TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

08.08.2015
New Zealand v Australia in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Championship)
South Africa v Argentina in Durban (Rugby Championship)
Ireland v Wales in Cardiff (World Cup Warm Up)
Kenya v Namibia in Windhoek (Africa Cup 1A)

Briefly
The warm up fixtures will be well and truly underway this weekend with the first 6 Nations side hitting out. Ireland and Wales clash in Cardiff.

The Africa Cup 1A competition continues with Namibia at home against up-and-coming Kenya. It will be a big test for both sides. Kenya has impressed this season whilst Namibia will be keen to add the Africa Cup to the silverware cabinet before they land in England for the World Cup. They have another game in Windhoek next weekend. This will be the last Africa Cup 1A game and it will be against Zimbabwe.

The final round of the 2015 Rugby Championship (shortened because of the Rugby World Cup) will see a final between New Zealand and Australia in Sydney. Both teams go into this test match undefeated. Australia, as hosts, will be eager to defeat New Zealand for the first time in four years. New Zealand captain will equal Brian O’Driscoll’s world record 141st test caps. This game will be a cracker. Can’t wait!

In the other game South Africa meets Argentina in Durban to sort out the minor placings. The Rugby Championship though is not really the top prize for 2015. These games are really just curtain raisers.

ZIMBABWE v TUNISIA: Africa Cup 1A

04.07.2015
Zimbabwe 19, Tunisia 8 in Harare (Africa Cup 1A)

Teams

Zimbabwe
1.D Mutamangira (Sharks) 2.R Mwale (College Rovers) 3.F Mudariki (Castres) 4.B Tshamala (Busters) 5.N Ndlovu (University of Johannesburg) 6.N Mukondiwa (Old Georgians) 7.J Leitao (Old Georgians) 8.A Rose (Boroughmuir) 9.C Jiji (Hartbury College) 10.T Makwanya (Old Hararians) 11.T Chitokwindo (Old Hararians) 12.C Makotose (Busters) 13.B Rouse (Old Georgians) 14.S Hunduza (Old Georgians) 15.T Nemadire (Old Hararians)
Replacements
16.N Nyemba (Harrogate RC) 17.K Nqindi (Belhar RC) 18.L Cleminson (Harare Sports Club) 19.F Chipendu (Old Georgians) 20.H Mudariki (University of Johannesburg) 21. L Tambwera (Valke) 23. G Nechironga (Old Hararians)

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=559

Two games remaining

08.08.2015: Kenya v Namibia in Windhoek
15.08.2015: Zimbabwe v Namibia in Windhoek

KENYA v TUNISIA: Africa Cup 1A

28.06.2015
Kenya 46, Tunisia 15 in Nairobi (Africa Cup 1A)

TEAMS

Kenya line-up from http://www.kenyacup.com
15.Samuel Oliech, 14. Darwin Mukidza, 13. Fabian Olando, 12. Kelvin Omiyo, 11. Jacob Ojee, 10. Isaac Adimo, 9. Lyle Asiligwa, 8. Joshua Chisanga, 7. Mike Okombe, 6. Brian Nyikuli (captain), 5. Ronnie Mwenesi, 4. Oliver Mang’eni, 3. Isaiah Nyariki, 2. Samuel Warui, 1. Moses Amusala
Replacements: 16.Peter Kaaria, 17. Curtis Lilako, 18. Davis Chenge, 19. Lawrence Buyachi, 20. Robert Aringo, 21. Dennis Muhanji, 22. Vincent Mose

Tunisia
15. Khlifa Chams Eddin, 14.Chedi Zabri, 13. Haythem Cheli,12. Ahmed Charrada, 11. Houssem Khalfi, 10. Eddin Khlifa Njem,9. Dhif Achref, 8. Majid Zemzem, 7. Said Mohsen,6. Khalid Zagden (captain),5. Guitari Mokhtar, 4. Achref Ben Hamouda, 3. Mohamed Mlise, 2. Salem Khanfouss,1. Mohammed Chargui
Replacements: 16. Mohamed Yassine, 17. Eddin Missaoui Nasser, 18. Bilel Labidi, 19. Werhani Issam, 20. Hamdi Dimassi, 21. Mansour Ali, 22. Salim Barhoumi

