16.05.2015
Hong Kong scored a last minute try to snatch this game away from Korea. The Koreans suffered a red card during the game and a yellow later in the game. This created opportunities that Hong Kong took. The win was not enough to force Korea off the second place on the table.
Sri Lanka, winner of Division 1, has decided not to challenge Hong Kong for a place in ARC Top 3 2016.
16.05.2015
Venue: Namdong Rugby Ground, Seoul
Image thanks to www.skyscrapercity.com
Live streaming
http://eversport.tv/rugby/asian-rugby-championship/2015/5/16/top-3-south-korea-vs-hong-kong?video=58326
Preview
This test rugby match will decide 2nd place in the 2015 ARC Top 3. There is not a lot hinging on the loser as Sri Lanka, winner of 2015 ARC Division 1, will not challenge the 3rd place team for a place in the 2016 ARC Top 3.
My records show that Hong Kong has never defeated Korea in Korea in a rugby test match. I can’t see that changing Saturday
Other previews
http://www.asian5nations.com/HKG-set-for-skirmish-in-South-Korea
Last Five Encounters
25.05.2015 Korea 33-26 in Hong Kong (ARC Top 3)
10.05.2014 Hong Kong 39-6 in Hong Kong (Asia 5 Nations)
18.05.2013 Korea 43-27 in Ansan (Asia 5 Nations)
05.05.2012 Korea 21-19 in Hong Kong (Asia 5 Nations)
24.04.2010 Hong Kong 32-8 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia 5 Nations)
Korea last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
25.04.2015 v Hong Kong W 33-26 in Hong Kong (ARC Top 3)
18.04.2015 v Japan L 30-56 in Incheon (ARC Top 3)
24.05.2014 v Philippines W 52-22 in Makati (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
17.05.2014 v Japan L 5-62 in Incheon (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
10.05.2014 v Hong Kong L 6-39 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Hong Kong Last Five P 5, L 5
02.05.2015 v Japan L 0-41 in Tokyo (ARC Top 3)
25.04.2015 v Korea L 26-33 in Hong Kong (ARC Top 3)
15.11.2014 v Russia L 27-39 in Hong Kong (Ustinov Cup, 2nd test)
08.11.2014 v Russia L 10-31 in Hong Kong (Ustinov Cup, 1st test)
25.05.2014 v Japan L 8-49 in Tokyo (WCA Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia table: Korea 2nd, Hong Kong 3rd
World Rugby Ranking Points
Korea 58.35, Hong Kong 54.64
Prediction: Korea by 14 points
TEAMS
Hong Kong
1. John Aikman
2. Lachlan Chubb
3. Jack Parfitt
4. Paul Dwyer
5. Adrian Griffiths (Debut)
6. Matt Lamming
7. Toby Fenn
8. Nick Hewson (captain)
9. Lee Ka To
10. Ben Rimene
11. Yiu Kam Shing
12. Max Woodward
13. Jamie Hood
14. Tom McQueen
15. Alex McQueen
16. Alex Harris
17. Wei Hon Sum
18. Jack Nielsen
19. Jack Delaforce
20. Alex Baddeley
21. Damian Bailey
22. Tyler Spitz
23. Niall Rowark
24. Adam Rolston
https://www.facebook.com/hkrugby
Korea Squad Not available
09.05.2015
Venue: Fukuoka
Referee: Matthew Rodden (Hong Kong)
Preview
The clash of the No.1 Asian team with the No.2 team is one of the test rugby highlights this weekend.
Korea is a vastly improved side from last season. They recorded 30 points against Japan when they first met in April and then defeated Hong Kong away 33-26 two weeks ago. They lost against Hong Kong last year in Hong Kong 6-39. However many top players have been rested for the crucial games against Hong Kong next weekend
Japan are the favourites and in light of a much weaker Korean team taking the field they should win easily.Japanese coach Eddie Jones will not be pleased at the leaking of 30 points to Korea earlier. He has picked his most experienced side available.Shinya Makabe (Suntory Sungoliath) and legend Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba Brave Lupus) are both still injured. So whilst this is not Japan at full strength it certainly will be enough to easily defeat a depleted Korea Saturday.
Other Previews
http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-a-la-coree-du-sud-2015-2.php (In French)
Last Five Encounters
18.04.2015 Japan 56-30 in Incheon (ARC Top 3)
17.05.2014 Japan 62-5 in Incheon (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
04.05.2013 Japan 65-5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
12.05.2012 Japan 52-8 in Seoul (Asia 5 Nations)
01.05.2010 Japan 71-13 in Daegu (WCQ Asia R2; Asia 5 Nations)
In 2004 Korea drew 19-19 with Japan in Tokyo as part of an Asia Tournament. Korea last defeated Japan in 2002 when they won 45-34 in the gold medal game at the Asia Games held in Korea.
