ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 5

30.06.2012
Laos v Cambodia in Phnom Phen (Asia Nations Div.5; Mekong Cup)

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
Laos comes into this game on the back of a huge 70-7 win over Brunei on Thursday. Brunei defeated Cambodia 19-15 in a hard fought tournament opener but the Cambodians have had more time to recover. I can see this being a close game.

The game also doubles as a Mekong Cup clash, held between Laos and Cambodia. Laos holds the cup as the scored a better aggregate over the two test matches.

The Mekong Cup was first played for in 2008. Laos won it the first year, Cambodia in 2009, but Laos has prevailed in the last two years.

Last Five Encounters
30.07.2011 Laos 14-7 in Vientiane (Mekong Cup)
16.07.2011 Laos 21-19 in Phnom Phen (Mekong Cup)
26.06.2010 Laos 12-3 in Phnom Phen (Asia Reg.Tournament; Mekong Cup)
15.05.2010 Laos 16-14 in Vientiane (Mekong Cup)
23.05.2009 Cambodia 26-8 in Phnom Phen (Mekong Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Laos 18th, Cambodia 19th

IRB Ranking points do not apply as neither nations is on the IRB rankings.

Prediction: Laos by 3 points

Teams are not available

RUGBY TEST MATCH AFRICA: Botswana v Swaziland

30.06.2012
Swaziland v Botswana in Gaborone

Venue: Botswana University Ground

Referee:

Preview
Botswana will host the CAR Division 1C tournament  later in July. To prepare for this tournament they have two games to play. In June they travelled to Zimbabwe and defeated the Matabeleland Invitation XV 30-14. Today they play the visiting Swaziland side.

Swaziland are not down to participate in any of the CAR tournaments this year. If they do it would probably be in Division 2 South. This is a big assignment to take on the Botswanians who are in the same league as Cameroun, Ivory Coast and Zambia.

There is hope from Swaziland RU for a home game against Botswana later this year, and a yearly home-away contest.

Last Five Encounters
17.05.2008 Botswana 25-7 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa, South, Pre-qualifier)
19.07.2007 Botswana 46-0 in Gaborone (CAR South, Group B)
23.04.2005 Botswana 19-12 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa R 1A, South)
04.09.2004 Botswana 25-22 in Gaborone (CAR Div.2, South)
05.10.2002 Drawn 10-10 in Malkem (CAR, South 2)

Swaziland has never defeated Botswana in seven encounters.

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply. Swaziland is not on the register, not having played a rugby test since 2010.

Prediction: Botswana by 20 points

Teams

Swaziland Squad

Vuma Nxumalo, Michael Dos Santos, Muzi Dludlu, Bheki Mbuyisa, Themba Manyatsi, Sergio Dos Santos, Sifiso Dlamini, Bongani Dlamini, Wilson Dlamini, Malindi Dlamini, Sibusiso Kunene, Mau Gina, Lelo Dos Santos, Phasika Dlamini, Bongmusa Dlamini, Mphumelelo Sondlo, Bandile Vilakati, Thami Msimango, Thando Dlamini, Absalom Shabangu, Ncamiso Dlamini, Wandile Magwaza

http://swazilandrugby.com/?q=node/1412 )

Botswana Squad not available

TEST RUGBY IN AFRICA

30.06.2012
Conga Kinshasa v Congo Brazzaville

We can’t be sure this fixture is going ahead as I have not had any replies to my communication attempts with both unions.

This site http://www.fecorugby.com/ has this fixture listed for today but without a venue.

These two teams have met before, twice. I’ve just come across both results this week!

18.01.2009 C.Kinshasa 22-0 in Kinshasa
23.02.2010 C.Kinshasa 37-9 in Brazzaville

On that basis and with little or no information, my prediction is..
Congo Kinshasa by 20 points

ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 5 in Cambodia

Cambodia is hosting this years Asia Nations Division 5 competition. The other teams are Laos and Brunei.

Last year only Laos and Cambodia competed in this division with Laos winning a home-away series 2-0. They won 21-19 away and then 14-7 at home.

This year Brunei returns after a years absence.

The schedule is..
Tuesday 26 June: Brunei v Cambodia
Thursday 28 June: Laos v Brunei
Saturday 30 June: Cambodia v Laos (also for the Mekong Cup, held by Laos)

All test matches will be played on the RCAF Old Stadium, Phnom Pehn

26.06.2012
Brunei v Cambodia

Preview
It is very difficult to make predictions for this game. Firstly Brunei wasn’t on the test rugby scene last year so it’s difficult gauge their strengths. I’m going for the host nation to take this game but only narrowly.

