Test Match: Old Rivals Chile and Uruguay Clash in the Final.

Uruguay lineup mid-week against Brazil. Image thanks to Cheese Estudio

02.05.2009

Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.Final)

Previews

This final clash was predicted long before this tournament begun. The rivalry between these two teams goes back to the very early days of South American rugby. Their results against Paraguay and Brazil over the last week are even, with Uruguay claiming favouritism with two 70+ wins. They will also be playing at home and their record against Chile is convincing.

Last Five Encounters

22.11.2008 Uruguay 46-12 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)

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 Sth.Am.Champ. Div.A)

01.05.2004 Uruguay 20-13 in Santiago (25th S.Amer. Champ; Div.A)

These two teams first met in Buenos Aires in 1948. Chile won 21-3.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Sth America Table-Uruguay 2nd, Chile 3rd.

Prediction: Uruguay by 17 points

Teams are not available

Test Match:Brazil and Paraguay Battle for Pride.

02.05.2009

Brazil v Paraguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A Prelim.)

Previews

Paraguay has been dominant over their neighbours on the rugby field until last year. Brazil won the right to participate in Round 2 of the Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying by firstly defeating Paraguay 15-6 in Asuncion last year to take the CONSUR B title, and then defeat the NAWIRA B title holder Trinidad and Tobago, home and away 2-0.

Brazil lost 3-79 to Chile last weekend, and then 3-71 to Uruguay mid-week. Paraguay lost 7-85 to Uruguay last weekend, and then 13-34 to Chile mid-week. On those results Paraguay look the more favoured to turn the tables on their old foe.

Last Five Encounters

19.06.2008 Brazil 15-6 in Asuncion (WCQ Am.R1; CONSUR B) 02.10.2005 Paraguay 45-8 in Asuncion (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR B)16.10.2004 Paraguay 22-17 in Sao Paulo (CONSUR B) 23.05.2002 Paraguay 27-16 in Asuncion (S.America Prom-Rel.)

Brazil and Paraguay first played each other in a test match in 1970.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Sth America Table-Brazil 4th, Paraguay 6th

Prediction: Well, I'm going for the Brazilians to make their mark and defeat Paraguay twice in a row. Brazil by 5 points.

Teams not available

International Rugby: Sweden v Croatia

02.05.2009
Croatia v Sweden in Split (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)

Preview
The Netherlands has already qualified for the next round of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Therefor this match has no consequence in that regards. The focus will be on the second round of this competition. With only one loss Croatia is in a better position to challenge the leaders and look for promotion.

So far this round Sweden have defeated Latvia 21-5, but lost to Malta 6-9 and Netherlands 24-36. Croatia have defeated Malta 18-16, lost to Netherlands 10-29 and Malta 19-32.

These two teams have not met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Sweden 20th, Croatia 22nd

Prediction: Sweden by 7 points

Teams

Croatia Squad
Vedran Antić (RK Nada)
Tony Begovich (Waitemata RFC, New Zealand)
Ante Blažević-Bandov (RK Nada)
Mate Borozan (RK Nada)
Tonči Buzov (RK Nada)
Branimir Čolić (RK Berlin, Germany)
Goran Čulić (RK Nada)
Josip Dedić (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Duje Grubišić (RK Nada)
Većeslav Holjevac (RK Zagreb)
Jakov Jerčić (RK Nada)
Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)
Igor Letica (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Andrej Mihalj (RK Mladost)
Josip Mrkoci (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Alek Osmanović (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Miroslav Pregun (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Ivica Nino Rubelj (RK Nada)
Boško Sabljić (RK Nada)
Saša Sekovanec (RK Nada)
Ivica Šimić (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Aleksandar-Saša Slijepčević (RK Nada)
Ivan Šuta (RK Mladost)
Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)
Vlado Ursić (RK Nada)
Head Coach: Jakša Lovreta
http://nada-rugby.hr/content/view/789/2/

Sweden Squad
Thomas Arvidsson (Fredriksberg RF. Denmark)
Andreas Bruhn (Göteborg RF) age 35
Fredrik Casselhag (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Roger de Jager
Nils Edström Hannes Eriksson (Vänersborg RK)
Eshan Fadaker (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Linus Hector (Vänersborg RK) 24
Mak Jelec
Richard Johansson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Timothy Johansson (Enköping RK) age 23
Douglas Lidberg (Göteborg RF) 25
Paul Matthews (Göteborg RF) 35
Nico Parmelund (Göteborg RF) 26
Viktor Pettersson (Enköping RK) 23
Lee Sandberg
Paul Sullivan (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Seteraki Tegunimataka (Pingvin RC) 24
Alex Taylor (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Mathias Thorhard (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Olof Wadell (Enköping RK)
Erik Wikström (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Head Coach: Robban Boström
Manager: Mike Tatu 42
http://www.rugby.se/t2.asp?p=5122&x=1&a=1168722

Test Rugby: Lithuania is the Team.

02.05.2009
Lithuania v Serbia in Vilnius (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 3A)


Preview
Lithuania is the European team on the rise. They have won their last twelve tests in a row stretching back to October 2006. They are favoured to take the first leg of this pool and thus progress to the Rugby World Cup playoffs.

Serbia is a team that has improved out of sight since their shock 0-41 loss to Armenia in the first game. Since then they have defeated Andorra (who in turn defeated Armenia) and Switzerland 12-6.

Lithuania has defeated Andorra 26-10 and Switzerland 33-0. If they win against Serbia they then face Armenia next weekend.


Previous Encounter
20.05.1998 Yugoslavia 44-0 in Belgrade (FIRA Silver)

Well, not much can be read into that result. Yugoslavia has now broken up into the political and rugby identities of Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia


GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Lithuania 21st; Serbia 24th


Prediction: Lithuania by 21 points.


Teams

Serbia Squad
Dalibor Antic (RK Partizan)
Danilo Bulatovic (RK Partizan)
Igor Dejanovic (RK Partizan)
Vladimir Djukic (RK Pobednik)
Aleksandar Đorđević (KBRK-Belgrade)
Andrija Jankovic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Vladimir Jelic (Rugby Falconara Dinamis ASD, Italy)
Milos Joksimovic (RK Partizan)
Marko Kapor (RK Pobednik)
Dalibor Koracak (RK Partizan)
Boris Martic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Nenad Matejic (RK Partizan)
Marko Milosavljevic (RK Partizan)
Ivan Nicic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Milan Orlovic (RK Pobednik)
Aleksandar Petrovic (RK Partizan)
Ivan Pirkovic (RK Pobednik)
Milan Rastovac (RK Pobednik)
Ivan Rodic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Nemanja Simonovic (RK Pobednik)
Nikola Simonovic (RK Pobednik)
Vojislav Stanković (RK Pobednik)
Dejan Tasic (RK Partizan)
Miladin Zivanov (RK Pobednik)
Head Coach: Kristijan Zagar

http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/index.html

Lithuania Squad
Marius Andrijauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Tomas Astrauskas (RC Salda Siauliai)
Dainius Baltrukenas (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Ernestas Bartkevicius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Mindaugas Grigas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Maksimas Guseinovas (RC Salda Siauliai)
Vilius Kucinas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Irmantą Kukulskį (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Gediminas Liutkus (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Gediminas Marcisauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Kestutis Marcisauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Darius Nosys (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Žygimantąs Radžiųs (RC Salda Siauliai)
Kestutis Ryskus (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Edmundas Scavinskas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Paulius Šertvitis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Richardas Stankus (RC Salda Siauliai)
Gediminas Svoba (RC Salda Siauliai)
Adrius Tatorius (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Laurynas Tipelis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Justinas Vasiliauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Saimonas Virbickas (English Club?)
Head coach - Anatolijus Smirnovas

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3112

Rugby Test: The Fins Travel to Israel

02.05.2009
Finland v Israel at Netanya (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 3C)


Preview
There is more interest in Israel's clash with Slovenia next weekend. Israel has already qualified for the next round playoff and face the ENC 3B first round winner from the Adriatic. Israel will be usung this match as a warm up for this vital clash.

Little rests on the result of this match. Finland has struggled so far in this round. There only real hope is to catch the Israelies under prepared and unmotivated.


