29.05.2011
Barbarians (UK) RFC 38, England 32 at Twickenham (Non-test)
28.05.2011
Guyana 22, Trinidad Tobago 20 in Port of Spain (NACRA Caribbean Champ.,South R3)
Bahamas 17, Mexico 12 in Nassau (NACRA Caribbean Champ., South R3)
Madagascar 50, Reunion 19 in Antananarivo (Friendly)
The 2011 tournament is about to get under way to find the team that will replace Sri Lanka in next year’s Asia Five Nations, the premier division in Asian rugby.
Participating teams are Korea, the hosts, who were relegated from Asia Five nations last year, Malaysia and Singapore, who are long stalwarts of Asian rugby, and newcomers Philippines who were promoted from Division 2 last year.
Team squads so far…
Philippines
Front row L to R: Luke Matthews, Patrice Olivier, Jaime Urquijo, Nick Perry, Michael Letts (Captain), Tyler Perez, Rupert Zappia, Nick Pineda
Middle row: Matt Cullen (Manager), Raf Zappia, Austin Dacanay, Michael de Guzman, Justin Coveney, Gaz Holgate, Chris Hitch (Vice Captain), Josh Sutcliffe, Damian Raper (Physiotherapist)
Top row: Jarred Hodges (Asst. Coach), Richard Taylor, Joven Clarke, James Price, Oliver Saunders, Kit Guerra, Matt Saunders, Michael Duhig, Phil Abraham, Jake Letts, Expo Mejia (Head Coach)
Image thanks to http://www.prfu.com/1/post/2011/05/philippine-volcanoes-head-to-korea-for-the-asian-5-nations-div-1-championships.html
Singapore
Suhaimi Amran (Singapore Cricket Club)
Thomas Burns (Singapore Cricket Club)
Jonathan Chen (Bedok Kings RFC)
Kevin Loo Yu Cheng (Singapore Cricket Club)
Alex Chew (Singapore Cricket Club)
Benjamin Goh (Bucks RFC)
Nicholas Groen (Bedok Kings RFC)
Daniel Marc Chow (Singapore Cricket Club)
Matthew Head (Singapore Cricket Club)
Alan Kent (Singapore Cricket Club)
Harresh Krishnan (Singapore Cricket Club)
Sidney Kumar (Bedok Kings RFC)
Gabriel Lee (Singapore Cricket Club)
Jonathan Lee (Singapore Cricket Club)
Peter Mcfeely (Singapore Cricket Club)
Zaki Mahmood (Bedok Kings RFC)
Ashraf Mohamed Nasser (Blacks RFC)
Riady Perdana (Bedok Kings RFC)
Azmi Suliman (Bedok Kings RFC)
Gaspar Tan (Bedok Kings RFC)
Melvin Tan (Singapore Cricket Club)
Erik Vis (Bedok Kings RFC)
Marc Warburton (Singapore Cricket Club)
Leonard Yap (Wanderers RFC)
Head Coach: Des Thornton
Adapted from http://www.singaporerugby.com/2011/05/mens-national-sqaud-for-asian-5-nations.html
Korea and Malaysia Squads yet to be advertised
28.05.2011
Mexico v Bahamas in Nassau (NACRA Caribbean Champ., North R3)
Venue: Winton Rugby Centre
Referee:
Preview
Mexico has recorded two wins so far to reach the third stage of the Caribbean Championship. They defeated USA South 25-9 in Mexico City last month to proceed to round two. On May 15 they defeated the Cayman Islands 34-20, in Mexico City again, to qualify for round three. In this round they play a round-robin tournament with Bahamas and Bermuda. They have the distinct advantage of having played two games already whilst their opponents have played a test match each in 2011. But will the added experience be enough against two rivals who have a long history in this tournament?
Bahamas has a shorter rugby history than Bermuda. They played their first test match in 1993. Since then they have participated in Caribbean rugby championships in 1998 (losing all 3 games), 2001 (defeating Jamaica but losing to Barbados), 2005 (defeating Caymans and Bermuda, losing to Jamaica, and Barbados 3-52 in the final) and in 2008 (losing to Bermuda, defeating Jamaica, and then Mexico 23-17 in the bowl final)
That Bowl final match would indicate that there is not a great deal between these two teams. Bahamas, having a home advantage, has that advantage.
Mexico has made great strides this season. I’d expect them to win by a smidgeon.
