turned out to be a bit of a fizzer.
Firstly, Papua and New Guinea and Solomon Islands pulled out of the Western Zone, to be held in Noumea, at the last minute due to travel difficulties. PNG had warmed up with a 5-41 loss to Fiji 'A' in the curtain raiser to the Fiji v Samoa game at Lautoka, June 7. Wallis and Futuna also withdrew. That just left Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with the home side winning 29-20.
The Eastern Zone fared no better. Tahiti pulled out as did American Samoa leaving just the Cook Islands and Niue to play in Rarotonga. The Cook's decided only to play home-based players and lost 7-18, a mistake I'm sure they will not make in next years World Cup qualifiers.
The final in Noumea saw Niue easily win 27-5 to take the Oceania Cup for 2008.
Neither Tahiti nor Solomon Islands played international rugby in 2008 so they both drop off the table. The lower rankings look like this.
10th-Vanuatu
9th - New Caledonia
8th-Papua New Guinea
7th - Cook Islands
6th-Niue
Samoa, Tonga and Fiji played in the Pacific Nations Cup, along with Japan, Australia 'A' and New Zealand Maori.
5th-Fiji
The Fijians were unable to improve on their 5th placing in 2007. Traditionally the leading Pacific island nation over the years they have slipped against their close neighbours. An early win over Samoa was countered by an away loss to Tonga in the last fixture of the tournament, sealing Fiji's 5th ranking.
4th-Tonga
The Tongans slipped from 3rd in 2007, losing to Samoa early in the tournament but upsetting the Fijians at home to prevent a slip further to 5th place. Generally the Tongans were unable to maintain their magnificent efforts at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
3rd-Samoa
Although losing to Fiji early in the tournament, the Samoans came back strongly with a youthful side to defeat Tonga at the right time and secure 3rd place. The gap from 3rd to 2nd to the top nations was emphasised with the Samoans' 14-101 loss to New Zealand in New Plymouth
New Zealand and Australia again hold the top two positions. It is difficult to see any other Oceania nations coming anywhere near these two.
2nd-Australia
For the fourth year in a row the Aussies play second fiddle to the Kiwis who had a magnificent season, except for a slight wobble in the middle of the Tri Nations. New Zealand and Australia played four times for the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand dropped the first encounter in Sydney, but then took out the next three, including an historic meeting in Hong Kong, to keep their top position in Oceania.
1st-New Zealand.
Part 4 will see a review of North American rugby
For a complete list of all 2008 GWC Rugby Rankings, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Travel! For the lower nations on this table this has been a major factor in their international rugby arrangements for 2008, especially at the senior level.
Oceania is governed by FORU, The Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions. There are fourteen rugby unions affiliated to this federation. The minor unions are divided into two zones, East and West. These zones will be involved in the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying process in 2009, the winner playing Samoa for a place in the Cup Finals.
Each zone holds a round robin tournament at one venue with the winners squaring off for a single winner-takes-all title. There is no promotion-relegation into the Pacific Nations Cup, which involves Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
In 2008 the Eastern Zone tournament was to be held in Rarotonga, whilst the West was to be in Noumea. It was expected that American Samoa would enter for the first time. But it all turned out to be a bit of a fizzer.
Firstly, Papua and New Guinea and Solomon Islands pulled out of the Western Zone, to be held in Noumea, at the last minute due to travel difficulties. PNG had warmed up with a 5-41 loss to Fiji 'A' in the curtain raiser to the Fiji v Samoa game at Lautoka, June 7. Wallis and Futuna also withdrew. That just left Vanuatu and New Caledonia, with the home side winning 29-20.
The Eastern Zone fared no better. Tahiti pulled out as did American Samoa leaving just the Cook Islands and Niue to play in Rarotonga. The Cook's decided only to play home-based players and lost 7-18, a mistake I'm sure they will not make in next years World Cup qualifiers.
The final in Noumea saw Niue easily win 27-5 to take the Oceania Cup for 2008.
Neither Tahiti nor Solomon Islands played international rugby in 2008 so they both drop off the table. The lower rankings look like this.
10th-Vanuatu
9th - New Caledonia
8th-Papua New Guinea
7th - Cook Islands
6th-Niue
Samoa, Tonga and Fiji played in the Pacific Nations Cup, along with Japan, Australia 'A' and New Zealand Maori.
5th-Fiji
The Fijians were unable to improve on their 5th placing in 2007. Traditionally the leading Pacific island nation over the years they have slipped against their close neighbours. An early win over Samoa was countered by an away loss to Tonga in the last fixture of the tournament, sealing Fiji's 5th ranking.
4th-Tonga
The Tongans slipped from 3rd in 2007, losing to Samoa early in the tournament but upsetting the Fijians at home to prevent a slip further to 5th place. Generally the Tongans were unable to maintain their magnificent efforts at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
3rd-Samoa
Although losing to Fiji early in the tournament, the Samoans came back strongly with a youthful side to defeat Tonga at the right time and secure 3rd place. The gap from 3rd to 2nd to the top nations was emphasised with the Samoans' 14-101 loss to New Zealand in New Plymouth
New Zealand and Australia again hold the top two positions. It is difficult to see any other Oceania nations coming anywhere near these two.
2nd-Australia
For the fourth year in a row the Aussies play second fiddle to the Kiwis who had a magnificent season, except for a slight wobble in the middle of the Tri Nations. New Zealand and Australia played four times for the Bledisloe Cup. New Zealand dropped the first encounter in Sydney, but then took out the next three, including an historic meeting in Hong Kong, to keep their top position in Oceania.
1st-New Zealand.
Part 4 will see a review of North American rugby
For a complete list of all 2008 GWC Rugby Rankings, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
2008 A year of Rugby, Part 2
I will now look at each region and work my way through the nations of that region from the bottom up. Part 2 looks at South America, or its official IRB name CONSUR (Confederation Sudamericana de Rugby).
The 2008 CONSUR B tournament was held in Asuncion, Paraguay and signalled that nations return to international rugby after an absence of 3 years. The tournament was also part of the 2011 World Cup qualifying process, the winner playing the North American zone winner in order to proceed.
8th-Peru
Peru lost all their games and finished last. They hosted the 2007 tournament in Lima where they did well in only losing to tournament winner Brazil. They lost heavily in all their games except for the 20-25 loss to Colombia. They dropped from 6th Ranking in 2007.
7th-Colombia
Colombia hold the same ranking as in 2007, again managing to win only one of its games, a close 25-20 win over Peru. They have never got close to either Brazil nor Paraguay, the top seeds in CONSUR B.
6th-Venezuela
Venezuela was the first CONSUR B winner outside of Brazil and Paraguay to play in CONSUR A against the likes of Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. This took place in 2004 but it was a disaster. Venezuela were well below the required standard losing all the games heavily, including 147-7 against Argentina. That little experiment would not be repeated. In 2008 though, and against similiar standards, they fared better than their last in 2007. Wins over Colombia and Peru ensured a better placing, but they lost heavily to both Paraguay and Brazil.
5th-Paraguay
What a disappointment 2008 turned out for the Paraguayans. A self imposed exile from international rugby to build their strength and their finances failed in the last match of the tournament. Brazil caused a major upset to topple the hosts 15-6.
4th-Brazil
In winning this tournament Brazil won the right to play Trinidad and Tobago for the right to proceed in the 2011 World Cup qualifiers. Their 15-6 win over Paraguay was their first since 1979. They won all their other tournament matches easily. Brazil also qualified for the World Table because they played against Trinidad and Tobago, outside their region.
3rd-Chile
The Chileans failed to improve on their position from 2007. They lost 71-3 to Argentina 'A' and 46-12 to Uruguay to record a most disappointing season. Their standard has slipped since the expansive days of 2001-2004 when Chile made a huge effort to play outside their zone.
2nd-Uruguay
Uruguay cemented its place in South American rugby underneath the Argentinians with a 46-12 win at home against Chile and a 8-43 loss to Argentina 'A' in May. A trip to the USA in early November with a below par side registered a loss 43-9. Earlier, Uruguay travelled to Bucharest to play in the IRB Nations Cup. They played impressively to hold Romania 6-10, Georgia 18-20 and finally Russia 19-23.
1st-Argentina
Argentina hold their top position without being threatened. Their 'A' side did the job comfortably. Argentina is of course concentrating their efforts with the No.1 side, using the CONSUR tournaments to blood their home-based players into international rugby.
Part 3 will look at the Oceania Zone.
The 2008 CONSUR B tournament was held in Asuncion, Paraguay and signalled that nations return to international rugby after an absence of 3 years. The tournament was also part of the 2011 World Cup qualifying process, the winner playing the North American zone winner in order to proceed.
8th-Peru
Peru lost all their games and finished last. They hosted the 2007 tournament in Lima where they did well in only losing to tournament winner Brazil. They lost heavily in all their games except for the 20-25 loss to Colombia. They dropped from 6th Ranking in 2007.
7th-Colombia
Colombia hold the same ranking as in 2007, again managing to win only one of its games, a close 25-20 win over Peru. They have never got close to either Brazil nor Paraguay, the top seeds in CONSUR B.
6th-Venezuela
Venezuela was the first CONSUR B winner outside of Brazil and Paraguay to play in CONSUR A against the likes of Chile, Uruguay and Argentina. This took place in 2004 but it was a disaster. Venezuela were well below the required standard losing all the games heavily, including 147-7 against Argentina. That little experiment would not be repeated. In 2008 though, and against similiar standards, they fared better than their last in 2007. Wins over Colombia and Peru ensured a better placing, but they lost heavily to both Paraguay and Brazil.
5th-Paraguay
What a disappointment 2008 turned out for the Paraguayans. A self imposed exile from international rugby to build their strength and their finances failed in the last match of the tournament. Brazil caused a major upset to topple the hosts 15-6.
4th-Brazil
In winning this tournament Brazil won the right to play Trinidad and Tobago for the right to proceed in the 2011 World Cup qualifiers. Their 15-6 win over Paraguay was their first since 1979. They won all their other tournament matches easily. Brazil also qualified for the World Table because they played against Trinidad and Tobago, outside their region.
3rd-Chile
The Chileans failed to improve on their position from 2007. They lost 71-3 to Argentina 'A' and 46-12 to Uruguay to record a most disappointing season. Their standard has slipped since the expansive days of 2001-2004 when Chile made a huge effort to play outside their zone.
2nd-Uruguay
Uruguay cemented its place in South American rugby underneath the Argentinians with a 46-12 win at home against Chile and a 8-43 loss to Argentina 'A' in May. A trip to the USA in early November with a below par side registered a loss 43-9. Earlier, Uruguay travelled to Bucharest to play in the IRB Nations Cup. They played impressively to hold Romania 6-10, Georgia 18-20 and finally Russia 19-23.
1st-Argentina
Argentina hold their top position without being threatened. Their 'A' side did the job comfortably. Argentina is of course concentrating their efforts with the No.1 side, using the CONSUR tournaments to blood their home-based players into international rugby.
Part 3 will look at the Oceania Zone.
Monday, December 15, 2008
2008: A year of Rugby. Part 1
2008 A year of Rugby will follow in a number of parts as Rugbyinternational looks at rugby around the world at the international level.
Part 1: What is GWC Rugby Rankings?
My Rugby Ranking system is simplicity to a fault. It's so easy it defies all the technically enhanced computer generated systems led of course by the IRB Ranking System.
The IRB System is now so respected that it determines the placings of the top Rugby nations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. That seeding system was completed with the 2008 November round of international rugby tests and the resulting draw for that tournament was made in early December.
The only real grizzle I have with such a system is that teams who never play each other are all ranked in together. For the top tier of nations that is not really a problem as they mostly play each other in a clalendar season. When you go beyond that level teams who never play each other are ranked together. To me that is just not logical.
So about 5 years ago I came up with a simple system of ranking nations in geographical groups, which is where most teams below the top tier play. So I grouped teams in the following areas.
Europe
North America
South America
Asia
Oceania
Africa
The rankings follow the old tennis ladder system. If you defeat a team above you on the ladder, you move to their position, and then all teams move down. If you draw with a team above you you go to the position imediately below, with all teams in between moving down.
The rankings are readjusted at the end of any tournament. In the 6 Nations tournament, if team No.1 is defeated by team No.6 in the last round there may not be a change if, on the points table there is no change. Small adjustments can be made.
All teams are ranked in their geographical zones, and then if they play a test match across the regions they then enter the World Table as well, which of course is the premier table. For example, both Hong Kong and Tunisia entered the World Table earlier in the year as they played two tests, home and away. Hong Kong is in the Asian zone whilst Tunisia is in the African. Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago also entered the World Table for 2008 because they played against each other in Rugby World Cup qualifying matches.
A team must play a test match within a calendar year to remain on any table. Teams drop out of the World Table for the same reason. No play, no gain.
The ladder philosophy is very simple. You are only as good as the last game you played.
You can view the completed GWC Rugby Ranking tables at www.rugbyinternational.net.
Post your views on the various ranking systems around. Post the links here and others can view and discuss. Look forwards to hearing from you.
Part 1: What is GWC Rugby Rankings?
My Rugby Ranking system is simplicity to a fault. It's so easy it defies all the technically enhanced computer generated systems led of course by the IRB Ranking System.
The IRB System is now so respected that it determines the placings of the top Rugby nations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. That seeding system was completed with the 2008 November round of international rugby tests and the resulting draw for that tournament was made in early December.
The only real grizzle I have with such a system is that teams who never play each other are all ranked in together. For the top tier of nations that is not really a problem as they mostly play each other in a clalendar season. When you go beyond that level teams who never play each other are ranked together. To me that is just not logical.
So about 5 years ago I came up with a simple system of ranking nations in geographical groups, which is where most teams below the top tier play. So I grouped teams in the following areas.
Europe
North America
South America
Asia
Oceania
Africa
The rankings follow the old tennis ladder system. If you defeat a team above you on the ladder, you move to their position, and then all teams move down. If you draw with a team above you you go to the position imediately below, with all teams in between moving down.
The rankings are readjusted at the end of any tournament. In the 6 Nations tournament, if team No.1 is defeated by team No.6 in the last round there may not be a change if, on the points table there is no change. Small adjustments can be made.
All teams are ranked in their geographical zones, and then if they play a test match across the regions they then enter the World Table as well, which of course is the premier table. For example, both Hong Kong and Tunisia entered the World Table earlier in the year as they played two tests, home and away. Hong Kong is in the Asian zone whilst Tunisia is in the African. Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago also entered the World Table for 2008 because they played against each other in Rugby World Cup qualifying matches.
A team must play a test match within a calendar year to remain on any table. Teams drop out of the World Table for the same reason. No play, no gain.
The ladder philosophy is very simple. You are only as good as the last game you played.
You can view the completed GWC Rugby Ranking tables at www.rugbyinternational.net.
Post your views on the various ranking systems around. Post the links here and others can view and discuss. Look forwards to hearing from you.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Test Rugby results 6 Dec.
06.12.2008
Serbia 32, Andorra 7 in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Cyprus 24, Monaco 3 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
Serbia 32, Andorra 7 in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Cyprus 24, Monaco 3 in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Rugby Test: Monaco v Cyprus
06.12.2008
Monaco v Cyprus in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
Venue: Happy Valley, RAF Episkopi, Near Limassol
Previews
Cyprus come into this test match with an impressive 37-3 win over Azerbaijan away last weekend. A clear win over Monaco here will put the Cypriots up there with Bosnia Herzegovina as competition leaders.
These two teams met for the first time in October last year at the ENC 3D tournament held in Cyprus. On that occassion Cyprus won 19-10. Cypris won that tournament and qualified to play Israel in a 3C/3D playoff in September. The result placed Cyprus back into ENC 3D and out of World Cup qualification. They will be out to make amends.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Cyprus 39th, Monaco 41st.
Prediction: Cyprus by 15 points.
Teams not available
Monaco v Cyprus in Episkopi (ENC 3D)
Venue: Happy Valley, RAF Episkopi, Near Limassol
Previews
Cyprus come into this test match with an impressive 37-3 win over Azerbaijan away last weekend. A clear win over Monaco here will put the Cypriots up there with Bosnia Herzegovina as competition leaders.
These two teams met for the first time in October last year at the ENC 3D tournament held in Cyprus. On that occassion Cyprus won 19-10. Cypris won that tournament and qualified to play Israel in a 3C/3D playoff in September. The result placed Cyprus back into ENC 3D and out of World Cup qualification. They will be out to make amends.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Cyprus 39th, Monaco 41st.
Prediction: Cyprus by 15 points.
Teams not available
Test Rugby: Andorra v Serbia
06.12.2008
Andorra v Serbia in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Preview
Andorra and Serbia have both had a shocker start to the new competition. Andorra lost 10-26 to competition high-roller and new comer Lithuania at home. Serbia crashed 0-41 to Armenia at this same venue back in September after defeating Armenia 19-8 back in May! Picking form is going to be tricky.
Andorra are without some of their leading players due to injury. Heading into Serbia for the first time the Andorrans will find this assignment tough although they will be slight favourites. There is no information available about the make up of the Serbian side.
These two teams have not met before.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Andorra 24th, Serbia 27th
Prediction: Andorra by 6 points
Teams
David Martinez
Roger Font
Xavier Vilasetru
Joan Castellon
Franck Mitjana
Oscar Cabanes
Ritchie Ortega
Marcos Cellone
Josef Chelidze
Paul Alieu
David Kirikashvili
Toni Carmona
Peter Ambor
Waki Tchatokey
Fabian Tonino
Jonathan Garcia
Eduard Vergara
Sergi Lucas
Roger Fite
Marc Gispert
Flavien Sayo
Maxim Taurinya
Anthony Gaulin
Benjami Fajol
Roberto Gimenez
Emmanuel Sarti-Gardes
Gerard Sotera
Head Coach:
Special thanks to ‘AndorranFanClub’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2950
For Andorra: Taurinyà, Magallón, Jonathan Garcia, Lucas, Paul Alieu and Carmona are all injured, Thanks to 'Quentin'.
Serbia-Not available
Andorra v Serbia in Smederevo (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Preview
Andorra and Serbia have both had a shocker start to the new competition. Andorra lost 10-26 to competition high-roller and new comer Lithuania at home. Serbia crashed 0-41 to Armenia at this same venue back in September after defeating Armenia 19-8 back in May! Picking form is going to be tricky.
Andorra are without some of their leading players due to injury. Heading into Serbia for the first time the Andorrans will find this assignment tough although they will be slight favourites. There is no information available about the make up of the Serbian side.
These two teams have not met before.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Andorra 24th, Serbia 27th
Prediction: Andorra by 6 points
Teams
David Martinez
Roger Font
Xavier Vilasetru
Joan Castellon
Franck Mitjana
Oscar Cabanes
Ritchie Ortega
Marcos Cellone
Josef Chelidze
Paul Alieu
David Kirikashvili
Toni Carmona
Peter Ambor
Waki Tchatokey
Fabian Tonino
Jonathan Garcia
Eduard Vergara
Sergi Lucas
Roger Fite
Marc Gispert
Flavien Sayo
Maxim Taurinya
Anthony Gaulin
Benjami Fajol
Roberto Gimenez
Emmanuel Sarti-Gardes
Gerard Sotera
Head Coach:
Special thanks to ‘AndorranFanClub’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2950
For Andorra: Taurinyà, Magallón, Jonathan Garcia, Lucas, Paul Alieu and Carmona are all injured, Thanks to 'Quentin'.
Serbia-Not available
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
December-January
The months of December and January are the quietest months of international rugby around the world. There are a few more games to be played, mostly in the European Championship, known as the European Nations Cup. They are in the lower divisions.
