TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 28 June

28.06.2014
South Africa 55, Scotland 6 in Port Elizabeth
Fiji 108, Cook Islands 6 in Lautoka (WCQ Oceania)

Briefly
South Africa were too strong for a weakened and tired Scotland at Port Elizabeth whilst Fiji had to overcome some stiff resistance from the Cook Islands in the first half before eventually overwhelming the visitors in the second half. Fiji has qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: WCQ Africa and Africa Cup 1A

28.06.2014
Kenya 29, Namibia 22 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)
Zimbabwe 55, Madagascar 6 at Antananarivo (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)

Briefly.
Kenya and Zimbabwe were the victors on day 1 of this crucial World Cup qualifying tournament.

Namibia suffered a shock loss to Kenya, the rising starts of African rugby. Zimbabwe showed they are ready for a return to World Cup Finals with a big win over hosts Madagascar.

Remaining Matches
02.07.2014
Zimbabwe v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Kenya v Madagascar in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

06.07.2014
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Madagascar v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Caribbean Championship

28.06.2014
Guyana 30, USA South 27 in Marietta (Carib. Champ.,Final)-After extra time
Mexico 96, Turks & Caicos Islands 0 in Mexico City (Carib. Ch.,Div.2, North)
Bahamas v Jamaica in ? (Caribbean Champ., Div.2, North)-Result to come

Briefly
For the first time since entering this competition a few years ago the USA team has lost a game. They lost the final 30-27 at home after extra time. Guyana is the new Caribbean champion.

In the other game played Mexico crushed Turks and Caicos Islands at home. The promotion-relegation playoffs will be played in September.

 

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND; Saturday 28 June

28.06.2014
South Africa v Scotland in Port Elizabeth
Fiji v Cook Islands in Lautoka (WCQ Oceania)

Briefly
Scotland has a huge hurdle to jump to be competitive against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Firstly they have had to travel from Canada and secondly their record against USA and Canada was very ordinary. Coupled with a poor Six Nations and Scotland are well below the level that South Africa is playing at.

Prediction: South Africa by 50 points

The tiny nation of the Cook Islands takes on the Oceania giant of Fiji in Lautoka. The Cooks Islands has prepared for this game with matches against some minor New Zealand provincial unions. They will be spirited but will be outpaced, out-skilled and well behind by the end of the game.

Prediction: Fiji by 80 points

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Africa Cup, Division 1A

28.06.2014
Kenya v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)
Zimbabwe v Madagascar (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)

Briefly
This is a hugely important tournament in the island African republic of Madagascar. The winner qualifies directly to the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals. The second-placed team joins Hong Kong, Uruguay and Russia in the repechage stage.

Namibia is the favourites to take the title. I’d expect Kenya to be a threat as will Madagascar on their home turf and if front of what will be 30,000 crowds. Yes that does read 30,000! Don’t right off Zimbabwe although their preparations would be the least impressive of the four nations.

Hosts Madagascar played in a tournament in Reunion, Namibia played against South African provincial sides as did Kenya.

Predictions
Namibia by 10 v Kenya
Madagascar by 5 v Zimbabwe

Other Games
02.07.2014
Zimbabwe v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Kenya v Madagascar in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

06.07.2014
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Madagascar v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

NACRA CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 28 June

28.06.2014
Guyana v USA South in TBA (Caribbean Champ., Final)
Mexico v Turks and Caicos Islands in Mexico City (Carib. Champ.,Div.2, North)
Bahamas v Jamaica in Nassau (Caribbean Champ., Div.2, North)

Briefly
The big game here is the final. It will be a huge task for Guyana to win this one away from home and in a very unfamiliar environment which is the US of A. I can’t see USA South losing this one.

