Test Rugby This Weekend 15 November

15.11.2008
New Zealand v Ireland in Dublin
South Africa v Scotland at Murrayfield
France v Pacific Islands in Marseilles
Australia v England at Twickenham
Argentina v Italy in Turin
Spain v Germany in Madrid (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 1)
China Taipei v Sri Lanka in Tainan (Asia Nations 1)
Czech Republic v Poland in Ostrava (WCQ Euro. R2; ENC 2A)
Lithuania v Switzerland in Kaunus (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 3A)
Israel v Bulgaria in Pernik (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Slovakia v Bosnia Herzegovina in Bratislava (ENC 3D)

Test Rugby This Weekend: 16 November

16.11.2008
Japan v United States in Nagoya
Moldova v Belgium in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R2; ENC 2A)

Test Rugby Results

14.11.2008
Scotland 'A' 69, Georgia 3
What a huge disappointment. This was a mismatch in the end. Who is to blame?

Wales 34, Canada 13
More fight from Canada, more questions than answers for Wales?

Test Rugby: Canada v Wales

14.11.2008
Canada v Wales in Cardiff

Previews
Will Canada get a respite against a second string Welsh side on Saturday? I suspect not. There are a number of Welsh players itching to make it into the Welsh side that will face New Zealand a week later. Canada has stuck mostly with the team that were washed away by the Irish last week. Surely they cannot play that poorly again.

Previous Encounters
09.09.2007 Wales 42-17 in Nantes (World Cup, Pool B)
17.11.2006 Wales 61-26 in Cardiff
11.06.2005 Wales 60-3 in Toronto
12.10.2003 Wales 41-10 in Melbourne (World Cup, Pool D)
16.11.2002 Wales 32-21 in Cardiff

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Wales 4th, Canada 17th

Prediction: Wales by 29 points

Teams

Wales
15 Morgan Stoddart (Llanelly Scarlets) Age 23, 2 Tests
14 Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues) 19, 1
13 Thomas Shanklin (Cardiff Blues) 29, 54
12 Andrew Bishop (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 1
11 Mark Jones (Llanelli Scarlets) 29, 41
10 James Hook (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 27
9 Martin Roberts (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 22, New Cap
8 Ryan Jones, Capt. (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 28, 23
7 Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues) 26, 5
6 Dafydd Jones (Llanelly Scarlets) 28, 31
5 Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons) 25, 7
4 Ian Gough (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 32, 53
3 Rhys Thomas (Newport Gwent Dragons) 26, 5
2 Richard Hibbard (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 25, 6
1 John Yapp (Cardiff Blue) 25, 8
Replacements
16 Matthew Rees (Llanelly Scarlets) 28, 20
17 Eifion Lewis-Roberts (Sale Sharks) 27, New Cap
18 Alun-Wyn Jones (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 23, 24
19 Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues) 27, 1
20 Dwayne Peel (Sale Sharks, England) 27, 62
21 Dan Biggar (Neath Swansea Ospreys) 19, New cap
22 James Roberts (Cardiff Blues) 21, 4
Head Coach: Warren Gatland
Yapp last played for Wales v Argentina, June 2006.

Canada
15 James Pritchard (Bedford Blues, England) Aged 27, 22 tests
14 Ciaran Hearn (Castaway Wanderers) 22, 1
13 Bryn Keys Bryn Keys (Velox Valhallians) 22, 3
12 Ryan Smith (Calgary Irish) 28, 38
11 Justin Mensah-Coker (Plymouth Albion, England) 24, 11
10 Ander Monro (Colorno, Italy) 26, 10
9 Edward Fairhurst (Cornish Pirates, England) 29, 38
8 Aaron Carpenter (Cowichan RFC) 24, 18
7 Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria) 24, 13
6 Jebb Sinclair (Castaway Wanderers) 22, 2
5 Joshua Jackson (Bordeaux Begles, France) 27, 19
4 Tyler Hotson (Northern Suburbs RFC, Australia) 23, 3
3 Jon Thiel (Bayside Sharks) 33, 43
2 Patrick Riordan, Capt. (University of Victoria) 28, 19
1 Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) 31, 41
Replacements
16 Michael Pletch (Velox Valhallians) 25, 18
17 Frank Walsh (Vandals RFC) 31, 2
18 Michael Burak (Cornish Pirates, England) 27, 16
19 Sean Michael Stephen (Plymouth Albion, England) 25, 14
20 Morgan Williams (James Bay Athletic Association) 32, 54
21 Matthew Evans (Hartpury College, England) 20, 1
22 Dean Van Camp (Velox Valhallians) 25, 6
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