Japan Last Five P 5, W 4, L 1
02.05.2015 v Hong Kong W 41-0 in Tokyo (ARC Top 3)
18.04.2015 v Korea W 56-30 in Incheon (ARC Top 3)
23.11.2014 v Georgia L 24-35 in Tbilisi
15.11.2014 v Romania W 18-13 in Bucharest
21.06.2014 v Italy W 26-23 in Tokyo
Korea last Five P 5, W 2, L 3
25.04.2015 v Hong Kong W 33-26 in Hong Kong (ARC Top 3)
18.04.2015 v Japan L 30-56 in Incheon (ARC Top 3)
24.05.2014 v Philippines W 52-22 in Makati (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
17.05.2014 v Japan L 5-62 in Incheon (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
10.05.2014 v Hong Kong L 6-39 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Japan 1st, Korea 2nd
World Rugby Ranking Points
Japan 74.70, Korea 58.38
Prediction: Japan by 62 points. Score 70-8
TEAMS
Japan
1-Hisateru Hirashima (Kobelco Steelers, 36 caps) 2-Takeshi Kizu (Kobelco Steelers, 32 caps) 3-(c) Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory Sungoliath, 62 caps) 4-Shoji Ito (Kobelco Steelers, 30 caps) 5-Kazuhiko Usami (Canon Eagles, 2 caps) 6-Justin Ives (Canon Eagles, 25 caps) 7-Tsuyoshi Murata (NEC Green Rockets, 2 caps) 8-Ryu Koliniasi Holani (Panasonic Wild Knights, 37 caps) 9-Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath, 40 caps) 10-Harumichi Tatekawa (Kubota Spears, 30 caps) 11-Kenki Fukuoka (Tsukuba Univ., 11 caps) 12-Yu Tamura (NEC Green Rockets, 28 caps) 13-Karne Hesketh (Munakata Sanix Blues, 4 caps) 14-Yoshikazu Fujita (Waseda Univ., 20 caps) 15-Ayumu Goromaru (Yamaha Jubilo, 45 caps)
Remplaçants:
16-Masataka Mikami (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 25 caps) 17-Hiroki Yuhara (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 19 caps) 18-Hiroshi Yamashita (Kobelco Steelers, 38 caps) 19-Luke Thompson (Kintetsu Liners, 51 caps) 20-Hayden Hopgood ( ? , 5 caps) 21-Yuki Yatomi (Yamaha Jubilo, 14 caps) 22-Ryohei Yamanaka (Kobelco Steelers, 2 caps) 23-Toshiaki Hirose (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 25 caps)
http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-a-la-coree-du-sud-2015-2.php
Korea
1-Son Young Ki (POSCO) 2-Kim Jeep (KEPCO) 3-Shin Dongwon (KRU) 4-Kim Ho Bum (Kubota Spears) 5-Youn Kwon Woo (Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars) 6-Jang Seok Hwan (Sangmu) 7-(c) Kim Jeong Min (KEPCO) 8-Park Soon Chai (NTT-Docomo Red Hurricanes) 9-Shin Ki Chul (KRU) 10-Lee Eu Tteum (POSCO) 11-Kim Gwong Min (KEPCO) 12-Kim Nam Uk (KEPCO) 13-Jegal Bin (NTT Shining Arcs) 14-Park Han Gyul (KRU) 15-Jang Sung Min (Sangmu)
Remplaçants:
16-Na Kwan Young (Sangmu) 17-Kim Min Kyu (Sangmu) 18-Kim Kwangsik (Honda Heat) 19-Choi Kang San (Korea Univ.) 20-Hwan In Jo (KEPCO) 21-Lee Myung Jun (Sangmu) 22-Oh Youn Hyung (KEPCO) 23-Nam Young Soo (Sangmu)
http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-sud-coreen-face-au-japon-2015-2.php
25.04.2015
Korea 33, Hong Kong 26 in Hong Kong (ARC Top 3)
Chile 32, Brazil 3 in Santiago (CONSUR A)
Trinidad Tobago 30, Mexico 16 in Port of Spain (NACRA Carib. Champ. Final)
Briefly
Korea edged out home side Hong Kong after building a big lead at half time. The Koreans looked to be a very strong side and managed to hold off a big Hong Kong comeback in the second half.
Chile were too good in a disappointing display by the Brazilians whilst Trinidad Tobago gathered their second Caribbean Championship title when they defeated Mexico. The Mexicans can be proud of their achievement in making th final after being promoted just last season.
25.04.2015
Venue: Hong Kong Football Club Ground, Hong Kong
Referee: Paul McKay (Singapore)
Preview-Media Release
Hong Kong open Asia Rugby Championship with crucial match v Korea
[23 April 2015, HONG KONG]: Natixis Hong Kong Football Club winger Charlie Higson-Smith and Societe Generale Valley flanker Toby Fenn are set to make their international debut against South Korea on Saturday in the opening encounter for Hong Kong at the revamped Asia Rugby Championship.
The pair will come off the bench as Hong Kong look to start on a winning note in the inaugural Asia Rugby Championship which also includes seven-time Asian Five Nations champions Japan.
Asia’s premier annual rugby competition will see the top three – Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea – play a home-and-away round-robin format to decide bragging rights for the region. Previously the elite competition was contested amongst the top five teams, either home or away.