Previous Encounters
20.06.2010 Brunei 10-9 in Phnom Pehn
25.03.2009 Brunei 21-10 in Savannakhet
11.07.2007 Cambodia 30-8 in Brunei
29.06.2006 Cambodia 41-10 in Phnom Pehn

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply as Brunei is unranked, not having played a test match in 2011.IRB Rankings do not apply for either team.

Prediction: Cambodia by 5 points

Teams

Brunei Squad

Iqbal Dato Haji Selamat
Hj Mohd Azmiee Hj Mohd Sunnylai
Reynold Anak Balaja
Lim Chee Chang
Awangku Mohammad Naqiuddin bin Pengiran Mohammad Ali
Muhammad Redha bin Haji Adinin
Muhd Ali Nuurul Saffuan bin Muhd Ali
Md Azahar bin Hj Timbang
Muhammad Ziyad bin Haji Ramlee
Petrus Anak Tuan
Hj Muhd Firdaus Hj Razali
Halil Wakiyuddin bin Kamis
Ronny Anak Tarang
Mohammad Isa bin Haji Mohamad
Lim Shen Quan
Syahwal Nizam bin Haji Yani
Awg Muhd Arif bin Awg Hashim
Mike Potii Faatahe
Abdul Halim bin Ali
Mohd Khairul Anuar bin Awang Hj Matusin
Tajul Barakat bin Haji Abd. Latip
Augustin Asson Anak Mulok
Muhammad Fahmi bin Mahusin
Awangku Muhammad Mu’izuddin bin Pengiran Ismail

http://bruneirugby.wordpress.com/2012/06/24/press-release-for-u20-sevens-and-a5n-fifteen-squad-14/

Cambodia squad not yet available

RUGBY TEST RESULTS UPDATED: 23 June

23.06.2012
Australia 20, Wales 19 in Sydney (3^rd test)
New Zealand 60, Ireland 0 in Hamilton (3^rd test)
England 14, South Africa 14 in Port Elizabeth (3rd test)
France 49, Argentina 10 in Tucuman (2nd test)
Scotland 17, Samoa 16 in Apia
Fiji 29, Tonga 17 in Suva (Pacific Nations Cup)
Canada 31, Georgia 12 in Vancouver
Italy 30, United States 10 in Houston
Bulgaria 29, Hungary 26 in Sofia (ENC 2D Playoff)
Bermuda 18, Guyana 0 in Hamilton (WCQ Americas; NACRA Final)

Briefly
England lasted out to draw against South Africa. Big disappointment for SA fans.

France crushed Argentina in Tucuman. This was not Argentina’s strongest XV but even so!

Canada defeated Georgia which was predicted as did Italy over USA.

Big upset was Bulgaria’s win against Hungary. The result? Bulgaria join Cyprus in ENC 2C, whilst Hungary drop to ENC 2D.

So Far
Wow! New Zealand scored 21 points in the first 20 minutes of their test match against Ireland and basically that was that. They went on to score another 40 points and Ireland were dead and buried.

Australia held on to a one point lead and again just pipped Wales for the second week in a row.

Scotland and Fiji rounded off test rugby in Oceania with wins against Samoa and Tonga respectively.

RUGBY TEST MATCH Italy v USA

23.06.2012
Italy v United States in Houston

Venue: BBVA Compass Stadium

Image thanks to http://www.bbvacompassstadium.com/usa-vs-italy

Referee: Jerome Graces (France)

Preview
Italy will be wanting a good win over the USA in Houston, to give them a 2-1 winning ratio on their North American tour. Team coach Jacques Brunel is keen for this Italian side to play a full eighty-minute game and to impose their style of play of the game. No longer is Italy interested in playing a defensive style game.

Italy has made a number of changes to the side that defeated Canada last weekend.

USA coach Mike Tolkin has kept much to the side that was successful over Georgia last weekend. This game is a big step up from both the Canadian and Georgian games. Although not containing a few of their top players this is still a formidable side. I think Italy will be too strong up front for the lighter USA forwards.