Previous Encounter
26.04.2008 Bahamas 23-17 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B, Bowl Final)
GWC Rugby Rankings
NACRA Table-Mexico 6th, Bahamas 12th
Prediction: Mexico by 2 points
Teams
Mexico Squad not available
Bahamas
Forwards
1 Burrows, Annejo - Prop – Baillou
2 Cartwright, Devon - Prop – Freeport
3 Major, Tyrone - Prop – Cuckoos
4 Morrison, Garfield - Prop – Potcakes
5 Smith, Charles - Prop/Flanker – Cuckoos
6 McPhee, Leon - Hooker – Freeport
7 Young, Renaldo - Hooker – Baillou
8 Arthur, Patrick - Second Row/8 – Buccaneers
9 Gates, John - Second Row – Cuckoos
10 Thurston, Earl - Second Row – Baillou
11 Kemp, Shawn - Flanker/Wing – Baillou
12 Bain, Andrew - Flanker/8/Centre – Cuckoos
13 Woodside, Devon - Flanker – Cuckoos
Backs
14 Albury, Connor - Scrum half – Baillou
15 Butler, Dorian - Wing/Full Back – Buccaneers
16 Charlton, Kacey - Fly Half – Freeport
17 Cooper, Jeremico - Scrum Half/Fly Half – Cuckoos
18 Curry, Jamaal - Centre/Full Back – Cuckoos
19 Joseph, Edwin - Centre/Wing – Freeport
20 Knowles, Ryan - Centre – Buccaneers
21 Beadle, Duran - Centre – Baillou
22 Bodie, Andrew - Wing - Baillou
http://www.thebahamasweekly.com/publish ... 6014.shtml
28.05.2011
Guyana v Trinidad Tobago in Port of Spain (NACRA Caribbean Champ., South R3)
Venue: CIC College Grounds
Referee:
Preview
Trinidad and Tobago has two distinct advantages over the visiting Guyanian team. Firstly, they have already played a test match, last weekend, defeating Barbados 17-10. Secondly, they are playing at home. Last weekend they thirteen new players who will now know what is required to play test rugby.
We know nothing of the Guyanian team. We do know that they gave the Trinidad Tobago side a good fight before losing by 16 points at the 2008 Caribbean Championship/World Cup qualifying match in the Cayman Islands.
A win today will ensure that Trinidad Tobago will play in the Caribbean final against the winner of the northern zone.
Previous Encounters
26.04.2008 Trinidad Tobago 40-24 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B, Caribbean Champ., Final)
13.08.2005 Guyana 29-21 in Georgetown (WCQ America, Caribbean South)
00.11.1999 Trinidad Tobago 15-10 in Georgetown (South Caribbean Championship)
1993 Trinidad Tobago 48-7
GWC Rugby Rankings
NACRA Table-Does not apply. Guyana is unranked as they did not play in 2010
Prediction: Trinidad Tobago by 20 points
Teams
Trinidad Tobago Squad
Forwards:Samuel Roberts (Caribs), Jason Joseph (Police), John Hill (Harvard), Rowell Gordon (Harvard), Andrew Welch Jnr (Royalians), Miguel Lara (Caribs), Jamal Clark (Caribs), Andrew Crooks (Trinidad Northern), Peter Bacchus ( Caribs), Jesse Richards UWI),Graeme Alkins (Caribs), Gordon Dalgliesh ( Trinidad Northern), Adam Frederick- captain- ( Trinidad Northern), Wayne Kelly(Harvard/UTT)
Backs: Jonathan O'Connor ( Trinidad Northern), Justin McLean ( Trinidad Northern), Carlton Felix( Royalians/UTT), Aasan Lewis (Harvard/ Esher ), Kelson Figaro (Royalians), Don Rojas (Caribs), James Phillip (Royalians), Kendall Mootoo (Caribs), Joseph Quashie( Harvard/UTT)
Coaches: Larry Mendez and Dale Trotman
http://www.ttrfu.com/mrDetails.aspx?Id=1183
Guyana Squad not available
28.05.2011
Reunion v Madagascar in Antanamena
Venue: Mahamsina Stadium
Referee:
Preview
Madagascar is using this game in the Indian Ocean Rugby Championship (Madagascar, Reunion, Seychelles, Mauritius) as a warm up for the up coming CAR African Rugby Competition.
Reunion will play Mauritius later in June but no word as to whether the Seychelles will compete. Reunion is an overseas department of France and so strictly speaking this is not a test match. But as I have listed Reunion’s ‘test’ matches that I’m aware of from the past I can’t help but include this result on my lists.
Madagascar is due to play in Uganda next month in Division 1B, against Zimbabwe and Uganda. Ivory coast has pulled out of this competition because of the unstable political situation in that country and face automatic relegation.
The venue is a town in the south of the country called Antanamena.
Last year Madagascar played Zambia (won 36-18) and Zimbabwe (lost 22-28) in the CAR Africa Cup, Pool C tournament held in Bulawayo.
Reunion last played a ‘test’ in 2009 in which they lost all 3 games in the CAR Development Trophy, South-Mauritius (9-10), Botswana (17-39) and Madagascar (27-36).
