TEST RUGBY: Bledisloe Cup Game 1

30.07.2010
New Zealand v Australia in Melbourne (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)

Venue: Etihad Stadium (Docklands Stadium), Melbourne

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Preview
The media talk throughout the week has focused on the playing styles of both sides. They have been successful against South Africa playing an expansive game, moving the much feared South African pack around the field, playing wide, scoring tries. How will this tactic stand up when both sides play the same way?

When I look at the team lists I see a number of players new to test rugby. Horne, Ma'afu, the Faingaa brothers, Slipper, Simmons and Hodgson for Australia; Whitelock, Vito, Cruden and Dagg for New Zealand. The difference is that New Zealand's inexperience is limited to the bench whereas Australia has a number of new faces in their starting lineup as well.

New Zealand now has eleven wins in a row since losing to South Africa last September. The Kiwis will want to win this test match and take a firm grip upon the Tri Nations Trophy. With two wins from two they are in a good position. Australia has lost three. A plus for Australia is that they have won the last two games against the All Blacks in Melbourne.

It will be a close encounter. Australia will be desperate to end their poor run against the All Blacks. New Zealand will want to continue a smooth buildup to their World Cup campaign. It'll be a cracker!

Last Five Encounters
31.10.2009 New Zealand 32-19 in Tokyo (Bledisloe Cup)
19.09.2009 New Zealand 33-6 in Wellington (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
22.08.2009 New Zealand 19-18 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
18.08.2009 New Zealand 22-16 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
01.11.2008 New Zealand 19-14 in Hong Kong (Bledisloe Cup)

Australia last defeated New Zealand in July 2008, when they won 34-19 in Sydney. New Zealand has won the last 7 tests played. Australia has lost three in that time. New Zealand has won the last seven in a row against Australia

Previous Encounters in Melbourne
30.06.2007 Australia 20-15 (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
11.07.1998 Australia 24-16 (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
26.07.1997 New Zealand 33-18 (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)

Melbourne has been a happy hunting ground for Australia.

Milestones: Joe Rokocoko will become New Zealand's most capped test winger. His 64th test will see him overtake greats John Kirwan and Jonah Lomu.

Eyes will be on the illusive Rokococo who becomes New Zealand's most capped winger. Image thanks to skysports.com

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 1st, Australia 2nd
IRB Rankings-New Zealand 1st (92.74), Australia 3rd (86.06)

Prediction: New Zealand by 7 points

Teams

Australia
15 Adam Ashley Cooper, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Robert Horne, 12 Berrick Barnes, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Matthew Giteau, 9 William Genia, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, Capt. 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements
16 Saia Faingaa, 17 James Slipper, 18 Robert Simmons, 19 Matthew Hodgson, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Anthony Faingaa, 22 Kurtley Beale.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Joseph Rokocoko, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 James Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richard McCaw,Capt. 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Thomas Donnelly, 4 Bradley Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements
16 Corey Flynn, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Victor Vito, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP: 2010-2012 Format

The European Nations Cup is the international rugby competition for Europe. The format for 2010-12 has been released. It is different from the 2008-10 competition in a number of ways.

1. The top Division will continue to consist of 6 teams, with Germany relegated and Ukraine promoted.
2. Each season will, as before, produce its winner.
3. Promotion-relegation is the same. This takes place at the end of 2012 season.
4. The division below 1A is now called 1B and is expanded to 6 teams, with Moldova staying and Netherlands added.
5. All other divisions are renamed with only promotion taking place.
6. A bonus point system is introduced similar to Super 14.

'At the end of each Season a champion will be designated , according to match points got in that specific season (on June 2011, the champion being the Union having more points, and on June 2012, the Champion being the Union with more points in the games played on season 2011-2012). The IRB, will invite the Champion of each season to participate in inter-Regions games during the November window. At the end of season 2011-2012, the Union ranked 6th (considering the results of games played during the 2 seasons) will be relegated to Division CEN 1B.
Equal number of points at the end of Competition: If two or more teams have same number of points the best ranked will be: •
1) The Union having more number of match points in the games played between the tied Unions.
2) The Union having best difference between points for and points against in the games played between the tied teams.
3) The Union having scored more tries in the games played between the tied Unions.
4) The Union having scored more points in the games played between the tied Unions.
5) The Union having best difference between points for and points against in all pool games.
6) The Union having scored more tries in all pool games.
7) The Union having scored more points in all pool games.
Match points in each game : • Winner of the game: 4 points • Looser of the game 0 Points • Draw between the 2 teams: 2 points to each team
• 4 or more tries in the game: 1 additional point • Looser by seven or less points: 1 point'

From http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/competition_detail.php?compet=172&gpement=1756

For the complete draw go to www.rugbyinternational.net, go to LATEST, then down to tournaments.

AFRICAN RUGBY: Africa Trophy North Finals Day

Held in Niamey, Niger

24.07.2010
Senegal A 13, Niger 6 (Final)
Mali 17, Ghana 8 (Playoff 3rd-4th)
Burkino Faso 17, Togo 0 (Playoff 5th-6th)
Congo 53, Benin 17 (Playoff 7th-8th)

Reviews
http://www.irb.com/newsmedia/regional/newsid=2039513.html#senegal+a+wins+africa+rugby+north+zone+trophy

SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY: Where to Now?

South African rugby is in turmoil after a 3 nil whitewash against the touring side. They have lost two tests in New Zealand, and now one in Australia.
If you were in charge of South African rugby what would you do to bring the team up to a standard that would challenge for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand next year?

TRI NATIONS RUGBY: South Africa Go Down Again

24.07.2010
Australia 30, South Africa 13 in Brisbane

Briefly
South Africa return home with three losses, no points and no hope of retaining the Tri Nations trophy. How can a side be so dominant one season and drifting the next. With a monopoly during the Super 14 again in 2010 it was expected that South Africa would dominate the Southern Hemisphere tournament again. But they have been guilty of making basic errors and indiscipline, with firstly New Zealand and now Australia taking full advantage. Where to now for South African rugby?

