AFRICA CUP 1B: Third and final day

11.06.2015
Ivory Coast 22, Senegal 19 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Uganda 59, Botswana 10 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Madagascar 33, Mauritius 24 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

 

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIF	BP	TOT
UGANDA	3	3	0	0	134	32	102	3	15
MADAGASCAR	3	3	0	0	99	68	31	2	14
SENEGAL	3	1	0	2	82	51	31	3	7
IVORY COAST	3	1	0	2	59	89	-30	1	5
BOTSWANA	3	1	0	2	54	136	-62	0	4
MAURITIUS	3	0	0	3	38	110	-72	0	0

Uganda is promoted to Africa Cup 1A for 2016. Mauritius is relegated back to 1C.

The relatively poor showing of both Ivory Coast and Senegal (with their predominantly France-based squad) was a surprise.

 

Uganda v Mauritius, Day 2

Botswana v Senegal, Day 2

Images from http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=543&start=25

AFRICA CUP 1B: Day 2

08.06.2015
Uganda 35, Mauritius 11 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Madagascar 30, Ivory Coast 26 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Botswana 26, Senegal 21 in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

Briefly
Uganda’s result was predicted but the other two results came as a surprise. Botswana’s win over Senegal was a real boil over whilst Madagascar came back against Ivory Coast to take the game at the end.

Saturday’s Draw for Final Day

11.06.2015
Ivory Coast v Senegal in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Uganda v Botswana in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Madagascar v Mauritius in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

AFRICA CUP 1B

First Day’s play is today, Sunday

05.07.2015
Madagascar v Botswana in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Mauritius v Senegal in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)
Uganda v Ivory Coast in Kampala (Africa Cup 1B)

Predictions
Madagascar by 25 v Botswana: Score 40-15
Ivory Coast by 8 v Uganda: Score 27-19
Senegal by 50 v Mauritius: Score 57-7

SENEGAL 20, IVORY COAST 14: Test Match Friendly

14.03.2015

SENEGAL v IVORY COAST

Test rugby Friendly

14.03.2015

Venue: Stade du TOEC, Toulouse,

Referee:

Preview
Both teams are in the same Division of the Africa Cup.They meet again in early July in Kampala, Uganda in Division 1B. The winner is promoted to the elite division for 2016.

All the players from both teams are based in France, and especially in the south thus the choice of Toulouse. In a lot of cases the players have never met before let along played together. This will be an opportunity for combinations to be tested and for players to put themselves forward for selection in the July teams. Local players back in Africa were not considered mainly because of visa problems.

Other Previews
http://www.rugbyafrique.com/african-meeting/

Previous Encounters
08.11.2013 Senegal 33-10 in Castres (Friendly)
19.10.2010 Senegal 21-6 in Tunis (Africa Cup; Pool A, 3rd-4th)
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 Round 1B, Pool A)
1983 Ivory Coast 25-0 in Abidjan (Friendly)

Ivory Coast Last Five.P 5, W 2, L 3
14.06.2014 v Tunisia L 6-26 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B Final)
10.06.2014 v Uganda W 22-19 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final)
01.03.2014 v Algeria L 18-25 in Blagnes (Friendly)
01.02.2014 v Burkino Faso W 36-3 in Ougadougou (Friendly)
08.11.2013 v Senegal L 10-33 in Castres (Friendly)

Senegal Last Five P 5, 3, L 2
14.06.2014 v Uganda W 32-31 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, 3rd-4th)
10.06.2014 v Tunisia L 14-22 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final)
08.11.2013 v Ivory Coast W 33-10 in Castres (Friendly)
15.06.2013 v Botswana W 41-5 in Dakar (WCQ Africa, Africa Cup 1B 3rd-4th)
11.06.2013 v Namibia L 12-35 in Dakar (WCQ Africa, Africa Cup, Semi-Final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table: Ivory Coast 7th, Senegal 8th

World Rugby Ranking Points
Senegal 48.69, Ivory Coast 47.08

Prediction: Senegal by 17 points

Teams

Ivory Coast
Team not available

Head Coach: André Adopo

Senegal
Team not available

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND; 14-15 March

14.03.2015
Ireland v Wales in Cardiff (6 Nations)
Scotland v England at Twickenham (6 Nations; Calcutta Cup)
Russia v Georgia in Tbilisi (REC 1A)
Spain v Portugal in Lisbon (REC 1A)
Romania v Germany in Heidelberg (REC 1A)
Moldova v Belgium in Brussels (REC 1B)
Ivory Coast v Senegal in Toulouse (Friendly)

15.03.2015
France v Italy in Rome (6 Nations; Garibaldi Cup)

Briefly
The 6 Nations International Championship heads into the fourth round this weekend. Ireland head to Wales in what could decide the competition winner. Ireland needs to win to keep their ‘Grand Slam’ intentions alive.

Scotland travels to Twickenham to face England in the traditional Calcutta match. Both sides lost two weekends ago but Scotland’s performance against Italy was woeful. Expect a big lift from the Scots for this one.