Previous Encounters
27.09.2011 Italy 27-10 in Nelson (World Cup, Pool C)
27.11.2004 Italy 43-25 in Bierra-in-Piedmont

Italy Last Five
16.06.2012 v Canada W 25-16 in Toronto
09.06.2012 v Argentina L 22-37 in San Juan
17.03.2012 v Scotland W 13-6 in Rome (6 Nations)
10.03.2012 v Wales L 3-24 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
25.02.2012 v Ireland L 10-42 in Dublin (6 Nations)

United States Last Five
16.06.2012 v Georgia W 36-20 in Denver
09.06.2012 v Canada L 25-28 in Kingston (Can-Am Trophy)
27.09.2011 v Italy L 10-27 in Nelson (World Cup, Pool C)
23.09.2011 v Australia L 5-67 in Wellington (World Cup, Pool C)
15.09.2011 v Russia W 13-6 in New Plymouth (World Cup, Pool C)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Italy 10th, USA 20th

IRB Ranking Points
Italy 75.26, USA 67.38

Prediction: Italy by 12 points

Teams

UNITED STATES

15		Christopher Wyles	Saracens, England
14		James Paterson	Glendale Raptors
13		Paul Emerick	London Wasps, England
12		Andrew Suniula	Cornish Pirates, England
11		Luke Hume	Old Blues
10		Roland Suniula	Chicago Griffins
9		Michael Petri	New York Athletic Club
8		Todd Clever (Capt.)	NTT Shining Arc, Japan
7		Scott Lavalla	Stade Francais, France
6		Taylor Mokate	Wellington Old Boys RFC, NZ
5		Brian Doyle	New York Athletic Club
4		Louis Stanfill	New York Athletic Club
3		Eric Fry	Wellington Old Boys RFC, NZ
2		Christopher Biller	Northampton Saints, England
1		Shawn Pittman	London Welsh, England
16		Derek Asbun	Oxford University, England
17		Michael MacDonald	Unattached
18		Tolifili (Andre) Liufau	l'Uson Rugby
19		Andrew Durutalo	Old Puget Sound Beach
20		Mose Timoteo	SFGG
21		William Holder	Army
22		Colin Hawley	USA Rugby Sevens
		HEAD COACH: Michael Tolkin

www.usarugby.org

ITALY

15		Luke McLean	Treviso
14		Giovanbattista Venditti	Aironi
13		Roberto Quartaroli	Aironi
12		Luca Morisi	Treviso
11		Tommaso Benvenuti	Treviso
10		Riccardo Bocchino	Cavalieri Prato
9		Edoardo Gori	Treviso
8		Robert Barbieri	Treviso
7		Mauro Bergamasco	Aironi
6		Alessandro Zanni	Treviso
5		Joshua Furno	Aironi
4		Antonio Pavanello	Treviso
3		Martin Castrogiovani (Capt.)	Leicester Tigers, England
2		Carlo Festuccia	Parma
1		Alberto De Marchi	Aironi
16		Davide Giazzon	Rovigo
17		Michele Rizzo	Treviso
18		Simone Favaro	Aironi
19		Thomaso D'Apice	Aironi
20		Tito Tebeldi	Aironi
21		Kristopher Burton	Treviso
22		Alberto Scarbi	Treviso
		HEAD COACH: Jacques Brunel

RUGBY IN SOUTH AMERICA: CONSUR C

It has been announced that a new division will appear in South American rugby. At present the governing body, CONSUR, has two divisions, A and B. Later this year we should see a third, C, division.

CONSUR C will consist of Costa Rica, who has already played in CONSUR B, El Salvador, Guatemala and Ecuador.

The tournament is expected to be played later this year.

http://www.portaldorugby.com.br/noticia/26-internacional/4334-campeonato-sul-americano-c-estreara-em-2012

ECUADOR

The Federación Ecuatoriana de Rugby was affiliated to CONSUR in 2011.

‘Miguel Angel Coronel Densy was born on April 6th 1989 in Ecuador´s largest city, Santiago de Guayaquil (more commonly refered to simply as Guayaquil). At 80KG he is a lightweight utility back but has succeeded in playing for La Vila in the Spanish domestic competition the División de Honor and for the club on the European stage as he faced Brive both home and away in the Amlin Challenge Cup. The official site of the Amlin Challenge Cup and the Heineken Cup lists the player by the name of Bambi Coronel Densy, but more importantly lists Ecuador as his country of birth.’