“The new format will be challenging,” said Hong Kong head coach Andy Hall who has stated he will have to rely on his larger squad of 34 players if Asia’s number two side is to push Japan for supremacy while warding off what is expected to be a tough challenge from the Koreans.
“In previous years we only had to face one-off matches against the likes of Japan and Korea. In those games we found ourselves more fatigued or taking more of a battering than in the other matches in the Top Five so it was a big change,” Hall said.
“We will need now to manage that physical toll better with the intensive home-and-away format. This will require more depth and we are going to need our full 34-man squad for this year’s series,” Hall added.
While the majority of the 23-man squad for the opening encounter, once again captained by No.8 Nick Hewson, has played in the regional competition previously, it will be the first opportunity for Higson-Smith and Fenn.
But they will have to wait for their chance to make a quick impression. Valley openside flanker Fenn will back up Hong Kong Cricket Club’s Matt Lamming while regular wingers Salom Yiu Kam-shing and Tom McQueen will keep Higson-Smith waiting to make his mark.
Experienced campaigner Hewson will lead a powerful set of forwards. The front row trio of John Aikman, Lachlan Chubb and James Cooper, and locks Paul Dwyer and Jack Delaforce will have to be on the ball against a feisty Korean tight five. Hewson will have Valley teammate Alex Baddeley on the blindside with Leighton Asia Hong Kong Cricket Club’s Lamming on the loose.
The halves combination will pair Abacus Kowloon half-back Cado Lee Ka-To at scrum-half with his club-mate Chris McAdam at flyhalf, with last season’s debutant Tyler Spitz and Max Woodward shoring up the midfield. The back three will be Yiu, Tom McQueen and elder brother Alex McQueen at fullback.
“Korea have a big, physical front row. Front rowers are big by definition but the Koreans are big even for front rowers and what is unique is that these guys are paramount to their attacking shape as well. They really look to get them involved so we are going to need to snuff that out,” said Hall.
Expecting a tough challenge up-front, Hong Kong has packed the bench with forwards, the split being five to three backs. Alex Harris, Leon Wei Hon-sum and Jack Nielsen will provide vital back-up to the front row with Bill Brant and Fenn giving cover for other positions.
Apart from winger Higson-Smith, Jamie Hood and Niall Rowark will be the other two backs and will feel at home on their home turf at Hong Kong Football Club.
While it will be the opening match for Hong Kong, their opponents South Korea arrive riding a wave of confidence after pushing Japan all the way in a 56-30 defeat at home last Saturday.
The Koreans will take a lot of heart from that spirited challenge when they led Japan 17-3 in the first quarter and trailed by only two points at the break. They continued to threaten the upset after being within a converted try of leveling the score late in the second half.
“Korea have some momentum after a solid performance against Japan. The Japanese may not have been at their peak as they were starting their season as well, but you don’t stick 30 points on a team inside or around the top 10 in world rugby without turning heads a bit,” said Hall.
Their attacking style will provide Hong Kong with a stern test, especially dangerous new fullback Jang Seong-min who grabbed a brace last week.
Hong Kong’s ability to handle that pressure will be key to their hopes of at least retaining their runners-up spot in Asia. “We are well aware that they are coming into the match with one game under their belt. Any rust they might have had had will have been knocked out by Japan and this gives them an advantage,” Hall said.
“The outcome of this game will be massive. I think both us and Korea know that the games versus Japan are going to be challenging and are targeting each other for two wins. If we can start well and capitalise on that rush of energy, chaos and intensity that are the first 20 minutes of a test match - we will be doing well.
“It is vital that we manage that and are in the game after 20 minutes and preferably in the lead,” concluded Hall.
Hong Kong will host South Korea on Saturday (25 April) at Hong Kong Football Club (kick-off at 16.00). Admission is free.
Hong Kong Squad versus South Korea (April 25):
1. John AIKMAN (HK Scottish), 2. Lachlan CHUBB (HK Scottish), 3. James COOPER (HKCC), 4. Paul DWYER (HKCC), 5. Jack DELAFORCE (HKCC), 6. Alex BADDELEY (Valley), 7. Matt LAMMING (HKCC), 8. Nick HEWSON – captain (Valley), 9. Cado LEE Ka To (Abacus Kowloon), 10. Chris MCADAM (Kowloon), 11. Salom YIU Kam Shing (Valley), 12. Tyler SPITZ (Borrelli Walsh USRC Tigers), 13. Max WOODWARD (Valley), 14. Tom McQUEEN (HKCC), 15. Alex McQUEEN (HKCC), 16. Alex HARRIS (Kowloon), 17. Leon WEI Hon Sum (Valley), 18. Jack NIELSEN (HKCC), 19. Bill BRANT (HKCC), 20. Toby FENN* 21. Jamie HOOD (HKFC), 22. Charlie HIGSON-SMITH* (HKFC), 23. Niall ROWARK (HKFC).