For full lists of all Wales, and of Canada's international rugby tests go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Test Rugby: Georgia v Scotland 'A'

14.11.2008
Georgia v Scotland 'A'
Preview
This will be Georgia's first visit to Scotland and the first time they have ever played a Scottish XV.

Although this match is being played in the 'Window of November' (try explaining that to a soccer fan!) word has it that Georgia will not be able to call upon some of their top French-based players because Scotland 'A' is not actually a full test side.

I would have thought a test match is a test match. It doesn't seem right to me. What are your views?

Prediction: Scotland 'A' by 2 points.

Teams

Scotland 'A'
15 Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors)
14 Nikki Walker (Neath Swansea Ospreys, Wales) *
13 Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors)
12 Rob Dewey (Ulster, Ireland)*
11 Mark Robertson (Edinburgh)
10 Gordon Ross (Saracens, England)*
9 Mark McMillan (Glasgow Warriors)
8 Johnnie Beattie (Glasgow Warriors)
7 Kelly Brown (Glasgow Warriors)
6 Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors)
5 Alastair Kellock, Capt. (Glasgow Warriors)
4 Craig Hamilton (Edinburgh)*
3 Geoff Cross (Edinburgh)
2 Phil Fitzgerald (Toulon, France)
1 Ed Kalman (Glasgow Warriors)
Replacements
16 Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh)
17 Gavin Kerr (Edinburgh)*
18 Dan Turner (Glasgow Warriors)
19 Scott Newlands (Edinburgh)
20 Colin Gregor (Glasgow Warriors)
21 Andrew Henderson (Glasgow Warriors)*
22 Simon Webster (Edinburgh)*
Head Coach:
* Scottish internationals. Henderson and Kerr have both played 50 or more tests.
Thanks to http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2784&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=150

Georgia
15 Otar Barkalaia (Figerac, France) Age 24, 33 tests
14 Irakli Chkhikvadze (Aia) 21, 10
13 Sandro Todua (Lelo) 21, 6
12 Davit Katcharava (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk) 23, 20
11 Irakli Machkhaneli (Agen, France) 27, 27
10 Lasha Malaghuradze (Kochebi) 22, 9
9 Irakli Abusseridze, Capt. (Orleans, France) 31, 53
8 Dimitri Bassilaia (ASM Clermont-Auvergne, France) 23, 6
7 Besso Udessiani (Chalon, France) 29, 33
6 Rati Urushadze (Enisey-STM-Krasnoyarsk) 33, 30
5 Kakha Uchava (Farul Constanta, Romania) 32, 10
4 Ilia Zedguinidze (Auch, France) 31, 48
3 Guram Kavtidze, (Lyon, France) New Cap
2 Irakli Natriashvili (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 11
1 Davit Gasviani (Bobigny, France) 27, 11
Replacements
16 Davit Dadunashvili (Massy, France) 26, 20
17 Vassil Kakovini (University) ?, New Cap
18 Shalva Sutiashvili (Massy, France) 24, 9
19 Simon Maissuradze (ASM Clermont-Auvergne, Fr.) 22, 7
20 Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania) 25, 34
21 Merab Kvirikashvili (Pau, France) 25, 28
22 Guiorgui Shkinini (Khuligana) 25, 30
Head Coach: Tim Lane
http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2784&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=165

Zedguinidze was a late call up. He last played for Georgia v Ireland at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, after which he retired.

