ASIA FIVE NATIONS: World Cup Qualifying, Asia

25.04.2014
Japan v Hong Kong in Tokyo (Asia Five Nations)

Preview
This game decides who takes the Asia 1 qualifying place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The loser heads to the repechage round and still has a chance to qualify.

Japan remains undefeated this season in this competition and in fact has never lost a game at this level of Asian rugby and never without a bonus point win. Can Hong Kong burst the Japanese bubble?

In short, no. They could come close, they may event prevent a bonus try win to Japan but this is a hurdle to high for Hong Kong at present. Japan has a vastly superior international programme against tier 2 and tier 1 nations. Hong Kong hosted Belgium last November and before that played in the Emirates Cup where again they played Belgium, hardly a force in world rugby. Japan are in reality light years ahead of their Asian neighbours.

Prediction: Japan by 60 points

TEAMS

Hong Kong

15-Alexander McQueen (Hong Kong CC)
14-Rowan Varty (DeA)
13-Lloyd Jones 
12-Jacobs Phelps (Hong Kong FC)
11-Yiu Kam Shing (Valley FC)
10-Christopher McAdam 
9-Peter McKee 
8-Pale Tauti (Hong Kong CC)
7-Matthew Lamming (Hong Kong CC)
6- Nicholas Hewson, Capt.
5-Paul Dwyer (Hong Kong CC)
4-Jack Delaforce 
3-James Cooper 
2-Alexander Harris 
1-Wei Hon Sum 
Replacements
16-Alex NG Wai Shing 
17-Stephen Nolan 
18-Lachlan Chubb 
19-William Brant (Hong Kong CC)
20-Alexander Baddeley (Valley FC)
21-Hsieh Chun Hang (Hong Kong CC)
22-Thomas McColl (Hong Kong FC)
23-Thomas McQueen

Head Coach: Leigh Jones
Adapted from http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-hongkongais-face-au-japon-2014.php

Japan

15-Ayumu Goromaru (Yamaha Jubilo, 36 caps)
14-Yoshikazu Fujita (Waseda, 15 caps) 
13-Male Sau (Melbourne Rebels, Australia, 14 caps) 
12-Harumichi Tatekawa (ACT Brumbies, Australia, 21 caps) 
11-Akihito Yamada (Panasonic Wild Knights, 4 caps) 
10-Yu Tamura (NEC Green Rockets, 20 caps)
9-Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath, 33 caps)
8-Ryu Koliniasi Holani (Panasonic Wild Knights, 30 caps) 
7-Michael Leitch, Capt. (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 32 caps) 
6-Justin Ives (Canon Eagles, 18 caps)
5-Luke Thompson (Kintetsu Liners, 43 caps) 
4-Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 80 caps) 
3-Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory Sungoliath, 53 caps)
2-Shota Horie (Melbourne Rebels, Australia, 28 caps) 
1-Masataka Mikami (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 16 caps) 
Replacements
16-Hisateru Hirashima (Kobelco Steelers, 30 caps) 
17-Takeshi Kizu (Kobelco Steelers, 25 caps) 
18-Hiroshi Yamashita (Kobelco Steelers, 32 caps) 
19-Shoji Ito (Kobelco Steelers, 21 caps) 
20-Shinya Makabe (Suntory Sungoliath, 22 caps) 
21-Hendrik Tui (Suntory Sungoliath, 20 caps) 
22--Keisuke Uchida (Panasonic Wild Knights, 7 caps) 
23-Yasuki Hayashi (Panasonic Wild Knights, 2 caps)

Head Coach: Eddie Jones
Adapted from http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-a-hong-kong-2014.php

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING, ASIA: ASIA FIVE NATIONS

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

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 10 May. Updated 14/05

10.05.2014
Japan 132, Sri Lanka 10 in Nagoya (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Hong Kong 39, Korea 6 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Paraguay 31, Brazil 24 in Asuncion (South American Championship)
Uruguay 56, Chile 13 in Montevideo (South American Championship)
USA South 33, Bermuda 6 in Marietta (NACRA Division 1; North)
Kazakhstan 37, Chinese Taipei 8 in Hong Kong (Asia Nations Division 1)
Norway 45, Greece 23 in Bergen (ENC 2D)
Luxembourg 27, Finland 7 in Luxembourg (ENC 2D)
Curacao 56, St Lucia 7 in Willemstad (NACRA Division 2, South)