* Hong Kong debut
Sean Moore
Korea
1. Sung Ku (KRU), 2. Kim Jeep (Korea Armed Forces Athletic Corps, KAFAC), 3. Kim Kwang Sik (Honda), 4. Park Soon Chai (NTT), 5. Youn Kwon Woo (Yokogawa), 6. Kim Hyun Soo (KEPCO), 7. Jang Seok Hwan (KAFAC), 8. Hwang In Jo (KEPCO), 9. Lee Myung Jun (Sang Mu), 10 Oh Youn Hyung, 11. Chang Yong Heung (Yonsei Uni), 12. Kim Nam Uk (KEPCO), 13. Kim Sung Soo (KEPCO), 14. Jegal Bin (NTT Communications), 15. Jang Seong Min (Sang Mu), 16. Na Kwan Young (KAFAC), 17. Son Yung Ki (POSCO), 18. Shin Dongwon (KRU), 19. Kim Min Kyu, 20. Kim Jeong Min (captain, KEPCO), 21. Shin Ki Cheol (KRU), 22. Nam Young Soo (Sang Mu), 23. Kim Gwong Min (KEPCO).
https://www.facebook.com/pages/All-about-Rugby-in-Korea/235989379798283
Last Five Encounters
10.05.2014 Hong Kong 39-6 in Hong Kong (Asia 5 Nations)
18.05.2013 Korea 43-27 in Ansan (Asia 5 Nations)
05.05.2012 Korea 21-19 in Hong Kong (Asia 5 Nations)
24.04.2010 Hong Kong 32-8 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia 5 Nations)
09.05.2009 Korea 36-34 in Seoul (Asia 5 Nations)
Asia Rugby Championship So Far
18.04.2015 Japan 56, Korea 30 in Incheon
GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Hong Kong 2nd, Korea 3rd
World Rugby Ranking Points
Korea 57.22, Hong Kong 55.79
Prediction: Hong Kong by 3 points. Score 23-20
25.04.2015
Korea v Hong Kong in Hong Kong (ARC Top 3)
Chile v Brazil in Santiago (CONSUR A)
Mexico v Trinidad Tobago in Port of Spain (NACRA Carib. Championship Final)
Briefly
The big clash between Asia’s No.2 and No.3 teams will be full of interest. The new round robin/home-away structure of the elite level of Asian rugby means every game counts.
Brazil travels to Santiago in another important CONSUR A clash. Last year Brazil upset Chile in Brazil but can they do the same away? Chile has not been playing of recent seasons and Brazil’s good showing against Uruguay last weekend could mean a repeat of last year’s result.
Mexico and Trinidad Tobago square off in the NACRA Caribbean final. Two new teams in this year’s final and as Mexico is just newly promoted to this level this final has more interest in it.
18.04.2015
Japan 56, Korea 30 in Incheon (ARC Top 3)
Lebanon 27, Iran 8 in Beruit (ARC Div.3, West)
Briefly
A comfortable win by Japan over a plucky Korea. Korea’s game against Hong Kong next weekend will be crucial.
I was surprised by the Lebanon-Iran score line. I was expecting a comfortable win by Iran.
18.04.2015
Venue: Namdong Rugby Ground, Incheon
Referee:
Preview
The new format of the Asia Rugby Championship gets underway in Korea Saturday. Asia’s top three teams play a home-away series to herald a new chapter in Asian rugby. Previously the competition included five teams but some serious blow out scores indicated a huge gap between Asia’s top 3 and the rest.
Japan has always dominated Korea in test rugby except for a brief period in the 1990’s and early 2000’s when Korea actually won the Asia top title.The difference between these two teams is the amount of top international test rugby they play. Since the 2014 Asia 5 Nations tournament Japan has played Samoa, Canada, USA, Italy, NZ Maoris (twice), Romania and Georgia. Korea has played nobody.
Last Five Encounters
17.05.2014 Japan 62-5 in Incheon (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
04.05.2013 Japan 65-5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
12.05.2012 Japan 52-8 in Seoul (Asia 5 Nations)
01.05.2010 Japan 71-13 in Daegu (WCQ Asia R2; Asia 5 Nations)
16.05.2009 Japan 80-9 in Osaka (Asia 5 Nations)
In 2004 Korea drew 19-19 with Japan in Tokyo as part of an Asia Tournament. Korea last defeated Japan in 2002 when they won 45-34 in the gold medal game at the Asia Games held in Korea.
GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table: Japan 1st, Korea 3rd
World Rugby Ranking Points
Japan 74.70, Korea 57.22
Prediction: Japan by 56 points. Score 64-8
TEAMS
Japan
1-Masataka Mikami (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 23 caps) 2-Takeshi Kizu (Kobelco Steelers, 30 caps) 3-(c) Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory Sungoliath, 60 caps) 4-Luke Thompson (Kintetsu Liners, 49 caps) 5-Shoji Ito (Kobelco Steelers, 28 caps) 6-Justin Ives (Canon Eagles, 23 caps) 7-Hayden Hopgood ( ? , 3 caps) 8-Ryu Koliniasi Holani (Panasonic Wild Knights, 35 caps) 9-Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath, 38 caps) 10-Harumichi Tatekawa (Kubota Spears, 28 caps) 11-Yoshikazu Fujita (Waseda Univ., 18 caps) 12-Yu Tamura (NEC Green Rockets, 26 caps) 13-Karne Hesketh (Munakata Sanix Blues, 2 caps) 14-Chihito Matsui (Doshisha Univ., 0 cap) 15-Ayumu Goromaru (Yamaha Jubilo, 43 caps)
Replacements
16-Hisateru Hirashima (Kobelco Steelers, 35 caps) 17-Hiroki Yuhara (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 18 caps) 18-Hiroshi Yamashita (Kobelco Steelers, 37 caps) 19-Kazuhiko Usami (Canon Eagles, 0 cap) 20-Tsuyoshi Murata (NEC Green Rockets, 0 cap) 21-Keisuke Uchida (Panasonic Wild Knights, 8 caps) 22-Ryohei Yamanaka (Kobelco Steelers, un cap) 23-Toshiaki Hirose (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 23 caps)
http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-a-la-coree-du-sud-2015.php
Korea
1-Sungku Park (Unaffiliated) 2-Kim Jeep (KEPCO) 3-Kwangsik Kim (Honda Heat) 4-Kim Ho Bum (Sangmu) 5-Youn Kwon Woo (Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars) 6-Kim Hyun Soo (KEPCO) 7-Jang Seok Hwan (Sangmu) 8-Han Kun Kyu (KEPCO) 9-Lee Myung Jun (Sangmu) 10-Oh Youn Hyung (KEPCO) 11-Kim Gwong Min (KEPCO) 12-Kim Nam Uk (KEPCO) 13-(c) Kim Sung Soo (KEPCO) 14-Jegal Bin (NTT Shining Arcs) 15-Jang Sung Min (Sangmu)
Replacements
16-Na Kwan Young (Sangmu) 17-Son Young Ki (POSCO) 18-Shin Dongwon (Unaffiliated) 19-Hwan In Jo (KEPCO) 20-Lee Yong Seung (Hino Red Dolphins) 21-Shin Ki Chul (KRU) 22-Lee Eu Tteum (POSCO) 23-Park Han Gyul (KRU)
Adapted from http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-sud-coreen-face-au-japon-2015.php
24.05.2014
Korea v Philippines in Makati (Asia Five Nations)
Chile v Argentina in Santiago (CONSUR Cup)
Germany v Russia in Hamburg (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff)
Trinidad & Tobago v Barbados in Port of Spain (Caribb. Champ., South League)
Swaziland v Lesotho in Maruso (Friendly)
Briefly
There will be an interesting battle between Korea and Philippines. Whilst the Philippines defeated Sri Lanka away by one point last weekend, and as a result they would have grounds for some optimism, it would be a brave soul to not predict a Korean win.
At steak is a place in the 2015 Asian Elite rugby competition which will feature and home-away series involving Asia three top teams. At the moment Japan is No.1 followed by Hong Kong. Korea is favoured to be the third nation. The game be a close encounter in stages but I just can’t see the Philippines overpowering the Koreans.
Prediction: Korea by 20 points.
Argentina should not experiences any scary moments in their game against Chile. The Chileans have not performed well in 2014 and although playing away from home the Jaguars (well in effect Argentina ‘A’) should have no problems.
Prediction: Argentina by 35 points
The Germany-Russia clash is covered elsewhere on this blog.
Barbados lost 19-48 to Guyana at home last weekend and now have to travel to Trindad for a showdown with the local side. Last year they lost this game at home 6-19 so it will be an uphill struggle for the Barbadians.
Prediction: Trinidad and Tobago by 26 points.
Will it be played? After a number of postponnements, the match awaited Lesotho-Swaziland return game should be played today in Maruso. I’d expect the home side to win a good struggle.
Prediction: Swaziland by 10 points.
17.05.2014
Japan v Korea in Incheon (Asia Five Nations)
Sri Lanka v Philippines in Colombo (Asia Five Nations)
Preview
Sadly there is not a lot at stake in the above two nations. Next year’s Asia Elite will only consist of Japan, Hong Kong and Korea. Sri Lanka and the Philippines will be in the First Division along with the top Division 1 teams from this year.
Predictions
I can’t see Korea getting anywhere near Japan after their 30-point loss to Hong Kong last weekend. Hong Kong are probably a 20-30 point scoreline below Japan on a good day so I’m predicting an easy win to Japan.
Japan by 30 points.
Sri Lanka and The Philippines will be a lot closer. Sri Lanka gets the nod as they are playing at home. Sri Lanka by 20 points
26.04.2014
Hong Kong 108, Philippines 0 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Korea 59, Sri Lanka 3 in Seoul (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Briefly
The above results confirm for me the outdated arrangement for Elite rugby in Asia. Teams like Hong Kong, Korea and Japan are way above the level of the other teams. It is time for a fresh arrangement.
I would envisage Korea and Hong Kong joining the Pacific Nations Cup with Japan. I would place Hong Kong ‘A’, Japan Development XV and Korea ‘A’ into a new Asia Nations Division 1
Whilst Japan had a bye they used the gap in the calendar to put on a less than convincing display, going down to a Asia Pacific Dragons XV 29-35 in Osaka in a Non-test international game.