For complete lists of all test matches played by Scotland, Scotland XV's and Georgia go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

Rugby Test: Asia Nations: Singapore 23, China Taipei 22

Chinese Taipei defenders Wang Jen-Hsi (white & blue jersey left) and Wang Kuo-Feng (white & blue jersey right) try to bring down Singapore winger Jonathon Chen intoday's HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I Tournament in Tainan, Chinese Taipei. Singapore won today's match 23 - 22 after a last second try.

HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I

Singapore Survive Second Scare

From Sean Moore

13.11.2008

Singapore 23, China Taipei 22

Singapore have survived a second scare to become the comeback side in the HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I Tournament after edging hosts Chinese Taipei with a last minute try to win the second match of the round robin tournament today in Tainan.

The win comes less than 48 hours after Singapore clawed back a draw against Sri Lanka with another 40th minute try in the opening match of the Asian Five Nations Division I Tournament played on Tuesday night, 11 November.

Nearly 400 fans were treated to another thriller today as both teams exchanged scores in perfect conditions. At the outset, Singapore looked as if they were still suffering from the effects of their Tuesday night heroics, as they conceded a try to Chinese Taipei from the kick-off through veteran centre Wu Chih-Chien. The try was not converted giving Chinese Taipei a 5 – nil lead. But Singapore bounced back, turning the tables with some consistent pressure on the Chinese Taipei defence for the second ten minutes of the first half. Despite the steady pressure, Chinese Taipei held the visitors to two penalties to bring the score to Singapore 6 – Chinese Taipei 5.

The Guinness Singapore Rugby Lions soon reverted to its successful game plan of earlier in the week, looking to the forward pack to make the hard yards and wear down Chinese Taipei’s consistent defensive line. In the 31st minute good interplay between the back row of No. 8 Ben Wheeler and flankers Andrew Bennett and Rong Jing Xiang opened up a gap for centre Daniel Thiam who further penetrated the defence before popping up to full-back Gareth Pritchard who crossed over for Singapore’s first try. The conversion by fly half John Forrester was successful, bringing the score to 13 – 5 Singapore.

Just five minutes later Chinese Taipei’s pacey backline finally found some breathing room amongst the Singapore defence, as centre Wang Jen-Hsi beautifully wrong-footed the opposition before dishing to winger Wang Kuo-Feng who crossed the line and moved behind the posts before touching down. The conversion was good bringing the score at halftime to 13 – 12 Singapore.

After a slow start to the second half by both teams, Chinese Taipei drew first blood through sharp centre Wang Jen-Hsi who successfully chased down an up and under that was bobbled by Singapore full back Pritchard. Wang picked up beautifully and finished off untouched from the 22-metre line. The successful conversion by fly half Chang Wei-Cheng put Chinese Taipei in the lead 19 – 13.

Long passages of play resumed before Singapore broke the impasse with another penalty through Forrester to bring the score to 19 – 16 in favour of the hosts. Frustration seeped in on both sides with two yellow cards being awarded in the 34th and 36th minute to Chinese Taipei hooker Chiu Po-Chih and Singapore fly half Forrester respectively. After Forrester was sent to the bin, Chinese Taipei kicked drop goal through fly half Chang Wei-Cheng to bring the score to 22 – 16 and seemingly put the game out of reach.

But in a replay of their last minute comeback from Match I, Singapore again rallied to drive the ball down field before hooker Gaspar Tan plunged over the line to bring the score to 22 – 21 Chinese Taipei. With Singapore’s fly-half and first choice kicker in the bin, the duties were left to Singapore centre Mohammed Ismail who calmly slotted his kick from the 22 to edge Singapore into the lead for good, 23 – 22.

The victory sees the Guinness Singapore Rugby Lions exit the HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I Tournament undefeated with a record of one win and one draw. Singapore’s tops the table with 8 points (5 points from a win and 3 points from their earlier draw). Sri Lanka lies in second place with 3 points from their draw versus Singapore. The hosts Chinese Taipei are in third place with 1 point, the result of a bonus point for losing by seven points or less.

In case of a tie on the Tournament table, (and in light of the previous draw between Singapore and Sri Lanka), the winner will be determined by points differential, then tries differential, most tries, most converted tries, most points scored and the least amount of first yellow and then red cards. If the table is still drawn a winner will be determined by the toss of a coin.