Previous Encounters
31.05.2008 Israel 22-12 in Netanya (ENC 3C)
02.06.2007 Finland 27-20 in Helsinki (ENC 3C)
02.06.2004 Israel 24-15 in Beauvais (ENC 3C, Semi-final)


GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Israel 32nd, Finland 37th


Prediction: Israel by 16 points.


Teams are unavaliable.

Rugby Test Results 29 April

29.04.2009
Chile 34, Paraguay 13 in Montevideo
Uruguay 71, Brazil 3

Reviews
By all accounts the 'Condors' team that defeated Paraguay was not at full strength. Not sure about the Uruguay lineup. Still we have an interesting finale come Saturday. Two even-looking teams in Chile and Uruguay to contest the CONSUR A Preliminary final. And again two even teams in Brazil and Paraguay to play for the Wooden Spoon.

International Test Rugby This Weekend 2 May

02.05.2009
Russia v Germany in Hannover (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 1)
Hong Kong v Japan in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan v Korea in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.)
Brazil v Paraguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A Preliminary)
Croatia v Sweden in Split (WCQ Euro. R3; ENC 2B)
Lithuania v Serbia in Vilnius (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 3A)
Israel v Finland in Netanya (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3C)

Test Rugby Today: 29 April

29.04.2009
Uruguay v Brazil in Montevideo (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.)
Chile v Paraguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A Preliminary)

Reviews
Both Brazil and Paraguay suffered heavy defeats in the weekend and I expect much the same today. Unfortunately the real contests are coming up this Saturday when Paraguay and Brazil face up, whilst Chile and Uruguay meet to decide the Preliminary winner.

The winner of the Chile v Uruguay decides 1st and 2nd placings in this the Preliminary round of CONSUR A. 2nd place-getter will face Argentina 'A' mid-May. The winner of that semi-final plays the 1st place in the Preliminary, thus being the CONSUR A final.

Predictions: Uruguay by 70 v Brazil
Chile by 80 v Paraguay.

Test Rugby: One more result

25.04.2009
Uruguay 85, Paraguay 7 in Montevideo (CONSUR A Prelim.)

This result slipped by me. It was originally advertised as being on Sunday.

Rugby Test Results 25 April

25.04.2009
Japan 87, Kazakhstan 10 in Osaka (Asia5Nations)
Korea 65, Singapore 0 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
Netherlands 27, Malta 9 in La Valette (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)
Croatia 21, Latvia 13 in Makarska (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)
Denmark 27, Austria 6 in Linz (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3B)
Slovenia 14, Norway 10 in Ljubliana (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)
Bulgaria 29, Finland 10 in Pernik (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)
Greece 17, Luxembourg 14 in Lux. (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)

Rugby Test: Brazilians Begin Test Dream

25.04.2009
Chile v Brazil in Santiago (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.)

Preview
It is extraordinary that Brazil will not play any of the next round of World Cup matches at home. Although Montevideo has been scheduled for the tournament that will see Brazil, Chile and Urguguay play for a place in the next round of qualifying, Brazil will travel to Chile to start proceedings.
Brazil defeated Trinidad and Tobago 31-8 and 24-12 in a home-away series to get a place in this tournament.

Paraguay, although eliminated from the World Cup, will join the other 3 South American rugby nations in the CONSUR A part of the tournament. The teams placed first and second will then face Argentina 'A' later in May for the right to be South American champions.

Last Five Encounters
13.10.2005 Chile 57-13 in Sao Paulo (WCQ America R2)
13.04.2002 Chile 46-6 in Sao Paulo (WCQ America R3)
1981 Brazil 13-9 in Sao Paulo (Sth America Champ.)
02.07.1981 Chile 33-3 in Montevideo (Sth.American Champ.)
1979 Chile 53-6 in Vina Del Mar (Sth.American Champ.)

Recent encounters has seen Chile win easily.

GWC Rugby Rankings: South America Table-Chile 3rd, Brazil 4th

Prediction: Chile by 60 points

Teams

Brazil Lineup
15 Erick Monfrinatti (São José RC)
14 Tulio Fiore (São José RC)
13 Moisés Duque (São José RC)
12 Fernando Portugal (Bandeirantes RC)
11 Daniel Gregg (Niterói RFC)
10 Lucas Duque (São José RC)
9 Julian Menutti (Bandeirantes RC)
8 Antonio Górios (Rio Branco RC)
7 Diego Lopez (Pasteur AC)
6 Pedro Rosa (Federal RC)
5 Jean-Marc Volland (São José RC)
4 Reges Comoretto (Desterro RC)
3 Sergio Jimenez (Desterro RC)
2 Daniel Danielewicz (Desterro RC)
1 Ramiro Mina (Bandeirantes RC)
Replacements
16 Leonardo Frota (Curitiba RC)
17 Ian Korolkovas (Bandeirantes RC)
18 André Fujita (São José RC)
19 João Luis da Ros (Desterro RC)
20 Henrique Dantas (São José RC)
21 Felipe Sant`Ana (Heaton Moor RFC, England)
22 Giuliano Passini (Rio Branco RC)
Head Coach: Pierre Paparemborde

http://www.feruchi.cl/fullnoticias.php?subaction=showfull&id=1240600118&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1
http://www.rugbymania.com.br/2009/ver_noticia08.asp?codigo=2049

Heaton Moor RFC is a South Manchester Rugby club. According to their web site, they have another Brazilian player on their lists as well as three Czech, one of which, Martin Snidal, has played test rugby for Czech Republic.

Chile Lineup
15 Javier Valderrama (Old John's) Age 23
14 Jose Luis Labbe (Old Mackayan's) 24
13 Rodrigo Coda (COBS) 30
12 Francisco De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's) 20
11 Pablo Llorens (Prince of Wales Country Club) 26
10 Cristian Onetto (COBS) 26
9 Tomas Olave (COBS) 26
8 Cristian Manzur (Univ. Catolica) 32
7 Matias Cabrera (Old Boys) 21
6 Paul Marsalli (Univ. Catolica) 24
5 Sergio Valdes (FC Auch, France) 30
4 Felipe O. Burgos (Troncos) 26
3 Sergio De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's) 22
2 Manuel Gurruchaga (Old John's) 25
1 Luka Salamunic (Old Boys) 20
Replacements
16 Felipe P. Burgos (Belgrano) 22
17 Francisco Deformes (Old Mackayan's) 29
18 Benjamin Del Solar (Old Boys) 20
19 Sebastian Aviles (Alumni) 20
20 Juan Pablo Perrota (Univ. Catolica) 21
21 Javier Reyes (Prince of Wales Country Club) 23
22 Fabio Moreno (Viña RC) 24
Head Coach: Daniel Graco

http://www.feruchi.cl/fullnoticias.php?subaction=showfull&id=1240600118&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1

Test Rugby: Malta play for Pride

25.04.2009
Malta v Netherlands in La Valette (WCQ Euro.R3, ENC 2B)

Preview
The Netherlands has already qualified for the next round of World Cup matches. This game is more about pride and playing for the best position to start the second round in ENC 2B.

Malta has had a very good season. They started with a heart-breaking last minute loss to Croatia and then just won against Sweden away. Last weekend they played impressively in Riga to defeat the struggling Latvians 32-19. That win should set them up well in what will be a struggle against the visiting Dutch. The predicted huge home-crowd support will be worth ten points to the locals.

It was only ten years ago that the Netherlands were playing in the top division of the European Nations Cup. They have slipped since then and are now climbing their way back towards the top. Having already qualified to the next level of World Cup rugby they can concentrate on playing well against the Maltese.

These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Netherlands 18th, Malta 19th

Prediction: Netherlands by 6 points.

International Rugby: Latvians in Croatia

25.04.2008
Croatia v Latvia in Makarska (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)

Preview
In this division the Netherlands has already qualified for the next round of World Cup Qualifiers. So the outcome of this test match is more about positioning ready for the second round of ENC 2B next season.

Latvia has had a miserable season so far, losing all its matches. Croatia have a game in hand after Latvia when they face Sweden at home. Croatia should come away with a win at home.

Previous Encounters
10.05.2008 Latvia 20-8 in Riga (ENC 2B)
31.03.2007 Latvia 27-7 in Makarska (ENC 2B)
17.05.1997 Croatia 43-23 in Makarska (WCQ Euro. Pool 1A)

On the basis of the last two encounters where Latvia has had the better of the scores, one would expect Latvia to win. But this season Latvia has really slipped away and I would expect the home side to win here.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Latvia 22nd, Croatia 23rd.