Thanks to  http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/miguel-angel-coronel-densy-professional.html

Educador Team at CONSUR 7’s for the first time, March 2012

Alberto Merchán (Yaguares UCG, Guayaquil)
Mario Lima (Yaguares UCG, Guayaquil)
Heccer Benavides (Jibaros PUCE, Quito)
Juan Carlos Herrera (Jibaros PUCE, Quito)
Juan Sebastián Ordóñez (Jibaros PUCE, Quito)
Edison Avellaneda (Jibaros PUCE, Quito)
Pablo Pantoja (Nómadas Rugby Club, Quito)
Christian Vintimilla (Aguilas Rugby Club, Cuenca)
David Montenegro (Mohicanos Rugby Club, Ibarra)
Miguel Ángel Coronel (La Vila Rugby Club, Spain)

http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/miguel-angel-coronel-densy-to-debut-for.html

Clubs
Quito Nómadas RC
Union del Guayas de Rugby (Guayaquil Rugby Club) known as Yaguares or UCG
Alianza RC
Monos RC
Jibaros PUCE
Aquilas RC
Mohicanos RC

COSTA RICA

It is believed Rica played their first rugby test in 2005, winning 60-0 against Panama although this is yet to be confirmed. It may have been club sides.

In 2007 Costa Rica entered a Central American Championship. Although not regarded as test matches, Panama and Guatemala have played in this competition regularly since.

In 2009 Costa Rica entered and hosted CONSUR B for the first time. The other teams were Venezuela, Colombia and Peru.

    
Costa Rica, striped jersey, competing against Venezuela CONSUR B 2009.

Clubs
Cadejos RC
Universidad de Costat Rica RC
Atlética RC
Herediana RC

GUATEMALA

The Associación Guatemalteca de Rugby was founded in 2007. From the same year Guatemala has participated in various Central American tournaments. These are not regarded as official test matches.

A good article on the history of rugby in Guatemala is here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugby_union_in_Guatemala

Guatemala defeated Coast Rica 24-19 in the 2012 Rainforest Sevens.

Clubs
Xela RFC
Guatemala RC
Antigua RC
Santa Rosa RC
Guatemala Quetzel RC
San Jose Maria RC
Toros Reu RC

EL SALVADOR

The "Torogoces" rugby club started playing matches against Guatemalan clubs in 2009, entering the Guatemala club competition the same year.

Federacion Salvadorena de Rugby is the governing body.

Clubs
Cuscatlan RC
Santa Tecla RC
Both the above teams participate in the club league with Guatemala.

More details and a list of present nations players at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Salvador_national_rugby_union_team

also http://rugbyworldcup-argentina2023.blogspot.com.au/2011/04/el-salvador-argentina-2023-for-americas.html

TEST RUGBY MATCH: Georgia v Canada

23.06.2012
Georgia v Canada in Vancouver

Venue: Swangard Stadium in Burnaby

Preview
Georgia did not have a happy game against USA last week. There are a large number of top Georgian players unavailable for this tour. This is by far not their strongest side, no where near their World Cup strength. So it would be a great opportunity to blood players which is why its a mystery why they have recalled out of retiurement their 38 year old flanker Gia Labadze.

Canada has made plenty of changes from the side that lost to Italy last weekend.

Previous Encounters
20.11.2010 Georgia 22-15 in Tblisi
06.06.2009 Canada 42-10 in Denver (Churchill Cup)

Canada in 2012
16.06.2012 v Italy L 16-25 in Toronto
09.06.2012 v United States W 28-25 in Kingston (Can-Am Trophy)

Georgia in 2012
16.06.2012 v United States L 20-36 in Denver
09.06.2012 v Ukraine W 33-3 in Dnepropetrovsk (ENC 1A)
17.03.2012 v Russia W 46-0 in Tblisi (ENC 1A)
10.03.2012 v Romania W 19-13 in Bucharest (ENC 1A)
25.02.2012 v Portugal W 22-7 in Tbilisi (ENC 1A)
11.02.2012 v Spain L 18-25 in Madrid (ENC 1A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Canada 15th, Georgia 21st

IRB Ranking Points
Canada 71.74, Georgia 68.52

Prediction: Canada by 20 points

Teams

Georgia

1. Mikheil Nariashvili
2. Rezo Belkania
3. Davit Zirakashvili
4. Giorgi Chkhaidze
5. Vakhtang Maisuradze
6. Gia Labadze
7. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili
8. Beka Bitsadze
9. Irakli Abuseridze
10. Merab Kvirikashvili
11. Lexo Gugava
12. Tedo Zibzibadze
13. Davit Kacharava
14. Irakli Machkhaneli
15. Irakli Kiasashvili

Replacements
16. Shalva Mamukashvili, 17. Levan Chilachava, 18. Shalva Sutiashvili 19. Givi Berishvili  20. Bidzina Samkharadze, 21. Lasha Malaghuradze, 22. Sandro Todua.