Previous Encounters
25.07.2009 Madagascar 36-27 in Gabarone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
01.12.1995 Reunion 33-9
GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply as Reunion did not play in 2010
Prediction: Madagascar by 20 points
Teams
Madagascar
This is reportedly the starting XV for Madagascar
Donald Rakotomialoha (US Ikopa)
Ibrahim Andrianiaina (Iarivo RC)
Hasina Razafimahatratra (TAM Anosibe)
Tolotra Ramaromiantso (3FB)
Claudio Ravelonomenjanahary (Savonnerie Tropicale)
Toussaint Rabearilala (Iarivo RC)
Vonjy Randriamananjara (FTM)
Thierry Herimampionona (TAM Anosibe)
Romuald Rafaralahy (3FB)
José Rakoto Harison (3FB)
Benja Rakotoarivelo (TFMA)
Rija Rakotoarimanana (3FB)
Bienvenu Mananjarasoa (Iarivo RC)
Hery (AT Ivandry)
Jacquot Hary Nirina (TAM Anosibe)
Head Coach: Camille Ratsima
http://www.les-nouvelles.com/spip.php?rubrique15#
3FB = Ministère de la Santé et du Planning Familial
Reunion Squad not available
Press Release
[Colombo, Sri Lanka May 21, 2011]: Japan, Asia’s Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying side, have clinched the HSBC Asian 5 Nations 2011 title for a fourth consecutive year beating Sri Lanka 90 – 13 today in Colombo.
Japan shook off some very humid conditions to win the HSBC A5N in style and make it a perfect 16 wins from 16 matches in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations since 2008. Japan’s HSBC Asian 5 Nations campaign was dedicated to the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami and will do much to lift the spirits of Japanese rugby fans back home.
Japan opened the floodgates for a second consecutive week in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations this time behind five tries from centre Alisi Tupuailai earning him honours as the HSBC A5N 2011 top try scorer with nine tries from four matches. Tupuailai also ties the record for tries in an HSBC Asian 5 Nations match set last season by Kosuke Endo who scored five tries against Korea in Daegu in 2010. Tupuailai’s nine tries on the season are also the highest individual try tally in the Top 5 competition since the inception of the HSBC Asian Five Nations in 2008.
Tupuailai-Top try scorer
Behind Tupuailai in the top scoring honours in 2011 is up and coming winger Takehisa Usuzuki who added one try today to bring him to five for the tournament.
Japan captain Takashi Kikutani added a brace today along with firebrand scrumhalf Fumiaki Tanaka.
Other try scorers included veteran winger Hirotoki Onozawa, flanker Toetuu Taufa and flyhalf Shaun Webb whose try and three conversions brought him to 11 points today. Reserve flyhalf Atsushi Tanabe also notched a try and added seven conversions for 19 points on the day.
Sri Lanka put up a brave performance and even briefly led the match after an early try from winger Chula Susantha with a successful conversion from fullback Saliya Kumara. The hosts’ other points came through a drop goal by Sri Lankan scrumhalf Roshan Weeraratne, the only one in this year’s HSBC A5N Top 5 competition. Exciting winger Nuwan Hettiarachchi continued his fine tournament with a well-taken penalty.
Putting any points on the board against Japan is a creditable performance for the non-professional teams in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Top 5 and Sri Lanka will take heart from some strong outings in its first taste of Top 5 rugby.
Japan finished the HSBC Asian 5 Nations with a perfect record of 24 points from four wins and four bonus points for scoring four tries or more in each match. Hong Kong finishes in second place for the first time in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations on 17 points after their 62 – 3 rout of the UAE this afternoon in Hong Kong. UAE finishes in third on 8 points, followed by Kazakhstan on 6 points.
Japan 2011 Asia Five Nations champion
After brave performances throughout the campaign, Sri Lanka bows out of its first year in the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Top 5 competition but Asian rugby fans have seen enough to know that the Lankans will be making a strong bid to return to the Top 5 in 2012.
Sri Lanka will be replaced by the winner of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division I Tournament between Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. The Division I tournament will be played on Wednesday, June 1 (Semi Finals between Korea and the Philippines and Singapore and Malaysia) and on Saturday, June 4, (Finals and 3rd/4th place play-off).
For more information please visit www.asian5nations.com.
Scoring:
Japan
Takehisa Usuzuki 1 Try, 5 points
Toetuu Taufa 1 Try, 5 points
Alisi Tupuailai 5 Try, 25 points
Fumiaki Tanaka 2 Try, 10 points
Shaun Webb, 1 Try, 3 Conversions, 11 points
Atsushi Tanabe, 1 Try, 7 conversions, 19 points
Takashi Kikutani, 2 Try, 10 points
Hirotoki Onozawa, 1 Try, 5 points
Japan – 90 Points
Sri Lanka
Chula Susantha, 1 Try, 5 points
Saliya Kumara, 1 Conversion, 2 points
Roshan Weeraratne, 1 Drop Goal, 3 points
Nuwan Hettiarachchi, 1 Penalty, 3 points
Sri Lanka – 13 points
Halftime Score: Sri Lanka 7 – 31 Japan
Fulltime Score: Sri Lanka 13 – 90 Japan
ENDS
For more information on:
HSBC Asian 5 Nations/ARFU – contact Sean Moore, Tournament Operations Manager; Mob: +852 9095-8889 Email: sean.moore@elitestep.com
PRESS RELEASE
[Hong Kong, May 20, 2011]: Hong Kong claimed second spot in the HSBC Asian Five Nations Top Five competition after crushing the United Arab Emirates 62-3 in the final round at a rain-swept Hong Kong Football Club.