Prediction: USA South by 20 points

The other two games are the final ones in the round robin series

Mexico by 30 v Turks and Caicos Islands
Bahamas by 5 v Jamaica

TEST RUGBY RESULTS SUNDAY 22 JUNE

22.06.2014
Georgia 34, Emerging Italy 10 in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Argentina Jaguars 41, Spain 7 in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Uruguay 13, Russia 6 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Emerging Ireland 31, Romania 10 Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Lebanon 20, Uzbekistan 19 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West, Final)
India 25, Pakistan 7 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West, Playoff 3^rd-4th)

TEST RUGBY SUNDAY 22 JUNE

22.06.2014
Georgia v Emerging Italy in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Argentina Jaguars v Spain in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Russia v Uruguay in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Romania v Emerging Ireland Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Uzbekistan v Lebanon in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West, Final)
India v Pakistan in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West, Playoff 3^rd-4th)

Predictions
Georgia by 6 v Emerging Italy
Jaguars by 43 v Spain
Russia by 9 v Uruguay
Emerging Ireland by 11 v Romania
Lebanon by 3 v Uzbekistan
Pakistan by 7 v India

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 4

19.06.2014
Mongolia 49, Cambodia 5 in Brunei (Asia Nations Division 4)

Mongolia easily takes out this division. The Cambodia-Brunei match Saturday will determine 2nd and 3rd place.

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 3, WEST

19.06.2014
Uzbekistan 23, India 17 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West)
Lebanon 17, Pakistan 3 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West)

Briefly
I was surprised that this tournament actually got underway with the violence in Pakistan. Good on them all for braving the conditions.

Apparently India were down to eleven players as the Indian army players were not permitted to travel to Pakistan.

Sundays Matches
Uzbekistan v Lebanon-Final
India v Pakistan-Playoff 3rd-4th

BOTSWANA ‘A 44, LESOTHO 3

Played Saturday 14 June. It was probably Botswana ‘A’ as the main Botswana side played Swaziland on the following day.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 15 JUNE

15.06.2014
South Africa XV 61, Mauritius 17 in Gaborone (CAR Africa Cup 1C)
Botswana 87, Swaziland 0 in Gaborone (CAR Africa Cup 1C)
Zambia 30, Nigeria 20 in Gaborone (CAR Africa Cup 1C)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 14 JUNE-Updated

14.06.2014
Australia 6, France 0 in Melbourne( 2^nd test)
South Africa 38, Wales 16 in Durban (1^st test)
New Zealand 28, England 27 in Dunedin (2^nd test)
Scotland 19, Canada 17 in Toronto
Ireland 23, Argentina 17 in Tucuman (2^nd test)
Samoa 15, Italy 0 in Apia
Japan 37, United States 29 in Halawa (Pacific Nat.Cup; North)
Fiji 45, Tonga 17 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup; South)
Georgia 23, Spain 13 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
Argentina Jaguars 45, Emerging Italy 20 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
Tunisia 26, Ivory Coast 6 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B Final)
Senegal 32, Uganda 31 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B Playoff 3^rd-4^th)
USA South 34, Cayman Islands 30 (Caribbean Champ.,North League)
Lesotho v Botswana ‘A’ in Gaborone (Friendly) result to come

Briefly
My coverage of world test rugby is limited at this time of the year due to work commitments. Today Monday I’m off work sick so here is my opportunity.

Australia and France slugged out a rather boring game. It was intense but error-ridden and kick-happy. France improved their commitment and pushed Australia all the way. Let’s hope the day time match next Saturday is better. On this form Australia are going to come unstuck in the forwards v South Africa and unstuck in general play v New Zealand.

South Africa were too good for Wales. Not sure where Wales goes from here but they certainly have slipped form over the last two years. South Africa looks to be a tough nut for the All Blacks to crack in the Rugby Championship.

New Zealand and England played an exciting great game of rugby. Very enjoyable to watch. The All Blacks blitz at the beginning of the second half is what puts this team above all else. Pace, timing and skills. Hansen will be concerned about allowing those two late tries by England. NZ wont get away with that against South Africa.

Ireland won the series against Argentina. Argentina are going to struggle against the other Tier 1 nations this year. They have selection and internal issues at the moment.

Samoa continued the Italian Pacific nightmare in Apia whilst Japan and Fiji look to be the teams in the Pacific Nations Cup final.

Tunisia will compete in the CAR Africa Cup 1A tournament next year with the fancied Ugandans dropping down to Division 1C.