The international action hots up again in February when the 6 Nations International Championship for 2009 gets underway, and the European Nations Cup fires up, especially in Division 1 games.
So what is this blog going to do for two months? I've made a list below. If there are aspects of the international game you want to know about then you can add a question in the comments box.
Here we go..
The international action hots up again in February when the 6 Nations International Championship for 2009 gets underway, and the European Nations Cup fires up, especially in Division 1 games.
So what is this blog going to do for two months? I've made a list below. If there are aspects of the international game you want to know about then you can add a question in the comments box.
Here we go..
- A review of international rugby in 2008
- A summary of the European Nations Cup, which is sort of mid-season now.
- A best of for 2008 (best try, best player, most improved team, biggest upset..all ideas I think I'll pinch from the FIRA-AER forum)
- Just what is this 'GWC Rugby Rankings' you see on every game preview.
- A summary of the final table of GWC Rankings 2008
- In January a preview of the 6 Nations Championship
- A look at the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour.
- A look at the 2011 Rugby World Cup Qualifying process and where it is up to.
- How about a quiz with some prizes?
- A look at some other rugby blogs from around the world.
- The web sites I most use to build my data base of international rugby.
Gee Wizz, I thought I might have a rest over December-January. That's not going to happen. Well, after all, there are a lot of rugby fans out there busting to find out more about this game of rugby.
So, fire your questions/ideas at me.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Test Results: 29 November
29.11.2008
New Zealand 32, England 6 at Twickenham
Wales 21, Australia 18 in Cardiff
Bulgaria 18, Luxembourg 10 in Luxembourg City (WCQ Euro.R2:ENC2A)
Cyprus 37, Azerbaijan 3 in Baku (ENC 3D)
New Zealand 32, England 6 at Twickenham
Wales 21, Australia 18 in Cardiff
Bulgaria 18, Luxembourg 10 in Luxembourg City (WCQ Euro.R2:ENC2A)
Cyprus 37, Azerbaijan 3 in Baku (ENC 3D)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Rugby Test: New Zealand v England
29.11.2008
New Zealand v England at Twickenham
Preview
After last week's hammering by the Springbox and a flood of criticism from the Press you would think Martin Johnson and his team would be cringing in their rugby boots at the thought of a rampant All Black side. Well, rugby is a funny game and we have seen this English side bounce back before. Remember the 2007 Rugby World Cup? South Africa defeated England 36-0. England then bounced back to defeat Australia 12-10 and then to play South Africa again in the final. After all, one of Martin Johnson's bleak looks would be enough to motivate any player to play better. I expect England to put up a much stronger display but they are a very inexperienced side and they will be playing the best rugby side in the world.
The All Blacks are clever enough to know that England has bounced back before. They will be expecting a much tougher England side determined to make amends for last weekend's disaster. The New Zealanders have commented that they can still up their game by 20%. Well, look out England if they do. This team is playing excellent rugby at the moment and has swept all before it on this tour. I can't see England getting close.
Last Five Encounters
21.06.2008 New Zealand 44-12 in Christchurch
14.06.2008 New Zealand 37-20 in Auckland
05.11.2006 New Zealand 41-20 at Twickenham
19.11.2005 New Zealand 23-19 at Twickenham
19.06.2004 New Zealand 36-12 in Auckland.
The last time England defeated New Zealand was the one off test in Wellington in June 2003. England won 15-13 and then went on to win the World Cup in Australia four months later. The last time England defeated New Zealand at Twickenham was in November 2002 when they won 31-28. This was the time when England was at its height.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, England 5th
Prediction: New Zealand by 28 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Paul Sackey
13 James Noon
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Tobias Flood
9 Daniel Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Michael Lipman
6 James Haskell
5 Nicholas Kennedy
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery,
2 Lee Mears
1 Timothy Payne.
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Matthew Stevens
18 Thomas Croft
19 Thomas Rees
20 Harold Ellis
21 Daniel Cipriani
22 Daniel Hipkiss
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina
14 Joseph Rokocoko
13 Conrad Smith
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Daniel Carter
9 James Cowan
8 Rodney So'oialo
7 Richard McCaw, Capt.
6 Jerome Kaino
5 Alistair Williams
4 Bradley Thorn
3 Neemia Tialata
2 Keven Mealamu
1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements
16 Hikawera Elliot
17 John Afoa
18 Anthony Boric
19 Kieran Read
20 Piri Weepu
21 Stephen Donald
22 Isaia Toeava
Head Coach: Graham Henry
New Zealand v England at Twickenham
Preview
After last week's hammering by the Springbox and a flood of criticism from the Press you would think Martin Johnson and his team would be cringing in their rugby boots at the thought of a rampant All Black side. Well, rugby is a funny game and we have seen this English side bounce back before. Remember the 2007 Rugby World Cup? South Africa defeated England 36-0. England then bounced back to defeat Australia 12-10 and then to play South Africa again in the final. After all, one of Martin Johnson's bleak looks would be enough to motivate any player to play better. I expect England to put up a much stronger display but they are a very inexperienced side and they will be playing the best rugby side in the world.
The All Blacks are clever enough to know that England has bounced back before. They will be expecting a much tougher England side determined to make amends for last weekend's disaster. The New Zealanders have commented that they can still up their game by 20%. Well, look out England if they do. This team is playing excellent rugby at the moment and has swept all before it on this tour. I can't see England getting close.
Last Five Encounters
21.06.2008 New Zealand 44-12 in Christchurch
14.06.2008 New Zealand 37-20 in Auckland
05.11.2006 New Zealand 41-20 at Twickenham
19.11.2005 New Zealand 23-19 at Twickenham
19.06.2004 New Zealand 36-12 in Auckland.
The last time England defeated New Zealand was the one off test in Wellington in June 2003. England won 15-13 and then went on to win the World Cup in Australia four months later. The last time England defeated New Zealand at Twickenham was in November 2002 when they won 31-28. This was the time when England was at its height.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, England 5th
Prediction: New Zealand by 28 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Paul Sackey
13 James Noon
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Tobias Flood
9 Daniel Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Michael Lipman
6 James Haskell
5 Nicholas Kennedy
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery,
2 Lee Mears
1 Timothy Payne.
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Matthew Stevens
18 Thomas Croft
19 Thomas Rees
20 Harold Ellis
21 Daniel Cipriani
22 Daniel Hipkiss
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina
14 Joseph Rokocoko
13 Conrad Smith
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Daniel Carter
9 James Cowan
8 Rodney So'oialo
7 Richard McCaw, Capt.
6 Jerome Kaino
5 Alistair Williams
4 Bradley Thorn
3 Neemia Tialata
2 Keven Mealamu
1 Tony Woodcock
Replacements
16 Hikawera Elliot
17 John Afoa
18 Anthony Boric
19 Kieran Read
20 Piri Weepu
21 Stephen Donald
22 Isaia Toeava
Head Coach: Graham Henry
Test Rugby: Australia v Wales
29.11.2008
Australia v Wales in Cardiff
Preview
Australia is looking to emulate the South Africans and, probably, the New Zealanders, in winning all tests on this tour. So far all the Southern Hemisphere sides (except Argentina) have won all their games in the North. If Australia and New Zealand can win tomorrow it will create a clean-sweep the likes of which has not happened before.
Wales will be desperate to win. The put pressure on their opponents in all their November tests but have been unable to consistently keep that pressure up for 80 minutes. The best they kept for New Zealand, dominating the first half but were unable to do so for the second. They will be wanting to play like that for the whole match.
Australia just keeps getting better and better. Robbie Deans has made a bi difference with this youngish side and they pose a big threat to Wales. They key will be in the forwards where the tight five can dominate and the loosies are quick to the breakdowns. Australia will be hard to defeat.
Last Five Encounters
15.09.2007 Australia 32-20 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool B)
02.06.2007 Australia 31-0 in Brisbane
26.05.2008 Australia 29-23 in Sydney
04.11.2006 Drawn 29-29 in Cardiff
26.11.2005 Wales 24-22 in cardiff
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 3rd, Wales 4th
Prediction: Australia by 4 points.
Teams
Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Mark Jones
13 Thomas Shanklin
12 James Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Andrew Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones, Capt.
5 Alun-Wyn Jones
4 Ian Gough
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Martin Roberts
21 James Hook
22 Andrew Bishop
Head Coach; Warren Gatland
Australia
15 Drew Mitchell
14 Peter Hynes
13 Ryan Cross
12 Stirling Mortlock, Capt.
11 Digby Ioane
10 Matthew Giteau
9 Luke Burgess
8 Richard Brown
7 Phillip Waugh
6 Hugh McMeniman
5 Nathan Sharpe
4 Mark Chisholm
3 Alistair Baxter
2 Stephen Moore
1 Benn Robinson
Replacements
16 Adam Freier
17 Matthew Dunning
18 Dean Mumm
19 George Smith
20 Samuel Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Lote Tuqiri/Adam Ashley-Cooper
Head Coach: Robbie Deans
Australia v Wales in Cardiff
Preview
Australia is looking to emulate the South Africans and, probably, the New Zealanders, in winning all tests on this tour. So far all the Southern Hemisphere sides (except Argentina) have won all their games in the North. If Australia and New Zealand can win tomorrow it will create a clean-sweep the likes of which has not happened before.
Wales will be desperate to win. The put pressure on their opponents in all their November tests but have been unable to consistently keep that pressure up for 80 minutes. The best they kept for New Zealand, dominating the first half but were unable to do so for the second. They will be wanting to play like that for the whole match.
Australia just keeps getting better and better. Robbie Deans has made a bi difference with this youngish side and they pose a big threat to Wales. They key will be in the forwards where the tight five can dominate and the loosies are quick to the breakdowns. Australia will be hard to defeat.
Last Five Encounters
15.09.2007 Australia 32-20 in Cardiff (World Cup, Pool B)
02.06.2007 Australia 31-0 in Brisbane
26.05.2008 Australia 29-23 in Sydney
04.11.2006 Drawn 29-29 in Cardiff
26.11.2005 Wales 24-22 in cardiff
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 3rd, Wales 4th
Prediction: Australia by 4 points.
Teams
Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Mark Jones
13 Thomas Shanklin
12 James Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Andrew Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones, Capt.
5 Alun-Wyn Jones
4 Ian Gough
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Martin Roberts
21 James Hook
22 Andrew Bishop
Head Coach; Warren Gatland
Australia
15 Drew Mitchell
14 Peter Hynes
13 Ryan Cross
12 Stirling Mortlock, Capt.
11 Digby Ioane
10 Matthew Giteau
9 Luke Burgess
8 Richard Brown
7 Phillip Waugh
6 Hugh McMeniman
5 Nathan Sharpe
4 Mark Chisholm
3 Alistair Baxter
2 Stephen Moore
1 Benn Robinson
Replacements
16 Adam Freier
17 Matthew Dunning
18 Dean Mumm
19 George Smith
20 Samuel Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Lote Tuqiri/Adam Ashley-Cooper
Head Coach: Robbie Deans
Rugby Test: Bulgaria v Luxembourg
29.11.2008
Bulgaria v Luxembourg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Preview
Bulgaria are in trouble. Their condidence is low after their shock loss at home to Israel and they rarely play well away from home.
Luxembourg drooped their first game away against Finland so has a grand opportunity to win this vital home fixture.
Previous Encounters
24.04.2004 Luxembourg 39-5 (ENC 3B)
18.10.1997 Luxembourg 39-6 in Sofia (FIRA Bronze A)
1993 Bulgaria 16-13 in Luxembourg (FIRA C1)
1989 Bulgaria 13-4 in Sofia (FIRA C)
1988 Bulgaria 14-4 in Luxembourg (FIRA C)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 33rd, Luxembourg 35th
Prediction: Luxembourg by 3 points.
Teams
Not available
Bulgaria v Luxembourg (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Preview
Bulgaria are in trouble. Their condidence is low after their shock loss at home to Israel and they rarely play well away from home.
Luxembourg drooped their first game away against Finland so has a grand opportunity to win this vital home fixture.
Previous Encounters
24.04.2004 Luxembourg 39-5 (ENC 3B)
18.10.1997 Luxembourg 39-6 in Sofia (FIRA Bronze A)
1993 Bulgaria 16-13 in Luxembourg (FIRA C1)
1989 Bulgaria 13-4 in Sofia (FIRA C)
1988 Bulgaria 14-4 in Luxembourg (FIRA C)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 33rd, Luxembourg 35th
Prediction: Luxembourg by 3 points.
Teams
Not available
Test Rugby: Cyprus v Azerbaijan
29.11.2008
Cyprus v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)
Preview
ENC 3D is the last/newest division formed by FIRA-AER. Previously a single venue played host in a tournament format. For the first time this division, for 2008-10, is played out as the other divisions. Although the teams do not qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying tests the competition is fierce. The aim is, after two seasons, to win the division and automatically qualify for promotion to Division 3C.
Azerbaijan tavelled last weekend to Zenica to face the Bosnians with an undermanned side, having to leave ten front-line players behind due to injuries or work committments. The lost 7-18, putting up a garnd fight in a game many, including myself, thought they would lose by an avalanche.
Cyprus will play their second game of the season. In September they travelled to Israel to play for a place in the next division up. Unfortunately for them, they lost 14-23. This meant they stayed in ENC 3D whilst Israel went up to ENC 3C. The Cypriates could field a very strong side providing their top players can travel.
Azerbaijan will be working on improving from their loss last week and may be just a little too strong for the visitors.
Previous Encounter
28.10.2007 Cyprus 29-0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 39th, Azerbaijan 42nd.
Prediction: Cyprus by 7 points
Teams not available
Cyprus v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)
Preview
ENC 3D is the last/newest division formed by FIRA-AER. Previously a single venue played host in a tournament format. For the first time this division, for 2008-10, is played out as the other divisions. Although the teams do not qualify for Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying tests the competition is fierce. The aim is, after two seasons, to win the division and automatically qualify for promotion to Division 3C.
Azerbaijan tavelled last weekend to Zenica to face the Bosnians with an undermanned side, having to leave ten front-line players behind due to injuries or work committments. The lost 7-18, putting up a garnd fight in a game many, including myself, thought they would lose by an avalanche.
Cyprus will play their second game of the season. In September they travelled to Israel to play for a place in the next division up. Unfortunately for them, they lost 14-23. This meant they stayed in ENC 3D whilst Israel went up to ENC 3C. The Cypriates could field a very strong side providing their top players can travel.
Azerbaijan will be working on improving from their loss last week and may be just a little too strong for the visitors.
Previous Encounter
28.10.2007 Cyprus 29-0 in Paphos (ENC 3D)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Cyprus 39th, Azerbaijan 42nd.
Prediction: Cyprus by 7 points
Teams not available
Friday, November 28, 2008
Test rugby this weekend.
29.11.2008
New Zealand v England at Twickenham
Australia v Wales in Cardiff
Luxembourg v Bulgaria in Cessange (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Azerbaijan v Cyprus in Baku (ENC 3D)
New Zealand v England at Twickenham
Australia v Wales in Cardiff
Luxembourg v Bulgaria in Cessange (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Azerbaijan v Cyprus in Baku (ENC 3D)
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Test Result: South Africa 42, England 6
South Africa recorded a win on Saturday that saw England suffer their heaviest defeat ever at Twickenham.
Comment.
This must be a severe set back for Martin Johnson and his team. Just what went wrong and why? English fans must have had nowhere to look coming out of Twickenham last Saturday. Just how angry are they? So many questions after such a loss.
What is your comment? Post your views here.
Comment.
This must be a severe set back for Martin Johnson and his team. Just what went wrong and why? English fans must have had nowhere to look coming out of Twickenham last Saturday. Just how angry are they? So many questions after such a loss.
What is your comment? Post your views here.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
My Apologies
I have been only occasionally able to work on updating this blog this week due to work committments. Also because of work committments the usual data for each test player in team lists will not be available. Unfortunately my busiest month in my job coincides with the busiest test rugby month of the year. Such is life!
Latest International Rugby Results: 22 Nov.
Updated
22.11.2008
New Zealand 29, Wales 9 in Cardiff
South Africa 42, England 6 at Twickenham
Australia 18, France 13 in Paris
Ireland 17, Argentina 3 in Dublin
Pacific Islands 45, Italy 17 inReggio Emilia
Japan 32, United States 17 in Tokyo
Scotland 41, Canada 0 in Aberdeen
Uruguay 46, Chile 12 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Czech Republic 11, Moldova 9 in Prague (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)
Israel 25, Greece 10 in Kfissia (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina 18, Azerbaijan 7 in Zenica (ENC 3D)
22.11.2008
New Zealand 29, Wales 9 in Cardiff
South Africa 42, England 6 at Twickenham
Australia 18, France 13 in Paris
Ireland 17, Argentina 3 in Dublin
Pacific Islands 45, Italy 17 inReggio Emilia
Japan 32, United States 17 in Tokyo
Scotland 41, Canada 0 in Aberdeen
Uruguay 46, Chile 12 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Czech Republic 11, Moldova 9 in Prague (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)
Israel 25, Greece 10 in Kfissia (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina 18, Azerbaijan 7 in Zenica (ENC 3D)
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Test Rugby: Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina
22.11.2008
Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)
Preview
Earlier in the season Bosnia crushed Monaco 52-5 and last October Monaco crushed Azerbaijan 41-3. The arithematic does not look good for the visiting Azerbaijanies. Bosnia look to be way ahead in this division and Azerbaijan will struggle.
Previous Encounters
14.05.2006 Bosnia & H. 28-7 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
30.04.2005 Azerbaijan 11-6 in Baku (ENC 3C)
16.04.2005 Bosnia & H. 36-17 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia & H. 38th, Azerbaijan 42nd.
Prediction: Bosnia & H. by 70 points.
Teams not available
Azerbaijan v Bosnia Herzegovina in Zenica (ENC 3D)
Preview
Earlier in the season Bosnia crushed Monaco 52-5 and last October Monaco crushed Azerbaijan 41-3. The arithematic does not look good for the visiting Azerbaijanies. Bosnia look to be way ahead in this division and Azerbaijan will struggle.
Previous Encounters
14.05.2006 Bosnia & H. 28-7 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
30.04.2005 Azerbaijan 11-6 in Baku (ENC 3C)
16.04.2005 Bosnia & H. 36-17 in Zenica (ENC 3C)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia & H. 38th, Azerbaijan 42nd.
Prediction: Bosnia & H. by 70 points.
Teams not available
Test Rugby: Israel v Greece in Kfissia
22.11.2008
Israel v Greece in Kfissia (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Preview
Israel is fresh from an upset away win over Bulgaria. That was Israel's third win in a row and they now look to be a leading contender in this division.
The Greeks started their life in this division with an away win over Finland. Much newer to competition rugby at this level the Greeks may struggle against the Israelies but they will have a good home crowd behind them.
These two teams have not met before.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Israel 32nd, Greece 36th.
Prediction: Israel by 14 points.
Teams not available
Israel v Greece in Kfissia (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Preview
Israel is fresh from an upset away win over Bulgaria. That was Israel's third win in a row and they now look to be a leading contender in this division.
The Greeks started their life in this division with an away win over Finland. Much newer to competition rugby at this level the Greeks may struggle against the Israelies but they will have a good home crowd behind them.
These two teams have not met before.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Israel 32nd, Greece 36th.
Prediction: Israel by 14 points.