Sunday’s France v Italy clash in Rome has a mouth watering prospect of a possible Italian win. Playing at home lifts the Italians and after defeating Scotland two weeks ago they are on a high. France has lost to Ireland and Wales and are struggling.

The Rugby Europe Championship continues with the Russia-Georgia clash being top of the bill. Georgia hasn’t set the world on fire in their last two encounters whilst Russia has defeated Germany and Romania to lift their performances. These two nations actually fought a war only a few years ago. The Russians can expect a ‘warm’ reception in Tbilisi.

The Spain-Portugal clash looks even but Spain has been playing the better rugby lately but Portugal has got the home advantage.

Romania should have too much strength for a struggling Germany.

Moldova travelled to Amsterdam two weeks ago with a weakened squad and lost. They do not travel well. If they lose to Belgium this weekend their hopes for promotion to the elite level of European rugby will take a dive yet again.

In a friendly encounter in France Senegal faces their African cousins the Ivory Coast. I’d expect all players to be France-based. Both these African nations will contest the African Cup Division 1B in early July.

IVORY COAST v SENEGAL

14.03.2015
This test match is to be played in Toulouse. For both teams it is a warm-up for their Africa Cup matches coming soon.

The Ivory Coast will take part in the Africa Cup Division 1B tournament to be held in Kampala, Uganda July 3-11. Senegal will take part in the same tournament.

The Ivory Coast team will be coached by André Adopo. Players will be selected from French club sides.

Source: http://rugbivoire.midiblogs.com/

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

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)

ALGERIA 25, IVORY COAST 18

ALGERIA v IVORY COAST: Test Rugby Friendly

01.03.2014

Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/algerierugby

Venue: Stade du TOEC-FCTT, Toulouse. The original venue in Blagnac was considered unsuitable thus prompting the move.

Referee:

Preview
The composition of both side looks to be entirely made up of players based in France. The Ivory Coast side, consisting entirely of local players defeated Burkino faso 36-3 a few weeks ago in Burkino Faso.

Previous Encounters
These two teams have never met before. Algeria’s last game was in 2012 when they lost 13-27 to Tunisia in a friendly.

Last year Ivory Coast defeated Zambia 77-3, Mauritius 83-3 and Morocco 18-15 to take the CAR Division 1C title and promotion to Division 1B.

GWC Rugby Rankings and IRB Points do not apply.

The Algerian kit thanks to https://www.facebook.com/algerierugby

Prediction: Ivory Coast has more organisation and game time at the international level than does Algeria. It’s a question of the standard of French rugby each side’s players play in (unknown). My money is on Ivory Coast by 15 points.

TEAMS

Algeria

These players were gleaned from the Algerian rugby facebook page

Yan Saaoui (Pau) Hooker
Yvon Bonnard
Nordine Badji
Nabil Jalut (1^st Division)
Sofiane Changsan (New player scrum)
Bsahtek Erdogan
Mehdi Ameur
Menon Frih-prop-first game
Said Tahir-1^st division England ?
Tayeb Aroun (USAP)
Boumedienne Allam (looks a big man-second row?)
Khaled Kalouchi (‘Heavy Brother’ wrote someone on facebook)
Aib Jilali-back or winger
Malek Tahir-back
B.Bouhraoua-number 9
Malik Hamadache-Lyon
Said Hireche ?
https://www.facebook.com/algerierugby

Ivory Coast

Forwards
Herve Kabran
Gaoussou Dao
Marius Gohoun
Bombet Mouguy
Mikael Lab
Valentin Bercker
Charles Siagbe
Stéphane Aka
Vamoussa Kaba
Paul Diallo
Serge Jouve
Ousmane Fode Soumahoro
Foassert Wendemi
Francis Djeli

Backs
Christian Lacassagne
Jonathan Lo
Jean Maurice Oulouma
Raoul Sapim
Salif Toure
James Zie
Christopher Ahipo
Bemba Camara
Landry Makagnon
Hypolite Koffi
Oscar Lasme
Yann Lohore
Pacome Zohouri
Sydney Djiropo
Josephat Die
Paul Lohouri
Eric Floch

Coaches: ADOPO Andre, LEDOUARIN Anthony.

Adapted from http://rugbivoire.midiblogs.com/

TEST RUGBY RESULTS FOR 29 June

29.06.2013
Australia 16, British and Irish Lions 15 in Melbourne (2^nd Test)
Ivory Coast 18, Morocco 15 in Abidjan (CAR Division 1C)
Nigeria 45, Zambia 10 in Yamoussouko (CAR Division 1C)
Niger 17, Mauritius 13 in Yamoussouko (CAR Division 1C)

Briefly
The Lions-Australia series goes to the third test next weekend as the decider. 2-point win to Lions last weekend and now a 1-point win to Australia yesterday. Who said the Lions tour concept was dead. Two very exciting games decided at the end. Next weekend’s game will be a cracker!

The Ivory Coast caused an upset when they defeated tournament favourites Morocco. Ivory Coast are promoted to Division 1B for 2014 whilst Morocco stays in 1C for another year.