26.04.2014
Hong Kong v Philippines in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Korea v Sri Lanka in Seoul (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Preview
Japan is at very short odds to take out this championship for the fifth year in a row and remain undefeated in that time. In doing so they should occupy the Asia 1 position at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Up for grabs is second place. Traditionally that should be fought out between Korea and Hong Kong. It has only been in the last two seasons that we have seen Korea climb back to being the No.2 side in Asia.
Korea faces newly promoted Sri Lanka at home in what should be a comfortable win for them. It will be interesting to see what standard the Sri Lankans bring to the field.
The Philippines survived their first year at the Elite level of Asian rugby. They have continued to improve and have brought in players from USA and Australia. I would expect Hong Hong to be too strong at home for the visitors.
Predictions
Hong Kong by 60 v Philippines
Korea by 30 v Sri Lanka
18.05.2013
Korea 43, Hong Kong 22 in Seoul (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Philippines 24, United Arab Emirates 8 in Manilla (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Briefly
Korea established itself as No.2 nation in Asia moving up from 3rd last year. In Manilla the Philippines pushed the UAE down to Asia Nations Division 1 for 2014. They will remain in Asia 5 Nations for another season and a chance to qualify for the repechage section of the 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying stages.
18.05.2013
Hong Kong v Korea in Seoul (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Venue: Ansan Wa Stadium, Ansan
Referee: Taizo Hirabayashi (Japan)
Preview
Press release form media esa
[Manila, Philippines, May 17, 2013]: The 2013 HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Top 5 comes to an exciting close on Saturday (May 18) as South Korea and Hong Kong joust for runners-up bragging rights while Philippines hosts United Arab Emirates in a do-or-die battle to avoid relegation.
Hong Kong will head into the final week of action in the Top Five intent on securing second spot behind Japan but it is at the other end of the standings that the real bun fight awaits, with the United Arab Emirates desperate to avoid being relegated in the crucial away tie against the Philippines.
With an eye on the 2015 Rugby World Cup Asian qualifiers, Hong Kong will be hoping to wrap up the 2013 season on a high note as they take on South Korea in Ansan on Saturday.
“We want to try and finish second and boost our confidence for next season when a similar finish in this tournament will win us the repechage spot in the fight for a World Cup berth,” said Hong Kong captain Tom McColl.
“Our goal has always been to finish second to Japan and we know how important it will be to the morale of this team, especially as we have shown that we now have some depth and can still be competitive despite missing a number of key players,” McColl added.
Hong Kong played the entire season without their sevens players who had been tasked with gaining core team status in the IRB Sevens World Series. Hong Kong failed in that bid, losing in the quarterfinals of the London Sevens last weekend.
Head coach Leigh Jones has made three changes to the side that defeated the Philippines in Manila a fortnight ago with hooker Alex Harris and tight-head prop Steve Nolan starting. At flyhalf Niall Rowark comes in for Mike Glancy who will be on the bench.
But Hong Kong will miss giant lock forward Dan Watson who has been lost to the city due to relocation due to work.
“We will have to make sure that we are in the game at the end of the first 20 minutes and are in touch at the break. If we can do that, I’m confident we can push Korea. But it will be tough playing in their own backyard,” Jones said.
Hong Kong defeated both the UAE and the Philippines by scores of 50-plus, but the Koreans will be a different ball game. Last year, Korea defeated Hong Kong narrowly, scoring a try in the final minutes of the game at Hong Kong Football Club.
South Korea coach Park Kihaeng, commented on his team’s progress through this year’s Top 5 saying, “We have done enough to remain in the frame for Rugby World Cup qualification which was the ultimate goal. I am pleased that we have improved in each match we have played this year.”
“Now we want to finish in second as it will be a strong way to end this year’s campaign with a good win at home. That will be a good starting point for next year’s Rugby World Cup qualifier but we are not taking Hong Kong lightly. They have an impressive defence and a strong attack. It should be a very tight game,” added Park.
‘2' KOR 7 Kim Jeong Min try, converted by KOR 10 Oh Youn Hyung, 7-0 Korea
11' KOR 11 Kim Gwong Min try, conversion unsuccessful, 12-0 Korea
??' PHI 5 David Feeney try, conversion missed, 12-5 Korea
23' KOR 3 Heo Woong try, converted by Oh Youn Hyung, 19-5 Korea
25' KOR 9 Yang Young Hun, conversion good (probably by Oh), 26-5 Korea
30' KOR 14 Lee Jung Min, Korea 31-5 Korea
34' Kim Gwong Min second try, add the conversion, 38-5 Korea
40' KOR penalty, 41-5 Korea
HALFTIME: KOREA 41 (6T, 4C, 1P) - 5 (1T) PHILIPPINES
44' Lee Jung Min second try, converted by Oh, 48-5 Korea
55' Try and conversion by Oh, 55-5 Korea
65' PHI 3 Mat Bellenie try, converted by PHI 10 Alex Aronson, Korea 55-12
72' KOR 19 Han Kun Kyu try, conversion by KOR 21 Oh Ji Myeong, 62-12 Korea
75' PHI 13 Patrice Olivier try, Aronson converts, 62-19 Korea
FULL TIME: KOREA 62 (9T, 7C, 1P) - 19 (3T, 2C) PHILIPPINES
Hong Kong-Korea for 2nd place next week, and UAE at Philippines for 4th place.’