Sri Lanka now meets Chinese Taipei in the last match of the HSBC Asian Five Nations Tournament on Saturday, 15 November 2008, at 3.00pm. The winner of the Division I Tournament earns automatic promotion to the elite HSBC Asian Five Nations Top 5 competition alongside reigning champions Japan, as well as Korea, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. The Top 5 competition is a Home and Away series that takes place every weekend from the last week of April through May 2009.

Test Rugby: Slovenia 18, Austria 9, with pics

Austria's ball with Slovenian defence moving in, from left, Potnik, Kos, Zavrsan, Sambol, Duh and Krsmanovic, with Miljus on the deck.

Gobec high after the ball.

Slovenia attacking: From left Djuratovic, Miljus, Magusar, Jovic and No.14 Kos.

Photos and info from Alexander Jug. View his excellent blog on Slovenian rugby at http://www.slo-rugby.com

Slovenia has now collected its third victory in ENC 3B with this win. Are they looking at moving up another level at the end of 2010? Are they that good? Post your opinion on this result. If you were at the game what are your post match thoughts?

Test Result: Sri Lanka and Singapore Draw Opening Match of HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I

Match action from today's HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I clash between Sri Lanka (white) and Singapore (dark jerseys) in Tainan.

Singapore (dark jerseys) prepare for the match against Sri Lanka with the National Anthem. Captain Chris Gilbert is at far left, No. 8 Ben Wheeler is 8th from left.

Tainan, Chinese Taipei, Nov 11 2008
From Sean Moore, Asia5Nations Press.

Sri Lanka and Singapore have drawn the opening match of the round robin HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I tonight in a game played in cool, blustery conditions at the Tainan Rugby Stadium.

A strong crowd of nearly 500 people that assembled for a match played on neutral ground between two visiting teams was thrilled with the see-saw encounter that saw two tries scored in the 40th minute of both the first and second halves. The latter try brought Singapore back from the brink to level their opener against top seeds Sri Lanka 20 – 20.

The two teams were evenly matched throughout with Sri Lanka looking more dangerous in the backline but Singapore, led by captain Chris Gilbert in the second row and hard-charging Ben Wheeler at No. 8, dominant in the forward pack particularly in the opening interval.

As the end of the first half approached, the score was seemingly settled at 3 – all, the result of single successful penalties from several attempts by both kickers, Sri Lanka winger Riza Mubarak and Singapore fly half John Forrester. But in the 38th minute Singapore lock Steve Horsfall was sent to the bin for hands in the ruck by Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union referee Scott Herbert, creating a crucial bit of daylight in Singapore’s forward defence which was cannily exploited by Sri Lankan fly half Ashan De Costa whose scything run cutting back against Singapore’s defensive line resulted in the game’s first try on the stroke of the 40th minute. The try was successfully converted by Mubarak to bring the halftime score to 10 – 3 Sri Lanka.

The excitement continued in the second half with both teams sharing the lead and enjoying long stretches of possession. Singapore No. 8 Ben Wheeler, a familiar face to Asian rugby fans from his commentary work for regional broadcaster ESPN, continued his man of the match worthy performance wreaking some creative destruction on the Sri Lankan defence in what must have been double digit carries that invariably dragged defenders along behind him. Wheeler was everywhere around the park frequently popping up in mismatches against the Sri Lankan backline and threatened to score several times during the game.

In the 18th minute of the second half, Wheeler did what every good No. 8 should do, picking up and running strong side from a Singapore scrum 10 metres out from the Sri Lankan sticks. Finally pulled down at the 5-metre marker, Wheeler popped up perfectly to Singapore lock Chris Gilbert who finished the move for a fantastic captain’s try. After Forrester’s conversion the score was level at 10 all.

Conceding the try finally fired the Sri Lankan forwards who turned the tables yet again by exerting continuous periods of pressure and ball retention against Singapore. In the 30th minute the pressure told as Sri Lanka scored from a beautiful flowing move that saw hooker Achala Perera pop into the backline for a perfectly timed crash ball before dishing to centre Lasintha De Costa who then offloaded to flying winger Chula Susantha. Despite having plenty of work yet to do, Susantha ducked and dodged from just past the Singapore 22 to put Sri Lanka back in the lead 17 – 10.

