IRB NATIONS CUP RUGBY TEST MATCH: Argentina Jaguars face hosts Romania

12.06.2012
Argentina ‘A’ v Romania in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)

Venue: Arch of Triumph Stadium

Referee:

Preview
This could well be the deciding match of this tournament. Both teams are undefeated and both teams won their round one matches comfortably.

Previous Encounters
19.06.2011 Argentina ‘A’ 37-13 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
13.06.2010 Romania 24-8 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)

Argentina Jaguars defeated Portugal 41-9 last Wednesday

Romania Last Five
08.06.2012 v Uruguay W 29-9 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
31.05.2012 v Ukraine W 71-0 in Bucharest (ENC 1A)
17.03.2012 v Spain L 12-13 in Madrid (ENC 1A)
10.03.2012 v Georgia L 13-19 in Bucharest (ENC 1A)
25.02.2012 v Russia W 25-0 in Sochi (ENC 1A)

GWC Rugby Rankings and IRB Ranking points do not apply

Prediction: Romania by 3 points

ARGENTINA ‘A’ (Jaguars)

15		Ramiro Moyano	Lynx RC
14		Franco Sábato	Asociación Alumni
13		Lisandro Lopez Gomez	La Tablada RC
12		Juan Pablo Socino	Unattached
11		Matias Masera	Belgrano Athletic
10		Benjamin Madero (Capt.)	San Isidro Club
9		Marco Bollini	Club Newman
8		Nicholas Azzorin	Liceo Naval RC
7		Ignacio Pasman	Club Champagnat
6		Javier Ortega Desio	San Isidro Club
5		Lucas Ponce	CUBA
4		Felipe Aranguren	Club University Buenos Aires
3		Nicholas Basile	Aurillac, France
2		Martin Garcia Veiga	Buenos Aires C & R
1		Francisco Piccinini	San Isidro Club
16		Roberto Tejerizo	Tucumán Lawn Tennis RC
17		Matias Cortese	Córdoba Athletic RC
18		Lisandro Ahualli de Chazal	Academic RC
19		Martin Chiappesoni	Atlético del Rosario
20		Santiago Mendez	San Isidro Club
21		Santiago González Iglesias	Asociación Alumni
22		Fernando Luna	Córdoba Athletic RC
		HEAD COACH: Daniel Hourcade

Romanian team yet to be announced

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY MATCH: Jaguars Look For a Clean Sweep

30.10.2010
Argentina A v Russia in Moscow

Venue: Slava Stadium, Moscow

Referee: James Jones (Wales)

Preview
The Jaguars won the first test last weekend 40-20. The weather looks it will be colder this weekend. The Jaguars trained in heavy snow yesterday.

Russia will look to improve on their first test performance. Russian eyes are firmly placed on the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand but they must perform well in the lead up matches. I'd expect the colder conditions to suit the Russians better.

For the Jaguars the prize is a place in the Argentine team for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.The Pumas Argentina play 3 tests in Europe this November. That team has already been selected.

Last Encounter
Just last weekend, in Moscow, where the Jaguars won 40-20.

Prediction: Jaguars by 10 points

Teams

Russia
15. Igor Kluchnikov
14. Vladimir Ostroushko
13. Mihail Babaev
12. Alexey Makovetskiy
11. Vasily Artemiev
10. Andrey Kuzin
9. Alexander Yanushkin
8. Nikita Medkov
7. Kirill Kushnarev
6. Victor Gresev
5. Artem Fatakhov
4. Alexander Voitov
3. Evgeny Pronenko
2. Vladislav Korshunov, Capt
1. Alexander Khrokin
Replacements
16. Evgeny Matveev
17. Ivan Prishepenko
18. Alexey Travkin
19. Sergey Sergeev
20. Alexander Shakirov
21. Alexey Korobeynikov
22. Sergey Trishin