MOROCCO v IVORY COAST: CAR Division 1C

29.06.2013

Venue: Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire

Referee: Sébastien Boyer (France)

 

Preview
This is the second rugby test match featured this weekend.

Both teams were knocked out of Rugby World Cup qualification last year. Morocco losing to both Madagascar and Senegal in CAR Division 1B. Ivory Coast did not progress to Division 1B despite winning both their games. Hosts Botswana were promoted ahead of them.

In this year’s tournament the two top seeded sides are to clash on the last day. In the first two rounds Ivory Coast defeated Zambia 77-3 and Mauritius 83-3 whilst Morocco defeated Niger 77-3 and had a tougher game against Nigeria before winning 38-8.

The winner of this game will be promoted to CAR Division 1B for 2014.

Last Five Encounters
15.06.2010 Morocco 60-3 in Tunis (CAR Division 1A; Semi-final)
02.08.2008 Ivory Coast 21-9 in Casablanca (WCQ Africa R1; Pool B)
07.10.2006 Morocco 23-7 in Casab. (WCQ Africa R2; Group A; CAR Div.1A)
17.06.2006 Drawn 9-9 in Abidjan (WCQ Africa R2; Group A; CAR Div.1A)
27.03.2004 Morocco 11-6 in Casablanca (CAR Division 1A, North)

These two teams first met in 1990, Morocco winning 11-4 in Harare, a World Cup Qualifying match. Morocco had already lost to Zimbabwe and Tunisia and were eliminated.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Morocco 9th, Ivory Coast 11th

IRB Ranking Points
Morocco 52.35, Ivory Coast 47.67

Prediction: Morocco by 13 points

Team lists not available

In the other two games on the final day of this tournament Zambia plays Nigeria whilst Mauritius plays Niger.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Africa

28.07.2012
Ivory Coast 24, Zambia 18 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1C)
Botswana 25, Mauritius 14 in Gaborone (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1C)

25.07.2012
Ivory Coast 29, Nigeria 17 in Gaborone (WCA Africa; CAR Division 1C)

TEST RUGBY IN AFRICA: WCQ Africa CAR 1C

25.07.2012
Nigeria v Ivory Coast in Gaborone (WCQ Africa; CAR Division 1C)

Venue: University of Botswana Stadium

Referee: Emmanuel Masinki (Botswana)

Preview
What a doings! With the with drawl of Cameroon this competition has been thrown into confusion. What will happen on Saturday if we end up with two winners I’m not to say!

This is Ivory Coast’s first game in this tournament and the first since 2010. They pulled out of test rugby commitments in 2011 due to the civil strife in the country. They were relegated, as a result, to Division 1C from 1B.

These two sides have never met in a rugby test match before.

GWC Rugby rankings do not apply as Ivory Coast does not rank as yet.

IRB Ranking Points
Ivory Coast 47.52, Nigeria 35.29

Prediction: Ivory Coast by 30 points

Teams

Nigeria Squad

Michael Adeniya (Westcombe Park, England)
David Akinluyi (Old Olavians, England)
Emmanuel Akinluyi (Cambridge University, England)
Emmanuel Ayewe (Racing Club) 1984.02.14
James Davies
Olawale Doherty
Eseoghene Enajerow (Warri) 1992.12.22
Udochukwu Eze (Police) 1989.02.13
Nsa Harrison (London Nigerian, England),
Nuhu Ibrahim
Adedoyin Layade (Sedgley Park, England) 1991.10.17
Tiwaloluwa Obisesan (University of Kent, England)
Shola Odele (Kaduna)
Felix Ogbole (Kaduna) 1990.02.21
Temitope Okenla (Old-Midwhitgiftians RFC, England)
Craig Olugbode (Gateshead Thunder RL, England)
Chukwuma Osazuwa
Ali Shelleng (London Nigerian, England)
Ibi Shelleng (London Nigerian, England) 1983.12.03
Ivan Stevenson
Francis Ugwu (Manchester Medics, England)
Inam Jay Udo-Udoma (Blackheath and Ruislip, England)
Ejike Uzoigbe (Worthing, England)
Obi Wilson (Barewa) 1984.09.24
Robert Worrincy (Halifax RL, England)
Samson Yayah

Head Coach: Steven Lewis

http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=90132:unknowns-to-take-first-steps-on-the-road-to-the-irb-world-cup&catid=59:home&Itemid=620

Note: Club affiliations TBC

Ivory Coast

Squad list not available

Coaches : Louis Konan and Amman Bile

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

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

International Rugby Results: 14 June

14.06.2009
Ivory Coast 13, Namibia 13 in Abidjan (WCQ Africa R2; Africa Cup SF)

The Ivory Coast came back twice the level the scores and still place themselves in with a chance to qualify for the final. They will need to win in Windhoek on the 27 June to accomplish that. It will be a tough task as I suspect the Coasters will not travel as well as the Namibians.

England Saxons 56, United States 17 in Denver (Churchill Cup)

The sorry state of USA rugby continues. The Saxons have booked themselves into the final next Saturday, thus defending the title they won last year. For the third year in a row the USA will battle, probably Georgia, for the wooden spoon.

To come: Ireland 'A' v Georgia