TRI NATIONS RUGBY: South Africa v Australia

24.07.2010
South Africa v Australia in Brisbane (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)

Venue: Suncorp Stadium

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Preview
South African rugby is right on the edge. Two defeats in New Zealand has just about ended any chance of retaining the Tri Nations Trophy. Another defeat in Australia and South Africa will be in real trouble. Their World Cup Final preparations will be in disarray, the coach's job will be in jeopardy, established players may have to go and rebuilding will need to take place only a year or so away from the major event in world rugby.

The pressure is on Australia as well. Very much the poor cousin of the Tri Nations over the last few seasons the rebuilding of the Australian rugby team is still in progress. They are at a promising stage and hopefully the rebuilding will be completed just in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup Finals. The problem is Australia, with all its promise, is just not delivering the goods.

Two international rugby coaches. Two jobs on the line?

Brisbane has not been a happy haunting ground for the Springbox since 1971. Surely today is the day to put all the angst of the past two weeks behind them and deliver.

Last Five Encounters
05.09.2009 Australia 21-6 in Brisbane (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
29.08.2009 South Africa 32-25 in Perth (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
08.08.2009 South Africa 29-17 in Capetown (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
30.08.2008 South Africa 53-8 in Johannesburg (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
23.08.2008 Australia 27-15 in Durban (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)

Last Five in Brisbane
05.09.2009 Australia 21-6 (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
15.07.2006 Australia 49-0 (Tri Nations, Mandela Cup)
02.08.2003 Australia 29-9 (Tri Nations)
27.07.2002 Australia 38-27 (Tri Nations)
17.07.1999 Australia 32-6 (Tri Nations)

South Africa has never won a Tri Nations test match in Brisbane. The stretch goes back to 1996 when the Tri Nations was instigated. South African memories must go back as far as the notorious 1971 South African tour of Australia. The Springbox won 14-6 in the Brisbane test that year.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 2nd, Australia 5th
IRB Rankings-South Africa 2nd (88.41), Australia 3rd (84.41)

Prediction: South Africa by 8 points

Teams

Australia
15 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Rob Horne, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Drew Mitchell, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Richard Brown, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (capt), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Salesi Ma'afu, 2 Saia Fainga'a, 1 Benn Robinson.
Replacements
16 Stephen Moore, 17 James Slipper, 18 Rob Simmons, 19 Ben McCalman, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Berrick Barnes, 22 Kurtley Beale.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

South Africa
15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gio Aplon, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Oliver, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Ryan Kankowski, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 BJ Botha, 2 John Smit (capt), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Flip van der Merwe, 19 Dewald Potgieter, 20 Francois Hougaard, 21 Butch James, 22 Juan de Jongh.
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

AFRICAN RUGBY: Africa Trophy North

Round 2, held in Niamey, Niger

20.07.2010
Burkino Faso 21, Congo 0
Togo 12, Benin 5

21.07.2010
Niger 6, Mali 3
Senegal A 38, Ghana 0

Finals Day, Saturday 24 July

Final-Senegal A v Niger
Playoff 3rd-4th: Mali v Ghana
Playoff 5th-6th: Burkino Faso v Benin
Playoff 7th-8th: Congo v Benin

Preview
This has been a fascinating tournament, played in one of the poorest nations on earth, and in the middle of a devastating drought as well. How they manage to hold a rugby tournament in all that shows just what this game is all about. In the most adverse conditions the game goes on.

Senegal A would appear to be too strong for the opposition and I will predict them as the eventual winners. Mali has been the dark horse and the host nation Niger has made the final which is good for the game locally.

Hopefully African rugby is heading towards a divisional and regional tournament format similar to that provided by Asia. Transport costs would be the most inhibiting factor but there is no denying the enthusiasm and determination of the small African unions and clubs putting their all in for the game of rugby. Africa I salute you!

Previous Encounters
Non of the teams playing on the final day have ever played each other before.

Predictions
Final-Senegal A by 20 v Niger
Playoff 3rd-4th-Ghana by 28 v Mali
Playoff 5th-6th-Burkino Faso by 7 v Togo
Playoff 7th-8th-Benin by 14 v Congo

Team lists not available

Here are some links to some match reports (Via FIRA-AER Forum)
http://www.senegal-rugby.com/Le-XV-national-local-Senegal-A-au-tournoi-CAR-Trophy-2010-de-Niamey_a163.html
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121726001205849&index=1
http://www.senegal-rugby.com/Le-Senegal-demarre-en-trombe-le-tournoi-CAR-Trophy-2010-de-Niamey-_a164.html
http://www.republicoftogo.com/Toutes-les-rubriques/Sport/Rugby-le-Togo-prend-sa-revanche
http://www.afriqueavenir.org/2010/07/20/le-niger-se-trace-un-chemin-dans-le-rugby-continental-et-accueille-le-tournoi-international-de-la-car/
http://www.senegal-rugby.com/Le-Senegal-demarre-en-trombe-le-tournoi-CAR-Trophy-2010-de-Niamey-_a164.html

AFRICAN RUGBY: Africa Trophy, North

Results in

17.07.2010
Senegal A 65, Togo 0
Niger 23, Congo 6

18.97.2010
Mali 20, Burkino Faso 3
Ghana 31, Benin 0

Coming Up
20.07.2010-Classifying
Congo v Burkino Faso
Benin v Togo

21.07.2010-Semi Finals
Ghana v Senegal A
Niger v Mali

Thanks to the guys at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3116&start=300

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 17 July

17.07.2010
New Zealand 31, South Africa 17 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
Uruguay 44, Kazakhstan 7 in Montevideo (WCQ Repecharge 1)
Romania 56, Tunisia 13 in Buzau (WCQ Repecharge 2)
Kenya 23, Zimbabwe 18 in Harare (Victoria Cup)
Niger v D.R.Congo in Niamey (Africa Trophy, North)
Burkino Faso v Mali in Niamey (Africa Trophy, North)

Briefly
New Zealand repeated last weekend's ruthless display against South Africa and again handed the Springbox their second defeat in New Zealand. South Africa now play Australia in Brisbane next weekend and I can feel the Wallaby knives sharpening already. A third loss next weekend will be a disaster for South African rugby. And again a yellow card against South Africa in the fourth minute swung the game away towards New Zealand as the Kiwis pilled on 10 points in 10 minutes. The South African's never really recovered.