Teams not available
Rugby Test: Moldova v Czech Republic
22.11.2008
Moldova v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)
Preview
Following their 20-8 win over ENC 2A high rollers Belgium last weekend, the Moldovans move to Prague with confidence. Having fallen at the last couple of hurdles last season and bailing out of top division contention, the Moldovans look to have a harder resolve. They travel to Prague with the same squad of 26 the prepared for Belgium.
The Czechs lost 7-13 to Poland last weekend to confirm predictions that this could be one of the closest of all divisions in ENC. The inclusion of Toulon back Martin Jagr will make a huge difference to the organisation of the Czech backline. This could well be a different team performance from last week. A Czech win could through the competition wide open.
This is the first time these two nations have met.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Czech Republic 14th, Moldova 15th
Prediction: Czech Republic by 2 points
Teams
Czech Republic
15 Tomáš Krejčí (Dragon Brno)
14 Martin Jágr, Capt. (Toulon, France)
13 Martin Pekárek (Říčany)
12 Jan Kolář (Slavia Praha)
11 Michal Schlanger (Říčany)
10 Milan Jirman (Slavia Praha)
9 Pavel Syrový (Praga Praha)
8 Jiří Buryánek (Dragon Brno)
7 Jan Macháček (Slavia Praha)
6 Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France)
5 Robert Voves (Narbonne, France)
4 Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
3 Lukáš Rapant (US Oyonnax, France)
2 Jiří Skall (RC Sparta Praha)
1 Roman Šuster (RC Rouen, France)
Replacements
Jan Benda (Sparta Praha)
Martin Wognitsch (Oyonnax, France)
Tomáš Veniger (Tatra Smíchov)
Josef Bláha (Říčany)
Petr Okleštěk (Auxerre, France)
Jan Rudolf (Tatra Smíchov)
Roman Kodera (Říčany)
Head Coach: Martin Kafka
http://www.rugby.cz/s-martinem-jagrem-proti-moldavsku
Moldova Squad
Dumitru Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Victor Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Anton Bajutinde (Olimp - Electromaş Tiraspol)
Adrian Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Vasile Bolea (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Ion Buşilă (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)
Sergiu Castraveţ (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Chirilă (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Maxim Cobîlaş (Steaua Bucureşti, Romania)
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Vitalie Coropcean (UTM Chişinău)
Alexei Cotruţa (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Vitalie Gîra (UTM Chişinău)
Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău)
Veaceslav Lozinschii (USEFS Blumarine)
Octavian Manoli (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Alexandr Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexandru Şîşcan, Capt. (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Pavel Titarenco (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Veaceslav Titica (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Constantin Zubco (USEFS Blumarine)
Head Coach: Vasile Revencu
Moldova v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 2A)
Preview
Following their 20-8 win over ENC 2A high rollers Belgium last weekend, the Moldovans move to Prague with confidence. Having fallen at the last couple of hurdles last season and bailing out of top division contention, the Moldovans look to have a harder resolve. They travel to Prague with the same squad of 26 the prepared for Belgium.
The Czechs lost 7-13 to Poland last weekend to confirm predictions that this could be one of the closest of all divisions in ENC. The inclusion of Toulon back Martin Jagr will make a huge difference to the organisation of the Czech backline. This could well be a different team performance from last week. A Czech win could through the competition wide open.
This is the first time these two nations have met.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Czech Republic 14th, Moldova 15th
Prediction: Czech Republic by 2 points
Teams
Czech Republic
15 Tomáš Krejčí (Dragon Brno)
14 Martin Jágr, Capt. (Toulon, France)
13 Martin Pekárek (Říčany)
12 Jan Kolář (Slavia Praha)
11 Michal Schlanger (Říčany)
10 Milan Jirman (Slavia Praha)
9 Pavel Syrový (Praga Praha)
8 Jiří Buryánek (Dragon Brno)
7 Jan Macháček (Slavia Praha)
6 Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France)
5 Robert Voves (Narbonne, France)
4 Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France)
3 Lukáš Rapant (US Oyonnax, France)
2 Jiří Skall (RC Sparta Praha)
1 Roman Šuster (RC Rouen, France)
Replacements
Jan Benda (Sparta Praha)
Martin Wognitsch (Oyonnax, France)
Tomáš Veniger (Tatra Smíchov)
Josef Bláha (Říčany)
Petr Okleštěk (Auxerre, France)
Jan Rudolf (Tatra Smíchov)
Roman Kodera (Říčany)
Head Coach: Martin Kafka
http://www.rugby.cz/s-martinem-jagrem-proti-moldavsku
Moldova Squad
Dumitru Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Victor Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Anton Bajutinde (Olimp - Electromaş Tiraspol)
Adrian Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Vasile Bolea (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Ion Buşilă (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)
Sergiu Castraveţ (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Chirilă (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Maxim Cobîlaş (Steaua Bucureşti, Romania)
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Vitalie Coropcean (UTM Chişinău)
Alexei Cotruţa (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Vitalie Gîra (UTM Chişinău)
Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău)
Veaceslav Lozinschii (USEFS Blumarine)
Octavian Manoli (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Alexandr Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexandru Şîşcan, Capt. (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Pavel Titarenco (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Veaceslav Titica (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Constantin Zubco (USEFS Blumarine)
Head Coach: Vasile Revencu
Rugby Test: Chile v Uruguay
22.11.2008
Chile v Uruguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Preview
Uruguay looks to be a stronger side than that which travel to the USA. A couple of overseas-based players have arrived in Montevideo to strengthen the side. The Chileans have called only upon home-based players.
Argentina 'A' defeated Chile 71-3 in Santiago earlier this month in this competition.
Last Five Encounters
25.08.2007 Uruguay 35-34 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
22.07.2006 Uruguay 43-15 in Montevideo (WCQ America, South)
11.05.2005 Chile 34-25 in Buenos Aires (26th S.America Champ.)
01.05.2004 Uruguay 20-13 in Santiago (25th S.America Champ.)
26.04.2003 Uruguay 20-13 in Montevideo (24th S.American Champ.)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Chile 23rd, Uruguay 24th
South America Table-Uruguay 2nd, Chile 3rd
Prediction: Uruguay by 17 points
Teams
Chile Squad
Matetic Andres (Alumni)
Sebastian Aviles (Alumni)
Oliver Bassa (Santo Tomas)
Felipe Burgos (Troncos)
Felipe Osorio Burgos (Troncos)
Matias Cabrera (Old Boys)
Francisco De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's)
Sergio De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's)
Francisco Deformes (Old Mackayan's)
Ignacio Deformes (Old Mackayan's )
Bejamin Del Solar (Old Boys)
Manuel Gurruchaga (Old john's)
Cristian Manzur (Univ.Catolica)
Andres Matetic (COBS)
Cristian Onetto (COBS)
Juan Pablo Perrota (Univ.Catolica)
Javier Reyes (Prince of Wales Country Club)
Diego Schachner (COBS)
Pablo Sepulveda (Old Georgeans)
Javier Valderrama (Old John's)
Nicolas Venegas (Stade Francais)
Cristobal Westenenk (Old Boys)
Head Coach: Daniel Graco
Uruguay Squad
15 Jeronimo Etcheverry (Carasco Polo)
14 Jolivet (?)
13 Joaquin Pastore (Old Boys)
12 Martin Llovet (Old Christians)
11 Juan Lavat (Old Christians)
10 Matias Arocena (Old Christians)
9 Juan Campomar (Old Boys)
8 Nicolas Brignoni (Oyonax, France)
7 Alfredo Giuria (L’Aquila, Italy)
6 Ignacio Conti (Carasco Polo)
5 De Oliveria (?)
4 Juan Bado (Montauban, France)
3 Pablo Lemoine, Capt. (Montevideo Cricket)
2 Carlos Arboleya (Trebol)
1 Rodrigo Sanchez (Carasco Polo)
Replacements
16 Nicholas Klappembach (Champagnat)
17 Mario Sagario (Carasco Polo)
18 Matias Fonseca (Los Cuervos)
19 Martin Espiga (Old Christians)
20 Manuel Martinez (Old Christians)
21 Nicholas Morales (Trebol)
22 To be named
Head Coach: Guillermo Garcia
http://www.uru.org.uy/show.php?page=completa&i=1272
Chile v Uruguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Preview
Uruguay looks to be a stronger side than that which travel to the USA. A couple of overseas-based players have arrived in Montevideo to strengthen the side. The Chileans have called only upon home-based players.
Argentina 'A' defeated Chile 71-3 in Santiago earlier this month in this competition.
Last Five Encounters
25.08.2007 Uruguay 35-34 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
22.07.2006 Uruguay 43-15 in Montevideo (WCQ America, South)
11.05.2005 Chile 34-25 in Buenos Aires (26th S.America Champ.)
01.05.2004 Uruguay 20-13 in Santiago (25th S.America Champ.)
26.04.2003 Uruguay 20-13 in Montevideo (24th S.American Champ.)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Chile 23rd, Uruguay 24th
South America Table-Uruguay 2nd, Chile 3rd
Prediction: Uruguay by 17 points
Teams
Chile Squad
Matetic Andres (Alumni)
Sebastian Aviles (Alumni)
Oliver Bassa (Santo Tomas)
Felipe Burgos (Troncos)
Felipe Osorio Burgos (Troncos)
Matias Cabrera (Old Boys)
Francisco De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's)
Sergio De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's)
Francisco Deformes (Old Mackayan's)
Ignacio Deformes (Old Mackayan's )
Bejamin Del Solar (Old Boys)
Manuel Gurruchaga (Old john's)
Cristian Manzur (Univ.Catolica)
Andres Matetic (COBS)
Cristian Onetto (COBS)
Juan Pablo Perrota (Univ.Catolica)
Javier Reyes (Prince of Wales Country Club)
Diego Schachner (COBS)
Pablo Sepulveda (Old Georgeans)
Javier Valderrama (Old John's)
Nicolas Venegas (Stade Francais)
Cristobal Westenenk (Old Boys)
Head Coach: Daniel Graco
Uruguay Squad
15 Jeronimo Etcheverry (Carasco Polo)
14 Jolivet (?)
13 Joaquin Pastore (Old Boys)
12 Martin Llovet (Old Christians)
11 Juan Lavat (Old Christians)
10 Matias Arocena (Old Christians)
9 Juan Campomar (Old Boys)
8 Nicolas Brignoni (Oyonax, France)
7 Alfredo Giuria (L’Aquila, Italy)
6 Ignacio Conti (Carasco Polo)
5 De Oliveria (?)
4 Juan Bado (Montauban, France)
3 Pablo Lemoine, Capt. (Montevideo Cricket)
2 Carlos Arboleya (Trebol)
1 Rodrigo Sanchez (Carasco Polo)
Replacements
16 Nicholas Klappembach (Champagnat)
17 Mario Sagario (Carasco Polo)
18 Matias Fonseca (Los Cuervos)
19 Martin Espiga (Old Christians)
20 Manuel Martinez (Old Christians)
21 Nicholas Morales (Trebol)
22 To be named
Head Coach: Guillermo Garcia
http://www.uru.org.uy/show.php?page=completa&i=1272
Rugby Test: United States v Japan
22.11.2008
United States v Japan in Tokyo (2nd test)
Preview
The USA team will improve the longer they are together. They lost shape as a team against Japan and with good coaching that should improve this week.
The question is will they improve enough to get past a Japanese side that is batting well above their weight. With 16 top line players out with injury coach John Kirwan has this young side firing at the right time.
Prediction: USA by 3 points
Teams
United States
15 Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)
14 Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France)
13 Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma, Italy)
12 Junior Sifa (Midleton)
11 Gavin Debartolo (Eastern Suburbs)
10 Michael Hercus (IBM, Japan)
9 Mike Petri (New York AC)
8 Pat Quinn (Denver Barbarians)
7 Todd Clever, Capt. (Xerox Lions)
6 Inaki Basaui (Agen, France)
5 Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
4 John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians)
3 Brian LeMay (Boston Irish Wolfhounds)
2 Mark Crick (Potomac AC)
1 Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England)
Replacements
16 Joseph Welch (Univ. of California)
17 Mate Moeakiola (undeclared)
18 Courney MacKay (Auckland, New Zealand)
19 JJ Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, Sth Africa)
20 Chad Erskine (Rotherham)
21 Thretton Palamo (Biarritz, France)
22 Valenese Malifa (Belmont Shore)
Head Coach: Scott Johnson
http://www.gainline.us/
Japan
15. Kaoru Matsushita (Yamaha)
14. Kosuke Endo (Toyota)
13 Bryce Robins (NEC)
12. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory)
11. Koji Tomioka (Yamaha)
10. Shaun Webb (World)
9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo)
8. Ryu Holani (Sanyo)
7. Takashi Kikutani, Capt. (Toyota)
6. Michael Leitch (Tokai University)
5. Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota)
4. Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba)
3. Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory)
2. Yusuke Aoki (Suntory)
1. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe Steel)
Replacements
16. Naonori Mizuyama (NEC)
17. Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo)
18. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu)
19. Mosata Toyida (Toshiba)
20. Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba)
21. Masakazu Irie (Sanyo)
22. Piei Mafileo (Nihon University)
Head Coach: John Kirwan
http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=433&Itemid=1
United States v Japan in Tokyo (2nd test)
Preview
The USA team will improve the longer they are together. They lost shape as a team against Japan and with good coaching that should improve this week.
The question is will they improve enough to get past a Japanese side that is batting well above their weight. With 16 top line players out with injury coach John Kirwan has this young side firing at the right time.
Prediction: USA by 3 points
Teams
United States
15 Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)
14 Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France)
13 Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma, Italy)
12 Junior Sifa (Midleton)
11 Gavin Debartolo (Eastern Suburbs)
10 Michael Hercus (IBM, Japan)
9 Mike Petri (New York AC)
8 Pat Quinn (Denver Barbarians)
7 Todd Clever, Capt. (Xerox Lions)
6 Inaki Basaui (Agen, France)
5 Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
4 John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians)
3 Brian LeMay (Boston Irish Wolfhounds)
2 Mark Crick (Potomac AC)
1 Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England)
Replacements
16 Joseph Welch (Univ. of California)
17 Mate Moeakiola (undeclared)
18 Courney MacKay (Auckland, New Zealand)
19 JJ Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, Sth Africa)
20 Chad Erskine (Rotherham)
21 Thretton Palamo (Biarritz, France)
22 Valenese Malifa (Belmont Shore)
Head Coach: Scott Johnson
http://www.gainline.us/
Japan
15. Kaoru Matsushita (Yamaha)
14. Kosuke Endo (Toyota)
13 Bryce Robins (NEC)
12. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory)
11. Koji Tomioka (Yamaha)
10. Shaun Webb (World)
9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo)
8. Ryu Holani (Sanyo)
7. Takashi Kikutani, Capt. (Toyota)
6. Michael Leitch (Tokai University)
5. Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota)
4. Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba)
3. Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory)
2. Yusuke Aoki (Suntory)
1. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe Steel)
Replacements
16. Naonori Mizuyama (NEC)
17. Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo)
18. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu)
19. Mosata Toyida (Toshiba)
20. Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba)
21. Masakazu Irie (Sanyo)
22. Piei Mafileo (Nihon University)
Head Coach: John Kirwan
http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=433&Itemid=1
Test Rugby: Pacific Islands v Italy
22.11.2008
Pacific Islands v Italy
Preview
This test match looks an interesting contest. These two teams have never met before. Both teams are looking for their first win in the 'Autumn' series.Only occasionally have the Italans played any of the Pacific Island nations.
The Pacific Islanders have looked well short of a gallop in each of their games. They just haven't had the preperation time the other teams have been allowed.
Italy looked the goods against Australia and then dropped the game against Argentina. The size and grunt of their pack should be enough to hold the Islanders but their backs just can't find the gaps
Prediction: Italy by 14
Teams
Italy
15 Andrea Masi
14 Kaine Robertson
13 Mirco Bergamasco
12 Gonzalo Garcia
11 Matteo Pratichetti
10 Andrea Marcato
9 Pietro Travagli
8 Sergio Parisse, Capt.
7 Mauro Bergamasco
6 Joshua Sole
5 Marco Bortolami
4 Tommaso Reato
3 Carlos Nieto
2 Leonardo Ghiraldini
1 Matias Aguero
Replacements
16 Fabio Ongaro
17 Andrea Lo Cicero
18 Salvatore Perugini
19 Alessandro Zanni
20 Pablo Canavosio/Giulio Toniolatti
21 Luke McLean
22 Riccardo Pavan
Head Coach: Nik Mallett
Pacific Islands
15 Kameli Ratuvou
14 Sailosi Tagicakibau
13 Seilala Mapusua
12 Epi Taione
11 Vilimoni Delasau
10 Seremaia Bai
9 Sililo Martens
8 Sisa Koyamaibole
7 Nili Latu, Capt.
6 Viliami Vaki
5 Paino Hehe
4 Filipo Levi
3 Kisi Pulu
2 Tanielu Fuga
1 Justin Va'a
Replacements
16 Sunia Koto
17 Tonga Lea'aetoa
18 Semisi Naevo
19 Hale T-Pole
20 Mosese Rauluni
21 Seru Rabeni
22 Gavin Williams
Head Coach: Quiddus Fielea
Pacific Islands v Italy
Preview
This test match looks an interesting contest. These two teams have never met before. Both teams are looking for their first win in the 'Autumn' series.Only occasionally have the Italans played any of the Pacific Island nations.
The Pacific Islanders have looked well short of a gallop in each of their games. They just haven't had the preperation time the other teams have been allowed.
Italy looked the goods against Australia and then dropped the game against Argentina. The size and grunt of their pack should be enough to hold the Islanders but their backs just can't find the gaps
Prediction: Italy by 14
Teams
Italy
15 Andrea Masi
14 Kaine Robertson
13 Mirco Bergamasco
12 Gonzalo Garcia
11 Matteo Pratichetti
10 Andrea Marcato
9 Pietro Travagli
8 Sergio Parisse, Capt.
7 Mauro Bergamasco
6 Joshua Sole
5 Marco Bortolami
4 Tommaso Reato
3 Carlos Nieto
2 Leonardo Ghiraldini
1 Matias Aguero
Replacements
16 Fabio Ongaro
17 Andrea Lo Cicero
18 Salvatore Perugini
19 Alessandro Zanni
20 Pablo Canavosio/Giulio Toniolatti
21 Luke McLean
22 Riccardo Pavan
Head Coach: Nik Mallett
Pacific Islands
15 Kameli Ratuvou
14 Sailosi Tagicakibau
13 Seilala Mapusua
12 Epi Taione
11 Vilimoni Delasau
10 Seremaia Bai
9 Sililo Martens
8 Sisa Koyamaibole
7 Nili Latu, Capt.
6 Viliami Vaki
5 Paino Hehe
4 Filipo Levi
3 Kisi Pulu
2 Tanielu Fuga
1 Justin Va'a
Replacements
16 Sunia Koto
17 Tonga Lea'aetoa
18 Semisi Naevo
19 Hale T-Pole
20 Mosese Rauluni
21 Seru Rabeni
22 Gavin Williams
Head Coach: Quiddus Fielea
Test Match: Argentina v Ireland
22.11.2008
Argentina v Ireland in Dublin
Preview
On a magnificent occasion in Paris last September Argentina powered their way to a 30-15 win over Ireland in Pool D to propel themselves in the Quarter Finals and bounce Ireland out of the tournament. One just feels Argentina has not been able to recapture the high standard of that match in their November 2008 tour so far.
As for Ireland, they are rebuilding after that failed World Cup and a number of new players has emerged on the scene. Some of the old hands from that World Cup are still around making the team an interesting mix.