Head Coach: Zoryk Masandilov

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3600

Argentina A
15 -Joaquin Tuculet
14 -Augustine Gosia
13 -Juan Pablo Estelles
12 -Horacio San Martín
11 -Mauro Comuzzi
10 -Santiago González Iglesias
9 -Thomas Cubelli
8 -Thomas Leonardi
7 -Leonardo Senatore (Captain)
6 -Rodrigo Bruno
5 -Pablo Bouza
4 -July Cabello Farias
3 -Maximiliano Bustos
2 -Matias Cortese
1 -Gaston De Robertis
Replacements
16 -Luciano Proto
17 -Nahuel Chaparro
18 -Agustin Smidt
19 -Rodrigo Baez
20 -Martin Landajo
21 -Nicolas Sanchez
22 -Gabriel Ascarate

Coaches: Daniel Hourcade and Raul Perez.

TEST RUGBY: Results for Saturday 23 October

23.10.2010
Argentina ‘A’ 40, Russia 20 in Moscow (Non-test [sadly])
Sweden 32, Croatia 13 in Split (ENC 2A)
Slovenia 33, Serbia 3 in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)

Briefly
The Argentina Jaguars began their Russian tour with a comfortable 40-20 win over Russia. The game was not as one-sided as the score suggests.

Sweden and Croatia caused upsets in the FIRA-AER tournament in Europe. Sweden bagged a fourth try and thus a valuable bonus point. Slovenia, bouncing back from their 7-25 loss to Andorra last weekend surprised the more fancied Serbians 33-3 but scored only three tries.

For European Nations Cup results record and points table go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY MATCH: Jaguars in Russia

23.10.2010
Argentina 'A' v Russia in Moscow (Friendly-Non Test)

Venue: Slava Stadium

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Preview
Sadly this match is not, under IRB regulations, regarded as a test match. Don't tell the Russians that. To them this is about as big as it gets as they prepare for the 2011 Rugby World Cup

Russia's only previous match against the Jaguars was a disastrous 6-64 loss in Lisbon in 2006 during the IRB Nations tournament. How time has changed for the Russians as they prepare for the World Cup. Following this match they play another 'test' against the Jaguars next weekend. Then it's off to Tokyo in November for a one-off test against Japan. They have a gap 'till they front up to the first round of ENC Division 1 against the likes of Georgia, Romania, Portugal, Spain and Ukraine.

For Argentina the Jaguars is an important breeding ground for the first team. That first team will have a busy time once it joins the Tri Nations tournament. And don't forget Argentina will be looking for a finals place in New Zealand 2011, to improve upon their 3rd place in 2007.

Russia fared poorly against the England Saxons 17-49 in June during the Churchill Cup.

So there is a lot to look out for in this international match. Just how much of a bench mark will this Jaguars team be in terms of where the standard of Russian rugby lies.

No Rankings

Prediction: Jaguars by 15 points

Teams

Russia
15. Igor Kluchnikov
14. Vasily Artemiev
13. Igor Galinovskiy
12. Sergey Trishin
11. Vladimir Ostroushko
10. Alexey Korobeynikov
9. Alexander Shakirov
8. Alexey Panasenko
7. Evgeny Matveev
6. Victor Gresev
5. Vladimir Boltenkov
4. Alexander Voytov, Capt.
3. Ivan Prishepenko
2. Valery Tsnobiladze
1. Carlo Maglakelidze
Replacements
16. Vladislav Korshunov
17. Alexander Khrokin
18. Evgeny Pronenko
19. Sergey Sergeev
20. Alexey Scherban
21. Andrey Kuzin
22. Evgeny Titov
Head Coach: Henry Paul (temp.)