AFRICA CUP 1C

21.06.2015
Zambia 15, Nigeria 8 in Lusaka (Africa Cup, 1C)

24.06.2015
Nigeria 34, Zimbabwe ‘A’ 24 in Lusaka (Africa Cup 1C)

27.06.2015
Zambia 19, Zimbabwe ‘A’ 12 in Lusaka (Africa Cup 1C)

Briefly
Zambia won the Africa Cup 1C tournament and will play in 1B in 2016. The Cameroun were the team that pulled out, being replaced by a disappointing Zimbabwe ‘A’ side. To be fair the ‘A’ side had to be hastily assembled.

ZIMBABWE v KENYA: Africa Cup 1A

13.06.2015

Venue: Harare

Referee: Stuart Berry (South Africa)

Preview
Kenya and Zimbabwe kick of their Africa Cup 1A programmes with a clash in Harare.

Prediction: Zimbabwe by 5 points. Score 17-12

TEAMS

Kenya Squad

Forwards; Moses Amusala, Curtis Lilako, Peter Karia, Oliver Mang’eni (KCB), Samuel Warui, Isaiah Nyariki, Lawrence Buyachi, Michael Okombe (Top Fry Nakuru), Ronnie Mwenesi (Nondies), Brian Nyikuli (Strathmore Leos, Captain), Joshua Chisanga (Homeboyz), Davis Chenge (Western Bulls)

Backs; Lyle Asiligwa, Isaac Adimo, Dennis Muhanji (Kenya Harlequin), Kelvin Omiyo (Nakuru RFC), Fabian Olando, Jacob Ojee, Darwin Mukidza (KCB), Robert Aringo , Samuel Oliech, Vincent Mose (Impala Saracens)

Management: Jerome Paarwater (Head Coach), Simiyu Wangila (Team Manager), Chris Makachia (Physio)

http://fourfourtwomedia.com/index.php/2015-05-15-14-16-43/rugby/139-kenya-name-squad-to-face-zim-in-africa-cup

Zimbabwe Squad

Forwards:
Denford Mutamangira (captain), Tatenda Murwira, Farai Mudariki, Pieter Joubert, Lawrence Clemenson, Royal Mwale, Kudzai Muzorewa, Jan Ferreira, Martin Wolfenden, Sanele Sibanda, Biselele Tshamala, Tadiwa Parirenyatwa, Andrew Rose, Fortune Chipendu, Kingsley Lang, Shingai Mpofu, David Makamba

Backs:
Charles Jiji, Taddy Whata, Tichafara Makwanya, Lenience Tambwera, Boyd Rouse, Riaan O’Neil, Stephan Hunduza, Gardner Nechironga, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Tangai Nemadire, Lungile Tshuma, Malvern Maparura, Cleopas Makotose, Daniel Capsopolous, Kuda Chiwanza, Mclean Muhambi, Andrea Banda, Kilvan Magunje

Head Coach: Cyprian Mandenge

https://www.newsday.co.zw/2015/06/09/sables-eye-breakdown-dominance/

AFRICA CUP; 1A

06.06.2015
Namibia 22, Tunisia 14 in Tunis (Africa Cup 1A)

Briefly
Namibia were made to work hard for their win in Tunisia. In very hot conditions 20 minute water breaks were conducted. Namibia led 12-8 at halftime.


Namibian team v Tunisia
Image thanks to https://twitter.com/RugbyNamibia

Blow-by-blow accounts at https://twitter.com/RugbyNamibia

NAMIBIA v TUNISIA: Africa Cup, Division 1A

06.06.2015

Venue: Nabeul, Tunisia

Referee: C.Berdos (France)

Preview
Namibia has an advantage here in that they have a greater exposure to world rugby than does Tunisia. Tunisia is restricted to playing in Africa Cup competition which involved two perhaps three games annually plus the occasional test match friendly against a nations outside Africa.