Last Five Encounters
30.09.2007 Argentina 30-15 in Paris (World Cup, Pool D)
02.06.2007 Argentina 16-0 in Buenos Aires
26.05.2007 Argentina 22-20 in Santa Fe
27.11.2004 Ireland 21-19 in Dublin
26.10.2003 Ireland 16-15 in Adelaide (World Cup, Pool A)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Argentina 7th, Ireland 12th
Prediction: Los Pumas to recapture some glory, by 15 points
Teams
Argentina
15 Horacio Agulla
14 Francisco Leonelli
13 Federico Martin Aramburu
12 Miguel Avramovic
11 Rafael Carballo
10 Juan Martin Hernandez
9 Nicolas Vergallo
8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon
7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Capt
6 Martin Durand
5 Patricio Albacete
4 Rimas Alvarez Kairelis
3 Juan Pablo Orlandi
2 Mario Ledesma
1 Rodrigo Roncero
Replacements
16 Alberto Vernet Basualdo
17 Marcos Ayerza
18 Esteban Lozada
19 Alvaro Galindo
20 Agustin Figuerola
21 Santiago Fernandez
22 Bernardo Stortoni
Head Coach: Santiago Phelan
Ireland
15 Geordan Murphy
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt.
12 Luke Fitzgerald
11 Robert Kearney
10 Ronan O'Gara
9 Tomas O'Leary
8 James Heaslip
7 David Wallace
6 Stephen Ferris
5 Paul O'Connell
4 Donncha O'Callaghan
3 John Hayes
2 Jerry Flannery
1 Marcus Horan
Replacements
16 Rory Best
17 Anthony Buckley
18 Malcolm O'Kelly
19 To be named
20 Eoin Reddan
21 Paddy Wallace
22 Keith Earls
Head Coach: Declan Kidney
Argentina v Ireland in Dublin
Preview
On a magnificent occasion in Paris last September Argentina powered their way to a 30-15 win over Ireland in Pool D to propel themselves in the Quarter Finals and bounce Ireland out of the tournament. One just feels Argentina has not been able to recapture the high standard of that match in their November 2008 tour so far.
As for Ireland, they are rebuilding after that failed World Cup and a number of new players has emerged on the scene. Some of the old hands from that World Cup are still around making the team an interesting mix.
Last Five Encounters
30.09.2007 Argentina 30-15 in Paris (World Cup, Pool D)
02.06.2007 Argentina 16-0 in Buenos Aires
26.05.2007 Argentina 22-20 in Santa Fe
27.11.2004 Ireland 21-19 in Dublin
26.10.2003 Ireland 16-15 in Adelaide (World Cup, Pool A)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Argentina 7th, Ireland 12th
Prediction: Los Pumas to recapture some glory, by 15 points
Teams
Argentina
15 Horacio Agulla
14 Francisco Leonelli
13 Federico Martin Aramburu
12 Miguel Avramovic
11 Rafael Carballo
10 Juan Martin Hernandez
9 Nicolas Vergallo
8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon
7 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Capt
6 Martin Durand
5 Patricio Albacete
4 Rimas Alvarez Kairelis
3 Juan Pablo Orlandi
2 Mario Ledesma
1 Rodrigo Roncero
Replacements
16 Alberto Vernet Basualdo
17 Marcos Ayerza
18 Esteban Lozada
19 Alvaro Galindo
20 Agustin Figuerola
21 Santiago Fernandez
22 Bernardo Stortoni
Head Coach: Santiago Phelan
Ireland
15 Geordan Murphy
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt.
12 Luke Fitzgerald
11 Robert Kearney
10 Ronan O'Gara
9 Tomas O'Leary
8 James Heaslip
7 David Wallace
6 Stephen Ferris
5 Paul O'Connell
4 Donncha O'Callaghan
3 John Hayes
2 Jerry Flannery
1 Marcus Horan
Replacements
16 Rory Best
17 Anthony Buckley
18 Malcolm O'Kelly
19 To be named
20 Eoin Reddan
21 Paddy Wallace
22 Keith Earls
Head Coach: Declan Kidney
Test Rugby: Australia v France
22.11.2008
Australia v France in Paris
Preview
Australia does not have a good record against France in Paris.Forget the results of France's tour down south in June with a scratch team. This French side is developing, improving, still unpredictable and eager to continue their winning way on their home turf. There could be some pressure from the crowd. Remember how badly the french team let their fans down towards the end of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They need a good win.
The Wallabies are still rebuilding their team. 2008 has not been a thoroughly happy year but Australia jumped a level with that convincing win against England last week. Now we know their pack is rock solid. And their backs aren't too bad as well
Last Five Encounters
05.07.2008 Australia 40-10 in Brisbane
28.06.2008 Australia 34-13 in Sydney
05.11.2005 France 26-16 in Paris
02.07.2005 Australia 37-31 in Brisbane
13.11.2004 France 27-14 in Paris
Australia last won in Paris 18-13 in 2000
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 3rd, France 9th
Prediction: Leus Blues to flop! Australia by 19.
Teams
France
15 Maxime Medard
14 Julien Malzieu
13 Yannick Jauzion
12 Benoit Baby
11 Cedric Heymans
10 David Skrela
9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde
8 Imanol Harinordoquy
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo
6 Thierry Dusautoir
5 Lionel Nallet
4 Sébastien Chabal
3 Nicolas Mas
2 Dimitri Szarzewski
1 Lionel Faure
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser
17 Benoit Lecouls
18 Romain Millo Chluski
19 Louis Picamoles
20 Julien Tomas
21 Damien Traille
22 Alexis Palisson
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont's
Australia
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper
14 Peter Hynes
13 Ryan Cross
12 Stirling Mortlock, Capt.
11 Drew Mitchell
10 Matthew Giteau
9 Luke Burgess
8 Wycliff Palu
7 George Smith
6 Dean Mumm
5 Nathan Sharpe
4 Hugh McMeniman
3 Alistair Baxter
2 Stephen Moore
1 Benjamin Alexander
Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Sekope Kepu
18 Mark Chisholm
19 David Pocock
20 Samuel Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Digby Ioane
Head Coach: Robbie Deans
Australia v France in Paris
Preview
Australia does not have a good record against France in Paris.Forget the results of France's tour down south in June with a scratch team. This French side is developing, improving, still unpredictable and eager to continue their winning way on their home turf. There could be some pressure from the crowd. Remember how badly the french team let their fans down towards the end of the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They need a good win.
The Wallabies are still rebuilding their team. 2008 has not been a thoroughly happy year but Australia jumped a level with that convincing win against England last week. Now we know their pack is rock solid. And their backs aren't too bad as well
Last Five Encounters
05.07.2008 Australia 40-10 in Brisbane
28.06.2008 Australia 34-13 in Sydney
05.11.2005 France 26-16 in Paris
02.07.2005 Australia 37-31 in Brisbane
13.11.2004 France 27-14 in Paris
Australia last won in Paris 18-13 in 2000
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 3rd, France 9th
Prediction: Leus Blues to flop! Australia by 19.
Teams
France
15 Maxime Medard
14 Julien Malzieu
13 Yannick Jauzion
12 Benoit Baby
11 Cedric Heymans
10 David Skrela
9 Sebastien Tillous-Borde
8 Imanol Harinordoquy
7 Fulgence Ouedraogo
6 Thierry Dusautoir
5 Lionel Nallet
4 Sébastien Chabal
3 Nicolas Mas
2 Dimitri Szarzewski
1 Lionel Faure
Replacements
16 Benjamin Kayser
17 Benoit Lecouls
18 Romain Millo Chluski
19 Louis Picamoles
20 Julien Tomas
21 Damien Traille
22 Alexis Palisson
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont's
Australia
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper
14 Peter Hynes
13 Ryan Cross
12 Stirling Mortlock, Capt.
11 Drew Mitchell
10 Matthew Giteau
9 Luke Burgess
8 Wycliff Palu
7 George Smith
6 Dean Mumm
5 Nathan Sharpe
4 Hugh McMeniman
3 Alistair Baxter
2 Stephen Moore
1 Benjamin Alexander
Replacements
16 Tatafu Polota-Nau
17 Sekope Kepu
18 Mark Chisholm
19 David Pocock
20 Samuel Cordingley
21 Quade Cooper
22 Digby Ioane
Head Coach: Robbie Deans
Rugby Test: South Africa v England
22.11.2008
South Africa v England at Twickenham
Preview
This clash is brewing up into a most interesting encounter. These two teams battled out the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and were at the time the giants of world rugby. It would be difficult to tag that label on them at the moment. Both sides has struggled to dominate their opposition so a rematch of the Cup final looms as a titanic struggle with the pressure on both sides to perform.
England were too organised for a Pacific Island team flung together at the last minute but found the Australians too tough last weekend. England is rebuilding their side after the disappointments of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the 2007-08 6 Nations tournament. Their forwards are certainly lacking the muscle usually associated with an English side whilst the backline is missing the composure of a Johno Wilkinson.
South Africa has experienced the high and lows of test rugby in 2008 but at the tail end of their season they are struggling. South Africa has rarely showed the form this year that won them the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They look a tired bunch only they only just squeeked past Scotland last weekend.
Last Five Encounters
20.10.2007 South Africa 15-6 in Paris (World Cup Final)
04.09.2007 South Africa 36-0 in Paris (World Cup, Pool A)
02.06.2007 South Africa 55-22 in Pretoria
26.05.2007 South Africa 58-10 in Bloemfontein
21.11.2006 South Africa 25-14 at Twickenham
You have to go back seven test matches before you read an England win in the history of clashes between these two nations. That was a close 23-21 win at Twickenham November two years ago.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-South Africa 2nd, England 5th.
Prediction: South Africa by 11 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Paul Sackey
13 James Noon
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Daniel Cipriani
9 Danny Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Thomas Rees
6 James Haskell
5 Thomas Palmer
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery
2 Lee Mears
1 Timothy Payne
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Matthew Stevens
18 Simon Shaw
19 Thomas Croft
20 Jordan Crane
21 Harry Ellis
22 Tobias Flood
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
South Africa v England at Twickenham
Preview
This clash is brewing up into a most interesting encounter. These two teams battled out the final of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and were at the time the giants of world rugby. It would be difficult to tag that label on them at the moment. Both sides has struggled to dominate their opposition so a rematch of the Cup final looms as a titanic struggle with the pressure on both sides to perform.
England were too organised for a Pacific Island team flung together at the last minute but found the Australians too tough last weekend. England is rebuilding their side after the disappointments of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and the 2007-08 6 Nations tournament. Their forwards are certainly lacking the muscle usually associated with an English side whilst the backline is missing the composure of a Johno Wilkinson.
South Africa has experienced the high and lows of test rugby in 2008 but at the tail end of their season they are struggling. South Africa has rarely showed the form this year that won them the 2007 Rugby World Cup. They look a tired bunch only they only just squeeked past Scotland last weekend.
Last Five Encounters
20.10.2007 South Africa 15-6 in Paris (World Cup Final)
04.09.2007 South Africa 36-0 in Paris (World Cup, Pool A)
02.06.2007 South Africa 55-22 in Pretoria
26.05.2007 South Africa 58-10 in Bloemfontein
21.11.2006 South Africa 25-14 at Twickenham
You have to go back seven test matches before you read an England win in the history of clashes between these two nations. That was a close 23-21 win at Twickenham November two years ago.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-South Africa 2nd, England 5th.
Prediction: South Africa by 11 points.
Teams
England
15 Delon Armitage
14 Paul Sackey
13 James Noon
12 Riki Flutey
11 Ugo Monye
10 Daniel Cipriani
9 Danny Care
8 Nicholas Easter
7 Thomas Rees
6 James Haskell
5 Thomas Palmer
4 Steven Borthwick, Capt.
3 Phillip Vickery
2 Lee Mears
1 Timothy Payne
Replacements
16 Dylan Hartley
17 Matthew Stevens
18 Simon Shaw
19 Thomas Croft
20 Jordan Crane
21 Harry Ellis
22 Tobias Flood
Head Coach: Martin Johnson
South Africa
15 Conrad Jantjes
14 JP Pietersen
13 Adrian Jacobs
12 Jean de Villiers
11 Bryan Habana
10 Ruan Pienaar
9 Ricky Januarie
8 Pierre Spies
7 Danie Rossouw
6 Schalk Burger
5 Victor Matfield
4 Bakkies Botha
3 Jannie du Plessis
2 John Smit, Capt
1 Beast Mtawarira
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle
17 Brian Mujati/CJ van der Linde
18 Andries Bekker
19 Ryan Kankowski
20 Heinrich Brussow
21 Francois Steyn
22 Jaque Fourie
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers
For lists of all international rugby tests played by South Africa, and by England, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Test Rugby: New Zealand v Wales
22.11.2008
New Zealand v Wales
Preview
6 Nations title holder Wales takes on the ruthless All Blacks at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. Wales has always been regarded as a major foe that the New Zealanders love to defeat. However its been over fifty years since Wales has won a test against the All Blacks and in the last twenty years the Welsh have taken some mighty hammerings from the Kiwis.
I call the AllBlacks ruthless because of the way they shut out opposing attacks and then stamp their authority on the game. Not since Hong Kong has a side scored a try against this team. This All Black side has the chance to grab the 'Grand Slam', which for Southern Hemisphere sides involves winning tests against all the 'Home' nations (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland) in one test series. So far the New Zealanders have defeated Scotland 32-6 (with virtually their second-string side) and Ireland 22-3 (with the full complement) with ease.
Wales on the other hand conceded 20 points against South Africa and 13 against Canada this month. They were unlucky to lose to the Springbox (am I allowed to call them that?) and their second-string side struggled against a determined Canadian side. Wales on their hallowed ground (Why did they ever drop the name 'Cardiff Arms Park'?) in front of a passionate crowd are always a handful. The Welsh will need to play well beyond what they have produced so far in November to get near the New Zealanders. The last two occasions the Kiwis ventured out on this ground each time they gave the Welsh an almighty walloping.
One thing you can be sure of is that the Welsh will throw everything at the All Blacks in the first half. Whether they can maintain that for the whole eighty minutes is another story.
Mid-week the second-string All Black side won 18-16 against the European Champions side Munster. What a day for the provincial side and for rugby outside the main test arena. A match like in the gold-old-days when touring teams played a mid-week game and then took on a test side come Saturday. Unfortunately such matches usually always produce casualties and New Zealand hooker Corey Flynn broke his arm in this match. Elliott may well gain his first All Black test 'cap'. To me being able to front up in a test match after a mid-week match is the real 'test' of an international rugby team.
Last Five Encounters
25.11.2006 New Zealand 45-10 in Cardiff.
05.11.2005 New Zealand 41-5 in cardiff
20.11.2004 New Zealand 26-25 in cardiff
02.11.2003 New Zealand 53-37 in Sydney (World Cup, Pool D)
21.06.2003 New Zealand 55-3 in Hamilton
GWC Rugby Rankings: New Zealand 1st, Wales 4th
Prediction: New Zealand by 23 points.
Teams
Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Leigh Halfpenny
13 Thomas Shanklin
12 James Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Andrew Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones, Capt.
5 Ian Evans
4 Alun-Wyn Jones
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Dwayne Peel
21 James Hook/Dan Biggar
22 Andrew Bishop
Head Coach: Warren Gatland
New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina
14 Joe Rokocoko
13 Richard Kahui
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Daniel Carter
9 James Cowan
8 Rodney So'oialo
7 Richard McCaw, Capt.
6 Jerome Kaino
5 Alistair Williams
4 Bradley Thorn
3 Tony Woodcock
2 Keven Mealamu
1 Neemia Tialata
Replacements
16 Hikawera Elliot
17 John Afoa
18 Anthony Boric
19 Kieran Read
20 Piri Weepu
21 Stephen Donald
22 Isaia Toeava
Head Coach: Graham Henry
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Wales, and by New Zealand, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
New Zealand v Wales
Preview
6 Nations title holder Wales takes on the ruthless All Blacks at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff. Wales has always been regarded as a major foe that the New Zealanders love to defeat. However its been over fifty years since Wales has won a test against the All Blacks and in the last twenty years the Welsh have taken some mighty hammerings from the Kiwis.
I call the AllBlacks ruthless because of the way they shut out opposing attacks and then stamp their authority on the game. Not since Hong Kong has a side scored a try against this team. This All Black side has the chance to grab the 'Grand Slam', which for Southern Hemisphere sides involves winning tests against all the 'Home' nations (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland) in one test series. So far the New Zealanders have defeated Scotland 32-6 (with virtually their second-string side) and Ireland 22-3 (with the full complement) with ease.
Wales on the other hand conceded 20 points against South Africa and 13 against Canada this month. They were unlucky to lose to the Springbox (am I allowed to call them that?) and their second-string side struggled against a determined Canadian side. Wales on their hallowed ground (Why did they ever drop the name 'Cardiff Arms Park'?) in front of a passionate crowd are always a handful. The Welsh will need to play well beyond what they have produced so far in November to get near the New Zealanders. The last two occasions the Kiwis ventured out on this ground each time they gave the Welsh an almighty walloping.
One thing you can be sure of is that the Welsh will throw everything at the All Blacks in the first half. Whether they can maintain that for the whole eighty minutes is another story.
Mid-week the second-string All Black side won 18-16 against the European Champions side Munster. What a day for the provincial side and for rugby outside the main test arena. A match like in the gold-old-days when touring teams played a mid-week game and then took on a test side come Saturday. Unfortunately such matches usually always produce casualties and New Zealand hooker Corey Flynn broke his arm in this match. Elliott may well gain his first All Black test 'cap'. To me being able to front up in a test match after a mid-week match is the real 'test' of an international rugby team.
Last Five Encounters
25.11.2006 New Zealand 45-10 in Cardiff.
05.11.2005 New Zealand 41-5 in cardiff
20.11.2004 New Zealand 26-25 in cardiff
02.11.2003 New Zealand 53-37 in Sydney (World Cup, Pool D)
21.06.2003 New Zealand 55-3 in Hamilton
GWC Rugby Rankings: New Zealand 1st, Wales 4th
Prediction: New Zealand by 23 points.
Teams
Wales
15 Lee Byrne
14 Leigh Halfpenny
13 Thomas Shanklin
12 James Roberts
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Gareth Cooper
8 Andrew Powell
7 Martyn Williams
6 Ryan Jones, Capt.
5 Ian Evans
4 Alun-Wyn Jones
3 Adam Jones
2 Matthew Rees
1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements
16 Richard Hibbard
17 John Yapp
18 Luke Charteris
19 Dafydd Jones
20 Dwayne Peel
21 James Hook/Dan Biggar
22 Andrew Bishop
Head Coach: Warren Gatland
New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina
14 Joe Rokocoko
13 Richard Kahui
12 Ma'a Nonu
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Daniel Carter
9 James Cowan
8 Rodney So'oialo
7 Richard McCaw, Capt.
6 Jerome Kaino
5 Alistair Williams
4 Bradley Thorn
3 Tony Woodcock
2 Keven Mealamu
1 Neemia Tialata
Replacements
16 Hikawera Elliot
17 John Afoa
18 Anthony Boric
19 Kieran Read
20 Piri Weepu
21 Stephen Donald
22 Isaia Toeava
Head Coach: Graham Henry
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Wales, and by New Zealand, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Friday, November 21, 2008
Test rugby: Canada v Scotland
22.11.2008
Canada v Scotland in Aberdeen
Preview
This will be the first time a test match has been staged in the beautiful North of Scotland city of Aberdeen.