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND

10.05.2014
Japan v Sri Lanka in Nagoya (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Korea v Hong Kong in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Paraguay v Brazil in Asuncion (South American Championship)
Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (South American Championship)
USA South v Bermuda in ? (NACRA Division 1; North)
Kazakhstan v Chinese Taipei in Hong Kong (Asia Nations Division 1)
Norway v Greece in Bergen (ENC 2D)
Finland v Luxembourg (ENC 2D)
Curacao v St Lucia in ? (NACRA Division 2, South)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 3 MAY

03.05.2014
Japan 99, Philippines 10 in Makatai (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Hong Kong 41, Sri Lanka 10 in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Uruguay 34, Brazil 9 in Bento Goncalves (Sth America Championship)
Chile 22, Paraguay 18 in Conception (Sth America Championship)
Latvia 16, Denmark 9 in Odense (ENC 2B)
Austria 20, Slovenia 8 in Vienna (ENC 2C)
Cayman Islands v Bahamas in Freeport (Friendly)-To be played

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING ASIA: Asia Five Nations

03.05.2014
Japan v Philippines in Makatai (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Sri Lanka v Hong Kong in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)

Briefly
There should not be any surprises from round two of this competition. Japan is the outright favourite to both take the title and gain automatic progression to the 2015 Rugby World Cup Finals. The real tussle will be for second place with Korea and Hong Kong the contenders. For the other two teams it will be a matter of survival.

The Philippines were whipped 0-108 by Hong Kong last week. They had ,by Philippines standard, a very inexperienced side especially up front. This situation will continue today against Japan. Their top players are not expected to arrive and take up their positions until the later games. To keep Japan to under 100 points will be nothing short of a miracle. Japan’s main hurdles to overcome is the travel, the heat in Manilla and what looks like a below standard venue and ground. (Can’t find the picture of the ground I saw on one of the forums)

Hong Kong will have a slightly more difficult encounter when they travel to Colombo. They have introduced a few fringe players giving all their squad a run in the first two days. This will be in Sri Lanka’s favour. Sri Lanker will be a lot wiser having got that first game over with and will be tougher playing on their home turf.

Predictions
Japan by 95 v Philippines
Hong Kong by 30 v Sri Lanka

Teams

Japan

1-Masataka Mikami (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 15 caps) 2-Hiroki Yuhara (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 13 caps) 3-Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory Sungoliath, 50 caps) 4-Justin Ives (Canon Eagles, 16 caps) 5-Shoji Ito (Kobelco Steelers, 18 caps) 6-Hendrik Tui (Suntory Sungoliath, 18 caps) 7-(c) Michael Leitch (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 29 caps) 8-Hayden Hopgood (Kamaishi Sea Waves, 0 cap) 9-Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath, 30 caps) 10-Yu Tamura (NEC Green Rockets, 17 caps) 11-Kotaro Matsushima (Suntory Sungoliath, 0 cap) 12-Ryoto Nakamura (Suntory Sungoliath, un cap) 13-Daishi Murata (Suntory Sungoliath, 0 cap) 14-Yoshikazu Fujita (Waseda, 12 caps) 15-Ayumu Goromaru (Yamaha Jubilo, 33 caps)

Remplaçants:

16-Yusuke Nagae (Toyota Shokki Shuttles, 15 caps) 17-Takeshi Kizu (Kobelco Steelers, 22 caps) 18-Hiroshi Yamashita (Kobelco Steelers, 29 caps) 19-Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 77 caps) 20-Kyosuke Horie (Yamaha Jubilo, 0 cap) 21-Keisuke Uchida (Panasonic Wild Knights, 4 caps) 22-Yasuki Hayashi (Panasonic Wild Knights, 0 cap) 23-Toshiaki Hirose (Toshiba Brave Lupus, 18 caps)