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3589

Jaguars
15- Román Miralles
14- Agustín Gosio
13- Horacio San Martín
12- Gabriel Ascárate
11- Juan Imhoff
10- Nicolás Sánchez
9- Martín Landajo
8- Leonardo Senatore, Capt.
7- Julio Farías Cabello
6- Rodrigo Bruno
5- Agustín Smidt
4- Pablo Bouza
3- Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro
2- Matías Cortese
1- Gastón De Robertis
Replacements:
16- Luciano Proto
17- Maximiliano Bustos
18- Lucas Ponce
19- Rodrigo Báez
20- Tomás Cubelli
21- Santiago González Iglesias
22- Mauro Comuzzi

http://www.uar.com.ar/noticias4.asp?not ... 1022154531

RUGBY TOURNAMENT: IRB Nations Cup, The Final Day

This tournament is being held in Bucharest, Romania. It is an important springboard for Tier 2 nations as they pit themselves against like-ranked nations and the A teams of Tier 1 nations.

20.06.2010
Georgia v Namibia
Italy A v Romania
Argentina A v Scotland A

Previews
Namibia, on eight points, looks in a healthy position to take or at least share the title with Italy 'A'. Both teams remain undefeated. What a pity this competition is not organised along the lines of the Churchill Cup, where you actually get the two best teams in a final. This tournament needs just one more playing day to achieve that.

Georgia and Namibia has faced each other twice before. The last time was during the 2007 Rugby World Cup when both were in Pool D. Georgia were too strong that day, winning 30-0. They also won 26-18 in the IRB Nations Cup of 2007, held in Bucharest. Georgia has an historical advantage but I think Namibia could just pip them on form.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Georgia 17th, Namibia 18th
IRB Rankings-Georgia 15th (69.09), Namibia 22nd (60.98)

Romania has improved considerably from their poor performance on day 1 and could well push the Italians closely. Italy A is the form side and should prevail.

A disappointing Scotland A, who won the tournament last year, will fight for the scraps with an Argentina A side that is also not as strong as it usually is. (I think the real A side was kept in Buenos Aires to play the Friday night game against France.)

Predictions
Namibia by 1 v Georgia
Italy A by 3 v Romania
Scotland A by 8 v Argentina A

CONSUR A TEST RUGBY: Phase Two

21.05.2010
Uruguay v Argentina 'A' in Santiago

Venue:

Referee:

Preview
This is a very experienced Argentina Jaguars team that arrives in Santiago. I would expect that Uruguay Friday, and Chile Sunday to have serious troubles containing this side. For the Argentine players many have the prospect of being selected for the full Argentine side to play France and Scotland next month. No fewer than eight players in Argentina 'A' ply their trade in Europe. Uruguay and Chile has a handful between them!

Uruguay performed better than expected against Chile Wednesday. They will be beginning to feel the strain of continuous rugby this week but they do have the advantage of recent match play and time for team skills. In the end I don't these advantages will count for much.

Last Five Encounters
06.11.2009 Argentina XV 55-13 in Buenos Aires
01.11.2009 Argentina XV 54-22 in Cordoba
23.05.2009 Argentina 'A' 33-9 in Montevideo (CONSUR A Final)
31.05.2008 Argentina "A' 43-8 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)
15.05.2005 Argentina XV 27-21 in Buenos Aires (26th S.America Champ.)

Argentina defeated Uruguay 26-0 in an official test in July 2006, as part of the World Cup 2007 qualifying stage.

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply.

Prediction: Argentina too slick, too good, by 60 points.

Teams

Argentina A Squad
Belisario Agulla (Hindú Club)
Horacio Agulla (Brive, France)
Gabriel Ascárate (Natación y Gimnasia Tucumán)
Rodrigo Báez (Liceo R.C)
Lucas Borges (Albi, France)
Rodrigo Bruno (Jockey de Villa María Cordobesa)
Carlos Cáceres (Tucumán Lawn Tennis)
Alejandro Campos (Mountabaun, France)
Matías Cortese (Liceo R.C)
Tomás Cubelli (Belgrano Athletic)
Álvaro Galindo (Racing Metro, France)
Mauricio Guidone (La Plata R.C)
Agustín Guzmán (Tucumán R.C)
Pablo Henn (Brive, France)
Juan José Imhoff (Duendes R.C)
Alfredo Lalanne (London Irish, England)
Marcos Augusto Lobato (Tala R.C)
Francisco Merello (Regatas de Bella Vista)
Ignacio Mieres (Stade Francais, France)
Ramiro Pacheco (Atlético de Rosario)
Luciano Proto (Tucumán Lawn Tennis)
Guillermo Roan (La Plata R.C)
Nicolás Sánchez (Tucuman Lawn Tennis)
Agustín Smidt (La Tablada Cordobesa)
Benjamín Urdapilleta (C.U.B.A.)
Matías Viazzo (Bourgoin, France)