Four minutes later, a successful penalty by Sri Lankan substitute Saliya Kumara brought the score to 20 – 10 and seemingly out of Singapore’s reach. The game seemed to be on course for a stately finish with Singapore earning a bonus point for a loss within seven points when fly-half Forrester nailed another penalty to claw back to 20 – 13.

In the 38th minute Singapore began a wide sweeping move from a successful lineout that petered out when the Sri Lankan defence conceded a penalty in the tackle. Singapore opted for the touch finder and won the lineout channeling it into a driving maul. Sri Lanka brought the maul to ground but ball was recycled quickly and strong crash play from Mohammed ‘Izzy’ Ismail A Kadir straightened the line for Singapore. Another Singaporean half-break forced the Sri Lankan defence to concede another penalty, this time for hands in the ruck.

Singapore called for the scrum with Wheeler taking the pick up but being stopped just short of the line. Quick recycled ball ended up in the hands of fullback Gareth Pritchard who dove over the line for another 40th minute try bringing Singapore to within two points of the draw at 20 – 18. The pressure was squarely on fly-half Forrester but he calmly slotted the conversion to bring the game to the 20 – all draw.

The exciting finish delighted the crowd but must have left the Chinese Taipei XV, who were watching from the stands, knowing that they will have their work cut out against both teams. The draw leaves both teams level on the Tournament table with 3 points. Matches on Thursday (Chinese Taipei v Singapore) and Saturday (Chinese Taipei v Sri Lanka) are yet to come.
The winner of the Division I Tournament earns automatic promotion to the elite HSBC Asian Five Nations Top 5 competition alongside reigning champions Japan, as well as Korea, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. The Top 5 competition is a Home and Away series that takes place every weekend from the last weekend of April throughout May 2009.

My Note: China withdrew from the tournament.

Draw
Thursday 13 Nov. China Taipei v Singapore
Saturday 15 Nov. Sri lanka v China Taipei

So the question is where does this leave China. Do they get a further opportunity to participate?

Rugby Tests: Asia Division 1-The Games

12.11.2008
China v Singapore in Tainan

Preview
All we know is that the Chinese team could be a little below full strength due to the fact that Chinese rugby players from the armed forces have been excluded from the team due to political reasons.

One thing for certain is that China is a rising power in Asian rugby, mirroring its economic rise. I remember the thrill of hearing of China's first international rugby match back in 1997. They lost 3-33 to Singapore. Since then they have, with an occasional hiccup, gradually rising to be a serious contender for promotion to the top level of Asian rugby in 1999.

With a bit of luck these two teams can put all their recent troubles behind them and go out and have a darn good game of rugby. That's what it's all about after all, isn't it?

Previous Encounters
16.06.2007 China 36-20 in Singapore (Asia Nations Div.3)
19.05.2001 China 33-6 in Guangzhou (SC Tri-Nations/Asia Shield)
25.06.2000 China 15-13 in Aomori (Asia Championship, Div.2)
01.11.1997 Singapore 33-3 in Singapore (Friendly)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Singapore 7th, China 8th

Prediction: China to sneak in, a win by 2 points

Teams
Not available

For a complete list of all China's and of Singapore's international rugby test matches, go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/

China Taipei v Sri Lanka in Tainan

Preview
Historically China-Taipei has been the number 3 nations in Asian rugby, behind Korea and Japan. In recent years this situation has changed as the game has spread across Asia since the first Asian Championships in 1969. China Taipei now finds itself struggling to hold onto a place in this division, one level below the top five. Recent losses to Hong Kong, and last year to both Kazakhstan and China back this up.

Sri Lanka comes to the far East with all sorts of political problems within its union. As has been explained in another thread, they arrived with two captains as a result of a serious public fued over team selection that threatened to bury rugby in this nation. Its difficult to tell how this will affect the team; it may just be the glue that helps it to stick together. Sri Lanka's recent record puts it into the position of favourite for this tournament. Recent losses has only been to teams in Division 1; Kazakhstan 17-24 and Hong Kong 14-42 in the last two seasons.