Tunisia gained promotion to Africa Cup Division 1A after winning the 1B competition in 2014.

This is an important warm-up game for Namibia’s preparations for this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Last Five Encounters
16.06.2013 Namibia 45-13 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR 1B, Final)
28.11.2009 Namibia 22-10 in Windhoek (WCQ Africa, Africa Cup Final, 2nd leg)
14.11.2009 Namibia 18-13 in Tunis (WCQ Africa, Africa Cup Final, 1st leg)
07.10.2006 Namibia 23-15 in Windhoek (WCQ Africa R2, Grp B; Africa Cup B)
01.07.2006 Tunisia 24-7 in Tunis (WCQ Africa R2, Grp B; Africa Cup B)

Encounters between these two nations go back to 1998 when Tunisia won 20-17 in Tunis in a World Cup qualifying game. These games were evenly contested until 2006 when Namibia began to dominate. Results have always been close, last year excepted.

Namibia Last Five P 5, W 3, L 2
22.11.2014 v Portugal L 20-29 in Lisbon
07.11.2014 v Canada L 13-17 in Colwyn Bay
29.10.2014 v Germany W 58-20 in Windhoek
06.07.2014 v Madagascar W 89-10 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup 1A)
02.07.2014 v Zimbabwe W 24-20 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup 1A)

Tunisia Last Five P 5, W3, L 2
14.06.2014 v Ivory Coast W 26-6 in Tunis (CAR Division 1B, Final)
10.06.2014 v Senegal W 22-14 in Tunis (CAR Division 1B, Semi-final)
02.11.2013 v Belgium L 10-26 in Tabiz
15.06.2013 v Namibia L 13-45 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR 1B, Final)
11.06.2013 v Botswana W 43-12 in Dakar (WCQ Africa; CAR 1B, Semi-final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table: Namibia 2nd, Tunisia 6th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Namibia 58.27, Tunisia 49.89

Prediction: Namibia by 26 points. Score 39-13

TEAMS

Namibia Squad

Rathony Becker (FNB Western Suburbs, 10 Tests)
Eneill Buitendag (FNB Wanderers, 10)
Johannes (Aranos) Coetzee (Brive, Frankryk, 0)
Leneve Damens (FNB Wanderers, 0)
Tinus du Plessis (FNB Wanderers, 39)
Jaco Engels (Trustco United, 8)
Nico Esterhuyse (FNB Wanderers, 31)
Thomasau Forbes (FNB Western Suburbs, 4)
JC Greyling (Trustco United, 2)
Eugene Jantjies (RCJ Farul, Roemenië, 38)
Shaun Kaizemi (FNB Western Suburbs, 3)
Theuns Kotzé (Bourge Bresse, Frank­ryk, 19)
Conrad Marais (Beziers, Frankryk, 4)
David Philander (Spotswood United, Nieu-Seeland, 18)
Heinrich Smit (Pukke, 6)
Johann Tromp (FNB Wanderers, 11)
Tjiuee Uanivi (Brive, Frankryk, 3)
PJ van Lill (Dax, Frankryk, 33)
Danie van Wyk (Trustco United, 9)
Casper Viviers (Trustco United, 7)
Roderique Victor (FNB Western Suburbs, 2)
DG Wiese (FNB Wanderers, 2)

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=515

Tunisia squad not available

AFRICA CUP 2015

CAR has rebranded itself as Rugby Africa.