Head Coach: Eddie Jones

http://www.japonrugby.net/le-xv-japonais-face-aux-philippines-2014.php

Philippines
1. Robinson-Polkey, David Paz
2. Dacanay, Austin Garnica (Vice Captain)
3. Sinclair, Philip
4. Feeney, David
5. Howorth, Stephen Pagtalunan
6. Anderson, Christopher
7. Bweheni, Timothy
8. Bennetts, Samuel Tuplias
9. Letts, Jake Robrigado
10. Saunders, Oliver Abalos (Captain)
11. Stern, Kenneth Capinpin
12. Coveney, Justin Villazor
13. Saunders, Matthew Abalos
14. Morris, Harry Dionson
15. Aronson, Alexander Norona
16. Power, Glenn Morados (FR)
17. Mitra, Fergus (FR)
18. Melrose, Daniel Apale (FR)
19. Heward, Ashley Matias
20. Seeto, Darran Centillas
21. Gomez, Cleo Ferrer
22. Atandi, Evans
23. Hamilton, John Nebrija

‘No. 7 Tim Bweheni makes his first cap for the Volcano 15s (Volcano #105). He's been a talent on the 7s squad and played matches against HK 'A'. I believe he used to be a wing so openside is an interesting position to see him, I've seen some wings move to the pack before with good results because these guys can cover a lot of ground. Unfortunately, for the forward pack, if you thought they had issues last week well they're gonna in even deeper waters Saturday.

Scrumhalf Jake Letts will extend his caps record to 21 caps (all consecutive) out of 22 Volcano tests. Prop/hooker Austin Dacanay right behind with his 20th cap tomorrow.
 
Flyhalf Oli Saunders was on trial with Saracens, don't know he's still in their sights or not. 11 Harry Morris makes first 15s appearance since 2010, has played tons of 7s for Volcanoes. He has either 7 or 8 caps, missing a team sheet from a game. Rest of backline is same. It is a very good backline, if they can get clean, quick ball. I know Eddie Jones is very respectful of their backline.

Evan Atandi (2011 U18 Volcanoes head coach) if he gets on would make his first cap, as would John Hamilton, become Volcano numbers 106 and 107.’

Thanks to Martin Dunham at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4221&start=450

Probable Sri Lanka squad to play with Hong Kong

Props: Shehan Dimithri (Navy) and Terence Henry (Havelock)
Hooker: Namal Rajapaksa (C)(Navy)
Locks: Sharo Fernando (Havelock) and Suhiru Anthony (Navy)
Third row: Danushka Perera (Navy), Yoshitha Rajapaksa (Navy) and Dushanth Lewke (CR & FC)
Scrum Half: Roshan Weeraratne (Kandy)
Fly half: Fazil Marija (Kandy)
Centres: Apisai Naqaliva and Joseph Dunn (Fiji)
Wingers: Sandun Herath (Havelock) and Nuwan Hettiarachchi (Navy)
Full back: Waqavulagi Emori (Fiji)
Reserves- Heshan Kalhara, Bilal Hassan, Sudharshan Muththanthri, Hasith Perera, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Chanaka Chandimal, Dinusha Chathuranga and Lee Keegel.
http://www.thepapare.com/index.php/rugb ... -hong-kong

Hong Kong Squad for Sri Lanka:

1. Leon WEI, Hon Sum, 2. Thomas BOLLAND, 3. James COOPER, 4. Jack DELAFORCE, 5. Paul DWYER, 6. Nicholas HEWSON (Captain), 7. Matt LAMMING, 8. Pale TAUTI, 9. Jamie HOOD, 10. Chris MCADAM, 11. Rowan VARTY, 12. Jake PHELPS, 13. Lloyd JONES, 14. Tom MCQUEEN, 15. Tom MCCOLL, 16. Alex NG, Wai Shing, 17. Steve NOLAN, 18. Alex HARRIS, 19. Bill BRANT, 20. Alex BADDELEY, 21. Peter MCKEE, 22. Alex MCQUEEN, 23. Nick WHEATLEY.