Canada move into this game with a few wounded. Fly half Ander Monro and captain Pat Riordan are unable to play to injury. They lost 10-26 to Scotland 'A' in Canada in the Churchill Cup contest back in June, and again to Scotland 'A' 10-15 back in 2006.
"It's possible the weather could slightly favour Canada - if the Canucks can deal with the bitter cold and wind expected at Pittodrie in Aberdeen. An arctic blast will be blowing through the ocean-side pitch on Scotland's East coast and forecasters are predicting snow and a consistently high wind for game time. Apparently - players may need to keep an eye out for one other thing on the pitch - fish. In high wind with big waves crashing nearby - it is not unknown for fish to be blown onto the pitch." I Like it!
Scotland have three players from the test against South Africa unavailable. They are Chris Paterson, Thom Evans and Jason White. I feel that Scotland can absorb such loses whilst Canada just does not have the depth.
Previous Encounters
15.06.2002 Canada 26-23 in Vanvouver
21.01.1995 Scotland 22-6 in Edinburgh
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Scotland 6th, Canada 17th
Prediction: Scotland by 55 points.
Teams
Scotland
15 Rory Lamont (Sale Sharks, England)
14 Simon Webster (Edinburgh)
13 Benjamin Cairns (Edinburgh)
12 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh)
11 Nikki Walker (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales)
10 Phil Godman (Edinburgh)
9 Mike Blair, Capt. (Edinburgh)
8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais, France)
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester, England)
5 Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh)
4 Nathan Hines (Perpignan, France)
3 Euan Murray (Northampton, England)
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)
Replacements
16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors)
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester, England)
18 Matt Mustchin (Edinburgh)
19 Scott Gray (Northampton, England)
20 Rory Lawson (Gloucester, England)
21 Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors)
22 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors)
Head Coach: Frank Hadden
http://www.scottishrugby.org/sru/international/scotland/news.cfm?news_uuid=AF2ABF2B-01A0-15D2-DA917BEC3FF980D4
Canada
15. James Pritchard (Bedford, England)
14. Sean Duke (University of Victoria)
13. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)
12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish)
11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Plymouth Albion)
10. Matt Evans (Hartpury College)
9. Ed Fairhurst, Capt.(Cornish Pirates, England)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins)
7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
6. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers)
5. Josh Jackson (Bordeaux Begles, France)
4. Tyler Hotson (Northern Suburbs, Australia)
3. Scott Franklin (Cornish Pirates, England)
2. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians)
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
Replacements:
16. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC)
17. Mike Burak (Cornish Pirates, England)
18. Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion)
19. Morgan Williams (James Bay AA)
20. Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria)
21. Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians)
22. To be named
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley
http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=4392
Full complete lists of international rugby results by these two nations go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Canada v Scotland in Aberdeen
Preview
This will be the first time a test match has been staged in the beautiful North of Scotland city of Aberdeen.
Canada move into this game with a few wounded. Fly half Ander Monro and captain Pat Riordan are unable to play to injury. They lost 10-26 to Scotland 'A' in Canada in the Churchill Cup contest back in June, and again to Scotland 'A' 10-15 back in 2006.
"It's possible the weather could slightly favour Canada - if the Canucks can deal with the bitter cold and wind expected at Pittodrie in Aberdeen. An arctic blast will be blowing through the ocean-side pitch on Scotland's East coast and forecasters are predicting snow and a consistently high wind for game time. Apparently - players may need to keep an eye out for one other thing on the pitch - fish. In high wind with big waves crashing nearby - it is not unknown for fish to be blown onto the pitch." I Like it!
Scotland have three players from the test against South Africa unavailable. They are Chris Paterson, Thom Evans and Jason White. I feel that Scotland can absorb such loses whilst Canada just does not have the depth.
Previous Encounters
15.06.2002 Canada 26-23 in Vanvouver
21.01.1995 Scotland 22-6 in Edinburgh
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Scotland 6th, Canada 17th
Prediction: Scotland by 55 points.
Teams
Scotland
15 Rory Lamont (Sale Sharks, England)
14 Simon Webster (Edinburgh)
13 Benjamin Cairns (Edinburgh)
12 Nick De Luca (Edinburgh)
11 Nikki Walker (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales)
10 Phil Godman (Edinburgh)
9 Mike Blair, Capt. (Edinburgh)
8 Simon Taylor (Stade Francais, France)
7 John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Alasdair Strokosch (Gloucester, England)
5 Jim Hamilton (Edinburgh)
4 Nathan Hines (Perpignan, France)
3 Euan Murray (Northampton, England)
2 Ross Ford (Edinburgh)
1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh)
Replacements
16 Dougie Hall (Glasgow Warriors)
17 Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester, England)
18 Matt Mustchin (Edinburgh)
19 Scott Gray (Northampton, England)
20 Rory Lawson (Gloucester, England)
21 Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors)
22 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors)
Head Coach: Frank Hadden
http://www.scottishrugby.org/sru/international/scotland/news.cfm?news_uuid=AF2ABF2B-01A0-15D2-DA917BEC3FF980D4
Canada
15. James Pritchard (Bedford, England)
14. Sean Duke (University of Victoria)
13. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)
12. Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish)
11. Justin Mensah-Coker (Plymouth Albion)
10. Matt Evans (Hartpury College)
9. Ed Fairhurst, Capt.(Cornish Pirates, England)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins)
7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
6. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers)
5. Josh Jackson (Bordeaux Begles, France)
4. Tyler Hotson (Northern Suburbs, Australia)
3. Scott Franklin (Cornish Pirates, England)
2. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians)
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
Replacements:
16. Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC)
17. Mike Burak (Cornish Pirates, England)
18. Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion)
19. Morgan Williams (James Bay AA)
20. Nathan Hirayama (University of Victoria)
21. Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians)
22. To be named
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley
http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=4392
Full complete lists of international rugby results by these two nations go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Test Rugby: This Weekend 21-22 Nov.
21.11.2008
Canada v Scotland in Aberdeen
22.11.2008
New Zealand v Wales in Cardiff
South Africa v England at Twickenham
Australia v France in Paris
Argentina v Ireland in Dublin
Pacific Islands v Italy in Reggio Emilia
United States v Japan in Tokyo (2nd Test)
Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Moldova v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Euro. R2; ENC 2A)
Greece v Israel in Kfissa (WCQ Euro. R5; ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)
Canada v Scotland in Aberdeen
22.11.2008
New Zealand v Wales in Cardiff
South Africa v England at Twickenham
Australia v France in Paris
Argentina v Ireland in Dublin
Pacific Islands v Italy in Reggio Emilia
United States v Japan in Tokyo (2nd Test)
Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
Moldova v Czech Republic in Prague (WCQ Euro. R2; ENC 2A)
Greece v Israel in Kfissa (WCQ Euro. R5; ENC 3C)
Bosnia Herzegovina v Azerbaijan in Baku (ENC 3D)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Test Results16 November
16.11.2008
Japan 29, United States 19 in Nagoya (1st Test)
Moldova 20, Belgium 8 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)
Reviews
Well, how out was I? Japan's result was abit of an upset. They did well without many of their top players. How did the USA lose this game?
I played Moldova up well in my previews but didn't back them! Silly me. It looks like they are well on the way back up. Belgium, if I can make an excuse, had to leave three of their original selections behind. Did this make a difference. Post your views on either game here.
Japan 29, United States 19 in Nagoya (1st Test)
Moldova 20, Belgium 8 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)
Reviews
Well, how out was I? Japan's result was abit of an upset. They did well without many of their top players. How did the USA lose this game?
I played Moldova up well in my previews but didn't back them! Silly me. It looks like they are well on the way back up. Belgium, if I can make an excuse, had to leave three of their original selections behind. Did this make a difference. Post your views on either game here.
Rugby Result: Bosnia Herzegovina 46, Slovakia 32
15.11.2008
A very high scoring game saw the Bosnians home against relatively new players in ENC 3D. Someone who saw the game, and who posted on the FIRA-AER Forum, commented that the defence was 'not good'. They didn't mention to whom this applied, but perhaps both teams were at fault. Was it an entertaining game? Post your views here.
A very high scoring game saw the Bosnians home against relatively new players in ENC 3D. Someone who saw the game, and who posted on the FIRA-AER Forum, commented that the defence was 'not good'. They didn't mention to whom this applied, but perhaps both teams were at fault. Was it an entertaining game? Post your views here.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Test Rugby: Belgium v Moldova
16.11.2008
Belgium v Moldova in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)
Preview
Belgium squeaked passed Ukraine in their first game of the season. This will be Moldova's first. The standard between the teams in this competition looks very even. Yesterday we saw Poland upset Czech Republic 13-7 and in early October the Ukraine defeated Poland 13-12.
Belgium has been one of the high flyers in European rugby. They have embarked on a rugby promotional programme which has seen Argentina and the British Barbarians play in Brussels. Their team has also been up there close with the leaders of Continental rugby. They were only just pipped by Germany last season in the race for a place in Division 1. They have sent a strong team to Chisinau and they remain favourites to win.
Moldova is a rugby playing country that we hear little about. But they have quietly worked their way up the European rugby ladder in the last five years. Their first year in the present format of the European Nations Cup, 2003, saw them competing successfully in Division 3A.
In late 2004 they entered the 2007 World Cup qualifying rounds defeating Denmark and Luxembourg, but lost to Germany (18-27) and suprisingly to Austria. They qualified for Round 3 and began with a shock 30-27 win over the Netherlands. The world began to take notice. They lost to Spain but went on to defeat Poland (27-13), with Spain eventually progressing.
This success story continued the next season when they were, on their qualifying efforts, promoted to ENC 2A. They promptly celebrated their rise in stature with a 26-24 win over Germany. This was in November 2006. They continued to dominate the first round with more wins, crushing the Netherlands, and then narrowly defeating both the Ukraine and Belgium in away games. Suddenly Moldova was a likely candidate for promotion into Division 1. But then rugby went pear-shaped for Moldova. The warning signs were out after a narrow win against the Netherlands. A week later Germany crushed the Moldovans 34-7 and then lost to both Belgium and Ukraine at home. Wins in the last two games could well have propelled the Moldovans into Division 1. Not so.
Today the Moldovans have a lot to play for. A new two-year competition and a lot more hard work is ahead of them if they are to keep in contention for that ellusive promotion. It could start here in Chisinau. They will have to be at the top of their game to defeat Belgium.
Previous Encounters
12.04.2008 Belgium 22-19 in Chisinau (ENC 2A)
21.04.2007 Moldova 29-27 in Brussels (ENC 2A)
07.04.2001 Belgium 26-10 in Brussels (FIRA Pool1; WCQ Euro. R1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Belgium 14th, Moldova 15th
Prediction: Belgium by 2 points.
Teams
Julien Berger (Stade Rochelais, France)
Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
Dries Bovijn (Boitsfort)
Jérôme Cauwe (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
Aurélien Decerf (Arras, France)
Thomas Dienst (Lyon, France)
Denis Eppe (Rugby Ottignies Club)
Charles Fourneau (Lille, France)
Damien Godefroy, Capt. (Lille, France)
Dirk Haghedooren (Lille, France)
Mathew Hocken (Brussels Barbarians RFC)
Simon Marote (Arras, France)
Julien Massimi (Arras, France)
Alain Miriallakis (St.Nazaire, France)
James Mulumba (Domont, France)
Cyril Nana (Lille, France)
David Nemsadze (Domont, France)
Joseph Nwema (Surennes, France)
Frédéric Rongé (Haywards Heath, England)
Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
Alan Williams (Castres, France)
Kevin Williams (Arras, France)
Head Coach: Richard McClintock
Moldova squad
Dumitru Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Victor Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Anton Bajutinde (Olimp - Electromaş Tiraspol)
Adrian Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Vasile Bolea (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Ion Buşilă (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)
Sergiu Castraveţ (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Chirilă (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Maxim Cobîlaş (Steaua Bucureşti, Romania)
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Vitalie Coropcean (UTM Chişinău)
Alexei Cotruţa (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Vitalie Gîra (UTM Chişinău)
Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău)
Veaceslav Lozinschii (USEFS Blumarine)
Octavian Manoli (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Alexandr Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexandru Şîşcan, Capt. (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Pavel Titarenco (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Veaceslav Titica (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Constantin Zubco (USEFS Blumarine)
Head Coach: Vasile Revencu
http://www.rugby.md/index.php?pagina=7&articol=1
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Belgium, and by Moldova, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Belgium v Moldova in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)
Preview
Belgium squeaked passed Ukraine in their first game of the season. This will be Moldova's first. The standard between the teams in this competition looks very even. Yesterday we saw Poland upset Czech Republic 13-7 and in early October the Ukraine defeated Poland 13-12.
Belgium has been one of the high flyers in European rugby. They have embarked on a rugby promotional programme which has seen Argentina and the British Barbarians play in Brussels. Their team has also been up there close with the leaders of Continental rugby. They were only just pipped by Germany last season in the race for a place in Division 1. They have sent a strong team to Chisinau and they remain favourites to win.
Moldova is a rugby playing country that we hear little about. But they have quietly worked their way up the European rugby ladder in the last five years. Their first year in the present format of the European Nations Cup, 2003, saw them competing successfully in Division 3A.
In late 2004 they entered the 2007 World Cup qualifying rounds defeating Denmark and Luxembourg, but lost to Germany (18-27) and suprisingly to Austria. They qualified for Round 3 and began with a shock 30-27 win over the Netherlands. The world began to take notice. They lost to Spain but went on to defeat Poland (27-13), with Spain eventually progressing.
This success story continued the next season when they were, on their qualifying efforts, promoted to ENC 2A. They promptly celebrated their rise in stature with a 26-24 win over Germany. This was in November 2006. They continued to dominate the first round with more wins, crushing the Netherlands, and then narrowly defeating both the Ukraine and Belgium in away games. Suddenly Moldova was a likely candidate for promotion into Division 1. But then rugby went pear-shaped for Moldova. The warning signs were out after a narrow win against the Netherlands. A week later Germany crushed the Moldovans 34-7 and then lost to both Belgium and Ukraine at home. Wins in the last two games could well have propelled the Moldovans into Division 1. Not so.
Today the Moldovans have a lot to play for. A new two-year competition and a lot more hard work is ahead of them if they are to keep in contention for that ellusive promotion. It could start here in Chisinau. They will have to be at the top of their game to defeat Belgium.
Previous Encounters
12.04.2008 Belgium 22-19 in Chisinau (ENC 2A)
21.04.2007 Moldova 29-27 in Brussels (ENC 2A)
07.04.2001 Belgium 26-10 in Brussels (FIRA Pool1; WCQ Euro. R1)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Belgium 14th, Moldova 15th
Prediction: Belgium by 2 points.
Teams
Julien Berger (Stade Rochelais, France)
Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
Dries Bovijn (Boitsfort)
Jérôme Cauwe (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
Aurélien Decerf (Arras, France)
Thomas Dienst (Lyon, France)
Denis Eppe (Rugby Ottignies Club)
Charles Fourneau (Lille, France)
Damien Godefroy, Capt. (Lille, France)
Dirk Haghedooren (Lille, France)
Mathew Hocken (Brussels Barbarians RFC)
Simon Marote (Arras, France)
Julien Massimi (Arras, France)
Alain Miriallakis (St.Nazaire, France)
James Mulumba (Domont, France)
Cyril Nana (Lille, France)
David Nemsadze (Domont, France)
Joseph Nwema (Surennes, France)
Frédéric Rongé (Haywards Heath, England)
Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB Rugby Waterloo)
Alan Williams (Castres, France)
Kevin Williams (Arras, France)
Head Coach: Richard McClintock
Moldova squad
Dumitru Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Victor Arhip (Dinamo Bucureşti, Romania)
Anton Bajutinde (Olimp - Electromaş Tiraspol)
Adrian Baltag (USEFS Blumarine)
Vasile Bolea (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Ion Buşilă (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Caburgan (USEFS Blumarine)
Sergiu Castraveţ (USEFS Blumarine)
Nicolae Chirilă (Krasniy Yar-Krasnoyarsk, Russia)
Maxim Cobîlaş (Steaua Bucureşti, Romania)
Vadim Cobîlaş (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Vitalie Coropcean (UTM Chişinău)
Alexei Cotruţa (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Maxim Gargalîc (Farul Constanţa, Romania)
Vitalie Gîra (UTM Chişinău)
Vasile Leu (UTM Chişinău)
Veaceslav Lozinschii (USEFS Blumarine)
Octavian Manoli (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Alexandr Matveev (USEFS Blumarine)
Andrei Romanov (VVA-Podmoskovje, Russia)
Alexandru Şîşcan, Capt. (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Pavel Titarenco (Olimp Electromaş Tiraspol)
Veaceslav Titica (Slava Moscow, Russia)
Dumitru Vasilachi (RC Kredo 63, Ukraine)
Gheorghe Volosciuc (USEFS Blumarine)
Constantin Zubco (USEFS Blumarine)
Head Coach: Vasile Revencu
http://www.rugby.md/index.php?pagina=7&articol=1
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Belgium, and by Moldova, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Rugby Test: United States v Japan
16.11.2008
United States v Japan at Nagoya (1st of 2 tests)
Preview
The USA arrived in Japan last week having just broken a rather embarrasing drought of victories. Not since October 2006 had the Americans won a game when they took the field in Salt lake City against the Uruguyans last Saturday. The 43-9 win, against a team missing all of their European-based players, and a welcomed relief for coach Scott Johnson and the USA rugby administration, may not have been the test they really needed. Johnson has been able to call upon most of his regulars for this months tests against Japan. The outcomes may not be much of a guide either.
Japanese coach, former All Black great John Kirwan, was unable to call upon seventeen of his Asia 5 Nations and Pacific Nations squads when he named a squad of thirty to do battle with the Americans. The Japanese starting line up includes four new test players with another three on the bench. This will leave the Japanese seriously under done to have call upon so many new caps or players with limited international experience.
You can be sure that the USA will concentrate their efforts in the scrum and use muscle to wear the Japanese down whilst Japan will try to outrun their heavier opponents. I can't see the Americans losing this first test.
