Test Match: Old Rivals Chile and Uruguay Clash in the Final.

Uruguay lineup mid-week against Brazil. Image thanks to Cheese Estudio

02.05.2009

Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.Final)

Previews

This final clash was predicted long before this tournament begun. The rivalry between these two teams goes back to the very early days of South American rugby. Their results against Paraguay and Brazil over the last week are even, with Uruguay claiming favouritism with two 70+ wins. They will also be playing at home and their record against Chile is convincing.

Last Five Encounters

22.11.2008 Uruguay 46-12 in Montevideo (CONSUR A)

25.08.2007 Uruguay 35-34 in Santiago (CONSUR A)

22.07.2006 Uruguay 43-15 in Montevideo (WCQ America, South)

11.05.2005 Chile 34-25 in Buenos Aires (26th Sth.Am.Champ. Div.A)

01.05.2004 Uruguay 20-13 in Santiago (25th S.Amer. Champ; Div.A)

These two teams first met in Buenos Aires in 1948. Chile won 21-3.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Sth America Table-Uruguay 2nd, Chile 3rd.

Prediction: Uruguay by 17 points

Teams are not available

Test Match:Brazil and Paraguay Battle for Pride.

02.05.2009

Brazil v Paraguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A Prelim.)

Previews

Paraguay has been dominant over their neighbours on the rugby field until last year. Brazil won the right to participate in Round 2 of the Rugby World Cup 2011 qualifying by firstly defeating Paraguay 15-6 in Asuncion last year to take the CONSUR B title, and then defeat the NAWIRA B title holder Trinidad and Tobago, home and away 2-0.

Brazil lost 3-79 to Chile last weekend, and then 3-71 to Uruguay mid-week. Paraguay lost 7-85 to Uruguay last weekend, and then 13-34 to Chile mid-week. On those results Paraguay look the more favoured to turn the tables on their old foe.

Last Five Encounters

19.06.2008 Brazil 15-6 in Asuncion (WCQ Am.R1; CONSUR B) 02.10.2005 Paraguay 45-8 in Asuncion (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR B)16.10.2004 Paraguay 22-17 in Sao Paulo (CONSUR B) 23.05.2002 Paraguay 27-16 in Asuncion (S.America Prom-Rel.)

Brazil and Paraguay first played each other in a test match in 1970.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Sth America Table-Brazil 4th, Paraguay 6th

Prediction: Well, I'm going for the Brazilians to make their mark and defeat Paraguay twice in a row. Brazil by 5 points.

Teams not available

International Rugby: Sweden v Croatia

02.05.2009
Croatia v Sweden in Split (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)

Preview
The Netherlands has already qualified for the next round of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Therefor this match has no consequence in that regards. The focus will be on the second round of this competition. With only one loss Croatia is in a better position to challenge the leaders and look for promotion.

So far this round Sweden have defeated Latvia 21-5, but lost to Malta 6-9 and Netherlands 24-36. Croatia have defeated Malta 18-16, lost to Netherlands 10-29 and Malta 19-32.

These two teams have not met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Sweden 20th, Croatia 22nd

Prediction: Sweden by 7 points

Teams

Croatia Squad
Vedran Antić (RK Nada)
Tony Begovich (Waitemata RFC, New Zealand)
Ante Blažević-Bandov (RK Nada)
Mate Borozan (RK Nada)
Tonči Buzov (RK Nada)
Branimir Čolić (RK Berlin, Germany)
Goran Čulić (RK Nada)
Josip Dedić (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Duje Grubišić (RK Nada)
Većeslav Holjevac (RK Zagreb)
Jakov Jerčić (RK Nada)
Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)
Igor Letica (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Andrej Mihalj (RK Mladost)
Josip Mrkoci (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Alek Osmanović (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Miroslav Pregun (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Ivica Nino Rubelj (RK Nada)
Boško Sabljić (RK Nada)
Saša Sekovanec (RK Nada)
Ivica Šimić (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Aleksandar-Saša Slijepčević (RK Nada)
Ivan Šuta (RK Mladost)
Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)
Vlado Ursić (RK Nada)
Head Coach: Jakša Lovreta
http://nada-rugby.hr/content/view/789/2/