Head Coaches: Daniel Hourcade and Raul Perez

No fewer than eight players ply their trade in France or England

http://www.uar.com.ar/noticias4.asp?notcod=20100513180120

Uruguay
Carlos Arboleya (Trébol Rugby) 1985.07.23, Age 24, 9 tests
Santiago Arocena (Old Christians) 1987.06.19, Age 22, New cap
Nicolas Badano ( Old Boys) 1983.10.06, Age 26, New cap
Edgardo Benitez (Trébol Rugby) 1988.05.15, Age 21. New cap
Matias Braun (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)1987.02.06, Age 23, New cap
Emiliano Caffera (Champagnat) 1978.10.30, Age 31, 25
Alejo Corral (San Isidro, Argentina) 1981.09.11, Age 28, New cap
Martin Crosa (Old Boys)1986.09.08, Age 23, 2
Juan De Freitas (Champagnat) 1989.12.13, Age 20, New cap
Santiago Deicas (Old Christians) 1986.10.31, Age 23, New cap
Ivo Dugonjic (Pucarú-Stade Galuois)1985.06.12, Age 24, 10
Martin Espiga (Old Christians)1985.02.02, Age 25, 9
Matais Fonseca (Los Cuervos)1988.07.25, Age 21, 5
Santiago Gortari (Old Boys) 1989.09.20, Age 20, New cap
Ignacio Grignola (Trébol Rugby) 1982.10.22, Age 27, New cap
Juan Pablo Horta (Old Christians) 1986.10.10, Age 23, 2
Leandro Leivas (Old Christians)1988.07.06, Age 21, 4
Adrian Lewis (Los Cuervos)1988.06.10, Age 21, New cap
Juan Martin Llovet (Old Christians)1985.10.15, Age 24, 13
Diego Lussich (Trébol Rugby) 1985.09.12, Age 24, New cap
Diego Magno (Montevideo Cricket Club)1989.04.27, Age 21, 1
Manuel Martinez (Old Christians) 1984.12.10, Age 25, 1
Gaston Mieres (Los Lobos Rugby)1989.10.05, Age 20, New cap
Nicolas Morales (Trébol Rugby) 1984.04.07, Age 26, 12
Juan Pedro Rombys (Trébol Rugby) 1987.03.05, Age 23, 5
Juan Pablo Ruffalini (Los Cuervos)1989.02.24, New cap

Head Coach: Gonzalo Camardón

Test Rugby Results: Churchill Cup

21.06.2009
Ireland 'A' 49, England Saxons 22 in Denver (Final)
Argentina 'A' 46, Canada 29 in Denver (Playoff 3rd-4th)
United States 31, Georgia 13 in Denver (Playoff 5th-6th)

Reviews
Ireland 'A' surprised everybody by storming home to take the Churchill Cup from England. Argentina 'A' were too good for Canada whilst the USA registered their first win of the season (and for a while) against a disappointing Georgia. The results for Canada and the USA were better than last year's placings, which were 5th-6th respectively.

International Rugby: Churchill Cup

20.06.2009
England Saxons v Ireland 'A' in Denver (Final)


Preview
Both these teams deserve to be in the final. They have consistently put distance between themselves and their opponents who have mostly been full national teams. It must be of concern for the IRB that neither Canada nor the USA figured in this final.

