ASIA5NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Kazakhstan Needs a Win to Survive

19.05.2012
Korea v Kazakhstan in Almaty (Asia5Nations)

Venue: Stadium KazNU Al-Farabi

Preview
Korea has been away from the Asian Elite rugby season for a season. They have returned in style, defeating Hong Kong but then losing to Japan last weekend.

Korea caused an upset when they defeated Hong Kong.

Kazakhstan is struggling this year and look to be the team that could be relegated to Asia Nations Division 1 for 2013.

Kazakhstan has struggled this season. To have a chance of avoiding relegation they must defeat Korea today.

Korea has displayed better form than Kazakhstan this season. If they can keep their discipline they will win today. Kazakhstan will put up a good fight. They are renown for their slow starts but I expect a huge comeback from them in fron of their home crowd.

Previous Encounters
22.05.2010 Kazakhstan 32-25 in Incheon (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)02.05.2009 Kazakhstan 30-27 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
17.05.2008 Korea 40-21 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
20.10.2003 Korea 45-19 in Seoul (Asia Tournament)

Korea Last Five
05.05.2012 v Hong Kong W 21-19 in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
12.05.2012 v Japan L 8-52 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
04.06.2011 v Singapore W 58-19 in Ansan (Asia Nations Div.1,Final)
01.06.2011 v Philippines W 34-20 in Ansan (Asia Nations Div.1, Semi-final)
22.05.2010 v Kazakhstan L 25-32 in Incheon (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Kazakhstan Last Five
28.04.2012 v Japan L 0-87 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
11.05.2012 v United Arab Emirates L 31-46 in Dubai (Asia5Nations)
14.05.2011 v Sri Lanka W 34-18 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
07.05.2011 v Japan L 0-61 in Bangkok (Asia5Nations)
29.04.2011 v United Arab Emirates L 10-24 in Abu Dhabi (Asia5 Nations)

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

IRB Ranking Points
Korea 54.97, Kazakhstan 53.62

Prediction: Korea by 11 points

 

Teams
Neither team squads are available