Uruguay and Romania will meet in the Playoff final to determine who fills the last World Cup 2011 finals spot. Both had easy wins.

Kenya remain undefeated in the first year of the Victoria Cup.

WORLD CUP RUGBY: Repecharge Playoff No.1

17.07.2010
Tunisia v Romania in Buzau

Venue: Stadionul Gloria

Referee:

Preview
This is the first of two Rugby World Cup repecharge semi-finals to be played this weekend. The other is between Uruguay and Kazakhstan. The winner of each semi-final will meet in the Repecharge final, the venue to depend on who has the highest IRB Rankings place.

Tunisia has had a tough international time since qualifying for this playoff round in 2009. They lost to Namibia by aggregate points in November last year, the Namibians automatically qualifying for the 2011 Rugby World Cup Finals. Since then Tunisia squeezed a 25-22 win over Arabian Gulf at home. In the 2010 Africa Cup Pool play, held in Tunis, they narrowly defeated Senegal by 1 point and then lost 6-29 to the Moroccans in the final. Those results would most likely see Tunisia out of contention for the Africa Cup, and were certainly a worrying signal that Tunisia was already out of its depth as far as qualifying for the World Cup Finals. What is frustrating is the lack of media communication about this match from Tunisia. I have no idea of the composition of their squad. It looks as though as far as Tunisia is concerned this match doesn't exist!

Romania has had to battle harder for the place they hold in the qualifying rounds by comparison. Having finished third in the 2008-10 European Nations Cup and World Cup qualifying rounds (Georgia and Russia, 1st and 2nd, qualified automatically) they then faced Ukraine home-away. They successfully steered themselves past that hurdle which now brings them to a one off play off against Tunisia. Battle harder they may have but this has hardened the Romanians for this task.

Although missing a number of France-based players, Romania's traditional strength, there is still a look of certainty about the Romanians. Most are experienced campaigners and they have had a longer build up history compared to the underdone Tunisians. Playing on home turf, if a little removed from Bucharest, the Romanians should waltz in.

Previous Encounters
08.05.1993 Romania 51-0 in Bucharest (FIRA A2)
05.10.1986 Romania 37-9 in Constanta (FIRA A, Rnd 2)
03.05.1986 Tunisia 17-15 in Monastir (FIRA A, Rnd 1)
05.05.1985 Romania 30-3 in Constanta (FIRA A)

Romania Under 23 defeated Tunisia 15-7 in Tunis in May 2009.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Romania 19th, Tunisia 27th
IRB Rankings-Romania 19th (65.10), Tunisia 23rd (52.24)

Prediction: Romania by 47 points

Teams

Romania
15. Florin Vlaicu (CSA Steaua Bucuresti)
14. Catalin Fercu (CSU Arad)
13. Ionut Dimofte (CSM Baia Mare)
12. Csaba Gal (CSM Baia Mare)
11. Stefan Ciuntu (CSM Baia Mare)
10. Danut Dumbrava (CSA Steaua Bucuresti)
9. Valentin Ivan (CS Dinamo Bucuresti)
8. Alexandru Manta (Lyon, France)
7. Daniel Ianus (CSA Steaua Bucuresti)
6. Stelian Burcea, Capt. (CSU Arad)
5, Valentin Ursache (CSM Baia Mare)
4. Marius Sirbe (Tarbes, France)
3. Samuel Maris (CSA Steaua Bucuresti)
2. Cezar Popescu (Saint Medard en Jalles, France)
1. Mihai Lazar (Saint Etienne Caserugby, France)
Relacements
16. Andrei Radoi (CSM Baia Mare)
17. Radu Basalau (CSU Arad)
18. Cristian Petre (AS Beziers, France)
19. Daniel Carpo (RCJ Farul Constanta)
20. Valentin Calafeteanu (CSU Arad)
21. Ionel Cazan (CSA Steaua Bucuresti)
22. Catalin Nicolae (RCJ Farul Constanta)
Head Coach: Romeo Gontineac

Adapted from http://frr.ro/2010/07/16/stelian-burcea-capitan-cu-tunisia/

Tunisia
Not available

WORLD CUP RUGBY: Repecharge Playoff No.2

17.07.2010
Kazakhstan v Uruguay in Montevideo

Venue: Stadium Charrúa

Referee:

Preview
In this rather lopsided, unequal stage of the Rugby World Cup qualifiers, Kazakhstan, placed second in the Asian Zone, faces Uruguay, who finished third in the Americas. This is a straight knock out game, the winner will play the winner of the other Repecharge match between Tunisia and Romania.

The venue was decided by IRB rankings. Uruguay is higher than Kazakhstan on the list, so Montevideo got the nod.

Kazakhstan arrived in Montevideo without one of their key players, fullback Maxim Lifontov, their Russian-based player. Thankfully their star player Rudoy is with the team. It is a very different Kazakhstan side without those two. Kazakhstan has also left behind a couple of their Russian-based forwards. One of the bench players was left behind due to injury making only 21 players arriving in Montevideo.

It does not look like Kazakhstan's strongest line up. One bright note for Kazakhstan is that they join, for 2010, Uruguay on the World Table of the GWC Rugby Ranking system.

Uruguay, strong favourites even without their home advantage, has recalled 1999 Rugby World Cup finals veteran No.8, 34 year old Brignoni.

It's difficult to see Kazakhstan winning with all the odds heavily weighted against them. A win would be nothing short of a miracle.

This is the first times these two teams have ever met in 15's international rugby.