Prediction: Croatia by 15 points.

Teams

Croatia training squad
Tony Begovich (Waitemata RFC, New Zealand)
Ante Blažević-Bandov (RK Nada)
Mate Borozan (RK Nada)
Tomislav Burazin (RK Nada)
Tonči Buzov (RK Nada)
Branimir Čolić (RK Berlin, Germany)
Goran Čulić (RK Nada)
Josip Dedić (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Tvrtko Dumančić (RK Mladost)
Duje Grubišić (RK Nada)
Većeslav Holjevac (RK Zagreb)
Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)
Igor Letica (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Miroslav Mandić (RK Zagreb)
Andrej Mihalj (RK Mladost)
Josip Mrkoci (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Ante Olujić (RK Nada)
Alek Osmanović (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Miroslav Pregun (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Nino Rubelj (RK Nada)
Boško Sabljić (RK Nada)
Saša Sekovanec (RK Nada)
Ivica Šimić (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Saša Slijepčević (RK Nada)
Šuta Tamburić (RK Mladost)
Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)
Frane Ujaković (RK Mladost)
Vlado Ursić (RK Nada)
Head Coach: Jakša Lovreta

http://nada-rugby.hr/content/view/783/2/

Latvia
Details not available

Rugby Test: Kazakhs take on Japan

25.04.2009
Japan v Kazakhstan in Osaka (Asia5Nations)

Preview
Curiously Tokyo does not host a major test match in the first part of the season. The Pacific Nations Cup, usually played on a home-away basis, will this year be played in one venue, Fiji. All the Asia5Nations home games for Japan will be played in Osaka. That won't be on the Japanese team minds though as they prepare for the visiting Kazakhstanis.

Kazakhstan lost 6-82 in their 2008 clash with Japan at home. They will find playing away even more difficult. They travel without two of their star backs; Luke O'Callaghan (Bective Rangers, Ireland) and the massive boot of Maxim Lifantov, both injured. Their strength lies in their forward pack.

John Kirwan is in charge of the Japanese team again in 2009. For this tournament he has introduced a few new players. There are enough of the 'old heads' around to give this side plenty of solidity and speed which, I'm afraid, will be just too much for the visitors.

Previous Encounters
10.05.2008 Japan 82-6 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
10.12.1998 Japan XV 118-3 in Bangkok (Asia Games, Sec.2)

Kazakhstan's introduction to world rugby in 1998 was in the hands of a rampaging Japanese side in Bangkok. More of the same today?

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Japan 1st, Kazakhstan 4th

Prediction: Japan by 90 points

Teams

Japan
Loose head props
Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe) Age 26, 2 tests
Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo) 23, 1

Hookers
Yusuke Aoki (Suntory) 25, 12
Yoshimitsu Yasue (IBM/Kobe) 24, New Cap
Tateo Kanai (Suntory) 24, New Cap

Tight head props
Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory) 23, 2
Hiroshi Yamashita (Kobe) 23, New Cap
Shinsuke Nakamura (Nihon University) 21 New Cap

Lock Forwards
Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba) 30, 30
Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 27, 13
Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 27, 17
Yuji Kitagawa (Kanto Gakuin University) 22, 1

Flank Forwards
Takashi Kukutani, (Capt.) (Toyota) 29, 18
Phillip O’Reilly (Sanyo) 28, 8
Yoshitaka Nakayama (Toyota) 26, 6
Michael Leitch (Tokai University) 20, 2

No8
Touetsu Taufa (Kintetsu) 28, New Cap

Halfbacks
Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba) 27, 15
Yuki Yatomi (Yamaha) 24, 9
Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 24, 8

Five-eighths
Shaun Webb (World/Coca-Cola) 27, 9
Tatsuhiko Otao (Yamaha) 27, 1

Centre Three-quarters
Bryce Robins (NEC) 28, 21
Yuta Imamura (Kobe) 24, 20
Koji Taira (Suntory) 26, 11
Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 29, 9

Wing Three-quarters
Hirotoki Onozawa (Suntory) 30, 47
Jack Tarrant (Mitsubishi Sagamihara) 29, New Cap

Fullbacks
Hiroki Yoshida (Toshiba) 27, 4
Kaoru Matsushita (Yamaha) 25, 2
Ayumu Goromaru (Yamaha) 23, 4

Thanks to Ian McDonnell, RiJ.

Kazakhstan
Team not available.

Test Match: Singapore Are The New Guys

25.04.2009
Korea v Singapore in Seoul (Asia5Nations)

Preview
Singapore is the new team in this division, the top one in Asian rugby. The Singaporeans replaced the Arabian Gulf in 2008. Their task though will be just as tough as that of the Gulf who lost all their games at this level last year.

First up Singapore travel to Seoul to take on the Koreans. This will be a tough introduction.

Last Five Encounters
25.10.1994 Korea 90-3 in Kuala Lumper (14th Asia Champ.)
25.11.1986 Korea 41-9 in Bangkok (10th Asia Champ.)
22.11.1982 Korea 32-4 in Singapore (8th Asia Champ.)
09.11.1980 Korea 28-12 in Tainan (7th Asia Champ.)
16.11.1978 Korea 40-3 in Kuala Lumper (6th Asia Champ.)

All previous encounters were under the old Asia Championship system in which Korea had a clear superiority.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Korea 2nd, Singapore 5th

Prediction: Korea by 70 points.

Teams

Singapore Squad
FORWARDS:
Gaspar Tan
Andrew Douglas
Alex Muir
Nick Dance
Norman Sin
Chris Gilbert
Steve Horsfall
Gabriel Lee
Andrew Bennett
James Valintine
Jonathan Lee
Ben Wheeler

BACKS:
Andrew Lee
Tong Chin Hong
John Forrester
Ryan Cumbers
Mohd Ismail Kadir
Daniel Thiam
Desmond Wee
Beng Chuan Goh
Muhd Zaki Bin Mahmood
Gareth Pritchard

Korea Squad
Prop Forwards
Kim, Gwang Sik (Posco Steel) Age 24
Heo, Woong (Korea Army) 24
Kim, Sung Hwan (Korea Army) 23

Hookers
Hwang, Min Seo (Korea Army) 24
Park, Sung Ku, Capt.(Yamaha, Japan) 26

Lock Forwards
Kim, Young Nam (NNT Tacoma) 31
Jeong, Dae Ik (Korea Army) 24
Park, Seon Kyu (Korea Electronics) 27
Park, Soon Chai (Posco Steel) 24

Flank Forwards
Yeon, Kwon-woo (Korea Army) 24
Oh, Seoung Joung (Korea Army) 23
Mun, Sang Yong (Korea Army) 24

Number 8’s
Lee, Kwang Moon (Korea Electronics) 26
Han, Kun Kyu (Korea Army) 22

Scrum Halves
Park, Wanyong (Korea University) 25
Yang, Young Hun (Honda HIT) 29
Ahn, Senghyuk (NEC, Japan) 26

Fly Halves
Hong, Jun Ki (Korea Army) 26
Yoon, Tae-il (Samsung Heavy Industry) 26

Centre Three-quarters
Park, Noh Hoon (Korea Army) 23
Yoo, Min Hyung (Korea Electronics) 28
Kim, Sung Soo (Korea Electronics) 26
Kim, Won Yong (Korea Army) 23

Wing Three-quarters
Cha, Yo Han (Korea Army) 24
Choi, Si Won (Korea Army) 23
Kwon, Soo Kwang (Posco Steel) 27
Yoo, Chul Kyu (Korea Electronics) 27

Full Backs
Chae, Jae Young (Dea Sim Trade) 25
Kim, Keun Hyun (Korea Electronics) 28

Thanks to Yun Ja Young, Korea Rugby Union

Rugby Test: Danes and Austrians Meet.

25.04.2009
Austria v Denmark in Linz (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)

Preview
Both teams have already been eliminated from further World Cup qualifiers so both can concentrate on lifting their position on the points table. At the halfway stage for ENC 3B they both fare at the bottom.

Previous Encounters
08.04.2006 Denmark 16-5 in Frederika (ENC 3A)
09.04.2005 Denmark 16-3 in Frederika (WCQ Euro.R2, Pool B)

Strangely the last time these two teams met was in 2006. Since then both have been relegation to Division 3C.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Denmark 30th, Austria 35th

Prediction: Denmark by 13 points.