You can find a run down of the team selected here at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2784&start=1305

Canada

1 Tom Dolezel - Ontario Blues (London, ON)
2 Andrew Tiedeman - Prairie Wolf Pack ( St.Albert, AB)
3 Jason Marshall - Stade Aurillacois (North Vancouver, BC)
4 Jebb Sinclair - London Irish/Stormers (Charter's Settlement, NB)
5 Tyler Hotson - London Scottish (Vancouver, BC)
6 Tyler Ardron - Ontario Blues (Lakefield, ON)
7 Chauncey O’Toole - The Rock (Belleisle, NB)
8 Aaron Carpenter - Plymouth Albion (Brantford, ON)
9 Edward Fairhurst - British Columbia (Victoria, BC)
10 Matt Evans - Cornish Pirates (Duncan, BC)
11 Sean Duke - British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)
12 Phil Mackenzie - London Welsh (Oakville, ON)
13 Conor Trainor - British Columbia (Vancouver, BC)
14 DTH Van der Merwe - Glasgow Warriors (Victoria, BC)
15 James Pritchard - Bedford Blues (Parkes, Australia)

RESERVES
16 Mike Pletch - Ontario Blues (Lucan, ON)
17 Doug Woolridge -Ontario Blues (Lindsay, ON)
18 Brett Beukeboom - Ontario Blues (Lindsay, ON)
19 Nanyak Dala - Prairie Wolf Pack (Saskatoon, SK)
20 Sean White - Unattached (Victoria, BC)
21 Jeff Hassler - Prairie Wolf Pack (Okotoks Lions RFC)
22 Ciaran Hearn - The Rock (Conception Bay South, NL)

Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

TEST RUGBY IN ARGENTINA: France Out to Level The Series

23.06.2012
France v Argentina in Tucuman

Venue: Estadio José Fierro

Referee: George Clancy (Ireland)

Preview
France may not have all their top players in Argentina but they sure need to up their game and treat encounters against Argentina with more respect.

There is a distinct possibility that legendary Argentina back Felipe Contipome may be playing his last game for the Pumas. He has indicated he will not play in the inaugural Rugby Championship. His team mates and the local crowd will be willing him and the team on to a memorable and fitting victory. It will be close!

Last Five Encounters
16.06.2012 Argentina 23-20 in Cordoba
20.11.2010 France 15-9 in Montpellier
26.06.2010 Argentina 41-13 in Buenos Aires
08.11.2008 France 12-6 in Marseilles
19.10.2007 Argentina 34-10 in Paris (World Cup, playoff 3rd-4th)

France has lost their last five games in Argentina, not having won their since 1999.

France Last Five
16.06.2012 v Argentina L 20-23 in Cordoba
17.03.2012 v Wales L 9-16 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
11.03.2012 v England L 22-24 in Paris (6 Nations)
04.03.2012 v Ireland D 17-17 in Paris (6 Nations)
26.02.2012 v Scotland W 23-17 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)

Argentina Last Five
16.06.2012 v France W 23-20 in Cordoba
09.06.2012 v Italy W 37-22 in San Juan
26.05.2012 v Chile W 59-6 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
23.05.2012 v Brazil W 110-0 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
20.05.2012 v Uruguay W 40-4 in Santiago (CONSUR A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Argentina 7th, France 8th

IRB Ranking Points
Argentina 81.22, France 81.06

Prediction: Argentina by 2 points

Teams

Argentina
15 Joaquin Tuculet, 14 Facundo Barrea, 13 Agustin Gosio, 12 Felipe Contepomi (Capt.), 11 Manuel Montero, 10 Benjamin Urdapilleta, 9 Tomas Cubelli, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Tomas Leonardi, 6 Tomas De la Vega,
5 Esteban Lozada, 4 Julio Farias Cabello, 3 Francisco Gomez Kodela, 2 Andres Bordoy, 1 Eusebio Guinazu.
Replacements
16 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 17 Bruno Postiglioni, 18 Santiago Guzman, 19 Benjamin Macome, 20 Rodrigo Baez, 21 Martin Landajo, 22 Gabriel Ascarate.
Head Coach: Santiago Phelan