Other Previews

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/news/newsid=2039442.html#four+teams+hunt+final+rwc+place

Kazakhstan will require some super human efforts from star player Anton Rudoy.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Only Uruguay is registered on the world table.
IRB Rankings points-Uruguay 61.21, Kazakhstan 55.38

Prediction: Uruguay by 17 points

Teams

Uruguay
15- Ivo Dugonjic (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)
14- Leandro Leivas (Old Christians)
13- Martín Crosa (Old Boys)
12- Juan De Freitas (Champagnat)
11- Gastón Mieres (Los Lobos Rugby)
10- Emiliano Caffera (Champagnat)
9- Manuel Martínez (Old Christians)
8- Nicolás Brignoni (Oyonnax, France)
7- Alfredo Giuria (Los Cuervos)
6- Mathias Braun (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)
5- Matías Fonseca (Los Cuervos)
4- Diego Magno (Montevideo Cricket Club)
3- Pablo Lemoine (Valence D’Agen, France)
2- Carlos Arboleya, Capt. (Trébol Rugby)
1- Alejo Corral (San Isidro, Argentina)
Replacements
16- Edgardo Benítez (Trébol Rugby)
17- Juan Pedro Rombys (Trébol Rugby)
18- Martin Espiga (Old Christians)
19- Juan Carlos Bado (Valence D’Agen, France)
20- Juan Pablo Horta (Old Christians)
21- Juan Martin Llovet (Old Christians)
22- Santiago Gortari (Old Boys)
Head Coach: Gonzalo Camardón

Adapted from http://www.uru.org.uy/noticias/488/titulares_confirmados

Kazakhstan
15- Sergey Nozhkin
14- Denis Molochniy
13-Alexandr Zakharov (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia)
12-Ildar Abdrazakov (Almaty RFC)
11-Sergey Konev (CSKA Almaty)
10-Daulet Akymbekov (CSKA Almaty)
9-Akhmetzhan Baratov (Almaty RFC)
8-Anton Rudoy (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk)
7-Timur Mashurov, Capt.), (Almaty RFC)
6-Grigoriy Ivanchenko (Almaty RFC)
5-Serik Zhanseitov (CSKA Almaty)
4-Yevgeniy Shekurov (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia)
3-Vladimir Chernykh (RC Novokuznetski, Russia)
2- Arman Mussulmankulov (Almaty RFC)
1-Mikhail Bzhitskih (RC Novokuznetski, Russia)
Replacements
16-Azatto Abishev (Almaty RFC)
17-Sergey Menshikov (Almaty RFC)
18- Tairzhan Arzhev
19- Evgeniy Sheshin (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia)
20-Roman Sorokodzyuba (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia)
21-Ilya Poplavskiy (RC Novokuznetsk, Russia)
22- Evgeny Zabaiyakin –Injured and did not arrive
Head Coach: Evgeny Zuev

Adapted from http://www.uru.org.uy/noticias/488/titulares_confirmados. Club affiliations, records of http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

TEST RUGBY: Tri Nations NZ v South Africa

17.07.2010
South Africa v New Zealand in Wellington (Tri Nations)

Venue: Westpac Stadium

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Preview
Can South Africa bounce back from their heavy defeat by New Zealand last weekend? The South Africans were outplayed in every area. They had a player sent off who was then banned for 9 weeks for foul play. But beware of a wounded springbox! There is a steeliness and resolve about most South African rugby teams. They will bounce back! The All Blacks will be fully aware of that.

The Kiwis will need to be on their guard and produce the same level of play they did last weekend. They have made two changes to their starting line up, on the wing and at half back. Ranger makes his test debut on the wing in place of the injured Rockoko, whilst Weepu takes over at half back from the out-of-sorts Cowan

Coach Pieter de Villiers has remained faithful to most of the players from last weekend's team. The pressure will be on them to perform. At this level of international rugby and with so much at stake, second chance is about all you get.

There are some interesting milestones being reached in this game. South Africa has a total of 700 test caps, making it the most experienced side ever placed by the South African's on a rugby field at test level. With a new test player, New Zealand's count has dipped somewhat.

If Richie McCaw's team wins he will become the most capped winning All Black player with 75 tests, one more than Sean Fitzpatrick, and fourth on the world list, behind George Gregan, Jason Leonard and Fabian Pelous.

Richie McCaw. Will he become New Zealand's most winning test player?

Springbok Dannie Roussouw will play his 50th test.

The build up and interest before last weekend's test was heart-pounding stuff. This game has the same expectant feel about it. I can't wait! It'll be a cracker!

Last Five Encounters
10.07.2010 New Zealand 32-12 in Auckland (Tri Nations)
12.09.2009 South Africa 32-29 in Hamilton (Tri Nations)
01.08.2009 South Africa 31-19 in Durban (Tri Nations)
25.07.2009 South Africa 28-19 in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations)
16.08.2008 New Zealand 19-0 in Capetown (Tri Nations)

Last Five in Wellington
05.07.2008 New Zealand 19-8 (Tri Nations)
22.07.2006 New Zealand 35-17 (Tri Nations)
20.07.2002 New Zealand 41-20 (Tri Nations)
25.07.1998 South Africa 13-3 (Tri Nations)
23.07.1994 New Zealand 13-9

South Africa's record in Wellington is better than it is in Auckland. South Africa won 24-12 in 1981 and 8-3 in 1956.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 1st, South Africa 2nd
IRB Ranking-New Zealand 1st (92.40). South Africa 2nd (88.74)

Prediction: New Zealand by 9 points

Teams

New Zealand
Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Rene Ranger, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Ben Franks, Sam Whitelock, Liam Messam, Jimmy Cowan, Aaron Cruden, Israel Dagg.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

South Africa
Zane Kirchner, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Wynand Oliver, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Ricky Januarie, Pierre Spies, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger, Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw, CJ van der Linde, John Smit (captain), Gurthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle, BJ Botha, Andries Bekker, Ryan Kankowski, Ruan Pienaar, Butch James, Gio Aplon.
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

International Test Rugby: Kenya in Zimbabwe

17.07.2010
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Harare (Victoria Cup)

Venue: Harare Sports Club

Referee:

Preview
Kenya travels to Harare with the Victoria Cup already in their hands. Unbeaten in their three games to date, they play Zimbabwe at home who lost both away games in East Africa last month.

Zimbabwe will be without most of their South Africa-based players due to club rugby commitments, the exceptions being Rockface Gurumani and Vakai Hove. Therefor the Sables will be mostly a local club-based side.