The Saxons will be out to win this tournament for the second year in a row. Ireland 'A' has an unblemished record in its two matches so this final should be a cracker.

Prediction: Saxons by 7

Teams

England Saxons
15 Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)
14 Noah Cato (Saracens)
13 Dominic Waldouck (London Wasps)
12 Brad Barritt (Saracens)
11 Tom Varndell (Leicester Tigers)
10 Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints)
9 Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons)
8 Luke Narraway (Gloucester Rugby)
7 Ben Woods (Leicester Tigers)
6 Phil Dowson (Newcastle Falcons, captain)
5 Nick Kennedy (London Irish)
4 Stuart Hooper (Bath Rugby)
3 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)
2 Rob Webber (London Wasps)
1 David Flatman (Bath Rugby)
Replacements:
16 Tom Mercey (Saracens)
17 Joe Ward (London Wasps)
18 Dean Schofield (Sale Sharks)
19 Tom Guest (Harlequins)
20 Joe Simpson (London Wasps)
21 Danny Cipriani (London Wasps)
22 Shane Geraghty (London Irish)
Head Coach: Stuart Lancaster

Adapted from http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.England_Detail/StoryID/22958

Ireland 'A' team not available at present

Canada v Argentina 'A' in Denver

Preview
Canada won well against Georgia but hten lost the crucial game against Ireland 'A'. Last year they played in the 5th-6th playoff so I guess you could say they have improved. Argentina 'A' pushed the Saxons in their first game and then won comfortable against the USA. This should be another fairly even contest

Prediction: Argentina 'A' by 7

Teams

Canada
15. James Pritchard (Bedford Blues, England)
14. Sean Duke (University of Victoria)
13. DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
12. Bryn Keys (Moseley, England)
11. Matt Evans (Hartpury College/Cowichan, BC)
10. Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy)
9. Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates, England)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Coventry, England)
7. Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers)
6. Stan McKeen (Oxford University, England)
5. Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens)
4. Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers)
3. Dan Pletch (Niagara Thunder)
2. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians)
1. Frank Walsh (Vandals)
Replacements
16. Pat Riordan (University of Victoria)
17. Doug Wooldridge (Cowichan)
18. Stuart Ault (Moseley, England)
19. Chauncey O’Toole (Castaway Wanderers)
20. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
21. Dean Van Camp (Velox Valhallians)
22. Phil Mack (James Bay AA)
Coach: Kieran Crowley

Argentina 'A'
15 Lucas Barrera Oro
14 Francisco Merello
13 Matías Viazzo
12 Benjamín Urdapilleta
11 Tomás De Vedia
10 Ignacio Mieres
9 Martín Landajo
8 Tomás Leonardi
7 Leonardo Senatore
6 Alejandro Campos
5 Carlos Cáceres
4 Mariano Sambucetti
3 Pedro Ledesma
2 Agustín Creevy (capitán)
1 Juan Figallo
Replacements
16 Mauricio Guidone
17 Juan Gómez
18 Tomás Roan
19 Agustín Guzmán
20 Francisco Cubelli
21 Horacio San Martín
22 Belisario Agulla
Coaches: José Orengo, Raúl Pérez

Adapted from http://www.uar.com.ar/noticias4.asp?notcod=20090619201117

United States v Georgia in Denver (Playoff for 5th-6th)


Preview
Neither team has played well at this tournament and deserve this placing. It will make for an interesting first-ever encounter between these two nations. With their normal line-up Georgia would win but with some sixteen front-line players not here in Denver I'd expect a more even contest