Previous Encounters
13.10.2002 China-Taipei 56-18 in Pusan (Asia Games)
18.12.1998 China-Taipei 26-20 in Bangkok (Asian Games-Bronze medal)
17.01.1998 China-Taipei 31-27 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia R2)
26.10.1994 China Taipei 25-9 in Kuala Lumper (14th Asia Champ.)
20.09.1992 China Taipei 35-9 in Hong Kong (13th Asia Champ.)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Sri Lanka 6th, China Taipei 9th

Prediction: With Sri Lanka's troubles and China-Taipei playing in fron of their home crowd will just be enough for the Chinese
China Taipei to win by 3 points.

For a complete list of all China-Taipei's and of Sri lanka's test results go to www.rugbyinternational.net

Asia Division 1; Fun and Games in Tainan

There is a major rugby tournament on in China Taipei. The national mens 15s teams from China, Sri Lanka and Singapore are due in the capital of China Taipei, Tainan. There they will do battle in a tournament that decides the structure of Asian rugby in 2009. The winner moves up and joins the Five Nations Division, replacing the Arabian Gulf. The loser moves down to Division 2 to be replaced by Thailand. The loser, in other words, will be out of The World Cup 2011 qualifying process. The trouble is nobody knows for sure the structure of this tournament.

The Asia RU web site has not been updated since July, both in news and fixtures. The other site a5nrugby.com is offline being updated, so there is hope there. All we know is the opening round matches are..

12.11.2008
China-Taipei v Sri Lanka
Singapore v China.

We don't know if it will be a knock out or round robin. I have found the Singaporan Team on their web site which I will include below. As far as the other teams go, well, we will have to wait and see.

You need a google translation for the Chinese web site. All they are letting on is that their team defeated a Beijing 'Brothers' team 119-5 in a warm up game, 25 October. Apparently they needed to forward their team list to the China Taipei ambassador before final selection. My understanding is that no military personal from mainland China can enter China Taipei. Which means a good number of the Chinese best players won't go because they belong to the army team. Hmmm.

Forget the China-Taipei Rugby Union Website. You needn't bother with the translation because (a) there is nothing about the team anyway, and (b) its a load of gobble-dee gook. I think they might be having problems with their web site!

Now for Sri Lanka. There is nothing on the main Sri Lankan Rugby Site except for a huge list of what must have been a training squad. On http://www.srilankasports.com/ there appears to be huge handbag sessions over the selection of the captain of the side. There have been accusations, resignations, and the press have got stuck in as well. My understanding is that the team will have TWO captains, one for each match (which indicates that probably there will be the round on the 12th, followed by a final on the 15th or 16th) but as it took half a minute for each article to appear on srilankansports.com I gave up.

So, if you are an enlightened one from these nations let us know what's happening, and let us know your teams.

Singapore Squad
(Couldn't get all the club affiliations)
Norman Sin (Bedok Kings RFC)
Mark Lee (Bedok Kings RFC)
Nicholas Dance (Bucks RFC)
Gaspar Tan (Bedok Kings RFC)
Mohamed Suhaimi Bin Amran (Singapore Cricket Club)
Christopher Gilbert (Capt) (Wanderers RFC)
Steven Horsfall (Singapore Cricket Club))
Jeremy Chan (Bedok Kings RFC)
Rong Jing Xiang (Bedok Kings RFC)
Andrew Bennett
Romi Musa
Jonathan Lee (Singapore Cricket Club)
Benjamin Wheeler
Tong Chin Hong (Bedok Kings RFC)
Andrew Lee (Bedok Kings RFC)
John Forrester (Bedok Kings RFC)
Daniel Thiam (Bedok Kings RFC)
Mohamed Ismail Kadir (Wanderers RFC)
Lionel Robinson (Singapore Cricket Club)
Jonathan Chen (Bedok Kings RFC)
Eric Ng (Bedok Kings RFC)
Peter Williams (Bucks RFC)
Gareth Pritchard
Mohamed Zaki Bin Mahmood (Singapore Cricket Club)
http://www.singaporerugby.com/news/?aid=52316&sec=144&ssec=372&mth=11&yr=2008