Previous Encounters
12.06.2010 Kenya 11-10 in Nairobi (Victoria Cup)
24.07.2004 Zimbabwe 24-15 in Bulawayo (Friendly)
24.05.2003 Kenya 32-24 in Nairobi (Friendly)
28.09.2002 Kenya 19-12 in Nairobi (Kenya Airways Cup)
03.07.1993 Zimbabwe 42-7 in Nairobi (WCQ Africa)

Kenya has played three times in Zimbabwe since 1982 but has not won a test there yet.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Kenya 5th, Zimbabwe 10th
IRB Ranking Points Kenya 52.06, Zimbabwe 46.94

Prediction: Kenya by 17 points

Teams

Kenya
15. Innocent Simiyu, Capt. (Impala RFC)
14. Peter Abuoga (Kenya Harlequin FC)
13. David Ambunya (Kenya Harlequin FC)
12. Kelvin Omiyo (Impala RFC)
11. Calvin Biko (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
10. Nato Simiyu (Impala RFC)
9. Moses Kola (Impala RFC)
8. Lawrence Buyachi (Impala RFC)
7. Oscar Ouma (Nakuru RFC)
6. Andrew Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
5. Ronald Mwenesi (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
4. Anthony Mutai (Kenya Harlequin FC)
3. Daniel Kiptoo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
2. Edwin Alubaka (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
1. Nzioka Muema (Impala RFC)
Replacements
16. Vincent Ongera (Kenya Harlequin FC)
17. Joel Ng’ang’a (Kenya Harlequin FC)
18. Kevin Umbuge (Impala RFC)
19. David Mogere (Kenya Harlequin FC)
20. Duncan Ekasi (Impala RFC)
21. Felix Wanjala (Mean Machine RFC)
22. Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequin FC)

Head Coach: Michael Otieno

Adapted from http://www.kenyarfu.com/

Zimbabwe Squad
Vakai Hove, Dimitri Zarvadinos, Rockface Gurumani (captain), Fortune Chipendo, Zacks Tondoro, Prayer Chitendero, Jacques Leitao, Shingi Mpofu, Njabulo Ndlovu, Scotty Jones, Tich Makwanya, Lloyd Machanjaire, Taffy Mhende, Paul Staark, Daniel Hondo, Danny Robertson, Paul Jessub, Tendai Takavarasha, Brian Makamure, Rangarirai Zimbowa, Josh Rowe, Tich Chidongo, Witness Mandizha, Tapiwa Mafi

Head Coach: Brandon Dawson

www.zimbabwerugby.com

TEST RUGBY: Africa Trophy North Begins

Day 1: Played in Niamey, Niger

17.07.2010
Niger v Dem.Rep.Congo
Burkino Faso v Mali

Preview
Little information is available.

It will be short of a miracle that all teams will participate. We have already seen Nigeria pull out of this tournament. I can't get it confirmed but word had it that last year's trophy matches were of limited duration and may not have been 15-a-side, which throws some doubt over the 'test' match status of these fixtures.

If they arrive, the Democratic Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) will be making their international rugby debut.

In 2009 Burkino Faso played in the CAR Development Trophy, North held in Tsevie, Togo. They came 3rd in that tournament, defeating Togo 7-5 in a playoff and were placed behind Ghana and Niger.

Mali also attended the CAR Development Trophy, North tournament in 2009. They finished 6th, losing 0-5 to Nigeria in the playoff. Niger reached the final of the same tournament, defeating Ghana 5-3.

Previous Encounters
Burkino Faso v Mali
22.06.2007 Burkino Faso 10-0 in Ouagadougou (CAR Trophy North, Pool A)
24.03.2006 Burkino Faso 5-3 in Niamey (CAR Trophy, North Pool A)
05.06.2005 Burkino Faso 16-13 in Ouagadougou (CAR Div.2, North, Pool B)
07.06.2004 Mali 40-12 in Dakar (CAR Div.2, North. Pool A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table
Niger 16th, DR Congo not placed
Burkino Faso 18th, Mali 21st
No IRB Rankings

Predictions
Niger by 30 points v DR Congo
Burkino Faso by 12 points v Mali

Teams
Not available

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Africa Trophy, North

To be held in Niamey, Niger 17-24 July

17.07.2010
Match 1: Niger v DRCongo
Match 2: Burkino Faso v Mali

18.07.2010
Match 3: Ghana v Benin
Match 4: Togo v Senegal A

20.07.2010 Classification Matches
Match 5: Loser Match 1 v Loser Match 2
Match 6: Loser Match 3 v Loser Match 4

21.07.2010 Semi-Finals
Match 7: Winner Match 1 v Winner Match 2
Match 8: Winner Match 3 v Winner Match 4

24.07.2010 Finals Day
Loser Match 5 v Loser Match 6-7^th/8^th placing
Winner match 5 v Winner Match 6-5^th/6^th placing
Loser match 7 v Loser Match 8-3^rd/4^th placing
Winner match 7 v Winner match 8-Final

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY AHEAD: Saturday 17 July

17.07.2010
South Africa v New Zealand in Wellington (Tri Nations)
Kazakhstan v Uruguay in Montevideo (WCQ Repecharge Semi-final, No.1)
Tunisia v Romania in Buzau (WCQ Repecharge Semi-final No.2)
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Harare (Victoria Cup)

17-27 July-Africa Trophy North due to be played in Niamey, Niger.
Teams-Niger, Burkino Faso, Mali, Togo, Benin, Ghana, Congo, Senegal A)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 10 July

10.07.2010
New Zealand 32, South Africa 12 in Auckland (Tri Nations)
Kenya 21, Uganda 5 in Nairobi (Victoria Cup, Elgon Cup)

Briefly
New Zealand stunned the South Africans with a magnificent display on Eden Park. Outplayed in every department, South Africa had no answers to a rampant All Black side. My worry is are the All Blacks going to peak too early before a Rugby World Cup finals tournament? This has been the problem for the New Zealanders in the past.

Kenya secured two trophies with this 21-5 win in Nairobi. They have the Victoria Cup despite needing to play against Zimbabwe in Harare. This match was also the second leg of the Elgon Cup, symbol of supremacy between Kenya and Uganda in rugby.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TEST: Victoria Cup

10.07.2010
Uganda v Kenya in Nairobi (Victoria Cup, Elgon Cup)

Venue: RFUEA Grounds

Referee:

Preview
The Victoria Cup is the newest symbol of African rugby supremacy. It is played between three nations, Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe and the format is very similar to the Tri Nations tournament. The Elgon Cup is played for just between Uganda and Kenya and has a five year history.