While perennial champions Japan once again clinched the top spot, Hong Kong for the first time grabbed the runners-up position in the fourth year of this tournament and they did it in style with a 10-try romp past an overmatched UAE.
“It was an excellent performance from the guys,” said Hong Kong national coach Dai Rees. “We have always stressed what mattered was performing and today the guys shone. We didn’t sneak over the line, we finished second in commanding fashion.”
A powerful performance from the Hong Kong forwards led superbly by No.8 Pale Tauti and openside flanker Mark Goosen paved the way for today’s dominating performance.
The visitors opened the scoring first thanks to a penalty from flyhalf Jonothon Grady but it was all one-way traffic after that as Hong Kong dominated the set-pieces as well as the breakdown, enjoying a wealth of possession.
At the break, Hong Kong led 29-3 and didn’t let off the pressure, adding a further 33 unanswered points to register their biggest win in the history of this tournament.
Blindside flanker Nick Hewson and fullback Ross Armour led the try-stakes each scoring a brace, while Tauti, Goosen, tighthead prop Nigel Hobler, hooker Alex Harris, winger Alex McQueen and substitute winger Jamie Hood all feasted on the UAE defence.
Nick Hewson scored two tries against UAE
“It is a really pleasing result. This is the first time that Hong Kong has finished second in this competition and I hope this is the start of a new era for Hong Kong rugby,” said skipper and outside centre Tom McColl who collected 10 points with the boot.
Hong Kong made light of the wet conditions with a heavy thunderstorm minutes before the game kicked off making for a slippery ball.
With the forwards asserting their dominance from the very first scrum, the home team took control to the appreciation of a sizeable crowd which included 40 past Hong Kong internationals who had been invited for the game.
“When it started raining before the game began, I thought it would be a close game. But to score ten tries is unbelievable. It is a fantastic result,” said the hard-running McColl.
Hong Kong’s captain Tom McColl lead the way
against UAE
McColl was matched in the backline by impressive winger McQueen while flyhalf Keith Robertson, despite having an off day with the boot – knocking over only one of four attempts – was his usual influential self in midfield.
But the day belonged to the Hong Kong forwards whose barnstorming display left their opponents floundering two steps behind the pace.
“It feels like a job half done,” said UAE’s departing coach Bruce Birtwistle. “While we have achieved our target of staying in the Top Five next year, our goal was to finish second, but Hong Kong came up with a very impressive display today.”
UAE’s David Clouston prevents a try
Birtwistle, who leaves for his native New Zealand after three years in the job, added: “I’m very surprised by the result. I thought it would be a lot closer.”
Hong Kong will now claim that they are the best ‘amateur’ side in Asia, but coach Rees wants more.
“We have to sustain this result. Finishing second in Asia probably means nothing at the end of the day if you look down the road to qualifying for the 2015 World Cup,” Rees said.
“What matters is that we keep improving as we have done over the last few years. Last year we finished third and now we are second. We have to continue to improve,” Rees added.
Hong Kong finished its HSBC A5N campaign with a 3 – 1 record and 17 points on the table. UAE finished on 8 points after one win, two losses and one draw in this year’s competition.
Completing a happy day for Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Women defeated Singapore in the curtain-raiser, 53 – 8, after leading at the half 22 - 5. Five tries were scored through centres Natasha Olson-Thorne (3) and Becky Underwood (2) with lock Samantha Scott adding a brace.
For more information please visit www.asian5nations.com.
ENDS
21.05.2011
Japan 90, Sri Lanka 13 in Colombo (Asia5Nations)
Hong Kong 62, United Arab Emirates 3 in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
Barbados v Trinidad Tobago in Port of Spain (NACRA Caribbean Champ.,South R3)-to be played
Match reports to follow
21.05.2011
Japan v Sri Lanka in Colombo (Asia5Nations)
Venue:
Referee: James Fitzgerald (United Arab Emirates)
Preview
Sri Lanka can expect a very tough day as Japan heads towards yet another Asia Five Nations Championship. The Lankans are looking at relegation unless they can produce a game from heaven an actually defeat Japan, but I don’t think so. If they play well, Sri Lanka should hold Japan to under the century. If not…
Previous Encounters
Sri Lanka has on all but one occasion, faced a Japan XV in previous encounters.