Sweden Squad
Thomas Arvidsson (Fredriksberg RF. Denmark)
Andreas Bruhn (Göteborg RF) age 35
Fredrik Casselhag (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Roger de Jager
Nils Edström Hannes Eriksson (Vänersborg RK)
Eshan Fadaker (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Linus Hector (Vänersborg RK) 24
Mak Jelec
Richard Johansson (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Timothy Johansson (Enköping RK) age 23
Douglas Lidberg (Göteborg RF) 25
Paul Matthews (Göteborg RF) 35
Nico Parmelund (Göteborg RF) 26
Viktor Pettersson (Enköping RK) 23
Lee Sandberg
Paul Sullivan (Stockholm Exiles RFC)
Seteraki Tegunimataka (Pingvin RC) 24
Alex Taylor (Nuneaton RFC, England)
Mathias Thorhard (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Olof Wadell (Enköping RK)
Erik Wikström (Hammarby IF Rugby)
Head Coach: Robban Boström
Manager: Mike Tatu 42
http://www.rugby.se/t2.asp?p=5122&x=1&a=1168722

Test Rugby: Lithuania is the Team.

02.05.2009
Lithuania v Serbia in Vilnius (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 3A)


Preview
Lithuania is the European team on the rise. They have won their last twelve tests in a row stretching back to October 2006. They are favoured to take the first leg of this pool and thus progress to the Rugby World Cup playoffs.

Serbia is a team that has improved out of sight since their shock 0-41 loss to Armenia in the first game. Since then they have defeated Andorra (who in turn defeated Armenia) and Switzerland 12-6.

Lithuania has defeated Andorra 26-10 and Switzerland 33-0. If they win against Serbia they then face Armenia next weekend.


Previous Encounter
20.05.1998 Yugoslavia 44-0 in Belgrade (FIRA Silver)

Well, not much can be read into that result. Yugoslavia has now broken up into the political and rugby identities of Serbia, Bosnia Herzegovina, Croatia and Slovenia


GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Lithuania 21st; Serbia 24th


Prediction: Lithuania by 21 points.


Teams

Serbia Squad
Dalibor Antic (RK Partizan)
Danilo Bulatovic (RK Partizan)
Igor Dejanovic (RK Partizan)
Vladimir Djukic (RK Pobednik)
Aleksandar Đorđević (KBRK-Belgrade)
Andrija Jankovic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Vladimir Jelic (Rugby Falconara Dinamis ASD, Italy)
Milos Joksimovic (RK Partizan)
Marko Kapor (RK Pobednik)
Dalibor Koracak (RK Partizan)
Boris Martic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Nenad Matejic (RK Partizan)
Marko Milosavljevic (RK Partizan)
Ivan Nicic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Milan Orlovic (RK Pobednik)
Aleksandar Petrovic (RK Partizan)
Ivan Pirkovic (RK Pobednik)
Milan Rastovac (RK Pobednik)
Ivan Rodic (KBRK-Belgrade)
Nemanja Simonovic (RK Pobednik)
Nikola Simonovic (RK Pobednik)
Vojislav Stanković (RK Pobednik)
Dejan Tasic (RK Partizan)
Miladin Zivanov (RK Pobednik)
Head Coach: Kristijan Zagar

http://www.rugbyserbia.org.rs/index.html

Lithuania Squad
Marius Andrijauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Tomas Astrauskas (RC Salda Siauliai)
Dainius Baltrukenas (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Ernestas Bartkevicius (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Mindaugas Grigas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Maksimas Guseinovas (RC Salda Siauliai)
Vilius Kucinas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Irmantą Kukulskį (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Gediminas Liutkus (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Gediminas Marcisauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Kestutis Marcisauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Darius Nosys (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Žygimantąs Radžiųs (RC Salda Siauliai)
Kestutis Ryskus (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Edmundas Scavinskas (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Paulius Šertvitis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Richardas Stankus (RC Salda Siauliai)
Gediminas Svoba (RC Salda Siauliai)
Adrius Tatorius (RC Klevas Panevezys)
Laurynas Tipelis (RC BaltRex Siauliai)
Justinas Vasiliauskas (RC Vairas Siauliai)
Saimonas Virbickas (English Club?)
Head coach - Anatolijus Smirnovas