AFRICA CUP 2015

Africa Cup 1A

13.06.2015: Namibia v Tunisia in Tunis
13.06.2015: Kenya v Zimbabwe in Harare
28.06.2015: Tunisia v Kenya in Nairobi
04.07.2015: Tunisia v Zimbabwe in Harare
11.07.2015: Kenya v Namibia in Windhoek
18.07.2015: Zimbabwe v Namibia in Windhoek (was 06.06)

Africa Cup 1B
July 3-11. Venue: Kampala, Uganda. Teams-Madagascar, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Uganda, Mauritius, Botswana

Africa Cup 1C
June 22-27. Venue: Lusaka, Zambia. Teams-Zambia, Nigeria, Cameroun, Morocco

Africa Cup 2 North
May 23-31. Venue: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Teams-Togo, Benin, Ghana, Mali, Burkino Faso, Niger

Africa Cup 2 South
May 25-30. Venue: Kinshasa, RDC. Teams-Rwanda, Burundi, Congo Kinshasa, Congo Brazzaville

Adapted from http://www.rugbyafrique.com/calendrier-2/

www.rugbyinternational.net

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY RESULTS SATURDAY 12 NOVEMBER

12.11.2011
Kenya 16, Tunisia 7 in Nairobi (Africa Cup 1A, Final)
Germany 23, Netherlands 7 in Hannover (ENC 1B)
Poland 17, Moldova 17 in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
Switzerland 27, Serbia 19 in Monthey (ENC 2B)
Andorra 15, Slovenia 6 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
Greece 16, Finland 6 in Athens (ENC 2D)

Briefly
Kenya took out the 2011 Africa Cup in Nairobi. Morocco and Namibia no-showed. The result does not, to be fair, reflect the true strength of African rugby. CAR certainly have some on-going problems getting teams to tournaments.

Kenya, Africa Cup winners for 2011. Image thanks to CAR website.

In ENC 1B, Poland and Moldova slugged out a 17-17 draw which doesn’t help either in their chase of Belgium.

In the other ENC 1B game, Germany defeated Netherlands 23-7. Netherlands look destined to be relegated. On the German team effort. ‘More of the same old it seems. Bad decision making, place kicking and ill discipline let them down. It's a win but without the bonus point. Unfortunately the team picked up a few injuries (Armitage, Jordaan, Kasten, Pyrasch).’ from ‘Karmakoma’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3938

Germany too good for Netherlands. Image thanks to http://www.totalrugby.de

In ENC 2B, Switzerland won a hard-fought game at home against Serbia to cement their place at the top of the table.

Also in ENC 2B, Andorra had to struggle to defeat Slovenia at home. Andorra lead 15-0 at halftime but the home team came back strongly in the second half.

Finally, in ENC 2D, Greece had to work hard against the visiting Finns for their win. The score was 3-3 at half time but Greece were stronger in the second half, scoring 2 tries to nil.

 
Greece defeated Finland 15-6 in Athens. Images thanks to rugbynews.gr

AFRICA CUP RUGBY: Namibia and Morocco Pull Out

09.11.2011
Tunisia v Kenya in Nairobi (Africa Cup Division 1A)

Venue:

Referee

Preview
Sadly two of Africa’s top teams have pulled out of this tournament. No reasons given on CAR’s website http://www.confederation-africaine-rugby.com/index.php/fr/ apart from ‘forfait’(sic). An article here http://www.namibian.com.na/sport/local/full-story/archive/2011/november/article/nru-executive-resigns/ explains the reasons for Namibia’s withdrawl, namely financial and a mass resignation of the NRU excecutive. No word from Morocco.

So to this match which will now be the final of the Africa Cup 2011. No news coming out of both Kenya and Tunisia on the web. We are left guessing.

Tunisia should win by 5 points

TEST RUGBY: Africa Cup Doubt

Kenya, Uganda and Namibia have all withdrawn from the Africa Cup, Pool B Tournament, due to be held in Yaounde, 17-24 October. The staging of Pool B has caused the change of the original pool formats and a change of venue. Pool B was originally to be held in Windhoek.

If the tournament is cancelled then it would appear that Cameroun could join Morocco, Zimbabwe and Madagascar in the Africa Cup finals, due in November. The November venue would depend on bidding from the unions that qualified.