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 3 May

03.05.2014
Japan v Philippines in Makatai (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Sri Lanka v Hong Kong in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Brazil v Uruguay in Bento Goncalves (Sth America Championship)
Chile v Paraguay in Chile (Sth America Championship)
Latvia v Denmark in Odense (ENC 2B)
Austria v Slovenia in Vienna (ENC 2C)

Briefly
The second round of the Asia Five Nations and World Cup Asia qualifies sees the Philippines up against Japan whilst Hong Kong travels to Sri Lanka. There should be no surprises here. The Philippines were thumped by 100+ points by Hong Kong last week and they will find Japan even tougher despite the game being at home. Sri Lanka found Korea too away and will find the visitors just as tough at home.

Brazil created rugby history last weekend by defeating Chile for the first time. This sets up and interesting encounter with Uruguay, a game I will feature this weekend.

Paraguay will find Chile a tough prospect away. They played well to hold Uruguay at home but I expect Chile to bounce back.

In the European Nations Cup this weekend two matches are being played and will be featured.

In Division 2B the winner and second place has been decided. Denmark will need a bonus point victory over Latvia at home to avoid a relegation match. On form Latvia should win.

In ENC Division C Slovenia takes on Austria in Vienna. Once again first and second places have been decided in this division but the relegation situation is interesting. Austria needs to win to haul itself away from automatic relegation and into a playoff. The Austrians cannot catch Slovenia who are comfortably in third place.

ASIA FIVE NATIONS: WORLD CUP QUALIFYING

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

ASIA 5 NATIONS RESULTS: Saturday 18 May

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.

HONG KONG AND KOREA FIGHT FOR SECOND PLACE

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.

PHILIPPINES and UAE BATTLE FOR ASIA 5 NATIONS SPOT

18.05.2013
United Arab Emirates v Philippines in Manilla (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)

Venue: Rizal Memorial Stadium

Referee: Taku Otsuki (Japan)

Preview (Adapted from media esa press release)
The loser of the game between UAE and the Philippines in Manila will miss out on the chance to qualify for the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals.The loser being relegated to Division One. Sri Lanka, winners of Division One this season, will be promoted to the elite division.

Philippines coach Jarred Hodges was enthusiastic about his team’s chances and the Volcanoes’ debut season in the Top 5, saying, “It's been fantastic. We have learnt a lot about ourselves and identified areas we need to work on if we are to be a major player in the next two to three years.

“We have improved week on week but it is now time to string two 40-minute halves together. We know that if we can compete for 80 minutes we're going to win more games than we lose. The set piece remains an area that we need to work on and the guys are working hard to improve their skill sets.”

Hodges knows that the UAE forwards are strong and will be intent on exploiting any perceived weakness in their opposition up front. 

“The UAE team is very experienced and has been in the top flight for a number of years. They have played the relegation match before and have always got the result, so that’s going to help them. They’re big and physical, so we’re going to need to be up for the contest.

“But I’m confident that this week at home, people are going to see a different side. We have made a few personnel changes that will strengthen us; guys who have been injured and are now fit to give it a go. I think we will surprise people.

UAE coach Duncan Hall was equally sanguine about his side’s prospects:  “We have made good progress on the field, but unfortunately it doesn't reflect in the scorelines. The competition gets harder every year and you need to lift your own standards to keep up. But it is always an honour to be in the top division and we very much enjoy punching above our weight and I am sure the Philippines do as well.”

Both UAE and the Philippines are winless and all it needs is a simple victory this weekend to keep hold of their places at the top table - ensuring that the teams will be putting everything they have out on the pitch on Saturday night.

Philippines Volcanoes no 8 Michael de Guzman carries the ball v South Korea. De Guzman has been recalled to the injury-hit Philippines side.

Philippines coach Hodges said: “The relegation match is obviously important in terms of what happens next year. But is it the be-all and end-all? No it's not. Philippine rugby has got a stronghold and is growing all the time in the country. We’ll continue beyond next year whatever the result may be. But we would like to make sure that we continue in the top flight - that is for sure.

UAE coach Hall said, “I have been asked recently, would we be better playing in the division below and have more even matches? On the one hand, the answer is yes. It is very difficult to ask players to go into a competition where you are possibly going to lose three games and you have a chance of winning one. But that is the way it is and we look forward every year to that challenge.