22.04.2003 Japan XV 36-8 in Colombo (Asia Tournament, Pool A)
08.10.2002 Japan XV 129-6 in Pusan (Asia Games)
16.12.1998 Japan XV 116-0 in Bangkok (Asia Games, Semi-final)
24.10.1994 Japan XV 67-3 in Kuala Lumpur (14th Asia Championship)
22.09.1992 Japan XV 89-3 in Hong Kong (13th Asia Championship)
Sri Lanka played their only previous full test match against Japan in 1974, losing 44-6
GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Japan 1st, Sri Lanka 5th
IRB Ranking Points
Japan 71.45, Sri Lanka 47.24
Prediction: Japan by 85 points
Teams
Japan:
1. Kensuke Hatakeyama 2. Takeshi Kizu 3. Nozomu Fujita 4. Hitoshi Ono 5. Luke Thompson 6. Takeshi Kikutani © 7. Toetuu Taufa 8. Itaru Taniguchi 9. Fumiaki Tanaka 10. Shaun Webb 11. Hirotoki Onozawa 12. Yuta Imamura 13. Alisi Tupuailai 14. Takehisa Usuzuki 15. Ghosi Tachikawa 16. Hiroki Yuhara 17. Naoki Kawamata 18. Justin Ives 19. Michael Leitch 20. Astushi Hiwasa 21. James Arlidge 22. Atsushi Tanabe
Head Coach: John Kirwan
Sri Lanka:
1. Terrence Henry, 2. Achala Perera, 3. Nishal Meepage 4. Senaka Bandara 5. Sajith Saranga 6. Keith Gurusinghe 7. Danuska Perera 8. Sean Wijesinghe (C) 9. Roshan Weeraratne 10. Fazil Marija 11. Lasintha Costa 12. Chula Susantha 13. Chanaka Chandimal 14. Nuwan Hettiarachchi 15. Saliya Kumara 16. Kishore Jehan 17. Eranga Swarnathilaka 18. Dinesh Sanjeewa 19. Ishan Noor 20. Prasad Chaturaga 21. Charith Senaviratne 22. Shabeer Mohamad
Head Coach:
21.05.2011
United Arab Emirates v Hong Kong in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
Venue: Hong Kong Football Club
Referee: Akihiso Aso (Japan)
Preview
Press Release
[Hong Kong, May 20, 2011]: It will be a winner-take-all humdinger when Hong Kong take on the United Arab Emirates in the final round of the HSBC Asian Five Nations Top Five tournament on Saturday (kick-off at 16.00 local time at the Hong Kong Football Club).
With perennial Asian champions Japan having already clinched the title for the fourth consecutive year all that is up for grabs is the runner-up position and boasting rights as the best amateur side in Asia – a position that both Hong Kong and UAE want fervently.
“We are not thinking of the outcome right now. All we are focused on is a good performance. if we do that, the results will follow,” insists Hong Kong national coach Dai Rees.
But there is no escaping the fact that a win at Hong Kong Football Club on Saturday will be a moment to savour for Hong Kong which is bidding to finish second for the first time in this competition.
Hong Kong currently lies in second place on the HSBC Asian Five Nations table on 11 points, while UAE is in third place with eight points. The five points on offer to the winner on Saturday will be enough to put either team clear into second.
Hong Kong hope to charge into second spot
Japan, who leads the competition with a perfect record of 18 points (five points and three bonus points for each victory to date), will be aiming to finish on another high when they take on relegation-bound Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Despite second place being up for grabs, UAE coach Bruce Birtwistle hasn’t been afraid to include four Emiratis in his squad – Cyrus Homayoun, Ali Mohammed, Abdullah Ahmed and Mohanned Shaker.
New Zealander Birtwistle, who departs home soon, has shaped a team who have taken on the mantle from the Arabian Gulf and emerged as a surprise package in the competition with a home win over Kazakhstan and a 13-13 draw away to Sri Lanka.
But they will be smarting after a 111-0 hammering at the hands of Japan last week, and will be keen to make amends. “We are looking for a big away win to finish off the season on a high. The guys are charged up after last week’s performance,” said Ian Bremner, UAE chief executive.
UAE captain Mike Cox-Hill reflected on last week’s performance saying, “Japan were relentless. They are the number 12 or 13 side in the world and are a fully professional team in a Rugby World Cup year, so we need to put that game behind us.”
“All of our focus is on Hong Kong. We are two evenly matched teams. We have been the surprise package in this year’s HSBC A5N to date. Finishing second in Asia would be a massive achievement for a Union like the UAE that is just moths old. We have some lofty goals for rugby in the region and that kind of placing would help us achieve those ambitions.”
Victory will hinge on whose forward pack can exert dominance. The UAE pack has provided the base for their surprising run at second place this season. Hong Kong will welcome the return of untiring lock-forward Oliver Jones. who returns after missing the last two outings due to injury.
But first-choice wingers Rowan Varty and Salom Yiu Kam-shing will be missing due to injuries picked up in the 48-3 win over Sri Lanka in Colombo a fortnight ago. The injuries make room for Alex McQueen and Adam Raby, who makes his HSBC A5N 2011 debut this weekend.
UAE prop Chris Jones Griffith has been
in outstanding form
All eyes will be on Hong Kong’s young fly-half Keith Robertson who had a perfect game in Colombo, collecting 17 points including a brace of tries.
“He has come of age,” said Rees, who will be hoping his forwards can supply Robertson with plenty of good ball from the set pieces and contact areas so that the playmaker can put a dangerous backline into action.
“We need to focus on a couple of key areas in our defensive shape along with producing quality ball at set piece and contact area to allow our key runners to pressurise UAE,” Rees said.
“A win on Saturday will complete a good 2010/11 season which started back in November,” said Rees. “The team has worked hard to increase the skill levels and intensity in all aspects of the game. If the players maintain this focus, the result will look after itself.”
The Hong Kong Women’s XV will face Singapore tomorrow as a curtain-raiser to the Hong Kong v UAE match. Kick-off is at 13.00.