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 3 July

03.07.2010
Kenya 33, Uganda 25 in Kampala (Victoria Cup, Elgon Cup)
Zimbabwe 28, Madagascar 22 in Bulawayo (Africa Cup, Pool C; Final)
Zambia 27, Botswana 14 in Bulawayo (Africa Cup, Pool C; Playoff 3^rd-4^th)

Briefly
A quiet weekend after such a hectic June. But a whole weekend of all African international rugby.

Kenya is in the lead position as far as the Victoria Cup is concerned. A win next weekend at home in Nairobi, which looks likely, could see Kenya as the first holders of the cup.

Zimbabwe gained a finals place in the 2010 Africa Cup. Madagascar look to be in a good position to be the best second placed team to make the fourth entrant in that final.

Zambia rounded off proceedings with a comfortable win over Botswana.

So to next weekend and the first match of the 2010 Tri Nations. A much waited for encounter between the two giants of international rugby, New Zealand and South Africa.

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Africa Cup, Pool C

03.07.2010
Zimbabwe v Madagascar in Bulawayo (Africa Cup, Pool C)

Venue: Hartsfield Rugby Club Ground

Referee: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa)

Preview
Zimbabwe and Madagascar shape up for a guaranteed place in Novembers Africa Cup finals. The winner will head to the finals whilst the loser still has a chance to qualify as the best second placed team across all three pools. South Africa's top referee Jonathan Kaplan will officiate.

Zimbabwe gave a hint last year that they may be heading back towards the top of African rugby. They won all their games in Gaborone including a 31-22 win over today's opponent Madagascar.

Madagascar is almost unique in African rugby. The level of support for the game surpasses that of soccer. Crowds of 30,000 will attend an important international rugby match. The national side qualified for today's final with a comfortable 36-18 win over Zambia last Wednesday.

More previews
http://www.irb.com/rankings/news/newsid=2039399.html#car+victoria+cup+affect+rankings

Last Five Encounters
20.07.2009 Zimbabwe 31-22 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
07.07.2007 Madagascar 30-29 in Harare (CAR Africa Cup, Div.1, South B)
12.08.2006 Drawn 22-22 in Bulawayo (CAR Africa Cup, Group D)
29.08.2004 Madagascar 23-18 in Antanarivo (CAR Div.1, Pool B, South 1)
19.07.2003 Madagascar 21-0 in Harare by default

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zimbabwe 10th, Madagascar 11th
IRB Ranking Points-Madagascar 46.90, Zimbabwe 46.11

Prediction: A close game-Zimbabwe by 3 points

Teams

Zimbabwe Squad
A.Sairai, V. Hove, J. Butchanan, D. Mutamangira, R. Gurumani, Z. Tondoro, G. Nechironga, J. Leitao, N. Mukondiwa, T. Mafi, D. Robertson, T. Nemadire, L. Machanjaire, G. Sibanda P. Staark, D. Hondo, W. Mbanje, T. Mhende, S. Johns, J. Rowe, P. Jessub, D. Mutamangira, S. Sibanda, P. Chitenderu, N. Ndlovu, S. Sibanda
Technical Team: Brandon Dawson (coach), Cyprian Mandenge (assistant coach), Noddy Kanyangarara (manager), Farai Muguwe (physiotherapist).

http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=20603&cat=5

Madagascar Squad not available

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Africa Cup, Pool C

03.07.2010
Botswana v Zambia

Venue: Hartsfield Rugby Club Ground

Referee:

Preview
Botswana were well and truly thumped by Zimbabwe Wednesday. The Vultures were reported to have had to leave a few key players behind due to injury after the squad was selected. Zambia gave Madagascar a good run for their money on Wednesday and look more likely to win this game.