Warm up games
Oct 25 Royal Selangor Select XV 38, Singapore 21 in Kuala Lumpur
4 Nov. Guiness Cup XV 24, Singapore Select 18 in Singapore

Rugbt Test: Canada v Wales

14.11.2008
Canada v Wales in Cardiff
Previews

It is not looking good for Canada. A 55-0 thrashing last weekend against Ireland who rarely threatened in last years 6 Nations Championship was a very sorry report for the Canadians. What an inform 6 Nations Championship winning team like Wales could do to them makes ones head slump into one's hands.


Previous Encounters
09.09.2007 Wales 42-17 in Nantes (World Cup, Pool B)
17.11.2006 Wales 61-26 in Cardiff
11.06.2005 Wales 60-3 in Toronto
12.10.2003 Wales 41-10 in Melbourne (World Cup, Pool D)
16.11.2002 Wales 32-21 in Cardiff

Canada has actually defeated Wales in Cardiff. They caused a mother of a suprise in 1993 when they won 26-24 at the then Cardiff Arms Park, the holy site of Welsh rugby. They came close 25-28 in Toronto in 1997 in what could be called the Black days of Welsh rugby. Ain't going to happen this Saturday.


Why pitch the Canadians at such a high level? I can't see the logic. What are your thoughts?

Test Result: France 12, Argentina 6

Well the French achieved their aim. They defeated Argentina. That they did. But I believe there was a lot of kicking and as a spectacle I understand there wasn't much rugby played. Post your opinions of the game here.

Rugby Result: New Zealand 32, Scotland 6

Where do both teams go from here? For Scotland they didn't really get near the New Zealand back-up test side. A great chance to pull off a first win against the All Blacks didn't eventuate. How can Scotland become a better team? Is this one of the All Blacks great sides? Post your opinion.

Test Result: South Africa 20, Wales 15

South Africa found the Welsh a tough nut to crack. Is this Welsh side good enough to win the 6 Nations again? Are the South Africans getting close to being as great a side as the 2007 Rugby World Cup winning side? What is you opinion?

Test Rugby: Australia 30, Italy 20

This Australian side is not nearly as good as the Aussie sides of 1991 and 1999. They do not have the depth as the All Blacks. So where doe this put Italian rugby? The Italians are reputed to have the best pack, or one of the best in the world. Where does Italy go from here? What is your opinion?

Test Rugby: England 39, Pacific Islands 13

I haven't yet seen the game, or any others yet this weekend. But surely the result must be very disappointing for the Islanders. Should the Pacific Island concept be persevered with or should effor go into making Fiji, Samoa and Tonga more competitive in their own rights? After all, these nations individually will contest the Rugby World Cup, not a combined side. Your thoughts?

Test Rugby: Ireland 55, Canada 0

This result is a disaster for Canada. On paper they looked as though they would be competitive but the score line suggests an easy win for Ireland. So what went wrong for Canada? Is Portugal really the level they should be playing at? This was close to being their top side. And what about Wales nex weekend? I shudder!! Your thought?

Test Result: USA 43, Uruguay 9

Without their European-based players and with half the team that did so well at the IRB Nations Cup in Bucharest in June, Uruguay slumped to a loss in the USA. The IRB Nations Cup is supposed to help raise the standard of rugby for selected Tier 2 rugby nations. In Uruguay's case this has clearly failed. Why?

Test Result: Argentina 'A' 71, Chile 3

South American rugby is in crisis. Both Chile and Uruguay were easily defeated by Argentina 'A' and the USA respectively. How can Chile become a rugby power in South America? Post your opinion.

Test Rugby: Russia 42, Spain 15

The Russians are back. As expected the Russians were too good for the Spanish side at home. Spain still has a long way to go to be a Division winner at this level. How challenging to Georgia and Romania will the Russians be this year? Post your thoughts.