Teams

Austria
Nicolas Bignotti (ACBB, France)
Sebastian Borer (RC Donau)
Valentin Brandstetter (RC Donau)
Johannes Dachler (RC Donau)
Milad Farkondeh Fal (RC Donau)
Christoph Forchtner (RC Donau)
Sebastian Freydell (RC Donau)
Andreas Gaul (RC Donau)
Rudi Glock (Cooke RFC, Ireland)
Alberto Gomez (Stade Viennois)
Paul Hruschka (Wombats RC Wiener Neustadt)
Jean Baptiste Jilibert (Stade Viennois)
Marius Johannik (RC Donau)
Georg Kaiser (Stade Viennois)
Alexander Krauchenberg (RC Donau)
Martin Leidl (Wombats RC Wiener Neustadt )
Max Navas (RC Donau)
Maurer Patrick (Stade Viennois)
Wilfried Payer (Stade Viennois)
Ferdinand Richter (Vallé du Girou, France)
Yvan Weaver (Ireland ?)
Julian Zöchling (RC Doanu)
Head Coach: Gael Mouysset

Note: ACBB = CR Amateur de Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris.
Cooke RFC is located in Belfast.
Thanks to Ulrich Gutweniger, Communications, Austria Rugby Union.

Denmark
Kristian R. Andersen (Holstebro)
Søren Brobyskov, Capt. (CSR/Nanok RK)
Matias Dinesen (Frederiksberg RK)
Niels B. W. Godtfredsen (Aarhus RK)
Andrew Grantham (Aarhus RK)
Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK)
Mikkel Jakobsen (Aarhus RK)
Christian S. Jensen (Aarhus RK)
Niels Bjerg Jensen (CSR/Nanok RK)
Jesper G. Jensen (Lindø)
Johannes Mackeprang (RK Speed)
Sylvester Michaelsen (Aalborg)
Rasmus Mortensen (Aarhus RK)
Rasmus N. Mortensen (Aalborg)
Kasper Vad Pedersen (RK Speed)
Nathanael Smalley (Aarhus RK)
Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok RK)
Edward Stafford (Haywards Heath RFC, England)
Kenneth Steel (CSR/Nanok RK)
Kristoffer Vandborg (Frederiksberg RK)
Kiwa Whatarau (CSR/Nanok RK)
Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England)
Head Coach:

Same squad as v Norway
Thanks to Inger Marie Godvin, Sekretariatsleder/General Secretary, Dansk Rugby Union

International Test Rugby in Europe

25.04.2009
Slovenia v Norway in Ljubliana (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)

Preview
Slovenia has already qualified for the next round of the Rugby World Cup. Slovenia will have one eye on the team from ENC 3C they will next play in the World Cup qualifying process. That team will be Israel. So Norway could catch a distracted Slovenian squad. With nothing else to play for, Norway will be looking to defeat Slovenia and position itself ready to pounce on the leading teams and promotion in 2010.

Previous Encounters
These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Slovenia 28th, Norway 31st.

Prediction: Slovenia by 17 points.

Teams

Norway
Stein Ove Kristensen - Trondheim RK
Andreas Fyri - Oslo RK
Håkon Stengrimsen _ Holstebro RK
Johannes Stoltz - Oslo RK
Karl Frisch - Bergen RK
Alexander Lewendon - Stavanger RK
Stian Røstberg - Bergen RK
Eivind Lunde - Stavanger RK
Pascal Raclin - Oslo RK
Kristoffer Borsheim - Stavanger RK
Andrew Fraser Smith - Oslo RK
Joe Greenshields - Bergen RK
Espen Engevik - Stavanger RK
Glenn Collins - Oslo RK
Wesley Chibaya - Tønsberg RK
Andrei Hanger - Cheltenham RFC, England
Fredrik Skovly - Oslo RK
Roger Yttervik - Tønsberg RK
Francis Hunt - Oslo RK
Neal Hughes - Stavanger RK
Tim Edstrøm - Bergen RK
Thomas Bichard Breau - Oslo RK

Management:
Coach - John Chappell - Ponteland RFC

http://www.rugby.no/les.asp?ID=669

Slovenia
15 David Cerar (RK Bežigrad)
14 Matej Kos (RK Ljubjana)
13 Goran Jelenčič (RK Bežigrad)
12 Peter Kavčič (RK Ljubjana)
11 Aljaž Kralj (RK Ljubjana)
10 Damjan Ahačič (RK Ljubjana)
9 Urban Magušar (RAK Olimpija)
8 Damjan Jovič (?)
7 Grega Miljuš (RK Ljubjana)
6 Tit Hočevar (Oxford Harlequins, England)
5 Žarko Krsmanovič (RK Ljubjana)
4 Peter Gobec (RK Ljubjana)
3 Miroslav Lazič (RK Ljubjana)
2 Jošt Slapničar (RK Ljubjana)
1 Borut Završan (RAK Olimpija)
Replacements
16 Lovro Sambol (RK Bežigrad)
17 Luka Potnik (RAK Olimpija)
18 Damjan Volavšek (RK Ljubjana)
19 Žle
20 Urban Volavšek (RK Ljubjana)
21 Marko Gumzej (RK Bežigrad)
22 Luka Miklič (RAK Olimpija)

http://www.rugby-klub-ljubljana.si/inde ... ice&id=236

Rugby Test: Finland Journey to Bulgaria

25.04.2009
Finland v Bulgaria in Pernik (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)


Preview
Both these teams are no longer able to qualify further in the World Cup. They are playing to drag themselves off the bottom of the points table in ENC 3C, and of course for pride. Although only at the half-way stage in the ENC competition, these two teams look likely to be the ones who will be fighting to avoid relegation in 2010.

Bulgaria were easily defeated by Greece two weeks ago but always play better at home (although they did lose to Israel at home earlier in the season).

Finland has lost all its games so far and has two opportunities in which to advance. There is this game against Bulgaria, and then a game against Israel who have already qualified.

Previous Encounters
30.10.2004 Bulgaria 50-3 in Sofia (WCQ Europe, Round 1)
18.09.2004 Bulgaria 42-3 in Helsinki (WCQ Europe R1)
06.06.2003 Bulgaria 42-3 in Ibisa, Spain (ENC 3C, Semi-final)

The Bulgarians have a healthy record in the past against the Finns but I think Finland has improved their standard whilst I believe the Bulgarians have remained static.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 34th, Finland 37th

Prediction: Bulgaria by 21 points.

Teams

Finland Squad
Andras Devenyi (Helsinki Rugby Football Club) Age 33
Thomas Finell (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 25
Micke Holmström (Tampere Rugby Club)
Matthew Jordan (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 24
Topi Karjalainen (Lahti Sisu Rugby Club)
Jussi Kivelä (Tampere Rugby Club)
Mauno Konttila (Tampere Rugby Club)
Antti Lammi (Jyväskylä Rugby Club) 26
Jussi Latvala (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club)
Otto Nojonen (Tampere Rugby Club)
Erik Pekkola (Helsinki RFC)
Juha Rainvuori (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 22
Stuart Reynish (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 34
Riku Ryynänen (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 27
Joonas Santala (Helsinki RFC) 24
Sami Sarkki (Turku Eagles Rugby Football Club) 22
Ville Siiskonen
Christian Skogholm
Stephen Whittaker (Helsinki Rugby Football Club) 32
Valtteri Valtia (Helsinki Warriorrs RFC) 22
Jaakko Vilen (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 27
Lauri Ylönen (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 28
Head Coach: Lee Bolger (UK)

Thanks to Heta Lampinen, Suomen Rugbyliiton puheenjohtaja, and to http://rugbyliitto.sporttisaitti.com/ti ... ?num=13434

Test Rugby: Are the Greeks on a roll?

25.04.2009
Greece v Luxembourg in Cessange (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)

Preview
The Greeks did their cause no harm when they defeated Bulgaria a few weeks ago. It placed them second to Israel on the table and from there in a good position to be promoted to ENC 3B for 2010-12. Israel, though, has already qualified for the next round of World Cup qualifiers because they have alrady defeated Greece. Still, the Greeks have placed themselves well and truely on the European rugby map.