ENDS
For more information on:
HSBC Asian 5 Nations/ARFU – contact Sean Moore, Tournament Operations Manager; Mob: +852 9095-8889 Email: sean.moore@elitestep.com
Previous Arabian Gulf v Hong Kong
30.04.2010 Arabian Gulf 16-9 in Bahrain (Asia5Nations)
26.04.2008 Hong Kong 20-12 in Al Ain (Asia5Nations)
09.05.2004 Hong Kong 12-5 in Hong Kong (Friendly)
20.04.2002 Hong Kong 17-7 in Hong Kong (WCA Asia R1, Pool B)
26.01.2001 Arabian Gulf 55-22 in Dubai (Friendly)
GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Hong Kong 2nd, United Arab Emirates 3rd
IRB Ranking Points do not apply.
Prediction: Hong Kong by 26 points
Teams
Hong Kong Squad
1. Andrew Li (Kowloon), 2. Alex Harris (Kowloon), 3. Alex Ng Wai Shing (Valley), 4. Renaud Chavanis (Valley), 5. Ollie Jones (HKFC) 6. Nick Hewson (Valley) 7. Mark Goosen (Kowloon) 8. Pale Tauti (DeA) 9. Pete McKee (HKFC) 10. Keith Robertson (DeA) 11. Adam Raby (HKFC) 12. Lee Jones (Valley) 13. Tom McColl (C) (Kowloon) 14. Alex McQueen (HKCC) 15. Ross Armour (Valley) 16. Nigel Hobler (HKFC) 17. Brent Taylor (Valley) 18. Terence Montgomery (Valley) 19. Kwok Ka Chun (Kowloon) 20. Tim Alexander (Valley) 21. Jamie Hood (HKFC) 22. Simon Smith (Kowloon)
Head Coach: Dai Rees
UAE:
1. Chris Jones Griffith 2. David Vittes 3. Mike Riley 4. Simon Osbourne 5. Mike Cox-Hill (C) 6. Renier Els 7. Jamie Clarke 8. Carl Von Rosenveldt 9. Stuart Quinn 10. Jonothon Grady 11. Steve Smith 12. Duncan Murray 13. John Beeton 14. Sean Hurley 15. Tim Fletcher 16. Dan Heal 17. Mohanned Shaker 18. Chris Deacon 19. Lloyd Budd 20. David Clouston 21. Michael Hartley 22. Ali Mohammed
Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle
21.05.2011
Trinidad Tobago v Barbados in Bridgetown (NACRA Caribbean Champ.,South R3)
Venue:
Referee:
Preview
This test match is the first of the South Zone, round 3 round-robin series to find a finalist to play the winner of the North Zone. The eventual winner will be the 2011 NACRA Caribbean champion.
Trinidad and Tobago, the reigning Caribbean XV’s champion, enters this competition with thirteen new caps. Despite that they will be a tough team to defeat.
Barbados has the advantage of playing a recent test match, defeating British Virgin Islands 19-13 in a South Zone, round 2 match.
Previous Encounters
23.04.2008 Trinidad Tobago 56-0 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B, Cup, Semi-final)
10.08.2005 Barbados 25-13 in Georgetown (WCQ America, Caribbean South)
13.11.1999 Trinidad Tobago 15-0 in Georgetown
1981 Trinidad Tobago 51-0
GWC Rugby Rankings
NACRA Table-Trinidad Tobago 3rd, Barbados 5th
IRB Ranking Points
Trinidad Tobago 47.19, Barbados 40.01
Prediction: Trinidad Tobago by 15 points
Teams
Trinidad and Tobago Squad
Forwards:
Samuel Roberts (Caribs)
Jason Joseph (Police)
John Hill*(Harvard)
Rowell Gordon* (Harvard)
Andrew Welch Jnr* (Royalians)
Jabari Felix* (Caribs)
Jamal Clark* (Caribs)
Andrew Crooks*(Trinidad Northern)
Peter Bacchus ( Caribs)
Jesse Richards*(University West Indies))
Graeme Alkins (Caribs)
Gordon Dalgliesh* (Trinidad Northern)
Adam Frederick (Trinidad Northern)
Backs:
Jonathan O'Connor (Trinidad Northern)
Justin McLean*(Trinidad Northern)
James Walklin (Trinidad Northern)
Aasan Lewis*(Harvard)
Kelson Figaro (Royalians)
Don Rojas (Caribs)
Joseph Quashie* (Harvard/UTT)
James Phillip*(Royalians)
Kendall Mootoo* (Caribs)
Coaches: Larry Mendez and Dale Trotman
* New caps
http://www.ttrfu.com/mrDetails.aspx?Id=1177
Barbados Squad
Steven Atwell (Renegades RFC)
Nico Blunt (Scorpions RFC)
Jae Bowen (Trident RFC)
Harold Bynoe (Trident RFC)
Omar Bynoe (Trident RFC)
Kevin Carter (Renegades RFC)
Stuart Copeland (Scorpions RFC)
Rondel Cumberbatch (Emperors RFC)
Bryan Cummings (Scorpions RFC)
Murray Dow (Scorpions RFC)
Raj Edwards (Scorpions RFC)
Neil Forde (Scorpions RFC)
Ramon Gibson (Trident RFC)
Jamal Gonsalves (Scorpions RFC)
Leandro Jordan (Trident RFC)
Mark Leacock (Scorpions RFC)
Phillip Mayers (Scorpions RFC)
Stephen Millar (Trident RFC)
Gregory Moseley-Clarke (Renegades RFC)
Kevyn Murrel (Scorpions RFC)
Christian Preece (Trident RFC)
Adon Rodgers (Renegades RFC)
Akeem Stewart (Renegades RFC)
Dario Stoute (Scorpions RFC)
Sean Ward (Scorpions RFC)
Preview
This years CONSUR A preliminary has gone much as expected. Chile and Uruguay dominated the first two rounds, Brazil has made progress, Paraguay has dipped into decline.