Previous Encounters
20.07.2009 Botswana 16-10 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
09.04.2005 Zambia 28-24 in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A, South)
07.09.2002 Botswana 32-19 in Gaborone (CAR South 2)
27.07.2002 Zambia 37-17 in Lusaka (Friendly)
17.05.1997 Zambia 20-13 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa, R1)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Botswana 12th, Zambia 14th
IRB Ranking Points-Zambia 39.31, Botswana 39.21

Prediction: Zambia by 14 points

Teams

Botswana Team that played Zimbabwe
Katlego Mohutiswa, Thato Maifala, Onkabetse Mosalagae, Eddie Ernest, Lempaletse Ngaka, Kagiso Ditsebe, Kabo Batsile, Munyaradzi Mhonda(captain), Conrad Ntsebe, Andre Van Der Wat, Doug McCarthy, Edward Oosthuizen, Tefho Keothepile, Biki Mawela, Tshogenetso Katse. Lesedi Keekae, Otsile Mooketsi, Karabo Matenanga, Molibi Maphanyane, Onamile Tshimologo, Emanuel Masinki, Leatametse Mapodise, Segopotso Dintwe.
Head Coach: Niel Gouws

http://www.sundaystandard.info/article.php?NewsID=8103&GroupID=6

Zambia Squad
Nigel Chibwe, MacManus Musonda, Ali Bika, Boyd Nyirenda, Tedious Chololo, Sydney Mwansapa, Daniel Sakala, Ephraim Musukwa, Chiluba Kangwa, John Chibanga, Thomas Chipoya, Lazarous Chiti, Edward Mwamba, Tom Chaloba, Tom Mweemba, Jonathan Gondwe, Alex Mwila, Danny Kabila, Patrick Kasongo, John Kabwela, Patrick Chanda, Benaya Mukwamba, Chileshe Mwape and Kelvin Kampandu.
Head Coach: Noble Chisenga

Adapted from http://www.times.co.zm/news/viewnews.cgi?category=17&id=1277791690

AFRICAN RUGBY: Africa Cup Pool C Begins

Semi-Finals for Pool C in Bulawayo

30.06.2010
Zimbabwe v Botswana
Madagascar v Zambia

Previews
Play in Pool C gets underway tomorrow in Bulawayo, a city South West of Zimbabwe's capital Harare

Zimbabwe v Botswana

Referee:

Previous Encounters
25.07.2009 Zimbabwe 23-3 in Gaborone (CAR development Trophy, South)
07.09.1996 Zimbabwe 130-10 in Bulawayo (Friendly)

Botswana will struggle in this match. It has been reported that they will arrive with a below strength side affected by injuries.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zimbabwe 10th, Botswana 12th
IRB Ranking Points-Zimbabwe 46.11, Botswana 39.21

Prediction: Zimbabwe by 34 points

Teams

Zimbabwe Squad
A.Sairai. V. Hove, J. Butchanan, D. Mutamangira, R. Gurumani, Z. Tondoro, G. Nechironga, J. Leitao, N. Mukondiwa, T. Mafi, D. Robertson, T. Nemadire, L. Machanjaire, G. Sibanda P. Staark, D. Hondo, W. Mbanje, T. Mhende, S. Johns, J. Rowe, P. Jessub, D. Mutamangira, S. Sibanda, P. Chitenderu, N. Ndlovu, S. Sibanda.

Head Coach: Brandon Dawson (coach)

http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=20603&cat=5

Botswana squad not available

Madagascar v Zambia

Referee:

Previous Encounters
22.07.2009 Madagascar 36-15 in Gaborone (CAR Development Trophy, South)
26.08.2006 Madagascar 59-18 in Antanaviro (Africa Cup, Group D)

Zambia is very much the lightweight in this match. Although I can't find a squad list you can be sure Madagascar will be more than a handful for the Zambians.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa table-Madagascar 11th, Zambia 14th
IRB Ranking Points-Madagascar 46.90, Zambia 39.31

Prediction: Madagascar by 17 points

Teams

Zambia squad
Nigel Chibwe
MacManus Musonda
Ali Bika
Boyd Nyirenda
Tedious Chololo
Sydney Mwansapa
Daniel Sakala
Ephraim Musukwa
Chiluba Kangwa
John Chibanga
Thomas Chipoya
Lazarous Chiti
Edward Mwamba
Tom Chaloba
Tom Mweemba
Jonathan Gondwe
Alex Mwila
Danny Kabila
Patrick Kasongo
John Kabwela
Patrick Chanda
Benaya Mukwamba
Chileshe Mwape