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3112

Rugby Test: The Fins Travel to Israel

02.05.2009
Finland v Israel at Netanya (WCQ Euro.R1; ENC 3C)


Preview
There is more interest in Israel's clash with Slovenia next weekend. Israel has already qualified for the next round playoff and face the ENC 3B first round winner from the Adriatic. Israel will be usung this match as a warm up for this vital clash.

Little rests on the result of this match. Finland has struggled so far in this round. There only real hope is to catch the Israelies under prepared and unmotivated.


Previous Encounters
31.05.2008 Israel 22-12 in Netanya (ENC 3C)
02.06.2007 Finland 27-20 in Helsinki (ENC 3C)
02.06.2004 Israel 24-15 in Beauvais (ENC 3C, Semi-final)


GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Israel 32nd, Finland 37th


Prediction: Israel by 16 points.


Teams are unavaliable.

Rugby Test Results 29 April

29.04.2009
Chile 34, Paraguay 13 in Montevideo
Uruguay 71, Brazil 3

Reviews
By all accounts the 'Condors' team that defeated Paraguay was not at full strength. Not sure about the Uruguay lineup. Still we have an interesting finale come Saturday. Two even-looking teams in Chile and Uruguay to contest the CONSUR A Preliminary final. And again two even teams in Brazil and Paraguay to play for the Wooden Spoon.

International Test Rugby This Weekend 2 May

02.05.2009
Russia v Germany in Hannover (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 1)
Hong Kong v Japan in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan v Korea in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
Uruguay v Chile in Montevideo (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.)
Brazil v Paraguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A Preliminary)
Croatia v Sweden in Split (WCQ Euro. R3; ENC 2B)
Lithuania v Serbia in Vilnius (WCQ Euro.R2; ENC 3A)
Israel v Finland in Netanya (WCQ Europe R1; ENC 3C)

Test Rugby Today: 29 April

29.04.2009
Uruguay v Brazil in Montevideo (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.)
Chile v Paraguay in Montevideo (CONSUR A Preliminary)

Reviews
Both Brazil and Paraguay suffered heavy defeats in the weekend and I expect much the same today. Unfortunately the real contests are coming up this Saturday when Paraguay and Brazil face up, whilst Chile and Uruguay meet to decide the Preliminary winner.

The winner of the Chile v Uruguay decides 1st and 2nd placings in this the Preliminary round of CONSUR A. 2nd place-getter will face Argentina 'A' mid-May. The winner of that semi-final plays the 1st place in the Preliminary, thus being the CONSUR A final.

Predictions: Uruguay by 70 v Brazil
Chile by 80 v Paraguay.

Test Rugby: One more result

25.04.2009
Uruguay 85, Paraguay 7 in Montevideo (CONSUR A Prelim.)

This result slipped by me. It was originally advertised as being on Sunday.

Rugby Test Results 25 April

25.04.2009
Japan 87, Kazakhstan 10 in Osaka (Asia5Nations)
Korea 65, Singapore 0 in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
Netherlands 27, Malta 9 in La Valette (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)
Croatia 21, Latvia 13 in Makarska (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)
Denmark 27, Austria 6 in Linz (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3B)
Slovenia 14, Norway 10 in Ljubliana (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)
Bulgaria 29, Finland 10 in Pernik (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)
Greece 17, Luxembourg 14 in Lux. (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)

Rugby Test: Brazilians Begin Test Dream

25.04.2009
Chile v Brazil in Santiago (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.)

Preview
It is extraordinary that Brazil will not play any of the next round of World Cup matches at home. Although Montevideo has been scheduled for the tournament that will see Brazil, Chile and Urguguay play for a place in the next round of qualifying, Brazil will travel to Chile to start proceedings.
Brazil defeated Trinidad and Tobago 31-8 and 24-12 in a home-away series to get a place in this tournament.

