ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 1; Day 2

03.04.2013
Kazakhstan v Chinese Taipei in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1)

Preview
Kazakhstan crashed in their opening game against newly promoted Thailand. The Kazakhs were completely outplayed by Thailand. Their hopes in reaching Asia 5 Nations division for 2014, although not completely dashed, certainly became a lot more difficult. The equation is that Kazakhstan must win their remaining games and hope that both Sri Lanka and Thailand lose their next two games.

Chinese Taipei could well experience a Kazakhstan backlash. They held Sri Lanka in the first half but ran out of steam and let their defence slip in the second. They could well find Kazakhstan far too strong up front.

Previous Encounters
07.11.2007 Kazakhstan 29-0 in Colombo (Asiad Cup)
11.06.2006 Chinese Taipei 20-18 in Singapore (Asia Tournament, Div.3)14.12.1998 Chinese Taipei 27-11 in Bangkok (Asia Games, Div.2)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Kazakhstan 6th, China Taipei 9th

IRB Ranking Points
Kazakhstan 48.60, Chinese Taipei 42.80

Prediction: Kazakhstan by 13 points

Teams Not available

Sri Lanka v Thailand in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia Nations Division 1)

Preview
Thailand will be very confident of causing another upset in this tournament when they take on host nation Sri Lanka. They will have to over come a well organised Sri Lankan team.

Last Five Encounters
11.04.2009 Sri Lanka 51-17 in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1)
04.06.2005 Sri Lanka 48-38 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia Div.3A)
18.11.2002 Thailand 72-0 in Bangkok (Asia Champ. Div.2, Sect.2)
20.05.2001 Sri Lanka 46-17 in Colombo (Asia Plate)
25.06.2000 Thailand 38-28 in Aomori (17th Asia Championship)

These two teams first met in 1976. Thailand winning 23-16 at the 6th Asia Championship, held in Kuala Lumpur.

GWC Rugby Ranking
Asia Table: Thailand 5th, Sri Lanka 8th

IRB Ranking Points
Sri Lanka 47.99, Thailand 46.12

Prediction: Sri Lanka by 4 points

Teams Not available