For Greece this will be their 12th international rugby test and three players have played in them all. Wing and captain Chris Fiotakis, centre Georgos Tsatsaronis and back row forward Phillipos Sotiriadis.

Previous Encounters
These two teams will meet for the first time

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Greece 33rd, Luxembourg 36th

Prediction: Greece by 10 points

Teams

Greece squad
Forwards
Tamaz Tsakalides (Macedones Evosmos)
Antonis Demertzis (Athens Spartans)
Mikele Jorgo (Wits University, South Africa)
Niko Christodoulakis (Wits University, South Africa)
Marios Goumagias (Iraklis)
Filippos Sotiriadis (Athens Rugby)
Nikos Mavreas (Athens Rugby)
Nikos Hatzinikos (Rhodes
Kostas Karandreas (Athens Rugby)
Nathan Courcelle (Springbox Attica)
Vassilis Poulopoulos (Springbox Attica)
Vangelis Nastas (Athens Rugby)

Backs
Vasilis Katsakos (Athens Rugby)
Nikos Revelas (Wits University, South Africa)
Jinok Lee (Springbox Attica)
Georgos Tsatsaronis (Athens Rugby)
Giorgos Kouroumichakis (Iraklis)
Chris Fiotakis, Capt. (Nice Cote d'Azur, France)
Alex Mendoros (Burnley RFC, England)
Thodoris Fotiou (Thessaloniki Lions)
Beka Bekaouri (Macedones Evosmos)
Alexandros Gounaris (Springbox Attica)

Head Coach: Nikos Petropoulos

http://sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=3154

Luxembourg
Nicolas Abel
William Bond
Steven Clarke
Julien Da-Col
Michele Englaro
Paul Evans (Captain)
Jonathan Flynn
Nicholas Geoffreys
Alexander Goodhew
Loic Herve
Stuart Kelly
Ronan Kuczaj
Willy Lafaysse
Adam Marcus
Scott McKinlay
Christophe Narcisse
Glenn Nordahl
Thomas Picherit
Euan Roger
Timothee Seite
Nigel Sharplin
Adrien Timmermans
Head Coach: Marty Davis

http://sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=3154

Rugby Tests This Weekend 25 April

25.04.2009
Japan v Kazakhstan in Osaka (Asia5Nations)
Korea v Singapore in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
Chile v Brazil in Santiago (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.)
Malta v Netherlands in La Valette (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)
Croatia v Latvia in Makarska (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
Austria v Denmark 9n Linz (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3B)
Slovenia v Norway in Ljubliana (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3B)
Finland v Bulgaria in Pernik (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Greece v Luxembourg in Lux. (WCQ Euro.R5;ENC 3C)

26.04.2009
Uruguay v Paraguay in Montevideo (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A prelim.)

This weekend is huge in international rugby. This great international game is being played at the highest level in three of the continents. I'll be honest and say that with some other committments I have this weekend I'll be struggling to keep up with them all.

The Asia5Nations begins. Eyes will be on not who wins but on who loses. The last placed team will be relegated to Asia Nations Division 1 (to be replaced by Arabian Gulf). For it is in 2010 that the Asian qualifiers for the 2011 Rugby World Cup will be determined.

In Europe the halfway stage of the FIRA-AER 2008-10 competition is about to conclude. It is at this stage that teams will qualify for the next round of the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying in Europe.

Look out for the Netherlands. They must defeat Malta to ensure they proceed. Keep an eye on Croatia for if they win their next two games, and the Netherlands lose against Malta, they will be in.

Next, keep an eye on Slovenia. Only just promoted this season, they only need to defeat Norway at home and they are through. If they lose then Hungary will go through.

In Division 3C Greece will need to defeat Luxembourg away and then hope that Finland defeats Israel next weekend. At this stage Israel look likely to take this division.

In South America both the CONSUR A competition and the World Cup qualifiers get underway, with the main competition in Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital. The CONSUR A preliminary places 1st and 2nd will have to face Argentina 'A' later in May.

So its all happening this weekend in the world of rugby union.

Test Rugby Results Saturday 18 April

18.04.2009
Netherlands 36, Sweden 24 in Amsterdam (WCQ Euro. R3; ENC 2B)
Malta 32, Latvia 19 in Riga (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
Hungary 25, Austria 12 in Estzergom (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)

Test Rugby: Swedes Invade The Netherlands

18.04.2009
Sweden v Netherlands in Amsterdam (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)

Preview
A win by the Netherlands will almost guarantee them a spot in the European cut for the Rugby World Cup next round. The Netherlands would then only have to win against Malta to be in. Sweden have a chance if they defeat the Dutch. They are in second place behind the Netherlands. The Swedes won comfortably against Latvia but caused a major suprise by dropping their home game against Malta.

The Netherlands first played Sweden in 1965, winning 23-5. In recent times the Netherlands have dropped two divisions since their ENC Division 1 days of the late 1990's, whilst Sweden have dropped from ENC 2A to ENC 2B in more recent times.

Last Five Encounters
23.04.2005 Netherlands 24-17 in Amsterdam (WCQ Euro.R3, Pool C)
08.05.2004 Netherlands 16-0 in Stockholm (ENC 2A)
03.05.2003 Netherlands 39-26 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
07.05.1994 Netherlands 44-6 in Vanersborg (Friendly)
06.11.1993 Netherlands 31-6 in Amsterdam (WCQ Euro. B1)

Netherlands have had the better of their recent encounters. My records show that Sweden last defeated the Netherlands back in 1971, 6-0.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Netherlands 18th, Sweden 20th.

Prediction: Netherlands by 14 points

Teams

Netherlands
Bart Jan Alting (RC Hilversum) 8 Tests
Jordy Bonhof (LRC Diok) 5
Costin Buburuzan (RC The Dukes) New Cap
Koen Buseman (Haagsche RC) 11
Boudewijn De Rouw (RC The Dukes) 10
Henry Eikemans (RC The Dukes) 2
Tjebbe Jehee (LSRG Leiden) 8
Allard Jonkers , Capt.(RC ‘t Gooi) 33
Titus Klumper (LRC Diok) 4
Jason Knox (RC ‘t Gooi) 4
Rik Roovers (REL) 4
Robert Rijnholt (RC Hilversum) 5
Roger Scheffer (LRC Diok) 10
Piet Hein Schram (RC ’t Gooi) 24
Timothy Schumacher (LRC Diok) 42
Peter Te Kulve (Utrechtse RC) 1
Miquèl Van Der Cruijssen (RC ’t Gooi) 10
Robert Van Trigt (RC Hilversum) 6
Bart Viguurs (RC The Dukes) 16
Gerard Viguurs (RC The Dukes)14
Sep Visser (RC Hilversum) New Cap
Stefan Vos (RC The Dukes) New Cap
Anton Werth (RC ‘t Gooi) 4
Head Coach: Hugues Dispas

Thanks to Jacqueline Reus, Nederlandse Rugby Bond

Sweden
Timothy Johansson (Enköping RK)
Eirik Lundqvist (Enköping RK)
Robert Nave (Enköping RK)
Viktor Pettersson (Enköping RK)
Olof Wadell (Enköping RK)
Thomas Brown (Stckholm Exiles RFC)
Paul Sullivan (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Thomas Arvidsson (Fredriksberg RF. Denmark)
Alan Letele (Göteborg RF)
Douglas Lidberg (Göteborg RF)
Paul Matthews (Göteborg RF)
Nico Parmelund (Göteborg RF)
Fredrik Casselhag (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Eshan Fadaker (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Richard Johansson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Mathias Thorhard (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Erik Wikström (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Magnus MacDonald (London Scottish RFC, England)
Alex Taylor (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Seteraki Tegunimataka (Pingvin RC)
Hannes Eriksson (Vänersborg RK)
Linus Hector (Vänersborg RK)
Head Coach: Robban Boström

http://www.rugby.se/t2.asp?p=5122&x=1&a=1166641 and thanks to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3088

International Rugby: Malta travels to Latvia

18.04.2009
Malta v Latvia in Riga (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)


Preview

After performing creditably at this level of competition over 2006-08, Latvia are having a lean season. They have lost comfortably to both Sweden and the Netherlands and now lie at the bottom of the table. More bad news is that their Russian professionals Uldis Saulite and Jurijs Baranovs, who play for Russian club Krasnoyarsk''Jenisej-STMs'', will not be available for this game and next weekend's game against Croatia.