“We all want to play in the top division and our aim is to stay there. But it is very difficult as we are working off a small pool of qualified players.”

“But being up in the Top 5 - and staying there, gives us credibility as a union and encourages players who qualify to give up their time and be a part of a great concept and a great competition,” Hall added.

Other previews
http://www.prfu.com/1/post/2013/05/volcanoes-fight-to-stay-in-top-5-of-asia.html

Philippines Volcanoes flyhalf Alex Aronson.

Prediction: Philippines by 10 points

TEAMS

Philippines
1. Abraham, Philip Benares

2. Hagan, Graeme Santillan

3. Bellenie, Matthew Orag

4. Feeney, David

5. Howorth, Stephen Pagtalunan

6. Carroll, Terrence Javier

7. Hitch, Christopher Baltazar

8. Ward, Jake Pingal

9. Letts, Jake Robrigado

10. Aronson, Alexander Noroña

11. Holgate, Gareth dela Rosa

12. Saunders, Benjamin Abalos

13. Olivier, Patrice Ortiz

14. Matthews, Joseph Bembo

15. Letts, Michael Robrigado (c)

 

16. Dacanay, Austin Garnica

17. Duhig, Michael Estrada

18. Robinson-Polkey, David

19. Perry, Nicholas Ergina

20. De Guzman, Michael

21. Gomez, Cleo Ferrer

22. Coveney, Justin Villazor

23. Saunders, Matthew Abalos

Comment
’Surprised to see both Coveney and Matt Saunders on the bench. Also curious about the status of James Price at scrumhalf. Jake Letts is no slouch, and has only missed one test match in the history of Philippines test rugby but Price has proven himself quite a talent the past couple of seasons. No film from the Korea game so no word on whether he was injured or just didn't play well.’

martin.dunham10

 

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4221&sid=84982fdb371fe0e1897de788d5b79d06&start=210

United Arab Emirates

15 Steve Smith, 14 Jono Bester, 13 Harry Woods, 12 Chris Burch 11 Malcolm Greenslade, 10 James Ham, 9 Gareth Armstrong, 1 Graham Murphy, 2 Jonathan Greenwood, 3 Dan Boatwright, 4 Anthony Murphy, 5 Ed Talbot, 6 Renier Els, 7 David Knight, 8 Jamie Clarke

Replacements 16 Ollie Delapp, 17 Chris Jones Griffiths, 18 Brett Bowie, 19 David Matasio, 20 Mark Weissenborn, 21 Sean Hurley, 22 Cyrus Homayoun, 23 Antoine Berthuile

http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/uae-rugby-vice-captain-brett-williams-to-miss-asian-five-nations-decider-in-philippines

Other Previews
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/uae-rugby-vice-captain-brett-williams-to-miss-asian-five-nations-decider-in-philippines

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: Saturday 18 May

18.05.2013
United Arab Emirates v Philippines in Manilla (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
Hong Kong v Korea in Seoul (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
USA South v Bermuda in Hamilton (NACRA Caribbean Championship, North R2)
Guyana v Barbados in Georgetown (NACRA Carib. Championship, South R2)

Briefly
The two Asia 5 Nations fixtures are the last round of this competition. These are vital matches for all four teams.

Hong Kong and Korea will battle for second place. The second place getter will qualify for Rugby World Cup repechage fixtures.
Correction: The second place getter in 2014 will qualify for the repechage round.

UAE and the Philippines will battle for a place in next year’s 2014 Asia Five Nations. The losing team will be relegated to Asia Nations Division 1 and replaced by Sri Lanka.

The USA South team is undefeated so far in its northern Caribbean journey. They play Bermuda last years Caribbean Champion.

Guyana and Barbados begin their Southern Caribbean Zone round two games. Barbados was the team that qualified from round one.

KOREA 62, PHILIPPINES 19

‘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

PHILIPPINES v KOREA: World Cup Qualifying Asia; Asia 5 Nations

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

http://www.asian5nations.com/node/806

Japan set to close convincing HSBC A5N Top 5 campaign in Dubai

10.05.2013
Japan v United Arab Emirates in Dubai (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)

[Dubai, UAE, May 9 2013]: With the HSBC Asian 5 Nations (HSBC A5N) Top 5 title assured for a sixth straight year, Japan coach Eddie Jones opted for a curious mix of the old and the new for Friday's test with the United Arab Emirates, Japan's final game in this year's tournament.