20.05.2011
Brazil v Paraguay in Iguazu
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Last Five Encounters
19.05.2010 Brazil 23-18 in Santiago (CONSUR A Preliminary)
02.05.2009 Brazil 36-21 in Montevideo (CONSUR A Preliminary)
29.06.2008 Brazil 15-6 in Asuncion (WCQ America, CONSUR B)
02.10.2005 Paraguay 45-8 in Asuncion (WCQ America R2; S.America B Champ.)
16.10.2004 Paraguay 22-17 in Sao Paulo (S.America B Champ.)
GWC Rugby Rankings
CONSUR Table-Brazil 4th, Paraguay 5th
IRB Ranking Points
Brazil 54.56, Paraguay 50.23
Prediction: Brazil by 36 points
Teams Not Available
20.05.2011
Chile v Uruguay in Iguazu
![48[1]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCFuIXjSvIP4U57VgJmFDiwz7LPnG1VLPtzl46X2G4o9gsj-xi2QlM7k9Dstr1InudEIE1eH9ZHRcxDuVZeCOXfGz0FZ1dVA7IV0jh-bTP2bmBYXqKV9-JlB6Rg3tYeAPgH3D1ftmHuE/s1600-h/48%5B1%5D%5B2%5D.gif "48[1]")
Last Five Encounters
19.05.2010 Uruguay 36-19 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
02.05.2009 Uruguay 43-9 in Montevideo (WCQ America R2; CONSUR A Prelim.)
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)
Chile last defeated Uruguay in 2005, winning 34-25 in Buenos Aires.
GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Uruguay 23rd, Chile 29th
CONSUR Table-Uruguay 2nd, Chile 3rd
IRB Ranking Points
Uruguay 54.56, Chile 50.23
Prediction: Uruguay by 24 points
Teams not available
15.05.2011
Mexico 34, Cayman Islands 20 in Mexico City (NACRA Caribbean Champ.,North R2)
17.05.2011
Uruguay 39, Brazil 18 in Iguazu (CONSUR A Preliminary)
Chile 71, Paraguay 3 in Iguazu (CONSUR A Preliminary)
17.05.2011
Uruguay v Brazil in Iguazu (CONSUR A Preliminary)
Chile v Paraguay in Iguazu (CONSUR A)
Briefly
I suspect both Chile and Uruguay will field teams not as strong as Saturday’s in view of the fact they will face each other on Saturday in what will basically be the Preliminary final.
Paraguay will be hoping to lessen damage following their near century point loss to Uruguay on Saturday. Brazil is the rising star of CONSUR rugby and will be hoping for a win but to get close to their southern neighbour will be an achievement in itself
Predictions
Uruguay by 20 v Brazil
Chile by 49 v Paraguay
After being level at the half at seven-all, Jordan went on to edge Uzbekistan 17-14 in the Division IV 3rd/4th place play-off. Both teams exchanged scores throughout the match before a try to reserve prop Oday Warayat in the dying minutes of the game sealed the win for Jordan. Due to the Rugby World Cup 2015 qualification process starting next season, there will be no promotion or relegation from Division IV in 2011.
Jordan just held on to defeat Uzbekistan
Qatar won the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division IV competition on its debut as a participating union this evening in Dubai after edging Lebanon 29 – 14. Qatar was paced by the boot of former Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union fly half Paul Beard who contributed 19 points through a drop goal, four penalties and two conversions.
Qatar hooker Shane Kelly notched his third try in two matches, while native Qatari winger Al Malik Mubarak scored his first test match try to ensure Qatar’s undefeated record in international rugby after winning its maiden test match last Wednesday.
Lebanon’s points came through a try to No 8 Zaki Rafai and a try and two conversions to talented fly half Karim Jammal, bringing his tournament total to 33 points in two matches. Lebanon closed the gap to 14-23 with moments remaining in the second half after Jammal put in a great solo effort try before Beard closed out the game with a well-taken drop goal followed by a penalty.
Qatari team celebrate their victory
PRESS RELEASE
[DUBAI, MAY 13 2011]: Coach John Kirwan said that he was looking for a complete performance from his Rugby World Cup-bound Japan side and 111 points later he had it. Japan’s 111-nil blitz of the United Arab Emirates made it 15 of 15 wins in the HSBC Asian Five Nations for team Japan.