Prediction: USA by 7

Teams

United States
15 Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)
14 Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France)
13 Paul Emerick (Overmach Parma, Italy)
12 Salesi Sika (Agen, France)
11 Colin Hawley (Univ. of California)
10 Mike Hercus (Sunshine Coast, Australia)
9 Tim Usasz (Nottingham, England)
8 Nic Johnson (Denver Barbarians)
7 Todd Clever, Capt. (Xerox Lions)
6 J.J. Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, Sth Africa)
5 John van der Giessen (Denver Barbarians)
4 Louis Stanfill (New York Athletic Club)
3 Shawn Pittman (Bayside)
2 Chris Biller (Univ. of California)
1 Matekitonga Moeakiola (Park City Haggis)
Reserves
16 Joe Welch (Belmont Shore)
17 Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England)
18 Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
19 TBA
20 Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club)
21 Malenese Malifa (Belmont Shore)
22 Alipate Tuilevuka (Provo Steelers)
Head Coach: Eddie O’Sullivan

Adapted from http://www.gainline.us/

Georgia Squad
Dimitri Bassilaia (Morlass, France) Aged 24, 11 Tests
Jaba Bregvadze () 23, 1 (07-08)
David Dadunashvili (Massy, France) 26, 21
Levan Datunashvili (Aurillac, France) 26, 27
George Elizbarashvili () 25, 16 (07-08)
David Gasviani () 28, 11
Lexo Gugava () 26, 10 (06-07)
Rezo Guigauri () 25, 21 (07-08)
Irakli Gundishvili , New Cap
George Jhghenti () 25, 7 (06-07)
Vassil Kakovini (University) ?, 1 (07-08)
David Katcharava (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk) 24, 26
Lasha Khmaladze () 22, 2
Merab Kvirikashvili (Massy, France) 26, 33
Guia Labadze [Capt] 36, 52
Simon Maissuradze (ASM Clermont-Auvergne, France) 22, 8
Zviad Maissuradze () 28, 23 (07-08)
Lasha Malaghuradze (Beziers, France) 23, 15
Irakli Machkhaneli (Agen, France) 28, 32
Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 17
George Nemsadze () 25, 8 (07-08)
Zero Petriashvili , New Cap
George Rokhvadze () 21, 20 (07-08)
Temur Sokhadze () 24, 8- (06-07)
Sandro Todua (Lelos) 22, 10
Kakhaber Uchava (Farul Constanta, Romania) 32, 14
Rati Urushadze [Vice Capt] (Enisey STM-Krasnoyarsk) 34, 36
Charles-Edouard Yachvili *
Head Coach: Tim Lane

Note: Stats as at beginning of tournament
* New cap
Years in () indicates when last played for Georgia
Not all stats complete

International Rugby Results:Churchill Cup

10.06.2009
Ireland 'A' 30, Canada 19 in Denver
Argentina 'A' 35, United States 14 in Denver

Test Rugby Coming Up 9-10 June

09.06.2009
Mongolia v Uzbekistan in Tashkent (Asia Regions 2)
Jordan v Kyrgyzstan in Tashkent (Asia Regions 2)

10.06.2009
Canada v Ireland 'A' in Denver (Churchill Cup, Pool A) Non-test
United States v Argentina 'A' in Denver (Churchill Cup, Pool B)

Previews
Mongolia and Jordan play their first international test rugby matches in Tashkent. The winner from this tournament will most likely be promoted to a new Asia Nations Division 4 in 2010.

In keeping with its test match policy from the past I expect Canada will not be awarding test caps for this match, important though it may be.

The Canadians got their tournament off to a good start with a convincing 42-10 over a Georgian side missing key players. They will find the Irish tougher. Only three weeks ago Canada lost to the full Irish side 6-25.

In the other Churchill Cup game the USA takes on Argentina 'A'. The USA Eagles will have had to have pulled up well from their heavy loss to Wales on Saturday to be competitive. They will the Jaguars just as tough as the Welsh.