The USA South team booked their Caribbean Championship final against Guyana with a close win over Cayman Islands.

IRB NATIONS CUP 2014 Day 1

13.06.2014
Emerging Ireland v Russia in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Romania v Uruguay in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)

There should not be any surprises on day 1 of this IRB sponsored tournament. I guess the only complaint is that we see the same old nations fronting up for this tournament. It is designed to give match time to 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying teams from Tier 2 nations, which this does.

Predictions
Emerging Ireland by 30 v Russia
Romania by 10 v Uruguay

Squads

Emerging Ireland Squad for IRB Nations Cup

PROPS
Rodney Ah You (Connacht)
Michael Bent (Leinster - 3 caps)
Callum Black (Ulster)
John Ryan (Munster)
James Tracy (Leinster)

HOOKERS
Niall Annett (Ulster)
Bryan Byrne (Clontarf)

LOCKS
Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues)
David Foley (Munster)
Mick Kearney (Connacht)

BACKROW
Paddy Butler (Munster)
Sean Dougall (Munster)
Mike McCarthy (Leinster - 16 caps)
Tommy O'Donnell (Munster - 4 caps)
Dominic Ryan (Leinster)

SCRUMHALVES
Paul Marshall (Ulster - 3 caps)
Luke McGrath (Leinster)

FLYHALVES
JJ Hanrahan (Munster)
Ian Keatley (Munster - 2 caps)

CENTRES
Eoin Griffin (Connacht)
Brendan Macken (Leinster)
Noel Reid (Leinster)

WINGERS
Michael Allen (Ulster)
Craig Gilroy (Ulster - 6 caps)

FULLBACKS
Andrew Conway (Munster)
Johne Murphy (Munster - 2 caps)

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4527&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30

Romania
1. Constantin Pristavita (Baia Mare)
2. Otar Turashvili (Farul Constanta)
3. Horatiu Pungea (Scarlets)
4. Valentin Poparlan (RCM Timisoara)
5. Marius Sarbe (Tarbes)
6. Viorel Lucaci (Steaua)
7. Mihai Macovei (Massy) - captain
8. Daniel Carpo (RCM Timisoara)
9. Florin Surugiu (CSM Bucuresti)
10. Filip Lazar (St. Jean D'Angely)
11. Florin Ionita (Steaua)
12. Florin Vlaicu (Farul Constanta)
13. Csaba Gal (Baia Mare)
14. Ionut Dumitru (Steaua)
15. Gabriel Conache (RCM Timisoara)
16. Eugen Capatana (RCM Timisoara)
17. Alex Tarus (RCM Timisoara
18. Dorin Lazar (RCM Timisoara)
19. Vlad Nistor (Castres)
20. Robert Dascalu (Steaua)
21. Valentin Ivan (CSM Bucuresti)
22. Daniel Statulescu (CSM Bucuresti)

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=125

Uruguay
1. Alejo Corral
2. Nicolas Klappenbach (Captain)
3. Juan Echeverria
4. Cristofer Soares de Lima
5. Franco Lamanna
6. Juan de Freitas
7. Diego Magno
8. Alejandro Nieto
9. Guillermo Lijenstein
10. Alejo Duran
11. Gaston Gibernau
12. Alberto Roman
13. Joaquin Prada
14. Santiago Gibernau
15. Gaston Mieres
16. Carlos Arboleya
17. Mateo Sanguinetti
18. Mathias Braun
19. Fernando Bascou
20. Agustin Alonso
21. Jeronimo Etcheverry
22. Federico Favaro

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=125

Russia
1. Alexey Volkov
2. Stanislav Selsky
3. Sergey Sekisov
4. Alexander Voytov (Captain)
5. Denis Antonov
6. Andrey Garbuzov
7. Andrey Temnov
8. Viktor Gresev
9. Alexander Yanyushkin
10. Ramil Gaysin
11. Igor Galinovskiy
12. Alexey Makovetskiy
13. Herman Davydov
14. Mikhail Babaev
15. Igor Klyuchnikov
16. Valery Tsnobiladze
17. Grigory Tsnobiladze
18. Alexander Bezverkhov
19. Artem Fatakhov
20. Pavel Butenko
21. Alexey Shcherban
22. Sergey Yanyushkin

