TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 3 May

03.05.2014
Japan v Philippines in Makatai (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Sri Lanka v Hong Kong in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Brazil v Uruguay in Bento Goncalves (Sth America Championship)
Chile v Paraguay in Chile (Sth America Championship)
Latvia v Denmark in Odense (ENC 2B)
Austria v Slovenia in Vienna (ENC 2C)

Briefly
The second round of the Asia Five Nations and World Cup Asia qualifies sees the Philippines up against Japan whilst Hong Kong travels to Sri Lanka. There should be no surprises here. The Philippines were thumped by 100+ points by Hong Kong last week and they will find Japan even tougher despite the game being at home. Sri Lanka found Korea too away and will find the visitors just as tough at home.

Brazil created rugby history last weekend by defeating Chile for the first time. This sets up and interesting encounter with Uruguay, a game I will feature this weekend.

Paraguay will find Chile a tough prospect away. They played well to hold Uruguay at home but I expect Chile to bounce back.

In the European Nations Cup this weekend two matches are being played and will be featured.

In Division 2B the winner and second place has been decided. Denmark will need a bonus point victory over Latvia at home to avoid a relegation match. On form Latvia should win.

In ENC Division C Slovenia takes on Austria in Vienna. Once again first and second places have been decided in this division but the relegation situation is interesting. Austria needs to win to haul itself away from automatic relegation and into a playoff. The Austrians cannot catch Slovenia who are comfortably in third place.