In perfect conditions on a beautifully manicured pitch at 7he Sevens, Japan hit its straps to put the game effectively out of reach from the opening whistle. Japan took just three minutes to notch its first try to James Arlidge, who racked up an impressive 29 points through the try and 12 conversions.
Four other Brave Blossoms recorded double figures, including centre Ryan Nicholas who picked up three tries and a conversion for 17 points. Shaun Webb came off the bench at centre to notch two tries for 10 points, while Kosuke Endo starting his first game of the A5N in 2011 picked up a brace of tries for 10 points. Last year, Endo famously scored five tries in a single HSBC A5N match versus Korea in Daegu and it looked as if his tournament record was in jeopardy as winger Takeshi Usuzuki notched four tries today for 20 points. Fullback Go Aruga celebrated his return to test match rugby after 15 months with a try.
Match captain Hitoshi Ono crossed over, as did his locking partner Justin Ives, who was a late replacement for Luke Thompson who fell ill this morning. No. 8 Ryukoliniasi Holani and flanker Takashi Kikutani each added a try to complete the forward’s scoring in a performance that was nothing short of relentless.
Match captain Hitoshi Ono in action
Speaking after the game Japan coach John Kirwan said, “I am pleased with the performance, not just the result but moreso that we kept our structure throughout the game. The UAE has really improved over the last two seasons, but we really hit our straps tonight.”
Match captain Hitoshi Ono, one of several players in the team to have experienced personal loss in the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Japan was given the captain’s armband tonight. Ono commented on the performance saying, “Tonight our team motto was ‘Gaman’ which means patience in Japanese. I am from Fukushima and I was very honoured that JK gave me the chance to lead the team.”
“We knew that if we were patient our results would come. By being patient as a team we were able to score even more points. I hope that tonight’s result will bring some joy to the people of Fukushima and all Japan and that they will take hope from this. With patience and courage, things will get better.”
The result sees Japan extend its unbeaten streak in the HSBC A5N to 15 and continued its record of securing a bonus point in every match it has played.
Japan now leads the Top 5 table with 18 points. Effectively all that remains to be settled in this year’s competition is who will finish as runners-up in the competition for the first time, Hong Kong or the UAE, who face off next weekend at the Hong Kong Football Club.
“Before tonight’s game we were a long way off from where we wanted to be,” said Kirwan, “But tonight’s result will give us confidence to keep working hard as a team. I am very happy with the team’s attitude but we still have a lot of work to do.”
That warning will be an ominous sign for Sri Lanka, who face a do-or-die match tomorrow in Almaty before returning to Colombo to host Japan in the final match of the HSBC Asian Five Nations Top 5 competition next week.
Half- time score: 0 – 57
Full- time score: 0 – 111
| Jersey No. | Name | Event | Score |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Try | 0 – 5 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 7 |
| 15 | Go Aruga | Try | 0 – 12 |
| 12 | Ryan Nicholas | Try | 0 – 17 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 19 |
| 14 | Kosuke Endo | Try | 0 – 24 |
| 12 | Ryan Nicholas | Try | 0 – 29 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 31 |
| 11 | Takehisa Usuzuki | Try | 0 – 36 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 38 |
| 4 | Hitoshi Ono | Try | 0 – 43 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 45 |
| 6 | Takashi Kikutani | Try | 0 – 50 |
| 14 | Kosuke Endo | Try | 0 – 55 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 57 |
| Second Half | |||
| 8 | Ryukoliniasi Holani | Try | 0 – 62 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 64 |
| 12 | Ryan Nicholas | Try | 0 – 69 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 71 |
| 11 | Takehisa Usuzuki | Try | 0 – 76 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 78 |
| 21 | Shaun Webb | Try | 0 – 83 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 85 |
| 5 | Justin Ives | Try | 0 – 90 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 92 |
| 11 | Takehisa Usuzuki | Try | 0 – 97 |
| 10 | James Aldridge | Conversion | 0 – 99 |
| 11 | Takehisa Usuzuki | Try | 0 – 104 |
| 21 | Shaun Webb | Try | 0 – 109 |
| 12 | Ryan Nicholas | Conversion | 0 – 111 |
| Name | Country | Try | Conversion | Penalty | Total (pts) |
| James Aldridge | JPN | 1 | 12 |
| 29 |
| Go Aruga | JPN | 1 |
|
| 5 |
| Ryan Nicholas | JPN | 3 | 1 |
| 17 |
| Kosuke Endo | JPN | 2 |
|
| 10 |
| Takehisa Usuzuki | JPN | 4 |
|
| 20 |
| Hitoshi Ono | JPN | 1 |
|
| 5 |
| Takashi Kikutani | JPN | 1 |
|
| 5 |
| Ryukoliniasi Holani | JPN | 1 |
|
| 5 |
| Shaun Webb | JPN | 2 |
|
| 10 |
| Justin Ives | JPN | 1 |
|
| 5 |
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