Malta has been in two nail-biting finishes so far this season. They lost to Croatia by two points at home and then caused an upset by defeating Sweden away 9-6. Strengthened by a good number of England-based players they can only improve.

Previous Encounters
17.11.2007 Malta 16-13 in Marsa (ENC 2B)
28.10.2006 Latvia 27-16 in Riga (ENC 2B)
24.04.2004 Malta 10-8 in Riga (ENC 3B)

These contests have tended to be close in the past

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Malta 19th, Latvia 22nd

Prediction: Malta by 5 points.

Teams
Not yet available

Test Rugby: Both Austria and Hungary Seek Victory: UPDATED

18.04.2009
Austria v Hungary in Estzergom (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)

Preview
Both Austria and Hungary need to win this game for very different reasons. For Austria it is simply survival. For Hungary it is to have a crack at a Rugby World Cup spot.

Austria were shunted down to the bottom of the table with Denmark's shock 20-18 win against Norway last weekend. They have played fewer games than the other teams. As well as Hungary, Austria still has to play Denmark. So they have two opportunities to improve their position. I fear they will struggle.

Hungary needs to win to keep up with competition pass makers and suprise package Slovenia. Newly promoted from ENC 3C, Slovenia remain undefeated and Hungary looks to be their only threat as this competition nears the halfway stage. The Hungarians will also be out for revenge against the Austrians who defeated then 9-6 last year in Vienna, the final match of the season.

Previous Encounters
08.06.2008 Austria 9-6 in Vienna (ENC 3B)
21.04.2007 Hungary 27-5 in Dunaujvaros (ENC 3A)
29.04.2000 Hungary 48-18 in Budapest (FIRA D1)
10.04.1999 Austria 33-7 in Vienna (FIRA Pool B)
23.05.1998 Austria 24-12 in Budapest (FIRA Bronze B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Hungary 29th, Austria 34th.

Prediction: Hungary by 30 points.

Teams

Austria
Musheg Aslanyan (Vienna Celtic RFC)
Nicolas Bignotti (ACBB)
Valentin Brandstetter (RC Donau)
Johannes Dachler (RC Donau)
Milad Farkhondeh-Fal (RC Donau)
Christoph Forchtner (RC Donau)
Sebastian Freydell (?)
Andreas Gaul, Capt. (RC Donau)
Alberto Gomez (Stade Viennois)
Paul Hrushka (Wombat RC Wiener Neustadt)
Jean-Baptiste Jilibert (Stade Viennois)
Marius Johannik (RC Donau)
Alexander Krauchenberger (RC Donau)
Martin Leidl (Wombats RC Wiener Neustadt)
Patrick Maurer (Stade Viennois)
Max Navas (RC Donau)
Thomas Österreicher (RC Linz)
Wilfried Payer (Stade Viennois)
Ferdinand Richter (Vallée du Girou, France)
Carli Sinbrunner (RC Innsbruck)
Julian Zöchling (RC Donau)
Thanks to To Ulrich Gutweniger, Communications, Austria Rugby Union

Hungary
Not available

International Rugby This Weekend

18.04.2009
Netherlands v Sweden in Amsterdam (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)
Malta v Latvia in Riga (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
Austria v Hungary in Estzergom (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)
Azerbaijan v Slovakia has been put forward to 9 May

Test Results Just In

11.04.2009
Denmark 20, Norway 18 in Odense (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)
Greece 41, Bulgaria 18 in Alexandroupoli (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)
Arabian Gulf 44, China Taipei 24 in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nat.Div.1, Final)
Sri Lanka 51, Thailand 17 in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nat. Div.1, 3rd-4th)

Asian Rugby Test: Who will be Relegated?

11.04.2009
Sri Lanka v Thailand in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1; 3rd-4th Playoff)

Preview
If a lot is at stake in the Arabian Gulf-China Taipei clash, this encounter has plenty riding on it as well. Both teams will be struggling to avaoid relegation to Asia Nations Division 2 for 2010.

Sri Lanka put up a good fight against China Taipei mid-week. They had a major political upheaval within their rugby union over team selection only days before this tournament. The whole team and management were sacked, a new squad of 24 selected (with only 8 originals reselected) and no time to train together. Some 15 of the top players were not available so Wednesday's result was some achievement.

Thailand has a torrid time against the bulky AG forwards and will find the Sri Lankans more to their size.

Last Five Encounters
04.06.2005 Sri Lanka 48-38 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia Div.3A)
18.11.2002 Thailand 72-0 in Bangkok (Asia Champ. Div.2, Sect.2)
20.05.2001 Sri Lanka 46-17 in Colombo (Asia Plate)
25.06.2000 Thailand 38-28 in Aomori (17th Asia Champ. Div.2)
1999 Sri Lanka 25-3 in Ipoh ( Int. Quad.Tournament)

Sri Lanka and Thailand have a long rugby history. They first met in 1970 at the 2nd Asia Championship, held in Bangkok, drawing 19-19.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Sri Lanka 8th, Thailand 10th

Prediction: Sri Lanka does not have its top side here. They are playing virtually a second XV side. A lot will depend on how many injuries they have and how the teams have shaped up since Wednesday. I'm going for Thailand to win by 10 points.

Teams

Sri Lankan Squad
Prop forwards
Henry Terrence (CR and FC),
Kasun Yasaisuru (Havelocks)
Suranga Swarnatilleke (CR and FC)
Danushka Sandaruwan (Havelocks).
Hookers
Anuja Perera (CR and FC)
Rajiv Perera (Havelocks).
Lock forwards
Pradeep Wilson (Police)
Sumedha Jayasinghe (Kandy SC)
Ashen Karthelis (CR and FC).
Flankers
Pavithra Fernando (captain, CR and FC)
Danushka Perera (CR and FC)
Sharo Fernando (CH and FC).
Number eight
Dushanth Lewke (CR and FC).
Scrum halves
Zulki Hamid (CR and FC)
Srinath Sooriyabandara (CR and FC).
Fly halves
Ashan de Costa (CR and FC)
Chanaka Chandimal (Air Force).
Centres
Dinusha Chathuranga (CR and FC)
Suranga Arunashantha (Air Force)
Niroshan Karunanayake (CR and FC).
Wingers
Dinesh Kumara (CR and FC)
Ravindra Wekadapola (CR and FC)
Lasintha de Costa (CR and FC).
Full back: Reza Mubarak (CR and FC).
Head Coach: John Carrington

Thailand Squad
Not available

Asia Rugby Division 1 Final

11.04.2009
Arabian Gulf v China Taipei in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1, Final)

Preview
These two teams reached the final due to wins mid-week. Arabian Gulf defeated Thailand 36-17 and China Taipei defeated Sri Lanka 36-24.

The future of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Union is under a cloud following the decision some of the member nations to become rugby entities on their own. Despite this the AG is determined to get back into the premier Asian rugby competition, the Asia 5 Nations.

China Taipei were once ranked 3rd among all Asia rugby nations. In more recent times they have struggled and will continue to struggle even if they gain promotion into the premier league. They toured Hong Kong in February this yearand shared the 'rubber' 1-1 with Hong Kong 'A'. Hong Kong struggled themselves in last year's Asia 5 Nations.

Whatever happens the tournament is a great showcase for rugby in an area of the world where soccer and cricket are the main sporting passions.

China Taipei had to work hard to defeat Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Image thanks to irb.com

Previous Encounter

These two teams have met only once before. Arabian Gulf winning 30-26 in Bahrain in May 2005, during the 2007 Rugby World Cup Asian qualifying rounds.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Arabian Gulf 6th, China Taipei 7th

Prediction: The locals to win narrowly and play in the premier league for 2010. Arabian Gulf by 7 points.