CAR AFRICA CUP 1B Day 1

10.06.2014
Ivory Coast 22, Uganda 19 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final 1)
Tunisia 22, Senegal 14 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final 1)

Finals Day Saturday 14 June
Ivory Coast v Tunisia (Final)
Uganda v Senegal (Playoff 3rd-4th)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS FOR 7 JUNE-Updated 11/07

07.06.2014
Australia 50, France 23 in Brisbane (1^st Test)
South Africa XV 47, World XV 13 in Capetown (Non test)
New Zealand 20, England 15 in Auckland (1^st test)
Scotland 24, United States 6 in Houston
Ireland 29, Argentina 17 in Resistencia (1^st test)
Fiji 25, Italy 14 in Suva
Japan 34, Canada 25 in Vancouver (Pacific Nations Cup; North Conf.)
Samoa 18, Tonga 18 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup; South Conf.)
Austria 26, Bosnia Herzegovina 12 in Tešanj (ENC 2C-2D Playoff)
Cayman Islands 24, Bermuda 3 in Hamilton (Caribb. Champ.;League, North)
Guyana 15, Trinidad Tobago 8 in Georgetown (Caribb. Champ., League, South)
Mexico 34, Jamaica 8 in Ewarton (Caribbean Champ.,Cup, North)
Curacao 19, St Vincent & Grenadines 12  in Arnos Vale (Carib.Ch.,Cup, South)
St Lucia 29, British Virgin Islands 18 in Tortola (Carib. Champ., Cup, South)
Congo Kinshasa 9, Rwanda 5 in Kigali (CAR Division 2, South)

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND Saturday 7 June

07.06.2014
France v Australia in Brisbane (1^st Test)
South Africa XV v World XV in Capetown (Non test)
England v New Zealand in Auckland (1^st test)
Scotland v United States in Houston
Ireland v Argentina in Resistencia (1^st test)
Italy v Fiji in Suva
Japan v Canada in Vancouver (Pacific Nations Cup; North Conf.)
Samoa v Tonga in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup; South Conf.)
Austria v Bosnia Herzegovina in Tešanj (ENC 2C-2D Playoff)
Bermuda v Cayman Islands in Hamilton (Caribb. Champ.;League, North)
Guyana v Trinidad Tobago in Georgetown (Caribb. Champ., League, South)
Mexico v Jamaica in Kingston (Caribbean Champ.,Cup, North)
St Vincent & Grenadines v Curacao in Kingstown (Caribb. Champ.,Cup, South)
British Virgin Islands v St Lucia in Tortola (Caribbean Champ., Cup, South)

Briefly
There is the saying about ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen..’. For the international test rugby calendar the month of June is madness but delightful madness. June is one of the windows for international test rugby and so there are dozens of fixtures around the globe.

France, England, Ireland and Wales tour down under whilst Scotland tours Canada, USA and Argentina. Italy tours the Pacific Islands and Japan. In addition Japan, Samoa, Fiji, Canada and the USA play for the Pacific Nations Cup.

Austria and Bosnia Herzegovina play the first of the ENC promotion-relegation playoffs (Latvia and Croatia playoff on 21 June-Denmark forfeited to Hungary) whilst no less than ten Caribbean nations play for their glory in the sun.

It is not possible for me to cover every game in depth. As a school teacher June is an assessment and report writing month (I have the same dilemma in November!) so that has to come first. I hope to cover three games each weekend.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 30 May-1 June

01.06.2014
Barbarians (UK) RFC 39, England XV 29 at Twickenham (Non-test)

31.05.2014
Finland 29, Bosnia Herzegovina 25 in Turku (ENC 2D)
China 41, Guam 10 in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Semi-final 2)
Indonesia 11, Laos 10 in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Semi-final 2)
Bahamas 13, Turks and Caicos Islands 11 in Providenciales (Caribb.Champ., Div.2, North)

30.05.2014
Japan 33, Samoa 14 in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Warm-up)