'“We are out to play total rugby,” these were the words of Kenya Assistant Coach Edward Kinyany while naming the twenty two man squad to face Uganda in Saturday’s crunch Victoria Cup clash at the RFUEA. He added, “We will take to the pitch focused on the Victoria and Elgon Cups.”
Gray Cullen is the only change to the squad that did duty in Uganda. Mike Aung misses out due to family commitments.'

A win to Kenya would virtually seal the Victoria Cup in Kenyan hands for 2010. Uganda arrived in Nairobi without a few key players injured or unavailable. I can't see Uganda being able to pull this one back.

Both Kenya and Uganda then travel to Harare for return games on 17th and 24th July respectively.

Uganda's captain Mathias Ochwo in action against Kenya last weekend. Image thanks to http://www.newvision.co.ug/I/8/30

Last Five Encounters
03.07.2010 Kenya 33-25 in Kampala (Victoria Cup; Elgon Cup 1st leg)
19.08.2009 Uganda 18-13 in Kampala (Elgon Cup, 2nd leg)
15.08.2009 Kenya 30-22 in Nairobi (Elgon Cup, 1st leg)
16.08.2008 Kenya 39-20 in Nairobi (Elgon Cup, 2nd leg)
24.05.2008 Uganda 20-3 in Kampala (Elgon Cup, 1st leg)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Kenya 5th, Uganda 6th
IRB Ranking Points-Kenya 51.40, Uganda 50.09

Prediction: Kenya by 15 points

Teams

Kenya
15. Peter Abuoga (Kenya Harlequin FC)
14. David Ambunya (Kenya Harlequin FC)
13. Victor Sudi (Kenya Harlequin FC)
12. Gray Cullen (Nondescripts RUFC)
11. Kelvin Omiyo (Impala RFC)
10. Innocent Simiyu, Capt. (Impala RFC)
9. Felix Wanjala (Mean Machine RFC)
8. Oscar Ouma (Nakuru RFC)
7. David Mogere (Kenya Harlequin FC)
6. Lawrence Buyachi (Impala RFC)
5. Ronald Mwenesi (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
4. Kevin Umbuge (Impala RFC)
3. Nzioka Muema (Impala RFC)
2. Vincent Ongera (Kenya Harlequin FC)
1. Edwin Alubaka (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
Replacements
16. Daniel Kiptoo (Kenya Harlequin FC)
17. Joel Ng’ang’a (Kenya Harlequin FC)
18. Anthony Mutai (Kenya Harlequin FC)
19. Andrew Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank RFC)
20. Moses Kola (Impala RFC)
21. Nato Simiyu (Impala RFC)
22. Patrice Agunda (Kenya Harlequin FC)

Head Coach: Michael Otieno

Adapted from http://www.kenyarfu.com/nteam.cfm

Uganda team not available

TEST RUGBY: Tri Nations 2010 Underway

10.07.2010
South Africa v New Zealand in Auckland

Venue: Eden park

Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)

Preview
If ever we had a match planned as a world championship rugby final this game would be close. These two nations are holding No.1 and No.2 position in both ranking systems listed below. Both remain undefeated in 2010 and both come to the paddock with impressive recent results. And to cap it off both these nations have a long history of passionate rivalry matches by no other nations. It'll be a cracker!

Both sides have called veteran players into their sides. New Zealand in the mid field, South Africa at lock. For both sides there is a look of long experience (New Zealand 667 test caps total, South Africa 661) so after June tests where experimentation was the go, it looks as though both coaches are going all out for broke.

The pressure on New Zealand succeeding in this game is almost unbearable. The pressure is on for the Kiwis to perform. My personal opinion is that peaking too early has been New Zealand's problem in all their World Cup finals ventures since 1991. So perhaps a little underdone might be a good idea and let the All Blacks peak about..say..October next year.

Last Five Encounters
12.09.2009 South Africa 32-29 in Hamilton (Tri Nations)
01.08.2009 South Africa 31-19 in Durban (Tri Nations)
25.07.2009 South Africa 28-19 in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations)
16.08.2008 New Zealand 19-0 in Capetown (Tri Nations)
12.07.2008 South Africa 30-28 in Dunedin

Last Five At Eden Park
25.08.2001 New Zealand 26-15 (Tri Nations)
09.08.1997 New Zealand 55-35 in Auckland (Tri Nations)
06.08.1994 Drawn 18-18
12.09.1981 New Zealand 25-21
18.09.1965 New Zealand 20-3

South Africa last won a test v New Zealand at Eden Park in 1937, winning 17-6.

Last Five by New Zealand
26.06.2010 v Wales in Hamilton Won 29-10
19.06.2010 v Wales in Dunedin Won 42-9
12.06.2010 v Ireland in New Plymouth Won 66-28
28.11.2009 v France in Marseilles Won 39-12
21.11.2009 v England at Twickenham Won 19-6

New Zealand has won their last 9 tests in a row. Their last loss was against South Africa in Hamilton, September 2009.

Last Five by South Africa
26.06.2010 v Italy in East London Won 55-11
19.06.2010 v Italy in Witbank Won 29-13
12.06.2010 v France in Capetown Won 42-17
05.06.2010 v Wales in Cardiff Won 34-31
28.11.2009 v Ireland in Dublin Lost 10-15

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 1st, South Africa 2nd
IRB Rankings-New Zealand 1st (91.68), South Africa 2nd (89.46)

Prediction: New Zealand by 7 points

Teams

New Zealand
M Muliaina (Waikato); C Jane (Wellington), C Smith (Wellington), M Nonu (Wellington), J Rokocoko (Auckland); D Carter (Canterbury), J Cowan (Southland); K Read (Canterbury); R McCaw, Capt. (Canterbury), B Thorn (Canterbury),T Donnelly (Otago), J Kaino (Auckland)' T Woodcock (North Harbour), K Mealamu (Auckland), O Franks (Canterbury). 
Replacements: C Flynn (Canterbury), B Franks (Canterbury), Sam Whitelock (Canterbury), L Messam (Waikato), P Weepu (Wellington), A Cruden (Wellington), R Kahui (Waikato).
Head Coach: Graham Henry

South Africa: Z Kirchner (Bulls); J de Villiers (Western Province), J Fourie (Stormers), W Olivier (Bulls), B Habana (Stormers); M Steyn (Bulls), R Januarie (Stormers); G Steenkamp (Bulls), J Smit (Sharks, capt), J du Plessis (Sharks), B Botha (Bulls), V Matfield (Bulls), S Burger (Stormers), F Louw (Stormers), P Spies (Bulls)
Replacements: C Ralepelle (Bulls), BJ Botha (Ulster), A Bekker (Stormers), D Rossouw (Bulls), R Pienaar (Sharks), B James (Bath), G Aplon (Stormers)
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 10 July

10.07.2010
South Africa v New Zealand in Auckland (Tri Nations)
Kenya v Uganda in Nairobi (Victoria Cup, Elgon Cup)

Briefly
The Tri Nations is one of the most followed, most keenly contested of all international rugby competitions, bar the Rugby World Cup. New Zealand and South Africa both come to this first encounter with impressive results so far this season. South Africa is the holder of the Tri Nations Cup.