Paraguay, although eliminated from the World Cup, will join the other 3 South American rugby nations in the CONSUR A part of the tournament. The teams placed first and second will then face Argentina 'A' later in May for the right to be South American champions.

Last Five Encounters
13.10.2005 Chile 57-13 in Sao Paulo (WCQ America R2)
13.04.2002 Chile 46-6 in Sao Paulo (WCQ America R3)
1981 Brazil 13-9 in Sao Paulo (Sth America Champ.)
02.07.1981 Chile 33-3 in Montevideo (Sth.American Champ.)
1979 Chile 53-6 in Vina Del Mar (Sth.American Champ.)

Recent encounters has seen Chile win easily.

GWC Rugby Rankings: South America Table-Chile 3rd, Brazil 4th

Prediction: Chile by 60 points

Teams

Brazil Lineup
15 Erick Monfrinatti (São José RC)
14 Tulio Fiore (São José RC)
13 Moisés Duque (São José RC)
12 Fernando Portugal (Bandeirantes RC)
11 Daniel Gregg (Niterói RFC)
10 Lucas Duque (São José RC)
9 Julian Menutti (Bandeirantes RC)
8 Antonio Górios (Rio Branco RC)
7 Diego Lopez (Pasteur AC)
6 Pedro Rosa (Federal RC)
5 Jean-Marc Volland (São José RC)
4 Reges Comoretto (Desterro RC)
3 Sergio Jimenez (Desterro RC)
2 Daniel Danielewicz (Desterro RC)
1 Ramiro Mina (Bandeirantes RC)
Replacements
16 Leonardo Frota (Curitiba RC)
17 Ian Korolkovas (Bandeirantes RC)
18 André Fujita (São José RC)
19 João Luis da Ros (Desterro RC)
20 Henrique Dantas (São José RC)
21 Felipe Sant`Ana (Heaton Moor RFC, England)
22 Giuliano Passini (Rio Branco RC)
Head Coach: Pierre Paparemborde

http://www.feruchi.cl/fullnoticias.php?subaction=showfull&id=1240600118&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1
http://www.rugbymania.com.br/2009/ver_noticia08.asp?codigo=2049

Heaton Moor RFC is a South Manchester Rugby club. According to their web site, they have another Brazilian player on their lists as well as three Czech, one of which, Martin Snidal, has played test rugby for Czech Republic.

Chile Lineup
15 Javier Valderrama (Old John's) Age 23
14 Jose Luis Labbe (Old Mackayan's) 24
13 Rodrigo Coda (COBS) 30
12 Francisco De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's) 20
11 Pablo Llorens (Prince of Wales Country Club) 26
10 Cristian Onetto (COBS) 26
9 Tomas Olave (COBS) 26
8 Cristian Manzur (Univ. Catolica) 32
7 Matias Cabrera (Old Boys) 21
6 Paul Marsalli (Univ. Catolica) 24
5 Sergio Valdes (FC Auch, France) 30
4 Felipe O. Burgos (Troncos) 26
3 Sergio De La Fuente (Old Mackayan's) 22
2 Manuel Gurruchaga (Old John's) 25
1 Luka Salamunic (Old Boys) 20
Replacements
16 Felipe P. Burgos (Belgrano) 22
17 Francisco Deformes (Old Mackayan's) 29
18 Benjamin Del Solar (Old Boys) 20
19 Sebastian Aviles (Alumni) 20
20 Juan Pablo Perrota (Univ. Catolica) 21
21 Javier Reyes (Prince of Wales Country Club) 23
22 Fabio Moreno (Viña RC) 24
Head Coach: Daniel Graco

http://www.feruchi.cl/fullnoticias.php?subaction=showfull&id=1240600118&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1

Test Rugby: Malta play for Pride

25.04.2009
Malta v Netherlands in La Valette (WCQ Euro.R3, ENC 2B)

Preview
The Netherlands has already qualified for the next round of World Cup matches. This game is more about pride and playing for the best position to start the second round in ENC 2B.