Head Coach: Noble Chisenga

Madagascar Squad Not available

TEST RUGBY TOURNAMENT: Africa Cup

The Africa Cup is Africa's major tier 1 15's rugby tournament. 12 teams are involved at this level, divided into 3 pools

Pool A-Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Senegal
Pool B-Namibia, Uganda, Cameroun and Zambia
Pool C-Kenya, Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Botswana

The winner of each pool plus the best second-placed team will compete in the finals to be held in November, venue to be determined.

Pool A Final
Morocco v Tunisia in Tunis

Preview
Morocco created a mild sensation with an emphatic 60-3 crushing of Ivory Coastmid week. The Ivory Coast team has gradually been building strength with a healthy smattering of France-based players but during the week Morocco systematically took the team apart. Morocco were bundled out of Rugby World Cup finals contention last year but appear to be bouncing back.

Morocco also has a healthy rugby player base in France. They will pose a serious threat to Tunisia.

The Tunisians will be warming up for their upcoming struggles with Romania in the World Cup Repechage playoffs. They were less than impressive with their 12-11 win over Senegal mid-week.

Last Five Encounters
23.04.2005 Morocco 10-3 in Tunis (CAR Div.1, Pool C)
24.04.2004 Morocco 17-7 in Casablanca (CAR Div.1, Pool A)
18.05.2002 Tunisia 27-26 in Tunis (WCQ Africa R3, North: CAR North 1)
19.05.2001 Morocco 30-3 in Casablanca (Africa Championship, North)
17.03.2001 Morocco 17-14 in Tunis (Africa Championship, North)

It has been a while since these two North African teams met. Morocco has an historical advantage.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Tunisia 3rd, Morocco 4th
IRB Ranking Points-Tunisia 54.20, Morocco 53.05

Prediction-Morocco looks to have the form. Morocco by 5 points

Teams are not available

Pool A Playoff
Ivory Coast v Senegal

Preview
Senegal gave the Tunisians a mother of a fright mid week whilst Ivory Coast fell apart against Morocco. On form Senegal would be favourites to win this playoff.

Previous Encounters
26.05.2007 Ivory Coast 12-10 in Dakar (Africa Cup, Div.1, North B)
09.07.2005 Ivory Coast 20-6 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1B, Pool A)
1983 Ivory Coast 25-0 in Abidijan
1977 Ivory Coast 15-9 in Dakar

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table- Ivory Coast 7th, Senegal 8th
IRB Ranking Points-Ivory Coast 50.31, Senegal 42.12

Prediction: The rankings would give it to Ivory Coast, but on form I have to go with Senegal to cause a bit of an upset, and win this by 5 points.

Teams

Ivory Coast squad
Edgar Babaou, Capt. (Gennevilliers, France) Prop
Arouna Cisse (ASPA) prop
? Stanislaus (p L'Abidjan Université Club) prop
Ahmed Hodroj (Begles-Bordeaux, France) Prop
Brahima Konate (Trechville Biafra Olympique) hooker
Charles Zambia (L'Abidjan Université Club) hooker
Frank Acho (Poitiers, France) lock
Issa Meit (Auc L'Abidjan Université Club) lock
Claude Kouakou (Trechville Biafra Olympique) lock
Kinafo Diabate ((Trechville Biafra Olympique) lock or flanker
Gaoussou Dao (Drancy, France) flanker
Bemba Camara (Lunel, France) Flanker
Sydney Edward (Graulhet, France) lock or flanker
Hyacinthe Mouguy (Massy, France) Scrum half
Mohamed Dembele (Trechville Biafra Olympique) scrum half
Tidiane Kamara (Trechville Biafra Olympique) fly half
Jean Maurice Ulum (Oyonnax, France) fly half or centre
Djakaridja Sombes (Trechville Biafra Olympique) centre
Toure Salif (Epernay, France) center or winger
Tediaga Coulibaly (Gennevilliers, France) winger
James Zie winger or rear, Metro Racing)
Yann Lohore (Montauban, France) winger
Louis Konan Kouadio (Trechville Biafra Olympique) fullback
Coaches: Abou Camara and Ludovic Chaix