Last Five Encounters
27.10.2003 USA 39-26 in Gosford (World Cup, Pool B)
17.05.2003 USA 69-27 in San Francisco (Superpowers Cup)
27.05.2000 USA 36-21 in Osaka (Pacific Rim)
12.06.1999 Japan 47-31 in Honolulu (Pacific Rim)
13.06.1998 Japan 25-21 in San Francisco (Pacific Rim)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Japan 14th, United States 18th
Prediction: USA by 22 points
The Teams
Japan
15. Kaoru Matsushita (Yamaha) 24, New Cap
14. Kosuke Endo (Toyota) 27, 21
13. Koji Taira (Suntory) 25, 10
12. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 29, 7
11. Koji Tomioka (Yamaha) 28, New Cap
10. Shaun Webb (World) 26, 7
9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 23, 6
8. Ryu Holani (Sanyo) 27, 6
7. Takashi Kikutani, Capt. (Toyota) 28, 16
6. Hajime Kiso (Yamaha) 30, 31
5. Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 27, 15
4. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 27, 11
3. Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory) 23, New Cap
2. Yusuke Aoki (Suntory) 25, 10
1. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe Steel) 25, New Cap
Replacements
16. Naonori Mizuyama (NEC) 26, 2
17. Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo) 23, New Cap
18. Tomoaki Taniguchi (Toyota) 26, 11
19. Michael Leitch (Tokai University) 20, New cap
20. Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba) 26, 14
21. Masakazu Irie (Sanyo) 27, New Cap
22. Bryce Robins (NEC) 28, 19
Head Coach: John Kirwan
USA
15.Christopher Wyles (Saracens, England) Age 25, 11 tests
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France) 23, 7
13. Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma, Italy) 28, 30
12. Junior Sifa (Middleton) 25, 1
11. Gavin DeBartolo (Eastern Suburbs) 26, 3
10. Michael Hercus (IBM, Japan) 29, 40
9. Michael Petri (NYAC) 23, 5
8. Patrick Quinn (Denver Barbarians) 26, 2
7. Todd Clever, Capt. (Xerox Lions) 25, 25
6. Inaki Basauri (Agen, France) 24, 4
5. John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians) 26, 3
4. Hayden Smith (Saracens, England) 23, 1
3. Matekitonga Moeakiola (Unattached) 30, 8
2. Mark Crick (Potomac Athletic Club) 33, 7
1. Michael MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England) 27, 51
Reserves
16. Joseph Welch (Cal) 24, New Cap
17. Shawn Pittman (Chuckanut Bay) 20, 1
18. Alexander Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen) 34, 51
19. J.J. Gagiano (Univ. of Capetown, Sth Africa) 23, 1
20. Chad Erskine (Rotherham, England) 27, 8
21. Valenese Malifa (Belmont Shore) 22, 5
22. Thretton Palamo (Biarritz, France) 20, 1
Head Coach: Scott Johnson
Palamo played his only test for the USA as a 19 year old against South Africa during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
For full lists of all the international rugby tests played by Japan, and by the USA, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
United States v Japan at Nagoya (1st of 2 tests)
Preview
The USA arrived in Japan last week having just broken a rather embarrasing drought of victories. Not since October 2006 had the Americans won a game when they took the field in Salt lake City against the Uruguyans last Saturday. The 43-9 win, against a team missing all of their European-based players, and a welcomed relief for coach Scott Johnson and the USA rugby administration, may not have been the test they really needed. Johnson has been able to call upon most of his regulars for this months tests against Japan. The outcomes may not be much of a guide either.
Japanese coach, former All Black great John Kirwan, was unable to call upon seventeen of his Asia 5 Nations and Pacific Nations squads when he named a squad of thirty to do battle with the Americans. The Japanese starting line up includes four new test players with another three on the bench. This will leave the Japanese seriously under done to have call upon so many new caps or players with limited international experience.
You can be sure that the USA will concentrate their efforts in the scrum and use muscle to wear the Japanese down whilst Japan will try to outrun their heavier opponents. I can't see the Americans losing this first test.
Last Five Encounters
27.10.2003 USA 39-26 in Gosford (World Cup, Pool B)
17.05.2003 USA 69-27 in San Francisco (Superpowers Cup)
27.05.2000 USA 36-21 in Osaka (Pacific Rim)
12.06.1999 Japan 47-31 in Honolulu (Pacific Rim)
13.06.1998 Japan 25-21 in San Francisco (Pacific Rim)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Japan 14th, United States 18th
Prediction: USA by 22 points
The Teams
Japan
15. Kaoru Matsushita (Yamaha) 24, New Cap
14. Kosuke Endo (Toyota) 27, 21
13. Koji Taira (Suntory) 25, 10
12. Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 29, 7
11. Koji Tomioka (Yamaha) 28, New Cap
10. Shaun Webb (World) 26, 7
9. Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 23, 6
8. Ryu Holani (Sanyo) 27, 6
7. Takashi Kikutani, Capt. (Toyota) 28, 16
6. Hajime Kiso (Yamaha) 30, 31
5. Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 27, 15
4. Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 27, 11
3. Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory) 23, New Cap
2. Yusuke Aoki (Suntory) 25, 10
1. Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe Steel) 25, New Cap
Replacements
16. Naonori Mizuyama (NEC) 26, 2
17. Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo) 23, New Cap
18. Tomoaki Taniguchi (Toyota) 26, 11
19. Michael Leitch (Tokai University) 20, New cap
20. Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba) 26, 14
21. Masakazu Irie (Sanyo) 27, New Cap
22. Bryce Robins (NEC) 28, 19
Head Coach: John Kirwan
USA
15.Christopher Wyles (Saracens, England) Age 25, 11 tests
14. Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France) 23, 7
13. Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma, Italy) 28, 30
12. Junior Sifa (Middleton) 25, 1
11. Gavin DeBartolo (Eastern Suburbs) 26, 3
10. Michael Hercus (IBM, Japan) 29, 40
9. Michael Petri (NYAC) 23, 5
8. Patrick Quinn (Denver Barbarians) 26, 2
7. Todd Clever, Capt. (Xerox Lions) 25, 25
6. Inaki Basauri (Agen, France) 24, 4
5. John Van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians) 26, 3
4. Hayden Smith (Saracens, England) 23, 1
3. Matekitonga Moeakiola (Unattached) 30, 8
2. Mark Crick (Potomac Athletic Club) 33, 7
1. Michael MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England) 27, 51
Reserves
16. Joseph Welch (Cal) 24, New Cap
17. Shawn Pittman (Chuckanut Bay) 20, 1
18. Alexander Parker (Gentlemen of Aspen) 34, 51
19. J.J. Gagiano (Univ. of Capetown, Sth Africa) 23, 1
20. Chad Erskine (Rotherham, England) 27, 8
21. Valenese Malifa (Belmont Shore) 22, 5
22. Thretton Palamo (Biarritz, France) 20, 1
Head Coach: Scott Johnson
Palamo played his only test for the USA as a 19 year old against South Africa during the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
For full lists of all the international rugby tests played by Japan, and by the USA, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Test Results This weekend 14-15 Nov.
15.11.2008
New Zealand 22, Ireland 3
South Africa 14, Scotland 10
Australia 28, England 14
Argentina 22, Italy 14
Spain 22, Germany 11
France 42, Pacific Islands 17
China Taipei 35, Sri Lanka 23
Poland 13, Czech Republic 7
Lithuania 33, Switzerland 0
Israel 11, Bulgaria 8
Bosnia Herzegovina 46, Slovakia 32
14.11.2008
Scotland 'A' 69, georgia 3
Wales 34, Canada 13
New Zealand 22, Ireland 3
South Africa 14, Scotland 10
Australia 28, England 14
Argentina 22, Italy 14
Spain 22, Germany 11
France 42, Pacific Islands 17
China Taipei 35, Sri Lanka 23
Poland 13, Czech Republic 7
Lithuania 33, Switzerland 0
Israel 11, Bulgaria 8
Bosnia Herzegovina 46, Slovakia 32
14.11.2008
Scotland 'A' 69, georgia 3
Wales 34, Canada 13
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Test rugby: New Zealand v Ireland
15.11.2008
New Zealand v Ireland
Preview
After their impressive 55-0 win against Canada last weekend, Ireland will be out to prove a point at Croke Park. Never before in the history of the game has Ireland defeated New Zealand. On Saturday they face what is probably the complete international rugby team. They are match fit (Ireland could be a little under done here) and have a clear objective of winning a Grand Slam (winning all tests against all home rugby nations). The support of fanatical Irish supporters in the holy grail of Croke Park may not be enough.
Last Five Encounters
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
12.11.2005 New Zealand 45-7 in Dublin
22.06.2002 New Zealand 40-8 in Auckland
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, Ireland 12th
Prediction: New Zealand by 30 points
Teams, as per Planet-Rugby
Ireland
15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Luke Fitzgerald, 11 Rob Kearney, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 James Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Rory Best, 1 Marcus Horan. Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Stephen Ferris, 19 Shane Jennings, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Paddy Wallace, 22 Keith Earls
New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Isaia Toeava.
New Zealand v Ireland
Preview
After their impressive 55-0 win against Canada last weekend, Ireland will be out to prove a point at Croke Park. Never before in the history of the game has Ireland defeated New Zealand. On Saturday they face what is probably the complete international rugby team. They are match fit (Ireland could be a little under done here) and have a clear objective of winning a Grand Slam (winning all tests against all home rugby nations). The support of fanatical Irish supporters in the holy grail of Croke Park may not be enough.
Last Five Encounters
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
12.11.2005 New Zealand 45-7 in Dublin
22.06.2002 New Zealand 40-8 in Auckland
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, Ireland 12th
Prediction: New Zealand by 30 points
Teams, as per Planet-Rugby
Ireland
15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Luke Fitzgerald, 11 Rob Kearney, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 James Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Alan Quinlan, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Rory Best, 1 Marcus Horan. Replacements: 16 Jerry Flannery, 17 Tony Buckley, 18 Stephen Ferris, 19 Shane Jennings, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Paddy Wallace, 22 Keith Earls
New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock. Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Isaia Toeava.
Test Rugby: South Africa v Scotland
15.11.2008
South Africa v Scotland at Murrayfield.
Previews
Last week the All Blacks. This week the Springbox. Life doesn't get any easier for a Scottish side struggling at this level of world rugby.
Last Five Encounters
25.08.2007 South Africa 27-3 at Murrayfield (World Cup Warm Up)
17.06.2006 South Africa 29-15 in Port Elizabeth
10.06.2006 South Africa 36-16 in Durban
27.11.2004 South Africa 45-10 at Murrayfield
14.06.2003 South Africa 28-19 in Johannesburg
Scotland last defeated South Africa at Murrayfield in 2002 winning 21-6. Ah, for them days!
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-South Africa 2nd, Scotland 6th
Prediction. Much the same as last week-South Africa by 29 points.
Regret, but time restrictions has limited this coverage.
Teams, as per planet-rugby
Scotland
15 Chris Paterson, 14 Thom Evans, 13 Ben Cairns, 12 Nick De Luca, 11 Rory Lamont, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Mike Blair (c), 8 Ally Hogg, 7 John Barclay, 6 Jason White, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobson. Replacements: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Matt Mustchin, 19 Scott Gray, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Dan Parks, 22 Hugo Southwell
South Africa
15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 John Smit (c), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: 16 Brian Mujati, 17 Gurthro Steenkamp, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Frans Steyn, 22 Jaque Fourie.
South Africa v Scotland at Murrayfield.
Previews
Last week the All Blacks. This week the Springbox. Life doesn't get any easier for a Scottish side struggling at this level of world rugby.
Last Five Encounters
25.08.2007 South Africa 27-3 at Murrayfield (World Cup Warm Up)
17.06.2006 South Africa 29-15 in Port Elizabeth
10.06.2006 South Africa 36-16 in Durban
27.11.2004 South Africa 45-10 at Murrayfield
14.06.2003 South Africa 28-19 in Johannesburg
Scotland last defeated South Africa at Murrayfield in 2002 winning 21-6. Ah, for them days!
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-South Africa 2nd, Scotland 6th
Prediction. Much the same as last week-South Africa by 29 points.
Regret, but time restrictions has limited this coverage.
Teams, as per planet-rugby
Scotland
15 Chris Paterson, 14 Thom Evans, 13 Ben Cairns, 12 Nick De Luca, 11 Rory Lamont, 10 Phil Godman, 9 Mike Blair (c), 8 Ally Hogg, 7 John Barclay, 6 Jason White, 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobson. Replacements: 16 Dougie Hall, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Matt Mustchin, 19 Scott Gray, 20 Rory Lawson, 21 Dan Parks, 22 Hugo Southwell
South Africa
15 Conrad Jantjes, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Adrian Jacobs, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 John Smit (c), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira. Replacements: 16 Brian Mujati, 17 Gurthro Steenkamp, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Frans Steyn, 22 Jaque Fourie.
Test Rugby: Pacific Islands v France
15.11.2008
Pacific Islands v France in Marseilles
GWC Rugby Rankings: Do not apply
Prediction: France by 14 points
Regret time restrictions has meant a limited covereage
Teams as per planet-rugby
France
15 Maxime Médard, 14 Julien Malzieu, 13 Yannick Jauzion, 12 Benoît Baby, 11 Cedric Heymans, 10 David Skrela, 9 Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, 8 Imanol Harnordoquy, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 5 Lionel Nallet (c), 4 Romain Millo-Chluski, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Lionel Faure. Replacements:16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Benoît Lecouls, 18 Sébastien Chabal, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Sebastien Tillous-Borde, 21 Damien Traille, 22 Alexis Palisson
Pacific Islands
15 Gavin Williams (SAM), 14 Napolioni Nalaga (FIJ), 13 Seru Rabeni (FIJ), 12 Epi Taione (TGA), 11 Vilimoni Delasau (FIJ), 10 Seremaia Bai (FIJ), 9 Mosese Rauluni (FIJ, cap), 8 Nili Latu (TGA), 7 Sisa Koyamaibole (FIJ), 6 Hale T-Pole (TGA), 5 Kele Leawere (FIJ), 4 Paino Hehea (TGA), 3 Kisi Pulu (TGA), 2 Tanielu Fuga (SAM), 1 Kas Lealamanua (SAM). Replacements: 16 Sunia Koto (FIJ), 17 Census Johnston (SAM), 18 Filipo Levi (SAM), 19 Viliami Vaki (TGA), 20 Sililo Martens (TGA), 21 Kameli Ratuvou (FIJ), 22 Seilala Mapusua (SAM)
Pacific Islands v France in Marseilles
GWC Rugby Rankings: Do not apply
Prediction: France by 14 points
Regret time restrictions has meant a limited covereage
Teams as per planet-rugby
France
15 Maxime Médard, 14 Julien Malzieu, 13 Yannick Jauzion, 12 Benoît Baby, 11 Cedric Heymans, 10 David Skrela, 9 Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, 8 Imanol Harnordoquy, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Thierry Dusautoir, 5 Lionel Nallet (c), 4 Romain Millo-Chluski, 3 Nicolas Mas, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Lionel Faure. Replacements:16 Benjamin Kayser, 17 Benoît Lecouls, 18 Sébastien Chabal, 19 Louis Picamoles, 20 Sebastien Tillous-Borde, 21 Damien Traille, 22 Alexis Palisson
Pacific Islands
15 Gavin Williams (SAM), 14 Napolioni Nalaga (FIJ), 13 Seru Rabeni (FIJ), 12 Epi Taione (TGA), 11 Vilimoni Delasau (FIJ), 10 Seremaia Bai (FIJ), 9 Mosese Rauluni (FIJ, cap), 8 Nili Latu (TGA), 7 Sisa Koyamaibole (FIJ), 6 Hale T-Pole (TGA), 5 Kele Leawere (FIJ), 4 Paino Hehea (TGA), 3 Kisi Pulu (TGA), 2 Tanielu Fuga (SAM), 1 Kas Lealamanua (SAM). Replacements: 16 Sunia Koto (FIJ), 17 Census Johnston (SAM), 18 Filipo Levi (SAM), 19 Viliami Vaki (TGA), 20 Sililo Martens (TGA), 21 Kameli Ratuvou (FIJ), 22 Seilala Mapusua (SAM)
Rugby Test: Australia v England
15.11.2008
Australia v England at Twickenham
Preview
There was a time when a clash between these two would have been a clash between the two best rugby nations. Sadly, both teams have slipped in their ratings since they clashed at the final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. England won this famous match with a Jonny Wilkinson dropped goal in the last minutes of the match. They also played a quarter final match at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, another close match finally won by England, putting Australia out of the finals.
Both teams have a lot to play for. Both teams are struggling at the top level of the game and this week has seen plenty of gamesmanship between the teams especially over their respective forward packs. England once had a pack that could easily crush the Wallabies but tomorrow things could be different.
Last Five Encounters
06.10.2007 England 12-10 in Marseilles (World Cup, Quarter final)
17.06.2006 Australia 34-18 in Melbourne (Cook Cup)
11.06.2006 Australia 34-3 in Sydney (Cook Cup)
12.11.2005 England 26-16 at Twickenham (Cook Cup)
27.11.2004 Australia 21-19 at Twickenham (Cook Cup)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Australia 3rd, England 5th
Prediction: Australia by 7 points
Teams
England: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Jamie Noon, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Tom Rees, 6 Tom Croft, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Steve Borthwick, 3 Phil Vickery, 2 Lee Mears, 1 Andrew Sheridan. Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 James Haskell, 20 Michael Lipman, 21 Harry Ellis, 22 Toby Flood
Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Stirling Mortlock, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 George Smith, 6 Hugh McMeniman, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Digby Ioane.
Thanks to http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_4497100,00.html
I regret that time restrictions will result in limited coverage
Australia v England at Twickenham
Preview
There was a time when a clash between these two would have been a clash between the two best rugby nations. Sadly, both teams have slipped in their ratings since they clashed at the final of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. England won this famous match with a Jonny Wilkinson dropped goal in the last minutes of the match. They also played a quarter final match at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, another close match finally won by England, putting Australia out of the finals.
Both teams have a lot to play for. Both teams are struggling at the top level of the game and this week has seen plenty of gamesmanship between the teams especially over their respective forward packs. England once had a pack that could easily crush the Wallabies but tomorrow things could be different.
Last Five Encounters
06.10.2007 England 12-10 in Marseilles (World Cup, Quarter final)
17.06.2006 Australia 34-18 in Melbourne (Cook Cup)
11.06.2006 Australia 34-3 in Sydney (Cook Cup)
12.11.2005 England 26-16 at Twickenham (Cook Cup)
27.11.2004 Australia 21-19 at Twickenham (Cook Cup)
GWC Rugby Rankings: Australia 3rd, England 5th
Prediction: Australia by 7 points
Teams
England: 15 Delon Armitage, 14 Paul Sackey, 13 Jamie Noon, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Danny Cipriani, 9 Danny Care, 8 Nick Easter, 7 Tom Rees, 6 Tom Croft, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Steve Borthwick, 3 Phil Vickery, 2 Lee Mears, 1 Andrew Sheridan. Replacements: 16 Dylan Hartley, 17 Matt Stevens, 18 Simon Shaw, 19 James Haskell, 20 Michael Lipman, 21 Harry Ellis, 22 Toby Flood
Australia: 15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 Peter Hynes, 13 Ryan Cross, 12 Stirling Mortlock, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Luke Burgess, 8 Richard Brown, 7 George Smith, 6 Hugh McMeniman, 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson. Replacements: 16 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Dean Mumm, 19 Wycliff Palu, 20 Sam Cordingley, 21 Quade Cooper, 22 Digby Ioane.
Thanks to http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_4497100,00.html
I regret that time restrictions will result in limited coverage
Test Rugby: Argentina v Italy
15.11.2008
Argentina v Italy in Turin
Preview
This match takes on considerable importance as it gives both teams an opportunity to make up for the disappointments of last weekend. Argentina just lost out to France whilst Italy also pushed the Wallabies very close.
The pressure is perhaps more on Argentina. After their resounding successes at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the Pumas are struggling to reassert themselves on the international stage. They lost to Italy the last time they met, in Cordoba back in June. With news out this week putting them in contention to be included in the Tri Nations tournament, the Pumas simply have to perform.
As the underdogs, Italy has just a little less at stake. Perhaps the Italian fans are getting impatient for some consistent success. Italy has struggled at the top level of international rugby since their inclusion into the International Championship, now called the 6 Nations.
Last Five Encounters
28.06.2008 Italy 13-12 in Cordoba
09.06.2007 Argentina 24-6 in Mendoza
18.11.2006 Argentina 23-16 in Rome
19.11.2005 Argentina 39-22 in Genoa
17.06.2005 Italy 30-29 in Cordoba.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Italy 7th, Argentina 9th
Prediction: Argentina by 7 points.