Malta has had a very good season. They started with a heart-breaking last minute loss to Croatia and then just won against Sweden away. Last weekend they played impressively in Riga to defeat the struggling Latvians 32-19. That win should set them up well in what will be a struggle against the visiting Dutch. The predicted huge home-crowd support will be worth ten points to the locals.

It was only ten years ago that the Netherlands were playing in the top division of the European Nations Cup. They have slipped since then and are now climbing their way back towards the top. Having already qualified to the next level of World Cup rugby they can concentrate on playing well against the Maltese.

These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Netherlands 18th, Malta 19th

Prediction: Netherlands by 6 points.

International Rugby: Latvians in Croatia

25.04.2008
Croatia v Latvia in Makarska (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)

Preview
In this division the Netherlands has already qualified for the next round of World Cup Qualifiers. So the outcome of this test match is more about positioning ready for the second round of ENC 2B next season.

Latvia has had a miserable season so far, losing all its matches. Croatia have a game in hand after Latvia when they face Sweden at home. Croatia should come away with a win at home.

Previous Encounters
10.05.2008 Latvia 20-8 in Riga (ENC 2B)
31.03.2007 Latvia 27-7 in Makarska (ENC 2B)
17.05.1997 Croatia 43-23 in Makarska (WCQ Euro. Pool 1A)

On the basis of the last two encounters where Latvia has had the better of the scores, one would expect Latvia to win. But this season Latvia has really slipped away and I would expect the home side to win here.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Latvia 22nd, Croatia 23rd.

Prediction: Croatia by 15 points.

Teams

Croatia training squad
Tony Begovich (Waitemata RFC, New Zealand)
Ante Blažević-Bandov (RK Nada)
Mate Borozan (RK Nada)
Tomislav Burazin (RK Nada)
Tonči Buzov (RK Nada)
Branimir Čolić (RK Berlin, Germany)
Goran Čulić (RK Nada)
Josip Dedić (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Tvrtko Dumančić (RK Mladost)
Duje Grubišić (RK Nada)
Većeslav Holjevac (RK Zagreb)
Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)
Igor Letica (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Miroslav Mandić (RK Zagreb)
Andrej Mihalj (RK Mladost)
Josip Mrkoci (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Ante Olujić (RK Nada)
Alek Osmanović (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Miroslav Pregun (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Nino Rubelj (RK Nada)
Boško Sabljić (RK Nada)
Saša Sekovanec (RK Nada)
Ivica Šimić (RK Makarska Rivijera)
Saša Slijepčević (RK Nada)
Šuta Tamburić (RK Mladost)
Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)
Frane Ujaković (RK Mladost)
Vlado Ursić (RK Nada)
Head Coach: Jakša Lovreta

http://nada-rugby.hr/content/view/783/2/

Latvia
Details not available

Rugby Test: Kazakhs take on Japan

25.04.2009
Japan v Kazakhstan in Osaka (Asia5Nations)

Preview
Curiously Tokyo does not host a major test match in the first part of the season. The Pacific Nations Cup, usually played on a home-away basis, will this year be played in one venue, Fiji. All the Asia5Nations home games for Japan will be played in Osaka. That won't be on the Japanese team minds though as they prepare for the visiting Kazakhstanis.

Kazakhstan lost 6-82 in their 2008 clash with Japan at home. They will find playing away even more difficult. They travel without two of their star backs; Luke O'Callaghan (Bective Rangers, Ireland) and the massive boot of Maxim Lifantov, both injured. Their strength lies in their forward pack.