Just three players who started in last week's win over South Korea in Tokyo keep their places in the starting line-up as Jones looks to give every member of his squad some playing time.

“We've won the Asian 5 Nations and achieved our first goal,” said Jones. “So we are using this game as preparation for the Pacific Nations Cup. It's an opportunity for some guys to cement their place in the squad.”

There are six changes in the pack with just Michael Broadhust and Takashi Kikutani keeping their places, though Kikutani once again is involved in a positional switch.

The 33 year old – who will lead the side in the continued absence of Toshiaki Hirose – moves from flanker to No. 8 allowing Hendrik Tui to return on the side of the scrum.

Ahead of them there is a brand new front five with Masataka Mikami and Hiroshi Yamashita propping down either side of Takeshi Kizu, and Shoji Ito joining up with Shinya Makabe in the second row.

Keisuke Uchida is rewarded for his hard work at training with a start at scrum half, where the University of Tsukuba student will partner Yu Tamura.

The one new cap in the starting XV is at inside centre with former Australia rugby league star Craig Wing set to make his debut for his adopted country. Wing will be partnered by Seiichi Shimomura, who returns to the international fold to win his fourth cap.

Yoshikazu Fujita, who scored six tries in the corresponding fixture last year, is the third player to be retained from last week and the Waseda University student will be joined by Yuta Imamura on the wing, with veteran Hirotoki Onozawa returning from injury to win his 78th cap, one shy of Yukio Motoki's record number of appearances for the Brave Blossoms.

"We wanted to give (Ayumu) Goromaru a rest and Onozawa was the next best person in that position," said Jones.

In addition to Wing, flanker Ryuta Yasui and fly half/centre Ryota Nakamura are also in line to win their first caps if they come off the bench.

“The first half was probably as good as we have ever played,” Jones said of last week's victory over South Korea.

“There were some individual errors in the second half and a lack of flow and we weren't as clinical as we could have been, but overall I was pretty pleased with the result.”

SQUADS:

UAE

1. Graham MURPHY 2. Oliver DELAPP 3. Brett BOWIE 4. Anthony MURPHY 5. Eddy TALBOT 6. Renier ELS (Capt) 7. David KNIGHT 8. Brett WILLIAMS 9. Gareth ARMSTRONG 10. James HAM 11. Cyrus HOYAMNOUN 12. Christopher BURCH 13. Harry WOODS 14. Jono BESTER 15. Steve SMITH 16. Jonathan GREENWOOD 17. Christopher JONES-GRIFFITHS 18. Daniel BOATWRIGHT 19. David MATASIO 20. George PERKINS 21. Antoine BERTHEUIL 22. Malcolm GREENSLADE 23. Sean HURLEY

JAPAN

1. Masataka MIKAMI 2. Takeshi KIZU 3. Hiroshi YAMASHITA 4. Shoji ITO 5. Shinya MAKABE 6. Hendrik TUI 7. Michael BROADHURST 8.Takashi KIKUTANI 9. Keisuke UCHIDA 10. Yuu TAMURA 11. Yuta IMAMUURA 12. Craig WING 13. Seiichi SHIMOMURA 14. Yoshikazu FUJITA (Capt) 15. Hirotoki ONOZAWA 16. Yusuke AOKI 17. Takuma ASAHARA 18. Kensuke HATAKEYAMA 19. Hitoshi ONO 20. Ryuta YASUI 21. Atsushi HIWASA 22. Ryoto NAKAMURA 23. Harumichi TATEKAWA

Prediction: UAE will be doing well to help Japan to under 100 points.
Japan by 95 points.

Japan’s young guns help Brave Blossoms fire past South Korea in Week 3 of HSBC A5N Top 5

[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.

Hong Kong blow past Philippines Volcanoes in Week 3 of HSBC A5N Top 5

[Manila, Philippines, May 4 2013]: Hong Kong stayed on target to finishing second in the HSBC Asian Five Nations (HSBC A5N) Top Five competition after they comfortably defeated the Philippines 59-20 in Manila on Saturday.

