ASIA NATIONS TEST RUGBY: Division 2

02.06.2012
Iran v China in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nat.Div.2 Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

 

Venue: Stadium Petaling Jaya

Referee:

Preview
Iran has been, along with the Philippines, one of the rising rugby nations in Asia. They seem to have found their present level in Asia Nations Division 2.

China was once regarded as the Asia rugby nation on the rise. However, over the last few seasons their fortunes have been up and down. They crashed out of Division 2 in 2010 only to regain their place the following year. They are struggling at this level again. Their emphasis appears to be on the seven’s game.

China disintegrated against hosts Malaysia on Thursday whilst Iran fared better against Thailand.

These two nations have never met at test rugby level before.

Iran Last Five
31.05.2012 v Thailand L 17-37 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)
07.05.2011 v India W 30-19 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)
04.05.2011 v Chinese Taipei L 31-34 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)
12.06.2010 v Pakistan W 22-3 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)
08.06.2010 v Guam W 44-11 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, SF)

China Last Five
31.05.2012 v Malaysia L 0-89 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)
25.06.2011 v Guam W 28-18 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, Final)
22.06.2011 v Indonesia W 32-23 in Jakarta (Asia Nations Div.3, SF)
05.06.2010 v Thailand L 3-56 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)
02.06.2010 v India L 0-94 in New Delhi (Asia Nations Div.2, SF)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Iran 12th, China 14th

IRB Rankings do not apply-Iran is unranked

Prediction: Iran by 25 points

Teams not available