Thanks to Martin Dunham at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4221&start=195
11.05.2013
Venue: Ansan Wa Stadium, Ansan
Referee: Taku Otsuki (Japan)
Preview
I am picking that the Philippines-UAE clash on the 18th May in Manilla will decide who stays and who goes in Asia 5 Nations for 2014 and that the Hong Kong-Korea on the same day will decide who the runner up in this competition will be.
Japan has already taken top spot in the 2013 Asia 5 Nations and now qualifies for the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals to be played in England. The runner up in this competition qualifies for the repechage playoffs.
At this stage bonus points are going to be vital if results are close. For today’s game Korea are certain winners but must gather a bonus point going into their vital clash against Hong Kong next weekend.
Philippines must score 4 tries today. That has to be their aim. If possible they must get to within 7 points of Korea. That would earn an extra bonus point. That is more unlikely than scoring four tries but these must be their aims.
Prediction: Korea by 50 points
TEAMS
Korea
1. Kwang Sik KIM 2. Min Kyu KIM 3. Woong HEO 4. Soon Chai PARK (Capt) 5. Kwon Woo YOUN 6. Young Nam YOU 7. Jeong Min KIM 8. In Jo HWANG 9. Young Hun YANG 10. Youn Hyung OH 11. Gwong Min KIM 12. Nam Uk KIM 13. Bin REGAL 14. Jung Min LEE 15. Sung Min JANG 16. Sung Ku PARK 17. Jin Hyun CHO 18. Myeong Hwan KIM 19. Kun Kyu HAN 20. Byoung Joon LEE 21. Ji Myeong OH 22. Jae Beom IM 23. Dae Yeong YANG
Philippines
1. Austin DACANAY 2. Graeme HAGAN 3. Matthew BELLENIE 4. David FEENEY 5. Nicholas PERRY 6. Terrence CARROLL 7. Darran SEETO 8. Christopher HITCH 9. James PRICE 10. Alexander ARONSON 11. Gareth HOLGATE 12. Justin COVENEY 13. Patrice OLIVIER 14. Joseph MATTHEWS 15. Michael LETTS (Capt) 16. David ROBINSON-POLKEY 17. Michael DUHIG 19. Daniel RODRIGUEZ 20. Michael DE GUZMAN 21. Jake LETTS 22. Ben SAUNDERS 23. Jefferey GREGSON 24. Paul INGRAM
[Tokyo, Japan, 3 May 2013]: Japan kept up their domination of Asian rugby Saturday with a 64-5 win over South Korea at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.
The Brave Blossoms' recorded their 23rd straight bonus-point win in the competition to head into their final game against the United Arab Emirates with an unassailable lead in this year's competition.
“I am very pleased with today's performance. It was a good first 40 minutes and although we got a little bit tired in the second half and were a bit flat, we finished well,” said Japan coach Eddie Jones.
Japan scored six tries in the first half to lead 40-0 at the break and ensure there was no way back for the visitors.
Kosei Ono got the scoreboard ticking over just 90 seconds after the kick-off before young wing Kenki Fukuoka got the crowd roaring with a brace in the space of three minutes.
Japan winger Kenki Fukuoka scored a second consecutive brace in this year's Top 5.
“The Japan players were quicker than we expected and we just couldn't cope early on,” said Korean captain Park Soon Chai.
Japan captain Takashi Kikutani then showed that the veterans still had plenty to offer, going over for a pair of tries of his own as the Japan pack starved the Koreans of any ball.
Yoshikazu Fujita rounded off the scoring in the first half with a well-worked try with Ayumu Goromaru adding a fifth successful conversion.
Yoshikazu Fujita breaks away from to score in Japan's 64-5 HSBC A5N Top 5 win over Korea.
With the hard ground taking its toll - “We had a few players cramp up,” said Jones – and the Koreans regrouping, the second half was a different affair.
Hendrik Tui extended Japan's lead before the visitors laid siege to the Japan line, only to be met with some resolute defence.
“Our defence got better and we got some ball and attacked in the second half,” said Park.
A penalty try and a five-pointer from Goromaru (who finished the day with seven conversions) saw Japan go 59-0 up before the Koreans were finally rewarded when Oh Youn Hyung crossed in the 77th minute.
Male Sa'u, however, ensured the day ended on a high for the hosts, making the most of some good play from the backs to go over in the final minute.
While Korea coach Park Ki Haeng was left to rue the absence of some key backs, Jones said he was happy with the effort put in by his team, adding that a number of younger players would be on the plane on Tuesday for the trip to Dubai.
04.05.2013
Korea v Japan in Tokyo (WCQ Asia; Asia Five Nations)
Venue: Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground,
Referee: Tobias Lothian (Hong Kong)
[Manila, Philippines, 3 May 2013]: Japan and South Korea head into Saturday's game at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground as the only two unbeaten teams in the competition.