A seven-try blitz in the second half paved the way for Hong Kong whose dominant pack laid the foundation for the victory, which ensured they would remain in the Top Five competition for next year’s Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

“The scoreline flattered us in the end,” said Hong Kong head coach Leigh Jones. “I don’t think they deserved to shift 50 points. But I’m proud of my guys. They adapted to the conditions and came out in the second half fighting. They came of age today.”

A brace of tries from winger Jonny Rees sparked Hong Kong into action in the second half. Rees was on hand to complete fine work from centres David Whiteford and Ally Maclay as Hong Kong silenced the crowd at Rizal Stadium taking control of the match for the first time.

Hong Kong wing Jonny Rees relishes the moment as he crosses over for a try v the Philippines.

Number eight 8 Pale Tauti touched down soon after before Whiteford, who had a fine game, scored himself as Hong Kong strengthened its stranglehold on the match.

Hong Kong No 8 Pale Tauti crossing over for a try in HKG's 59-20 over Top 5 debutants Philippines.

Seb Alfonsi, skipper Tom McColl and substitute winger Dennis Chang also touched down as the Philippines, down to 14 men, was blown aside. Mike Glancy knocked over five conversions before Niall Rowark took over the duties added two more.

Hong Kong had struggled to a 14-10 lead at the break being unable to break down a spirited defence from the home team cheered on by a vociferous crowd.

A dominant pack helped Hong Kong take the slender lead into the second-half with Japanese referee awarding the visitors two penalty tries as the Volcanoes collapsed scrums with their tryline under threat.

The second try came about after Philippines winger Joseph Matthews thought he had scored a breakaway try, only to see his effort overruled by the referee for an earlier offside penalty.

The turnaround was huge. From potentially stretching their lead to 10 points, the Philippines suddenly found themselves trailing by four points at the break.

Winger Patrice Olivier, a last-minute replacement for the injured Matt Saunders, was the hometown hero in the first half after he latched on to a neat chip kick from the left-foot of lock forward David Feeney and beat opposite number Jonny Rees to the tryline.

Flyhalf Alexander Aronson, who had knocked over a penalty earlier, added the extra points to give the Philippines the lead for the second time in the game. That was the only time they enjoyed it for Hong Kong came storming back in the second half to nail an easy win.

Philippines fullback Michael Letts gave some cheer to the home crowd in the second half when he scored his side's second try goalled by Aronson but it was small consolation.

Hong Kong rugby's latest cap, winger Dennis Chang, scoring on his debut v Philippines Volcanoes.

Hong Kong coach Leigh Jones now has set his sights on finishing the Top Five in style by securing runner-up spot behind Japan.

“I think there is more in the tank from these guys. I don’t think it is over and we will be going to Korea for our final game in a fortnight aiming to win,” Jones said.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 4 May

04.05.2013
Japan 64, Korea 5 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia; Asia Five Nations)
Hong Kong 59, Philippines 20 in Manilla (WCQ Asia; Asia Five Nations)
Uruguay 23, Chile 9 in Montevideo (WCQ Americas; CONSUR A)
Argentina 83, Brazil 0 in Montevideo (WCQ Americas; CONSUR A)
USA South 9, Cayman Islands 7 in Marietta (NACRA Caribb.Champ, North R2)

Briefly
Uruguay is the team that has qualified for repechage rounds. They defeated Chile in the final CONSUR match. Brazil’s 0-83 loss to Argentina means they will probably, as per last year, play the CONSUR B winner at some stage.

Japan took a firm grip on the No.1 spot in Asia with an easy win over Korea. Hong Kong stormed back in the second half to defeat Philippines in Manilla. This sets up the Hong Kong-Korea clash on 18 May as most likely decider for that second Asian World Cup qualifying place and a chance to qualify for the finals via repechage rounds.

The USA South continued its winning ways with a close 9-7 win in appalling conditions in Marietta, Georgia.

Japan name seven changes to squad versus South Korea in Week 3 of HSBC Asian 5 Nations Top 5

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