Predictions:
Uzbekistan by 20 v Mongolia
Kygyzstan by 30 v Jordan
Ireland 'A' by 3 v Canada
Argentina 'A' by 15 v USA

Rugby Tests: Early Results 6 June

06.06.2009
Updated 9:15am
England 37, Argentina 15 in Manchester
British and Irish Lions 26, Free State Cheetahs 24 in Bloemfontein
Australia 55, Barbarians (UK) RFC 7 in Sydney
Wales 48, United States 15 in Bridgeview, Illnois
England Saxons 28, Argentina 'A' 20 in Denver (Churchill Cup)
Lithuania 6, Netherlands 3 in Vilnius (WCQ Euro.R3 Playoff)
Malaysia 43, China 15 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2)
India 44, Pakistan 3 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2)

To Come
Georgia v Canada in Denver (Churchill Cup)
Uzbekistan v Kyrgyzstan in Tashkent (Asia Regions 2)

International Rugby: Churchill Cup 2009

06.06.2009
Argentina 'A' v England Saxons in Denver (Pool A)
Canada v Georgia in Denver (Pool B)

Preview
The other teams in the competition, United States and Ireland 'A' begin their games on Wednesday 10th June.

Argentina 'A' v England Saxons

The Argentina Jaguars come from a successful CONSUR A campaign where they easily accounted for Chile and Uruguay. Prior they were successfaul against Namibia in a two-test series. So they come into this tournament fit and with match play behind them.

Prediction: Jaguars by 5 points.

Teams

England Saxons
15 Nick Abendanon (Bath Rugby)#
14 Tom Varndell (Leicester Tigers)#
13 Dominic Waldouck (London Wasps)
12 Shane Geraghty (London Irish)#
11 Matt Smith (Leicester Tigers)*
10 Danny Cipriani (London Wasps)#
9 Joe Simpson (London Wasps)*
8 Luke Narraway (Gloucester Rugby)#
7 Ben Woods (Leicester Tigers)
6 Chris Jones (Sale Sharks)
5 Stuart Hooper (Captain, Bath Rugby)
4 Peter Short (Bath Rugby)
3 Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers)*
2 Rob Webber (London Wasps)
1 David Flatman (Bath Rugby)#
Replacements
16 Tom Mercey (Saracens)
17 Mark Lambert (Harlequins)*
18 Neil Briggs (Sale Sharks)*
19 Tom Guest (Harlequins)
20 Phil Dowson (Newcastle Falcons)
21 Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons)*
22 Stephen Myler (Northampton Saints)

*Denotes uncapped for England Saxons
# Test player
http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.England_Detail/StoryID/22814

Argentina team not yet available

Canada v Georgia

Georgia is the new team in this competition. They are fresh from a very successful European season in which they topped the European Nations Cup Division 1 table. They will have one disadvantage against Canada. Georgia last played as a team against Russia in late March. Canada has had a recent outings against Ireland and Wales.

Georgia has left out of this squad a number of experienced players needing a rest after a long winter of test matches and French club committments. The squad is a mix of experienced and new players, with some being recalled to the international scene.

Prediction: Georgia by 7 points

Teams

Canada

15. James Pritchard (Bedford Blues)
14. Dean Van Camp (Velox Valhallians)
13. Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers)
12. DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
11. Sean Duke (University of Victoria, Vancouver, BC)
10. Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy)
9. Ed Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates, England)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins)
7. Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria)
6. Nanyak Dala (Castaway Wanderers)
5. Mike Burak (Unattached)
4. Tyler Hotson (UBC Old Boy Ravens)
3. Andrew Tiedemann (University of Victoria)
2. Pat Riordan, Capt (University of Victoria)
1. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
Replacements:
16. Mike Pletch (Velox Valhallians)
17. Doug Wooldridge (Cowichan RFC)
18. Stuart Ault (Rotherham Titans, England)
19. John Moonlight (University of Victoria/Pickering, ON)
20. Matt Evans (Hartpury College, England)
21. Bryn Keys (Moseley RFC, England)
22. Phil Mack (James Bay AA)
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

Georgia team not yet available

For complete lists of all international rugby test matches played by Canada and Georgia go to www.rugbyinternational.net.