Adapted from http://rugbivoire.midiblogs.com/
Senegal
Squad list not available

Senegal Squad photo for 2010 African Cup. Thanks to http://www.senegal-rugby.com/

TEST RUGBY: Africa Cup Pool A

Semi-finals in Tunis

15.06.2010
Morocco 60, Ivory Coast 3
Tunisia 12, Senegal 11

Briefly
The huge win to Morocco was a surprise as Ivory Coast has been tough competition in the past (and made the 1995 Rugby World Cup). Even more alarming was Tunisia's close call with Senegal. Senegal has made grant strides in their rugby development.

Finals Saturday
Morocco v Tunisia

Playoff
Ivory Coast v Senegal

Winner of each pool plus best second place getter meet in November.

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: Africa Cup, Pool A

The 2010 Africa Cup will be contested in three pools. The winner of each pool plus the best second place side will go to the finals to be held in November. Pool A consists of the northern African nations, Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast and Senegal.

In Pool A the two winning sides from today will play off for first next Saturday.

Ivory Coast v Morocco

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Morocco 4th, Ivory Coast 7th
IRB Ranking Points-Morocco 53.06, Ivory Coast 50.31

Prediction: Morocco by 15 points

Senegal v Tunisia

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Tunisia 3rd, Senegal 8th
IRB Ranking Points-Tunisia 54.20, Senegal 42.12

Prediction: Tunisia by 35 points

Test Match Rugby: Ugandans have an Uphill Battle

27.06.2009
Uganda v Tunisia in Tunis (WCQ Africa R2 SF; Africa Cup SF)


Venue: Stade El Menzah stadium

Preview
After their heavy loss at home to Tunisia two weeks ago, the Ugandans have the difficult task of travelling to Tunisia and having to win by 25 points to proceed to the African final. It would seem a huge, almost impossible, task. To add to their problems the Ugandans will be withuout their captain John Musoke, out with an injury.


Previous Encounter
The 41-17 win to Tunisia was the first ever encounter between these two teams.


GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Tunisia 5th, Uganda 6th

Prediction: Tunisia too strong at home, to win by 48 points.

Teams

Neither team's list is available at present.

International Rugby: Ivory Coast in With a Chance

27.06.2009
Ivory Coast v Namibia in Windhoek (WCQ Africa R2, SF; Africa Cup SF)

Venue: Hage Geingob Stadium

Preview
These two teams drew 13-13 just a few weeks ago in the first leg in Abidjan. The task for Ivory Coast will be difficult after a journey to Namibia. The home side will be out to win a secure a final spot, probably against Tunisia. The finals winner will head directly to New Zealand in 2011.

Previous Encounters
14.06.2009 Drawn 13-13 in Abidjan (WCQ Africa R2, SF; Africa Cup SF)
12.09.1998 Namibia 22-10 in Casablanca (WCQ Africa RD)
16.06.1994 Ivory Coast 13-12 in Casablanca (WCQ Africa R2)


GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Namibia 2nd, Ivory Coast 3rd


Prediction: Namibia by 7 points


Teams

Ivory Coast Squad
Marc Youboue
Olivier Diomande
Edgare Babou, Capt.
Issa Meite
Franck Acho
Daouda Kone
Serge Jouve
Bakary Meite
Mohamed Dembele
Silvere Tian
Candry Tian
Lavrent Diomante
Jean-Maurice Ovlovma
Bedel Dogoui
Louis Kovandio
Ibrahima Konate
Guy-Pacome Yavo
Palo Diabate
Dao Gaovsso
Diack Gassama
Arthur Tin
Sydney Djiropo
http://www.republikein.com.na/sport/

Namibia team not yet available