Kenya could effectively wrap up the Victoria Cup if they win comfortably against Kenya in Nairobi even though they must travel to Zimbabwe to complete the tournament. Uganda's task looks all uphill following their loss to Kenya at home last weekend.

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 3 July

03.07.2010
Kenya 33, Uganda 25 in Kampala (Victoria Cup, Elgon Cup)
Zimbabwe 28, Madagascar 22 in Bulawayo (Africa Cup, Pool C; Final)
Zambia 27, Botswana 14 in Bulawayo (Africa Cup, Pool C; Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

Briefly
A quiet weekend after such a hectic June. But a whole weekend of all African international rugby.

Kenya is in the lead position as far as the Victoria Cup is concerned. A win next weekend at home in Nairobi, which looks likely, could see Kenya as the first holders of the cup.

Zimbabwe gained a finals place in the 2010 Africa Cup. Madagascar look to be in a good position to be the best second placed team to make the fourth entrant in that final.

Zambia rounded off proceedings with a comfortable win over Botswana.

So to next weekend and the first match of the 2010 Tri Nations. A much waited for encounter between the two giants of international rugby, New Zealand and South Africa.

TEST RUGBY: Victoria Cup, Elgon Cup

03.07.2010
Uganda v Kenya in Kampala (Victoria Cup; Elgon Cup)

Venue: Kyodondo RFC Ground

Referee:

Preview
There is never a great deal between these two East African nations once they enter a rugby field. The Elgon Cup has traditionally been the symbol of rugby supremacy between these nations but this year a new trophy has emerged-The Victoria Cup.

Lake Victoria. Image thanks to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Victoria

Lake Victoria is situated in East Africa and is the source of the great river Nile and gives its name to a new rugby trophy on this vast continent. Played between Zimbabwe, Uganda and Kenya, the format is similar to the famous Tri Nations rugby tournament.

Mount Elgon straddles the border between Kenya and Uganda and has been the symbol of rugby supremacy between these two nations since 2006. Kenya holds the cup at present. Played over two matches per season, home and away, it is decided upon an aggregate of points scored over the two matches. If points are equal the trophy remains with the holder.

Elgon Cup History
2006-Uganda
2007-Kenya
2008-Kenya
2009-Kenya

In each year the difference in the aggregate of points has been marginal. The Cup is keenly contested.

Kenya and Uganda will meet again after these two tournaments end. They are due to play for a place in the Africa Cup finals. They will join Namibia and Cameroun in Windhoek, perhaps in August.

Both teams have already played a test match. Kenya defeated Zimbabwe 11-10 in Nairobi in the first Victoria Cup test match. Uganda then defeated Zimbabwe 25-15 in Kampala two weeks ago. This would indicate Uganda as the stronger side at present.

Uganda has recalled a number of players who were involved in a dispute with the union a few years back. Most famous would be Timothy Mudoola.

There is never much between these two teams at any given time. They do have the recent habit of only being able to win their home matches. On this basis and the fact that Uganda won more comfortably against Zimbabawe recently, I fancy Uganda to win.

Related articles
http://www.irb.com/rankings/news/newsid=2039399.html
http://www.kenyarfu.com/
http://ugrugbyfanzone.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128:uganda-quest-for-elgon-cup-begins&catid=38:latestnews&Itemid=86

Last Five Encounters
19.08.2009 Uganda 18-13 in Kampala (Elgon Cup, 2nd leg)
15.08.2009 Kenya 30-22 in Nairobi (Elgon Cup, 1st leg)
16.08.2008 Kenya 39-20 in Nairobi (Elgon Cup, 2nd leg)
24.05.2008 Uganda 20-3 in Kampala (Elgon Cup, 1st leg)
26.08.2007 Uganda 24-12 in Antanaviro (CAR Africa Cup, semi-final)

Kenya last won in Kampala in 2005. They defeated Uganda 8-5 in a World Cup qualifying match.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Uganda 5th, Kenya 6th
IRB Ranking Points-Kenya 50.10, Uganda 50.09

Prediction: Uganda by 5 points

Teams

Kenya
15. Innocent Simiyu, Capt. (Cheetahs/Impala RFC)
14. Peter Abuoga (Rhinos/Kenya Harlequin FC)
13. David Ambunya (Rhinos/Kenya Harlequin FC)
12. Patrice Agunda (Rhinos/Kenya Harlequin FC)
11. Victor Sudi (Rhinos/Kenya Harlequin FC)
10. Nato Simiyu (Cheetahs/Impala RFC)
9. Moses Kola (Cheetahs/Impala RFC)
8. Lawrence Buyachi (Cheetahs/Impala RFC)
7. Oscar Ouma (Rhinos/Nakura RFC)
6. Andrew Amonde (Lions/Kenya Commercial Bank)
5. Michael Aung (Cheetahs/Nondescripts RUFC)
4. Anthony Mutai (Rhinos/Kenya Harlequin FC)
3. Nzioka Muema (Cheetahs/Impala RFC)
2. Edwin Alubaka (Lions/Kenya Commercial Bank)
1. Daniel Kiptoo (Rhinos/Kenya Harlequin FC)
Replacements
16. Vincent Ongera (Rhinos/Kenya Harlequin FC)
17. Joel Nganga (Rhinos/Kenya Harlequin FC)
18. Ronnie Mwenesi (Lions/Kenya Commercial Bank)
19. Kevin Umbuge (Cheetahs/Impala RFC) *debut
20. David Mogere (Rhinos/Kenya Harlequin FC)
21. Felix Wanjala (Sharks/Mean Machine RFC) *debut
22. Kelvin Omiyo (Cheetahs/Impala RFC)
Head Coach: Michael Otieno