Teams

Arabian Gulf Squad
Forwards
Christopher Deacon (Dubai Exiles)
Christopher Gregory (Dubai Hurricanes)
Mark Gathercole (Dubai Exiles)
Daniel Heal (Dubai Dragons)
Alan Short (Dubai Hurricanes)
Michael Cox-Hill (Dubai Hurricanes)
Steven Huber (Dubai Hurricanes)
Karl Sutcliffe (Muscat RFC)
David Clark (Captain, Dubai Exiles)
Edward Nicholas (Dubai Exiles)
Daniel Talbot (Dubai Dragons
Sean Smith (Dubai Exiles)
Marthinus Neethling (Dubai Exiles)

Backs
Jonhn MacDonald (Abu Dhabi Harlequins)
Luke Sinclair (Dubai Exiles)
Joshua Sherrin (Dubai Hurricanes)
Taif Al Delamie (Vice-Captain, Muscat RFC)
Marcus Smith (Dubai Exiles)
Brett Williams (Dubai Exiles)
Khalid Helal (English College)
Paul Beard (Dubai Exiles)
Daniel Patching (Dubai Exiles)
Steven Smith (Dubai Hurricanes)
Sean Hurley (Dubai Dragons)
Gerry Considine (Dubai Hurricanes)
Rama Chand (Dubai Hurricanes)
Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

http://www.agrfu.com/news.php?newsid=135

China Taipei
Squad not yet available.

For complete lists of all international test matches played by both Arabian Gulf and China Taipei go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Rugby Test Match: Balkan Derby

11.04.2009
Greece v Bulgaria in Alexandroupoli (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)

Venue: Foti Kosmos Stadium

Preview
Once rivals on the battlefield, these two nations meet in the more friendly atmosphere of an international rugby match for the first time this Saturday. They are contesting for a place in the next round of the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifiers and bragging rights in this part of Europe.

Bulgarian Rugby Federation logo thanks to irb.com

Bulgaria has the longer rugby history. They played their first rugby test in 1963, against Romania, losing 0-70. Remember that at the time Romania were regularly defeating France and France were regularly winning the then 5 Nations International Championship. Bulgaria's club competition began in the late fifties. Unlike their northern neighbours Romania, Bulgaria has never been a force in European rugby. They did manage to defeat Yugoslavia 3 times in the 80's and 90's but has usually struggled near the bottom of the European table since.

With the new era of European competition under the FIRA-AER banner Bulgaria clawed its way out of the bottom ranks in mid-2003 to play in ENC 3B. Although losing heavily to Luxembourg, Lithuania and Austria, Bulgaria survived and played in the World Cup qualifying rounds for the first time in 2004-05. After being quickly eliminated Bulgaria settled down to two years in ENC 3B. They lost the fight to stay in ENC 3B and have found themselves in ENC 3C for the 2008-10 seasons.

Bulgaria started this season with a shock 8-11 loss to Israel at home but then bounced back to defeat Luxembourg away. Althought the venue is just across the border, the Bulgarians will need to be wary of an emerging nation in European rugby, the Greeks.

Greece is relatively new to international rugby. They played their first test against an Austrian XV in Vienna in 2005 and lost 3-52! In 2006 they entered the FIRA-AER competition for the first time playing Finland twice, home-away, and lost both games. In late 2006 they defeated Azerbaijan twice in 3D pool A, winning the right to play Slovakia in the 3D final in mid-2007. But before that the Greeks travelled to Cyprus to take on their close cousins who were themselves just emerging into international rugby. In fact, in Cyprus' first test match the Greeks received a very bloodied nose, losing 3-39.

Despite that set back, the Greeks went on to defeat Slovakia 20-17 in the final in May 2007 thus gaining promotion to ENC 3C for the 2008-10 seasons. So far they have defeated Finland 12-10 but lost 10-25 to a strong Israeli side late November 2008. A win against Bulgaria will get the Greek side back on track.



Greek National mens rugby squad for the game v Bulgaria. Image thanks to http://hellasrugbyunion.com

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 33rd, Greece 36th

Prediction: The Greeks have strengthened their side with three South Africans with Greek passports but I still fancy the more experienced Bulgarians to win. Bulgaria by 12 points.

Teams

Greece Squad
Forwards
Tamaz Tsakalides (Macedones Evosmos)
Antonis Demertzis (Athens Spartans)
Michael Yorgo (Wits University RFC, South Africa)
Niko Christodoulakis (Wits University RFC, South Africa)
Marios Goumagias (Iraklis)
Filippos Sotiriadis (Athens Rugby)
Nikos Mavreas (Athens Rugby)
Nikos Hatzinikos (Rhodes
Kostas Karandreas (Athens Rugby)
Nathan Courcelle (Springbox Attica)
Vassilis Poulopoulos (Springbox Attica)
Vangelis Nastas (Athens Rugby)

Backs
Vasilis Katsakos (Athens Rugby)
Nikos Revelas (Wits University RFC, South Africa)
Jinok Lee (Springbox Attica)
Georgos Tsatsaronis (Athens Rugby)
Giorgos Kouroumichakis (Iraklis)
Christopher Fiotakis, Captain (Nice Cote d'Azur, France)
Alex Mendoros (Colne & Nelson, England)
Thodoris Fotiou (Thessaloniki Lions)
Beka Bekaouri (Macedones Evosmos)
Alexandros Gounaris (Springbox Attica)

http://hellasrugbyunion.com/en/teleitaia-nea/

Bulgaria
Team list not available

For complete lists of all international rugby matches played by both Bulgaria and Greece, go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Rugby Test: Denmark Must Win

11.04.2009
Denmark v Norway in Odense (WCQ Euro. R5; ENC 3B)

Preview
These two Scandanavian nations have not played each other at the senior men's test level since 1998. Norway was still just an emerging nation ten years ago. Prior to that these nations meet regularly when playing for the Nordic Cup, which has since disappeared off the international calendar. On Saturday the old historical rivals meet in European competition circles for the first time since 1991.

Denmark has long been one of the stronger Scandanavian countries playing international test rugby. At present, though, they languish at the bottom of this division having been relegated from ENC 3A in 2008. Denmark suffered a shock loss away to Hungary 12-39 in its first match of this round back in October last year. They suffered another shock defeat, this time at home to newcomer Slovenia 19-24 to plunge the Danes to the bottom of the table. A win on Saturday is essential if they are to begin to climb there way back to the top of this division

Norway lost to Hungary 15-26 at home back in September and then defeated Austria 11-3 at home. The Norwegians have remained static in this division for two years.

Test Rugby: Norway v Austria. Image thanks to www.rugby.no

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Denmark 30th, Norway 31st.

Prediction: Denmark by 7 points

Teams

Denmark Squad
Kristian R. Andersen (Holstebro)
Søren Brobyskov, Capt. (CSR/Nanok RK)
Matias Dinesen (Frederiksberg RK)
Niels B. W. Godtfredsen (Aarhus RK)
Andrew Grantham (Aarhus RK)
Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK)
Mikkel Jakobsen (Aarhus RK)
Christian S. Jensen (Aarhus RK)
Niels Bjerg Jensen (CSR/Nanok RK)
Jesper G. Jensen (Lindø)
Johannes Mackeprang (RK Speed)
Sylvester Michaelsen (Aalborg)
Rasmus Mortensen (Aarhus RK)
Rasmus N. Mortensen (Aalborg)
Kasper Vad Pedersen (RK Speed)
Nathanael Smalley (Aarhus RK)
Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok RK)
Edward Stafford (Haywards Heath RFC, England)
Kenneth Steel (CSR/Nanok RK)
Kristoffer Vandborg (Frederiksberg RK)
Kiwa Whatarau (CSR/Nanok RK)
Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England)
Head Coach:



http://www.rugby.dk/index.php?option=co ... 8&Itemid=2
Thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3076

Norway Squad
Kristoffer Borsheim (Stavanger RK)
Thomas Bichard Breaud (Oslo RK)
Espen Engevik (Stavanger RK)
Karl Frisch (Bergen RK)
Andreas Fyri (Oslo RK)
Joseph Greenshields (Bergen RK)
Robert Greig (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)
Andrei Hanger (Cheltenham RFC, England)
Karl Harper (Oslo RK)
Neal Hughes (Stavanger RK)
Francis Hunt (Oslo RK)
Stein Ove Kristensen (Trondheim RK)
Alexander Lewendon (Stavanger RK)
Eivind Lunde (Stavanger RK)
Pascal Raclin (Oslo RK)
Oliver Rogers (Tunbridge Wells RFC, England)
Stian Røstberg (Bergen RK)
Neil Ryan (Tønsberg RK)
Fredrik Skovly (Oslo RK)
Håkon Stengrimsen (Holstebro RK)
Johannes Stoltz (Oslo RK)
Roger Yttervik (Tønsberg RK)
Coaches: John Chappell and Oliver Rogers

http://www.rugby.no/les.asp?ID=666
Thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3076

For up to date lists of all international rugby results for both Norway and Denmark go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Test Rugby This Weekend

11.04.2009
Norway v Denmark in Odense (WCQ Euro.R5, ENC 3B)
Greece v Bulgaria in Alexandroupoli (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)
Arabian Gulf v China Taipei in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1, Final)
Thailand v Sri Lanka in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1, 3rd-4th)

Test Rugby. Arabian Gulf and China Taipei Win

08.04.2009
Arabian Gulf 36, Thailand 17 in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1)
China Taipei 36, Sri Lanka 24 in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1)

Review
Hosts Arabian Gulf and last year's runners-up China Taipei will playoff for the right to progress to the Asia Five Nations compeition in 2010. As a World Cup qualifying match the winner also qualifies for Asia Round 2.