Teams
Italy
15 Andrea Masi (Biarritz Olympique, France) Age 27, 43 Caps
14 Kaine Robertson (Montepaschi Viadana) 28, 33
13 Matteo Pratichetti (Cammi Calvisano) 23, 10
12 Gonzalo Garcia (Cammi Calvisano) 24, 3
11 Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Français, France) 25, 54
10 Andrea Marcato (Benetton Treviso) 25, 9
9 Pablo Canavosio (Montepaschi Viadana) 26, 21
8 Sergio Parisse Capt. (Stade Français, France) 25, 55
7 Mauro Bergamasco (Stade Français, France) 29, 64
6 Josh Sole (Montepaschi Viadana) 28, 31
5 Marco Bortolami (Gloucester RFC, England) 28, 68
4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava (Ulster, Ireland) 27, 31
3 Carlos Nieto (Gloucester RFC, England) 32, 27
2 Fabio Ongaro (Saracens, England) 31, 56
1 Matias Aguero (Saracens, England) 28, 9
Replacements
16 Leonardo Ghiraldini (Cammi Calvisano) 23, 14
17 Andrea Lo Cicero (Racing Metro Paris ) 31, 76
18 Salvatore Perugini (Stade Toulousain, France) 30, 53
19 Tommaso Reato (Femi CZ Rovigo) 23, 4
20 Pietro Travagli (Overmach Parma) 27, 7
21 Luciano Orquera (Brive, France) 27, 11
22 Luke Mclean (Cammi Calvisano) 21, 2
Head Coach: Nik Mallet
Argentina
15 Bernardo Stortoni (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) Age 30, 24 tests
14 Federico Martin Aramburu (Perpignan, France) 28, 17
13 Gonzalo Tiesi (Harlequins, England) 23, 17
12 Felipe Contepomi, Capt. (Leinster, Ireland) 30, 65
11 Rafael Carballo (Castres Olympique, France) 26, 4
10 Juan Martin Hernandez (Stade Francais, France) 26, 29
9 Nicolas Vergallo (Dax, France) 24, 12
8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Sale Sharks, England) 26, 26
7 Rimas Alvarez Kairelis (Perpignan, France) 33, 41
6 Martin Durand (Champagnat) 31, 59
5 Patricio Albacete (Stade Toulousian, France) 27, 27
4 Esteban Lozada (Toulon, France) 26, 11
3 Juan Pablo Orlandi (Rovigo, Italy) 25, 1
2 Mario Ledesma (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France) 35, 67
1 Rodrigo Roncero (Stade Francais, France) 31, 30
Replacements
16 Alberto Basualdo (Stade Toulousian, France) 25, 9
17 Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers, England) 25, 19
18 Alvaro Galindo (Beziers, France) 26, 5
19 Alejandro Campos (Pueyrredon) 25, 3
20 Agustin Figuerola (Club Atletico San Isidro) 23, New Cap
21 Santiago Fernandez (Hindu) 22, New Cap
22 Horacio Agulla (Brive, France) 23, 15
Head Coach: Santiago Phelan
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Argentina, and by Italy, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Argentina v Italy in Turin
Preview
This match takes on considerable importance as it gives both teams an opportunity to make up for the disappointments of last weekend. Argentina just lost out to France whilst Italy also pushed the Wallabies very close.
The pressure is perhaps more on Argentina. After their resounding successes at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, the Pumas are struggling to reassert themselves on the international stage. They lost to Italy the last time they met, in Cordoba back in June. With news out this week putting them in contention to be included in the Tri Nations tournament, the Pumas simply have to perform.
As the underdogs, Italy has just a little less at stake. Perhaps the Italian fans are getting impatient for some consistent success. Italy has struggled at the top level of international rugby since their inclusion into the International Championship, now called the 6 Nations.
Last Five Encounters
28.06.2008 Italy 13-12 in Cordoba
09.06.2007 Argentina 24-6 in Mendoza
18.11.2006 Argentina 23-16 in Rome
19.11.2005 Argentina 39-22 in Genoa
17.06.2005 Italy 30-29 in Cordoba.
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Italy 7th, Argentina 9th
Prediction: Argentina by 7 points.
Teams
Italy
15 Andrea Masi (Biarritz Olympique, France) Age 27, 43 Caps
14 Kaine Robertson (Montepaschi Viadana) 28, 33
13 Matteo Pratichetti (Cammi Calvisano) 23, 10
12 Gonzalo Garcia (Cammi Calvisano) 24, 3
11 Mirco Bergamasco (Stade Français, France) 25, 54
10 Andrea Marcato (Benetton Treviso) 25, 9
9 Pablo Canavosio (Montepaschi Viadana) 26, 21
8 Sergio Parisse Capt. (Stade Français, France) 25, 55
7 Mauro Bergamasco (Stade Français, France) 29, 64
6 Josh Sole (Montepaschi Viadana) 28, 31
5 Marco Bortolami (Gloucester RFC, England) 28, 68
4 Carlo Antonio Del Fava (Ulster, Ireland) 27, 31
3 Carlos Nieto (Gloucester RFC, England) 32, 27
2 Fabio Ongaro (Saracens, England) 31, 56
1 Matias Aguero (Saracens, England) 28, 9
Replacements
16 Leonardo Ghiraldini (Cammi Calvisano) 23, 14
17 Andrea Lo Cicero (Racing Metro Paris ) 31, 76
18 Salvatore Perugini (Stade Toulousain, France) 30, 53
19 Tommaso Reato (Femi CZ Rovigo) 23, 4
20 Pietro Travagli (Overmach Parma) 27, 7
21 Luciano Orquera (Brive, France) 27, 11
22 Luke Mclean (Cammi Calvisano) 21, 2
Head Coach: Nik Mallet
Argentina
15 Bernardo Stortoni (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) Age 30, 24 tests
14 Federico Martin Aramburu (Perpignan, France) 28, 17
13 Gonzalo Tiesi (Harlequins, England) 23, 17
12 Felipe Contepomi, Capt. (Leinster, Ireland) 30, 65
11 Rafael Carballo (Castres Olympique, France) 26, 4
10 Juan Martin Hernandez (Stade Francais, France) 26, 29
9 Nicolas Vergallo (Dax, France) 24, 12
8 Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe (Sale Sharks, England) 26, 26
7 Rimas Alvarez Kairelis (Perpignan, France) 33, 41
6 Martin Durand (Champagnat) 31, 59
5 Patricio Albacete (Stade Toulousian, France) 27, 27
4 Esteban Lozada (Toulon, France) 26, 11
3 Juan Pablo Orlandi (Rovigo, Italy) 25, 1
2 Mario Ledesma (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France) 35, 67
1 Rodrigo Roncero (Stade Francais, France) 31, 30
Replacements
16 Alberto Basualdo (Stade Toulousian, France) 25, 9
17 Marcos Ayerza (Leicester Tigers, England) 25, 19
18 Alvaro Galindo (Beziers, France) 26, 5
19 Alejandro Campos (Pueyrredon) 25, 3
20 Agustin Figuerola (Club Atletico San Isidro) 23, New Cap
21 Santiago Fernandez (Hindu) 22, New Cap
22 Horacio Agulla (Brive, France) 23, 15
Head Coach: Santiago Phelan
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Argentina, and by Italy, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Test Rugby: Germany v Spain
15.11.2008
Germany v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Preview
A German team, without a number of their top players, lost 14-27 to A Welsh Clubs XV in Berlin last weekend. The team for this week's game will be much stronger including a number of top players from French clubs, including outstanding player Robert Mohr. This match will be Germany's first test match in the top division of European rugby and will go a long way to test whether the Germans are up to this level of international rugby.
Spain lost 15-42 away to Russia last weekend and will be looking to recover with a sound win at home. They have left out 4 of the players who travelled to Russia, replacing htem with 3 new caps and experienced back Jamie Nava
Previous Encounters
27.05.2006 Spain 36-10 in Madrid (WCQ Euro. R3, Playoff 2nd leg)
13.05.2006 Germany 18-6 in Heidelberg (WCQ Euro. R3, Playoff 1st leg)
26.04.1998 Spain 24-9 in Hannover (WCQ Euro.Pool 3, Rd B)
24.11.1996 Spain 25-17 in Heidelberg (FIRA, Pool A)
13.11.1994 Spain 29-10 in Hannover 9Friendly?)
The last time these two teams met is was for a place in the next round of World Cup 2007 qualifiers. Germany suprised the rugby world with their win in Heidelberg but Spain ran away with the return game in Madrid. You have to go back 12 years before you'll find a European competition between these two teams.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Spain 10th, Germany 12th
Prediction: Spain by 14 points
Teams
Germany
15 Edemoore Takendesa (RG Heidelberg)
14 Matthieu Franke (RC Orleans, France)
13 Kieron Davies (Luton RFC, England)
12 Colin Grzanna (Berliner RC)
11 Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orleans, France)
10 Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim)
9 Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg)
8 Robert Mohr (La Rochelle, France)
7 Gerrit van Look (Berliner RC )
6 Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England)
5 Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim)
4 Bodo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, Sth. Africa)
3 Alexander Widiker (RC Orleans, France)
2 Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg)
1 Benjamin Krause (Hannover 78 / 08 Ricklingen)
Replacements
16 Christian Baracat (SC Neuenheim)
17 Marcus Trick (SC Neuenheim)
18 Benjamin Danso (DRC Hannover )
19 Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg)
20 Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim)
21 Marten Strauch (SC Neuenheim)
22 Markus Walger (RK Heusenstamm)
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer
http://www.totalrugby.de/
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2909
Spain squad
César Bernasconi (CRC Madrid) Age 32, 16 tests
José Mª Bohorquez (CR Ciencias) 32, 22
Rafael Camacho (CR Ciencias) 30, 25
Juan Cano (CRC Madrid) 23, 17
Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid) 25, 28
Iván Criado (Cetransa El Salvador) 28, 50
Pablo Feijoo (CRC Madrid) 26, 43
Leandro Fernández-Aramburu (CR Ciencias) 28, 7
Juan González (CRC Madrid) 26, 24
Sergio Guerrero (UE Santboiana) New Cap*
Sebastián Hattori (CR Ciencias) 26, New Cap
Ion Insausti (Cetransa El Salvador) 24, 21
Juan Gónzalez Marruecos (CR Ciencias) 22, 2
Ignacio Martín (Gran Parma RC, Italy) 24, 23
Manuel Mazo (CR Ciencias) 23, 11
Igor Mirones (Getxo Artea RT) New Cap*
David Mota (CRC Madrid) 22, 19 *
Jaime Nava (Centransa El Salvador) 25, 24*
Marco Pinto (Clermont Auvergne, France) 20, 1
Camille Riu (UE Santboiana) New Cap*
Javier Salazar (CRC Madrid) 31, 54
César Sempere (CRC Madrid) 23, 31
Sergio Souto (Cetransa El Salvador) 31, 43
Matías Tudela (CRC Madrid) 24, 2
Head Coach: Ged Glynn
* Did not travel to Russia
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2909
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Germany, and by Spain, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Germany v Spain in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
Preview
A German team, without a number of their top players, lost 14-27 to A Welsh Clubs XV in Berlin last weekend. The team for this week's game will be much stronger including a number of top players from French clubs, including outstanding player Robert Mohr. This match will be Germany's first test match in the top division of European rugby and will go a long way to test whether the Germans are up to this level of international rugby.
Spain lost 15-42 away to Russia last weekend and will be looking to recover with a sound win at home. They have left out 4 of the players who travelled to Russia, replacing htem with 3 new caps and experienced back Jamie Nava
Previous Encounters
27.05.2006 Spain 36-10 in Madrid (WCQ Euro. R3, Playoff 2nd leg)
13.05.2006 Germany 18-6 in Heidelberg (WCQ Euro. R3, Playoff 1st leg)
26.04.1998 Spain 24-9 in Hannover (WCQ Euro.Pool 3, Rd B)
24.11.1996 Spain 25-17 in Heidelberg (FIRA, Pool A)
13.11.1994 Spain 29-10 in Hannover 9Friendly?)
The last time these two teams met is was for a place in the next round of World Cup 2007 qualifiers. Germany suprised the rugby world with their win in Heidelberg but Spain ran away with the return game in Madrid. You have to go back 12 years before you'll find a European competition between these two teams.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Spain 10th, Germany 12th
Prediction: Spain by 14 points
Teams
Germany
15 Edemoore Takendesa (RG Heidelberg)
14 Matthieu Franke (RC Orleans, France)
13 Kieron Davies (Luton RFC, England)
12 Colin Grzanna (Berliner RC)
11 Clemens von Grumbkow (RC Orleans, France)
10 Thorsten Wiedemann (TSV Handschuhsheim)
9 Mustafa Güngör (RG Heidelberg)
8 Robert Mohr (La Rochelle, France)
7 Gerrit van Look (Berliner RC )
6 Timothy Kasten (Southend RFC, England)
5 Jens Schmidt, Capt. (TSV Handschuhsheim)
4 Bodo Sieber (Univ. of Capetown RFC, Sth. Africa)
3 Alexander Widiker (RC Orleans, France)
2 Timothy Coly (RG Heidelberg)
1 Benjamin Krause (Hannover 78 / 08 Ricklingen)
Replacements
16 Christian Baracat (SC Neuenheim)
17 Marcus Trick (SC Neuenheim)
18 Benjamin Danso (DRC Hannover )
19 Manuel Wilhelm (RG Heidelberg)
20 Lars Eckert (SC Neuenheim)
21 Marten Strauch (SC Neuenheim)
22 Markus Walger (RK Heusenstamm)
Head Coach: Rudolf Finsterer
http://www.totalrugby.de/
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2909
Spain squad
César Bernasconi (CRC Madrid) Age 32, 16 tests
José Mª Bohorquez (CR Ciencias) 32, 22
Rafael Camacho (CR Ciencias) 30, 25
Juan Cano (CRC Madrid) 23, 17
Javier Canosa (CRC Madrid) 25, 28
Iván Criado (Cetransa El Salvador) 28, 50
Pablo Feijoo (CRC Madrid) 26, 43
Leandro Fernández-Aramburu (CR Ciencias) 28, 7
Juan González (CRC Madrid) 26, 24
Sergio Guerrero (UE Santboiana) New Cap*
Sebastián Hattori (CR Ciencias) 26, New Cap
Ion Insausti (Cetransa El Salvador) 24, 21
Juan Gónzalez Marruecos (CR Ciencias) 22, 2
Ignacio Martín (Gran Parma RC, Italy) 24, 23
Manuel Mazo (CR Ciencias) 23, 11
Igor Mirones (Getxo Artea RT) New Cap*
David Mota (CRC Madrid) 22, 19 *
Jaime Nava (Centransa El Salvador) 25, 24*
Marco Pinto (Clermont Auvergne, France) 20, 1
Camille Riu (UE Santboiana) New Cap*
Javier Salazar (CRC Madrid) 31, 54
César Sempere (CRC Madrid) 23, 31
Sergio Souto (Cetransa El Salvador) 31, 43
Matías Tudela (CRC Madrid) 24, 2
Head Coach: Ged Glynn
* Did not travel to Russia
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2909
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Germany, and by Spain, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Test Match: Sri Lanka v China Taipei
15.11.2008
Sri Lanka v China Taipei in Tainan (Asia Nations Div.1)
Preview
Sri Lanka only needs to defeat China Taipei by 2 points or more to take out the honours in this winner takes all tournament. Sr Lanka drew 20-20 with Singapore last Tuesday, then Singapore defeated China Taipei 23-22 Thursday to create an interesting finale to this tournament.
China withdrew earlier this week in circumstances believed to be over passport arrangements into China Taipei. China regards this island nation as a part of China whereas the Taiwanese regard themselves as being independent. It begs the question ,yet unanswered, as to where does this leave China? Are they out of the competition now completely, or are they still in?
Previous Encounters
13.10.2002 China Taipei 56-18 in Pusan (Asia Games, Bronze Medal)
18.12.1998 China Taipei 28-10 in Bangkok (Asia Games, Bronze Medal)
17.01.1998 China Taipei 31-27 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia Round B)
26.10.1994 China Taipei 25-9 in Kuala Lumper (14th Asia Camp.)
20.09.1992 China Taipei 35-9 in Hong Kong (13th Asia Champ.)
Sri Lanka has only defeated China Taipei once, and that was back in 1990 when the Sri Lankans caused an upset to defeat the Taiwanese 9-6 on home soil in Colombo. This was where the 12th Asia Championships was held. Perhaps history is about to be made.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Sri lanka 6th, China Taipei 9th
Prediction: I just can't see the Chinese letting this one slip away. China Taipei by 3 points.
Teams
Sri Lanka Squad
Amjad Buksh (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Sashika Cooray (CH and FC)
Ashan de Costa (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Lasintha de Costa (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Kasun de Silva (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Shane Dissanayake (CH and FC)
Nilusha Fernando (Police Sports Club)
Bilal Hassen (Royal)
Ashan Karthelis (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Saliya Kumara (Kandy Sports Club)
Dushanth Lewke, Co Capt. (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Nushal Meepage (Army Sports Club)
Shamil Mohamed (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Reza Mubarak (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Achala Perera (CH and FC)
Danushka Perera (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Dinesh Sanjeewa (CH and FC)
Sajith Saranga (Isipatana College)
Mohamed Shariff (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Chula Susantha (Police Sports Club)
Henry Terrance (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Gayan Weeraratne (Kandy Sports Club)
Dilanka Wijesekera, Co Capt. (CH and FC)
Coaches - Dawje Snyman, Norman Laker
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/11/07/spo11.asp
China Taipei
Not available
For lists of all Sri Lanka international rugby results, and those of China Taipei, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Sri Lanka v China Taipei in Tainan (Asia Nations Div.1)
Preview
Sri Lanka only needs to defeat China Taipei by 2 points or more to take out the honours in this winner takes all tournament. Sr Lanka drew 20-20 with Singapore last Tuesday, then Singapore defeated China Taipei 23-22 Thursday to create an interesting finale to this tournament.
China withdrew earlier this week in circumstances believed to be over passport arrangements into China Taipei. China regards this island nation as a part of China whereas the Taiwanese regard themselves as being independent. It begs the question ,yet unanswered, as to where does this leave China? Are they out of the competition now completely, or are they still in?
Previous Encounters
13.10.2002 China Taipei 56-18 in Pusan (Asia Games, Bronze Medal)
18.12.1998 China Taipei 28-10 in Bangkok (Asia Games, Bronze Medal)
17.01.1998 China Taipei 31-27 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia Round B)
26.10.1994 China Taipei 25-9 in Kuala Lumper (14th Asia Camp.)
20.09.1992 China Taipei 35-9 in Hong Kong (13th Asia Champ.)
Sri Lanka has only defeated China Taipei once, and that was back in 1990 when the Sri Lankans caused an upset to defeat the Taiwanese 9-6 on home soil in Colombo. This was where the 12th Asia Championships was held. Perhaps history is about to be made.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Sri lanka 6th, China Taipei 9th
Prediction: I just can't see the Chinese letting this one slip away. China Taipei by 3 points.
Teams
Sri Lanka Squad
Amjad Buksh (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Sashika Cooray (CH and FC)
Ashan de Costa (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Lasintha de Costa (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Kasun de Silva (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Shane Dissanayake (CH and FC)
Nilusha Fernando (Police Sports Club)
Bilal Hassen (Royal)
Ashan Karthelis (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Saliya Kumara (Kandy Sports Club)
Dushanth Lewke, Co Capt. (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Nushal Meepage (Army Sports Club)
Shamil Mohamed (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Reza Mubarak (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Achala Perera (CH and FC)
Danushka Perera (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Dinesh Sanjeewa (CH and FC)
Sajith Saranga (Isipatana College)
Mohamed Shariff (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Chula Susantha (Police Sports Club)
Henry Terrance (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Gayan Weeraratne (Kandy Sports Club)
Dilanka Wijesekera, Co Capt. (CH and FC)
Coaches - Dawje Snyman, Norman Laker
http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/11/07/spo11.asp
China Taipei
Not available
For lists of all Sri Lanka international rugby results, and those of China Taipei, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Rugby Test: Czech Republic v Poland
15.11.2008
Czech Republic v Poland in Ostrava (WCQ Europe R2, ENC 2A)
Preview
This match will be the Czech Republics first challenge in this Division. They were relegated from ENC 1 at the end of last season. This match marks the beginning of their climb back into the top Level of the European Nations Cup. They began the season by ending a long losing streak, defeating Croatia 47-0 last month in a warm up match.