Thanks to http://rugbykenya.blogspot.com/

Uganda

Ronald Adigasi (Entebbe Mongers)
Oscar Echulu (UTL Kobs)
Faisal Gamma (MTN Heathens)
Brian Jjemba (G4S Pirates)
Philip Karumuna (G4S Pirates)
Benon Kizza (MTN Heathens)
Solomon Mawanda (G4S Pirates)
Alexander Mubiru (MTN Heathens)
Timothy Mudoola (UTL Kobs)
Allan Musoke (UTL Kobs)
John Musoke (Rhinos)
Mathias Ochwo, Capt. (MTN Heathens)
Brian Odong (UTL Kobs)
Romano Ogwal (Impala)
Scott Oluoch (MTN Heathens)
Andrew Olweny (Entebbe Mongers)
Bishop Onen (MTN Heathens)
Robert Seguya (MTN Heathens)
Moses Soita (G4S Pirates)
Victor Wadia (UTL Kobs)
Simon Wakabi (UTL Kobs)
Michael Wokorach, Vice Captain (MTN Heathens)
Head Coach: Ham Osando

Adapted from http://ugrugbyfanzone.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=128:uganda-quest-for-elgon-cup-begins&catid=38:latestnews&Itemid=86

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Africa Cup, Pool C

03.07.2010
Zimbabwe v Madagascar in Bulawayo (Africa Cup, Pool C)

Venue: Hartsfield Rugby Club Ground

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

Preview
Zimbabwe and Madagascar shape up for a guaranteed place in Novembers Africa Cup finals. The winner will head to the finals whilst the loser still has a chance to qualify as the best second placed team across all three pools. South Africa's top referee Jonathan Kaplan will officiate.

Zimbabwe gave a hint last year that they may be heading back towards the top of African rugby. They won all their games in Gaborone including a 31-22 win over today's opponent Madagascar.

Madagascar is almost unique in African rugby. The level of support for the game surpasses that of soccer. Crowds of 30,000 will attend an important international rugby match. The national side qualified for today's final with a comfortable 36-18 win over Zambia last Wednesday.

More previews
http://www.irb.com/rankings/news/newsid=2039399.html#car+victoria+cup+affect+rankings

Last Five Encounters
20.07.2009 Zimbabwe 31-22 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
07.07.2007 Madagascar 30-29 in Harare (CAR Africa Cup, Div.1, South B)
12.08.2006 Drawn 22-22 in Bulawayo (CAR Africa Cup, Group D)
29.08.2004 Madagascar 23-18 in Antanarivo (CAR Div.1, Pool B, South 1)
19.07.2003 Madagascar 21-0 in Harare by default

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zimbabwe 10th, Madagascar 11th
IRB Ranking Points-Madagascar 46.90, Zimbabwe 46.11

Prediction: A close game-Zimbabwe by 3 points

Teams

Zimbabwe Squad
A.Sairai, V. Hove, J. Butchanan, D. Mutamangira, R. Gurumani, Z. Tondoro, G. Nechironga, J. Leitao, N. Mukondiwa, T. Mafi, D. Robertson, T. Nemadire, L. Machanjaire, G. Sibanda P. Staark, D. Hondo, W. Mbanje, T. Mhende, S. Johns, J. Rowe, P. Jessub, D. Mutamangira, S. Sibanda, P. Chitenderu, N. Ndlovu, S. Sibanda
Technical Team: Brandon Dawson (coach), Cyprian Mandenge (assistant coach), Noddy Kanyangarara (manager), Farai Muguwe (physiotherapist).

http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=20603&cat=5

Madagascar Squad not available

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Africa Cup, Pool C

03.07.2010
Botswana v Zambia

Venue: Hartsfield Rugby Club Ground

Referee:

Preview
Botswana were well and truly thumped by Zimbabwe Wednesday. The Vultures were reported to have had to leave a few key players behind due to injury after the squad was selected. Zambia gave Madagascar a good run for their money on Wednesday and look more likely to win this game.

Previous Encounters
20.07.2009 Botswana 16-10 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
09.04.2005 Zambia 28-24 in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A, South)
07.09.2002 Botswana 32-19 in Gaborone (CAR South 2)
27.07.2002 Zambia 37-17 in Lusaka (Friendly)
17.05.1997 Zambia 20-13 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa, R1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Botswana 12th, Zambia 14th
IRB Ranking Points-Zambia 39.31, Botswana 39.21

Prediction: Zambia by 14 points

Teams

Botswana Team that played Zimbabwe
Katlego Mohutiswa, Thato Maifala, Onkabetse Mosalagae, Eddie Ernest, Lempaletse Ngaka, Kagiso Ditsebe, Kabo Batsile, Munyaradzi Mhonda(captain), Conrad Ntsebe, Andre Van Der Wat, Doug McCarthy, Edward Oosthuizen, Tefho Keothepile, Biki Mawela, Tshogenetso Katse. Lesedi Keekae, Otsile Mooketsi, Karabo Matenanga, Molibi Maphanyane, Onamile Tshimologo, Emanuel Masinki, Leatametse Mapodise, Segopotso Dintwe.
Head Coach: Niel Gouws

http://www.sundaystandard.info/article.php?NewsID=8103&GroupID=6

Zambia Squad
Nigel Chibwe, MacManus Musonda, Ali Bika, Boyd Nyirenda, Tedious Chololo, Sydney Mwansapa, Daniel Sakala, Ephraim Musukwa, Chiluba Kangwa, John Chibanga, Thomas Chipoya, Lazarous Chiti, Edward Mwamba, Tom Chaloba, Tom Mweemba, Jonathan Gondwe, Alex Mwila, Danny Kabila, Patrick Kasongo, John Kabwela, Patrick Chanda, Benaya Mukwamba, Chileshe Mwape and Kelvin Kampandu.
Head Coach: Noble Chisenga

Adapted from http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=17&id=1277791690