The Koreans opened their campaign with a 75-10 win over the United Arab Emirates and coach Park Ki Haeng is hoping the team can build on their good start.
"The first game is usually very difficult so of course we were happy to win especially on the road," he said. "We are trying to adapt to a new pattern of play and this was really the first test for that style of play so we were a bit disjointed early on.
“In the last 20 minutes I thought we were showing some of the results of our training and that the pattern of play we were attempting was paying off in terms of tries. However, we still have far to go in our improvement. We left a lot of points on the park on the day through unforced errors."
Park's side knows plenty about Saturday's opposition with 11 of the squad earning their living in Japan's Top League.
"Of these 11, nine are in the forwards with seven of them starting against Japan," he said. "It is very important to have the Japan-based players. They add a lot of experience and individual skill and they are also helping to lead the team from within."
New Zealander Lee Smith is working with the team as a consultant and Park said the Koreans are trying to incorporate some New Zealand techniques to the traditional Korean game.
"At the same time we ultimately want to have a tailor-made Korean style. We have our strengths and are now trying to combine or blend styles to suit us better and reflect Korean rugby as a whole," he said.
Japan, meanwhile, followed up their 121-0 hammering of the Philippines with a labored 38-0 victory over Hong Kong.
Coach Eddie Jones, however, said the game in Hong Kong was exactly what his team needed, given the easy ride they were given in the opener. Jones on Thursday named a 23-man squad that showed plenty of changes from the side that played last weekend.
The starting XV shows seven changes and one positional switch with Takashi Kikutani, who will lead the side in the absence of Toshiaki Hirose, moving from No. 8 to flanker.
"He has contributed a lot since coming back into the squad and deserves the honour," Jones said of Kikutani, who led Japan at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
There is an all-new front row with Hiroki Yuhara back in the squad and Takuma Asahara and Kensuke Hatakeyama both promoted from the bench.
Elsewhere in the pack, Justin Ives and Ryu Koliniasi Holani will also take to the field at the kick-off, after starting last week among the replacements.
"It's not performance related. We just wanted some fresh legs in the pack," Jones said. "It also means the players that have done well such as Hiroshi Yamashita and Shinya Makabe can come off the bench and finish the game."
The two changes in the backline see Kenki Fukuoka and Yoshikazu Fujita named on the wings.
"We needed a right wing with Hirose out injured and Fujita is the best player in that position at the moment," Jones said, adding that Hirose would probably be out for 3-4 weeks with a hamstring strain.
GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Japan 1st, Korea 2nd
IRB Ranking Points
Japan 70.09, Korea 56.72
Prediction: Japan by 48 points
TEAMS
Korea
| 15 | Kim, Keun Hyun | ||
| 14 | Jegal, Bin | ||
| 13 | Yoo, Chul Kyu | ||
| 12 | Kim, Nam Uk | ||
| 11 | Kim, Gwong Min | ||
| 10 | Oh, Youn Hyung | ||
| 9 | Park, Wan Young | ||
| 8 | Hwang, In Jo | ||
| 7 | Park, Soon Chai | ||
| 6 | You, Young Nam | ||
| 5 | Youn, Kwon Woo | ||
| 4 | Lee, Kwang Moon | ||
| 3 | Heo, Woong | ||
| 2 | Park, Sung Ku | ||
| 1 | Kim, Kwang Sik | ||
| 16 | Kim, Min Kyu | ||
| 17 | Jung, Sung Un | ||
| 18 | Cho, Jin Hyun | ||
| 19 | Kim, Jeong Min | ||
| 20 | Yang, Young Hun | ||
| 21 | Oh, Ji Myeong | ||
| 22 | Jang, Seong Min | ||
| 23 | Kwon, Jung Hyek | ||
| HEAD COACH: Park, Ki Haeng | |||
Japan
| 15 | Ayumu Goromaru | Yamaha | |
| 14 | Yoshikazu Fujita | Waseda University | |
| 13 | Male Sau | Yamaha | |
| 12 | Harumichi Tatekawa | Kubota | |
| 11 | Kenki Fukuoka | Tsukuba | |
| 10 | Kosei Ono | Suntory | |
| 9 | Atsushi Hiwasa | Suntory | |
| 8 | Koliniashi Ryu Holani | Panasonic | |
| 7 | Michael Broadhurst | Ricoh | |
| 6 | Takashi Kikutani (Capt.) | Toyota | |
| 5 | Justin Ives | Canon | |
| 4 | Hitoshi Ono | Toshiba | |
| 3 | Kensuke Hatakeyama | Suntory | |
| 2 | Hiroki Yuhara | Toshiba | |
| 1 | Takuma Asahara | Toshiba | |
| 16 | Yusuke Aoki | Suntory | |
| 17 | Masataka Mikami | Toshiba | |
| 18 | Hiroshi Yamashita | Kobelco | |
| 19 | Shoji Ito | Kobelco | |
| 20 | Shinya Makabe | Suntory | |
| 21 | Hendrik Tui | Panasonic | |
| 22 | Yu Tamura | NEC | |
| 23 | Yuta Imamura | Kobelco | |
| HEAD COACH: Eddie Jones | |||
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