The Poles are already on the board with a narrow 13-12 win over the Ukraine back in early October, whilst the Ukraine lost 8-9 to belgium in another narrow result. So the indications are that there is not much between these teams. I expect the result to be close.
Previous Encounters
04.11.2000 Poland 34-16 in Gdynia (FIRA B)
20.05.2000 Czech Republic 39-13 in Prague (FIRA C)
24.10.1998 Drawn 18-18 in Bezeg Dolny (FIRA Pool E)
14.03.1998 Poland 28-27 in Lodz (Friendly?)
04.04.1997 Czech Republic 39-32 in Olomouc (Friendly?)
These neighbours have not played each other for nearly eight years. Although to long ago to suggest any form, they do indicate a healthy rivalry back at a time when both nations were more or less on equal footings. In that the the Czech Republic climbed into the top level of European rugby only to be back with the Poles again. So, all in all, a most interesting fixture.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Czech Republic 13th, Poland 17th
Prediction: Czech Republic by 7
Teams
Czech Republic
15 Tomáš Nevický (RC Říčany) Age ?, New Cap
14 Jan Rudolf (RC Tatra Smíchov) 24, 8
13 Václav Jursík (Strasbourg, France) 24, 14
12 Jan Kolář (RC Slavia Praha) 1
11 Michal Schlanger (RC Říčany) 24, 16
10 Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha) 27, 14
9 Vakhtang Pailodze (RC Sparta Praha) ?, 1
8 Jan Macháček (RC Slavia Praha) 36, 52
7 Miroslav Němeček (US Oyonnax, France) 28, 21
6 Josef Bláha (RC Říčany) 31, 12
5 Robert Voves (Narbonne, France) 27, 21
4 Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France) ?, 2
3 Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha) ?, 8
2 Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France) ?, 5
1 Lukáš Rapant (US Oyonnax, France) 25, 15
Replacements
16 Jiří Skall (RC Sparta Praha) 35, 68
17 Roman Šuster (RC Rouen, France) 30, 24
18 Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France) ?, 1
19 Tomáš Veniger (RC Tatra Smíchov) ?, 4
20 Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno) 30, 23
21 Tomáš Forst (RC Praga) ?, 1
22 Petr Okleštěk, (Auxerre, France) ?, New Cap
Head Coach: Martin Kafka
Rapant last played for Czech Republic v Spain in September 2006
Adapted from http://www.rugby.cz/ostrava-se-pripravu ... ika-polsko and http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2910
Poland Squad
Dawid Banaszek (Bourgoin, France)
Romuald Berthe (?)
Kamil Bobryk( Budowlani Lodz)
Jurij Buhało (Posnania)
Grzegorz Falk (Juvenia Kraków)
Donald Gargasson (Toulon, France)
Tomasz Hebda (?)
Krzysztof Hotowski (Beaurepaire, France)
Michał Królikowski (Budowlani Lodz)
Michał Krużycki (Bourgoin, France)
Stanislas Krzesinski (Albi, France)
Fabien Kwarta (U.S. Morlaas Rugby, France)
Yaan Levandowski (Cahors, France)
Wojciech Łukasiewicz (Folc AZS Warszawa)
Ciril Monarcha (C.A. Riberacois, France)
Mariusz Motyl (Arka Gdynia)
Paweł Nowak (Arka Gdynia)
Konrad Pisarek (Orkan Sochaczew)
Kazimierz Raszpunda (Pogoń Siedlce)
Bastien Siepielski (?)
Łukasz Szostek (Arka Gdynia)
Cedric Vaissiere (Albi, France)
Marcin Wilczuk (Old Belvedere, Ireland)
Etienne Zyk (Clermont, France)
Head Coach: Tomasz Putra
http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Czech Republic, and by Poland, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Czech Republic v Poland in Ostrava (WCQ Europe R2, ENC 2A)
Preview
This match will be the Czech Republics first challenge in this Division. They were relegated from ENC 1 at the end of last season. This match marks the beginning of their climb back into the top Level of the European Nations Cup. They began the season by ending a long losing streak, defeating Croatia 47-0 last month in a warm up match.
The Poles are already on the board with a narrow 13-12 win over the Ukraine back in early October, whilst the Ukraine lost 8-9 to belgium in another narrow result. So the indications are that there is not much between these teams. I expect the result to be close.
Previous Encounters
04.11.2000 Poland 34-16 in Gdynia (FIRA B)
20.05.2000 Czech Republic 39-13 in Prague (FIRA C)
24.10.1998 Drawn 18-18 in Bezeg Dolny (FIRA Pool E)
14.03.1998 Poland 28-27 in Lodz (Friendly?)
04.04.1997 Czech Republic 39-32 in Olomouc (Friendly?)
These neighbours have not played each other for nearly eight years. Although to long ago to suggest any form, they do indicate a healthy rivalry back at a time when both nations were more or less on equal footings. In that the the Czech Republic climbed into the top level of European rugby only to be back with the Poles again. So, all in all, a most interesting fixture.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Czech Republic 13th, Poland 17th
Prediction: Czech Republic by 7
Teams
Czech Republic
15 Tomáš Nevický (RC Říčany) Age ?, New Cap
14 Jan Rudolf (RC Tatra Smíchov) 24, 8
13 Václav Jursík (Strasbourg, France) 24, 14
12 Jan Kolář (RC Slavia Praha) 1
11 Michal Schlanger (RC Říčany) 24, 16
10 Pavel Vokrouhlík (RC Sparta Praha) 27, 14
9 Vakhtang Pailodze (RC Sparta Praha) ?, 1
8 Jan Macháček (RC Slavia Praha) 36, 52
7 Miroslav Němeček (US Oyonnax, France) 28, 21
6 Josef Bláha (RC Říčany) 31, 12
5 Robert Voves (Narbonne, France) 27, 21
4 Tomáš Holovský (St. Raphael, France) ?, 2
3 Jan Benda (RC Sparta Praha) ?, 8
2 Ondřej Kutil (US Oyonnax, France) ?, 5
1 Lukáš Rapant (US Oyonnax, France) 25, 15
Replacements
16 Jiří Skall (RC Sparta Praha) 35, 68
17 Roman Šuster (RC Rouen, France) 30, 24
18 Martin Wognitsch (US Oyonnax, France) ?, 1
19 Tomáš Veniger (RC Tatra Smíchov) ?, 4
20 Jiří Buryánek (RC Dragon Brno) 30, 23
21 Tomáš Forst (RC Praga) ?, 1
22 Petr Okleštěk, (Auxerre, France) ?, New Cap
Head Coach: Martin Kafka
Rapant last played for Czech Republic v Spain in September 2006
Adapted from http://www.rugby.cz/ostrava-se-pripravu ... ika-polsko and http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2910
Poland Squad
Dawid Banaszek (Bourgoin, France)
Romuald Berthe (?)
Kamil Bobryk( Budowlani Lodz)
Jurij Buhało (Posnania)
Grzegorz Falk (Juvenia Kraków)
Donald Gargasson (Toulon, France)
Tomasz Hebda (?)
Krzysztof Hotowski (Beaurepaire, France)
Michał Królikowski (Budowlani Lodz)
Michał Krużycki (Bourgoin, France)
Stanislas Krzesinski (Albi, France)
Fabien Kwarta (U.S. Morlaas Rugby, France)
Yaan Levandowski (Cahors, France)
Wojciech Łukasiewicz (Folc AZS Warszawa)
Ciril Monarcha (C.A. Riberacois, France)
Mariusz Motyl (Arka Gdynia)
Paweł Nowak (Arka Gdynia)
Konrad Pisarek (Orkan Sochaczew)
Kazimierz Raszpunda (Pogoń Siedlce)
Bastien Siepielski (?)
Łukasz Szostek (Arka Gdynia)
Cedric Vaissiere (Albi, France)
Marcin Wilczuk (Old Belvedere, Ireland)
Etienne Zyk (Clermont, France)
Head Coach: Tomasz Putra
http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Czech Republic, and by Poland, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Test Match: Lithuania v Switzerland
15.11.2008
Lithuania v Switzerland in Vilnius (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Preview
Lithuania has already caused other nations in this division to take notice. A convincing 26-10 win away over Andorra, who were relegated from ENC 2B last season, has put the Lithuanians into the lead. A home win seems more likely.
Switzerland defeated the German Under 21 side back in September and were expected to set the pace at this level. It makes this match even more compelling.
These two teams have only met once before. Switzerland won a close game 23-21 in Switzerland in 1998 as part of the then FIRA seeding process.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Lithuania 23rd, Switzerland 26th
Prediction: Lithuania too strong at home, to win by 12 points.
Teams
Lithuania Squad
Tomas Astrauskas (RC Salda Siauliai)
Dainius Baltrukenas (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Rokas Daknys (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Ignas Darkintis (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Mindaugas Grigas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Vilius Kucinas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Irmantą Kukulskį (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Gediminas Liutkus (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Kestutis Marcisauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Andrius Martinskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Mindaugas Misevicius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Darius Nosys (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Egidijus Petronis (RC Kursiai Klaipeda)
Žygimantą Radžių (RC Salda Siauliai)
Audrius Ramancionis (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Edmundas Scavinskas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Paulių Šertvytį (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Donatas Streckis (RC Kursiai Klaipeda)
Augustiną Terlecką (RC "Geležinis Vilkas" Vilniaus)
Laurynas Tipelis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Justinas Vasiliauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Tomas Zibolis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Edvardą Žilių (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Head coach - Anatolijus Smirnovas
Lithuania squad from http://www.kaunas.lt/regbis/
“Seems that Mariaus Andrijausko, Gedimino Marcišausko, Mindaugo Šiumberevičiaus, Aleksandro Čiuchlejaus and Tomo Stungio who were in squad for Andorra are all unavailable”
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2913
Swiss Team
Not available
For lists of international rugby results played by Lithuania, and by Switzerland, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Lithuania v Switzerland in Vilnius (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Preview
Lithuania has already caused other nations in this division to take notice. A convincing 26-10 win away over Andorra, who were relegated from ENC 2B last season, has put the Lithuanians into the lead. A home win seems more likely.
Switzerland defeated the German Under 21 side back in September and were expected to set the pace at this level. It makes this match even more compelling.
These two teams have only met once before. Switzerland won a close game 23-21 in Switzerland in 1998 as part of the then FIRA seeding process.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Lithuania 23rd, Switzerland 26th
Prediction: Lithuania too strong at home, to win by 12 points.
Teams
Lithuania Squad
Tomas Astrauskas (RC Salda Siauliai)
Dainius Baltrukenas (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Rokas Daknys (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Ignas Darkintis (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Mindaugas Grigas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Vilius Kucinas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Irmantą Kukulskį (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Gediminas Liutkus (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Kestutis Marcisauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Andrius Martinskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Mindaugas Misevicius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Darius Nosys (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Egidijus Petronis (RC Kursiai Klaipeda)
Žygimantą Radžių (RC Salda Siauliai)
Audrius Ramancionis (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Edmundas Scavinskas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Paulių Šertvytį (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Donatas Streckis (RC Kursiai Klaipeda)
Augustiną Terlecką (RC "Geležinis Vilkas" Vilniaus)
Laurynas Tipelis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Justinas Vasiliauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Tomas Zibolis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Edvardą Žilių (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Head coach - Anatolijus Smirnovas
Lithuania squad from http://www.kaunas.lt/regbis/
“Seems that Mariaus Andrijausko, Gedimino Marcišausko, Mindaugo Šiumberevičiaus, Aleksandro Čiuchlejaus and Tomo Stungio who were in squad for Andorra are all unavailable”
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2913
Swiss Team
Not available
For lists of international rugby results played by Lithuania, and by Switzerland, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Test Rugby: Israel v Bulgaria
15.11.2008
Israel v Bulgaria in Pernik (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Preview
Israels last test match was against Cyprus back in early September. That match was carried over from earlier in the year, being the ENC 3C-3D playoff. The Israeli 23-14 win lifted them into ENC 3C.
This match is Bulgaria's first for the new season. Last season they were relegated from ENC 3B. The Bulgarians are a tough team to play on their home soil, managing wins at home over Austria and Norway since 2006.
Previous Encounters
08.06.2003 Bulgaria 25-23 in Ibisa, Spain (ENC 3C, Final)
21.05.2000 Israel 37-16 in Herzliya (FIRA D2)
24.04.1999 Isreal 11-10 in Sofia (FIRA D)
There was a time a few years ago when these two teams met in some stirring encounters, famous of which was the ENC 3C final back in 2003 when 3C was the emerging nations division and was held on the Spanish Island of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. A close encounter saw a Bulgarian win and a promotion. The two teams are now back together again in the same division. I suspect the Bulgarians will be too strong at home.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 32nd, Israel 37th.
Prediction: Bulgaria by 30 points
Teams
Not available
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Israel and by Bulgaria go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Israel v Bulgaria in Pernik (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Preview
Israels last test match was against Cyprus back in early September. That match was carried over from earlier in the year, being the ENC 3C-3D playoff. The Israeli 23-14 win lifted them into ENC 3C.
This match is Bulgaria's first for the new season. Last season they were relegated from ENC 3B. The Bulgarians are a tough team to play on their home soil, managing wins at home over Austria and Norway since 2006.
Previous Encounters
08.06.2003 Bulgaria 25-23 in Ibisa, Spain (ENC 3C, Final)
21.05.2000 Israel 37-16 in Herzliya (FIRA D2)
24.04.1999 Isreal 11-10 in Sofia (FIRA D)
There was a time a few years ago when these two teams met in some stirring encounters, famous of which was the ENC 3C final back in 2003 when 3C was the emerging nations division and was held on the Spanish Island of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands. A close encounter saw a Bulgarian win and a promotion. The two teams are now back together again in the same division. I suspect the Bulgarians will be too strong at home.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 32nd, Israel 37th.
Prediction: Bulgaria by 30 points
Teams
Not available
For lists of all international rugby tests played by Israel and by Bulgaria go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/
Rugby Test: Slovakia v Bosnia Herzegovina
15.11.2008
Slovakia v Bosnia Herzegovina (ENC 3D)
Preview
ENC Divison 3D is the only level of European international rugby that does not qualify for 2011 Rugby World Cup qualification. The incentive is to be the leading side after 2 rounds (2 seasons) and thus be able to be in the World Cup qualifying rounds for 2015.
At this early stage Bosnia Herzegovina, relegated from ENC 3C, look to be way out in front. Their 52-5 win over Monaco, away, back in October, confirmed that. This is their second away game and , provided they can travel with much the same squad that went to Monaco, they should win again.
Slovakia lost to Cyprus 8-38 last year in Cyprus and Cyprus had earlier defeated Monaco 19-10 to give some idea of Slovakia's strength. Most of Slovakia's players either play for the only club in Bratislava or for Czech clubs over the border but they will find the Bosnians too slick.
This is the first time these two teams have met.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia Herzegovina 38th, Slovakia 40th
Prediction: Bosnia Herzegovina by 40 points.
Teams
Slovakia Squad
Martin Čmiel (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) 2 tests
Ondřej Hankovski (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.) 4
Richard Hladík (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) New Cap
David Hughes (RC Slovan Bratislava) 3
Richard Januš (RC Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) 3
Jan Klokner (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.) 3
Patrik Kovacs (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) New Cap
Pavel Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) 3
Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) 3
Josef Kučera (RK Petrovice, Czech Republic) 1
Michal Kučera (Náměšť na Hané, Czech Republic) 1
Tomáš Kurka (RC Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) 3
Martin Majovský (RC Slovan Bratislava) 2
Marcel Mana (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) 5@
Jan Mandičák (RK Petrovice) New Cap
Martin Mihálik (RC Slovan Bratislava) 1
Viktor Ondroušek (RC Jimi Vyškov, Czech Republic) 5@
Patrik Poledna (Náměšť na Hané, Czech Republic) 4
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan Bratislava) 4
Anthony Puverle (RC Slovan Bratislava) 5@
Jaroslav Stoklásek (RC Zlín, Czech Republic) 5*@
Marek Ujček (RC Slovan Bratislava) New Cap
Head Coach: Pavel Lištván
http://slovan.rugby.cz/slovensko-vs-bosna-hercegovina
* Added to squad
@ Have played in all Slovak tests to date.
Bosnia Herzegovina
Not available
For complete lists of all Slovakia and of all Bosnia Herzegovina test results, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
Slovakia v Bosnia Herzegovina (ENC 3D)
Preview
ENC Divison 3D is the only level of European international rugby that does not qualify for 2011 Rugby World Cup qualification. The incentive is to be the leading side after 2 rounds (2 seasons) and thus be able to be in the World Cup qualifying rounds for 2015.
At this early stage Bosnia Herzegovina, relegated from ENC 3C, look to be way out in front. Their 52-5 win over Monaco, away, back in October, confirmed that. This is their second away game and , provided they can travel with much the same squad that went to Monaco, they should win again.
Slovakia lost to Cyprus 8-38 last year in Cyprus and Cyprus had earlier defeated Monaco 19-10 to give some idea of Slovakia's strength. Most of Slovakia's players either play for the only club in Bratislava or for Czech clubs over the border but they will find the Bosnians too slick.
This is the first time these two teams have met.
GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bosnia Herzegovina 38th, Slovakia 40th
Prediction: Bosnia Herzegovina by 40 points.
Teams
Slovakia Squad
Martin Čmiel (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) 2 tests
Ondřej Hankovski (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.) 4
Richard Hladík (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) New Cap
David Hughes (RC Slovan Bratislava) 3
Richard Januš (RC Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) 3
Jan Klokner (Sokol Mariánské Hory, Czech Rep.) 3
Patrik Kovacs (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) New Cap
Pavel Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) 3
Petr Kozubík (RC Havířov, Czech Republic) 3
Josef Kučera (RK Petrovice, Czech Republic) 1
Michal Kučera (Náměšť na Hané, Czech Republic) 1
Tomáš Kurka (RC Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) 3
Martin Majovský (RC Slovan Bratislava) 2
Marcel Mana (Lokomotiva Olomouc, Czech Rep.) 5@
Jan Mandičák (RK Petrovice) New Cap
Martin Mihálik (RC Slovan Bratislava) 1
Viktor Ondroušek (RC Jimi Vyškov, Czech Republic) 5@
Patrik Poledna (Náměšť na Hané, Czech Republic) 4
Daniel Puha (RC Slovan Bratislava) 4
Anthony Puverle (RC Slovan Bratislava) 5@
Jaroslav Stoklásek (RC Zlín, Czech Republic) 5*@
Marek Ujček (RC Slovan Bratislava) New Cap
Head Coach: Pavel Lištván
http://slovan.rugby.cz/slovensko-vs-bosna-hercegovina
* Added to squad
@ Have played in all Slovak tests to date.
Bosnia Herzegovina
Not available
For complete lists of all Slovakia and of all Bosnia Herzegovina test results, go to www.rugbyinternational.net
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