The Arabian Gulf were too strong for the Thais and won comfortably after leading 17-0 at half time.

The Chinese team had to work harder for their win as the Sri Lankans led 19-18 at the break. The Chinese pulled away in the second half but not without a struggle.

China Taipei and Arabian Gulf play the final on Saturday. The home team has the home soil advantage but the Chinese will be a tough team to beat.

Thailand and Sri Lanka will play to avoid relegation to Division 2 for 2010.

Asian Rugby Division 1 Gets Underway

Asia Nations Division 1 is a very important competition. The winner will join the top 4 Asia Nations from the 2009 Asia 5 Nations competition in World Cup qualifiers in 2010. From there the top two nations will qualify for Asia 1 spot and the repecharge.

The teams competing are hosts Arabian Gulf, Sri Lanka, Thailand and China-Taipei.

The Arabian Gulf was relegated from Asia 5 Nations 2008 whilst Thailand was promoted from Division 2.

Controversy never seems to be far away in Asia rugby. Only days after the Sri Lankan selectors chose their side of 24 they were sacked and a new squad of 24 chosen, with only eight from the original squad making the cut. Out also went management and coach.

China were relegated from Division 2 last year and out of any chance of making the qualifying rounds for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. For differing reasons, China did not send a team to the Division 2 tournament last year because of passport difficulties getting into China Taipei. Politically China Taipei and China have had a long fued over who is the real China.

Today the matches get underway in this knockout competition.

08.04.2009
China Taipei v Sri Lanka
Arabian Gulf v Thailand

11.04.2009
Winner v Winner-Winner to Asia 5 Nations 2010
Loser v Loser-Loser to Division 3 2010.

Rugby Test Result: Serbians Edge out Swiss

04.04.2009
Serbia 12, Switzerland 6 in Nyon (WCQ Euro.R4; ENC 3A)

Review
Serbia defeated Switzerland 12-6 in a tight test match played in Switzerland. The result opens up Division 3A and gives the Serbs an outside chance of qualifying for the next round of World Cup qualifiers.

Test Rugby: Lithuania Walk Over Neighbours

04.04.2009
Lithuania 55, Latvia 12 in Carnikava (Baltic Trophy)

Review
In a repeat of last years result, Lithuania proved far too strong for Latvia in a rugby test match in Carnikava, Latvia.

Latvia plays its European competition rugby in Division 2B which is one level above Lithuania who plays in Division 3A. Lithuania would have to be the great developer of Euroepan rugby at present. Newly promoted to ENC 3A from ENC 3B last season, they remain undefeated amoung their new company. This result confirms that by 2010 Lithuanian will be playing in the same division as Latvia.

International Rugby: Switzerland takes on the Serbs

04.04.2009
Switzerland v Serbia in Nyon (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)

Previews
Switzerland and Serbia are both languishing at the bottom of the points table in ENC 3A. Both have been in this division for a number of years but for the first time they are both in the relegation danger zone. We must remenber that the competition is coming to the half-way stage as it is held over two seasons.

Serbia is probably the team that is struggling the most. After Switzerland they face the high flyer in European rugby, the Lithuanians. They must win against Switzerland to avoid last place.

Switzerland must win to keep away from relegation. They can boast a good win over Andorra a few weeks ago. Andorra were to turn around and cause a major upset in European rugby by winning over Armenia, the competition favourites, a week later.

Last Five Encounters
14.11.2007 Switzerland 13-4 in Belgrade (ENC 3A)
07.10.2006 Switzerland 30-9 in Nyon (ENC 3A)
19.03.2005 Drawn 11-11 in Belgrade (WCQ Europe R2, Pool B)
25.05.2001 Yugoslavia 13-10 in Belgrade (WCQ Europe R1; FIRA Pool 3)
1997 Switzerland 29-13 in Nyon (FIRA Silver)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Serbia 24th, Switzerland 25th

Prediction: Switzerland by 7 points.

Teams.

Serbian Squad, image thanks to http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/

Serbia Squad

Dalibor Antic (RK Partizan)
Danilo Bulatovic (RK Partizan)
Igor Dejanovic (RK Partizan)
Sasa Djukic (RK Partizan)
Vladimir Djukic (RK Pobednik)
Andrija Jankovic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Vladimir Jelic (Rugby Falconara Dinamis ASD, Italy)
Milos Joksimovic (RK Partizan)
Marko Kapor (RK Pobednik)
Aleksandar Krstic (RK Partizan)
Boris Martic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Nenad Matejic (RK Partizan)
Milos Milanko (RK Žarkovo)
Djordje Milenkovic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Marko Milosavljevic (RK Partizan)
Ivan Nicic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Milan Orlovic (RK Pobednik)
Aleksandar Petrovic (RK Partizan)
Ivan Pirkovic (RK Pobednik)
Milan Rastovac (RK Pobednik)
Nedeljko Savic (Auckland Suburbs RFC, New Zealand)
Nikola Simonovic (RK Pobednik)
Nemanja Simonovic (RK Pobednik)
Dejan Tasic (RK Partizan)
Branko Vojvodic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Miladin Zivanov (RK Pobednik)

Head Coach:

Thanks to http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/ and to 'Quentin' at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3068

Switzerland

Not available

For a complete list of international rugby results for both Serbia and Switzerland go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Test Rugby: Baltic Cup Challenge.

04.04.2009
Lithuania v Latvia in Carnikava (Baltic Trophy)

Venue: City Stadium

Preview
Officially this match is a friendly. Nobody has told that to these two neighbours of the Baltic region. The rugby rivalry goes back a long way.

Last season the lower ranked Lithuanians took the city of Klaipedia by storm, defeating the Latvians by 43-17 and thus taking the Baltic Trophy. The Latvians will be keen to put their southern cousins back in their place following their shock loss last season.

At this stage these are the only teams involved. My records show a Baltic Cup was played for back in 1994 with Denmark and Poland involved.

Previous Encounters
13.04.2008 Lithuania 43-17 in Klaipedia (Baltic Cup)
30.04.2005 Latvia 19-12 in Riga (WCQ Euro.R2; Pool C)
08.05.1999 Latvia 30-10 in Vilnius (FIRA Pool A)
25.10.1997 Lithuania 25-23 in Vilnius (FIRA Silver)
11.05.1996 Latvia 34-20 in Riga (FIRA B3)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Latvia 21st, Lithuania 23rd

Prediction: Latvia by 7

Teams-Not available

Latvia

Lithuania

For a complete list of all international rugby results of both Latvia and Lithuania go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

International Rugby This Weekend.

04.04.2009
Switzerland v Serbia in Nyon (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Latvia v Lithuania in Carnikava (Baltic Cup)

Test Rugby Result: Laos wins Tournament

28.03.2009
Laos 8, Cambodia 3 in Savannakhet (Asia Nations Region 1)


Review
In what turned out to be a much closer result than expected, Laos won the Asia Nations Regions 1 tournament held in Laos. Laos scored all their 8 points in the last 7 minutes, with a try and a dropped goal. Cambodia, who has lost 10-21 to Brunei mid-week, were not expected to push the Laotians around but that is what they did.


Photo by: JACOB CAWTHORNE Laos flanker Sengchanpheng Ekasan (right, with ball) is tackled by Cambodian prop Chro Kim Seng during their international match Saturday in Savannakhet, Laos.

Thanks to www.phnompenhpost.com

Review here at http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/Sport/Unbeaten-Laos-win-tourney.html