France
15 Brice Dulin, 14 Benjamin Fall, 13 Florian Fritz, 12 Maxime Mermoz,
11 Yoann Huget, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Maxime Machenaud, 8 Louis Picamoles, 7 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 6 Alexandre Lapandry, 5 Yoan Maestri,
4 Pascal Pape (Capt.), 3 David Attoub, 2 Dimitri Szarzewski, 1 Vincent Debaty.
Replacements
16 Christopher Tolofua, 17 Thomas Domingo, 18 Christopher Samson,
19 Wenceslas Lauret, 20 Morgan Parra, 21 Francois Trinh Duc, 22 Wesley Fofana.
Head Coach:Philippe Saint-André

FINAL RUGBY TEST IN SOUTH AFRICA: England Looking for the Elusive Victory

23.06.2012
England v South Africa in Port Elizabeth

Venue: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Preview
England should consider themselves in the best position to steal an elusive win off South Africa today. South Africa are without two key players, Willem Alberts and Frans Steyn, and England scored 17-11 in the second half last week. Will that give England the edge?

England have their own selection problems. Captain Chris Robshaw and scrum half Ben Youngs have been ruled out. This will put pressure on the England scrum and at the base of rucks and mauls.

South Africa have never really looked in any serious danger against England in this series. If they can lift their game and play top rugby for the full eighty minutes, England could be in big trouble.

Last Five Encounters
16.06.2012 South Africa 36-12 in Johannesburg
09.06.2012 South Africa 22-17 in Durban
27.11.2010 South Africa 21-11 at Twickenham
22.11.2008 South Africa 42-6 at Twickenham
20.10.2007 South Africa 15-6 in Paris (World Cup, Final)

South Africa Last Five
16.06.2012 v England W 36-27 in Johannesburg
09.06.2012 v England W 22-17 in Durban
09.10.2011 v Australia L 9-11 in Wellington (World Cup, Quarter-final)
30.09.2011 v Samoa W 13-5 in Albany (World Cup, Pool D)
22.09.2011 v Namibia W 87-0 in Albany (World Cup, Pool D)

England Last Five
16.06.2012 v South Africa L 27-36 in Johannesburg
09.06.2012 v South Africa L 17-22 in Durban
17.03.2012 v Ireland W 30-9 at Twickenham
11.03.2012 v France W 24-22 in Paris
25.02.2012 v Wales L 12-19 at Twickenham (6 Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 4th, England 5th

IRB Ranking Points
South Africa 85.47, England 82.49

Prediction: South Africa by 9 points

Teams

SOUTH AFRICA

15		Gio Aplon	Western Province Stormers
14		JP Pietersen	Natal Sharks
13		Jean de Villiers (capt.)	Western Province Stormers
12		Wynand Olivier	Blue Bulls
11		Bryan Habana	Western Province Stormers
10		Morné Steyn	Blue Bulls
9		Francois Hougaard	Blue Bulls
8		Pierre Spies	Blue Bulls
7		Jacques Poitgieter *	Blue Bulls
6		Marcell Coetzee	Natal Sharks
5		Juandré Kruger	Blue Bulls
4		Eben Etzebeth	Western Province Stormers
3		Jannie du Plessis	Natal Sharks
2		Bismarck du Plessis	Natal Sharks
1		Tendai Mtawarira	Natal Sharks
16		Adriaan Strauss	Cheetahs
17		Werner Kruger	Blue Bulls
18		Flip van der Merwe	Blue Bulls
19		Ryan Kankowski	Natal Sharks
20		Ruan Pienaar	Ulster, Ireland
21		Elton Jantjies *	Golden Lions
22		Bjorn Basson	Blue Bulls
		HEAD COACH: Heyneke Meyer

* Test debut

ENGLAND

15		Alexander Goode	Saracens
14		Christopher Ashton	Northampton Saints
13		Jonathan Joseph	London Irish
12		Manusamoa Tuilagi	Leicester Tigers
11		Benjamin Foden	Northampton Saints
10		Tobais Flood	Leicester Tigers
9		Daniel Care	Harlequins
8		Thomas Waldron	Leicester Tigers
7		James Haskell	Otago Highlanders, NZ
6		Thomas Johnson	Exeter Chiefs
5		Geoffrey Parling	Leicester Tigers
4		Thomas Palmer	Stade Francais, France
3		Daniel Cole	Leicester Tigers
2		Dylan Hartley (Capt.)	Northampton Saints
1		Joseph Marler	Harlequins
16		Lee Mears	Bath Rugby
17		Paul Doran-Jones	Northampton Saints
18		Mouritz Botha	Saracens
19		Phillip Dowson	Northampton Saints
20		Lee Dickson	Northampton Saints
21		Owen Farrell	Saracens
22		Bradley Barrit	Saracens
		HEAD COACH: Stuart Lancaster