John Kirwan is in charge of the Japanese team again in 2009. For this tournament he has introduced a few new players. There are enough of the 'old heads' around to give this side plenty of solidity and speed which, I'm afraid, will be just too much for the visitors.

Previous Encounters
10.05.2008 Japan 82-6 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
10.12.1998 Japan XV 118-3 in Bangkok (Asia Games, Sec.2)

Kazakhstan's introduction to world rugby in 1998 was in the hands of a rampaging Japanese side in Bangkok. More of the same today?

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Japan 1st, Kazakhstan 4th

Prediction: Japan by 90 points

Teams

Japan
Loose head props
Hisateru Hirashima (Kobe) Age 26, 2 tests
Naoki Kawamata (Sanyo) 23, 1

Hookers
Yusuke Aoki (Suntory) 25, 12
Yoshimitsu Yasue (IBM/Kobe) 24, New Cap
Tateo Kanai (Suntory) 24, New Cap

Tight head props
Kensuke Hatakeyama (Suntory) 23, 2
Hiroshi Yamashita (Kobe) 23, New Cap
Shinsuke Nakamura (Nihon University) 21 New Cap

Lock Forwards
Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba) 30, 30
Luke Thompson (Kintetsu) 27, 13
Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 27, 17
Yuji Kitagawa (Kanto Gakuin University) 22, 1

Flank Forwards
Takashi Kukutani, (Capt.) (Toyota) 29, 18
Phillip O’Reilly (Sanyo) 28, 8
Yoshitaka Nakayama (Toyota) 26, 6
Michael Leitch (Tokai University) 20, 2

No8
Touetsu Taufa (Kintetsu) 28, New Cap

Halfbacks
Tomoki Yoshida (Toshiba) 27, 15
Yuki Yatomi (Yamaha) 24, 9
Fumiaki Tanaka (Sanyo) 24, 8

Five-eighths
Shaun Webb (World/Coca-Cola) 27, 9
Tatsuhiko Otao (Yamaha) 27, 1

Centre Three-quarters
Bryce Robins (NEC) 28, 21
Yuta Imamura (Kobe) 24, 20
Koji Taira (Suntory) 26, 11
Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 29, 9

Wing Three-quarters
Hirotoki Onozawa (Suntory) 30, 47
Jack Tarrant (Mitsubishi Sagamihara) 29, New Cap

Fullbacks
Hiroki Yoshida (Toshiba) 27, 4
Kaoru Matsushita (Yamaha) 25, 2
Ayumu Goromaru (Yamaha) 23, 4

Thanks to Ian McDonnell, RiJ.

Kazakhstan
Team not available.

Test Match: Singapore Are The New Guys

25.04.2009
Korea v Singapore in Seoul (Asia5Nations)

Preview
Singapore is the new team in this division, the top one in Asian rugby. The Singaporeans replaced the Arabian Gulf in 2008. Their task though will be just as tough as that of the Gulf who lost all their games at this level last year.

First up Singapore travel to Seoul to take on the Koreans. This will be a tough introduction.

Last Five Encounters
25.10.1994 Korea 90-3 in Kuala Lumper (14th Asia Champ.)
25.11.1986 Korea 41-9 in Bangkok (10th Asia Champ.)
22.11.1982 Korea 32-4 in Singapore (8th Asia Champ.)
09.11.1980 Korea 28-12 in Tainan (7th Asia Champ.)
16.11.1978 Korea 40-3 in Kuala Lumper (6th Asia Champ.)

All previous encounters were under the old Asia Championship system in which Korea had a clear superiority.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Korea 2nd, Singapore 5th

Prediction: Korea by 70 points.

Teams

Singapore Squad
FORWARDS:
Gaspar Tan
Andrew Douglas
Alex Muir
Nick Dance
Norman Sin
Chris Gilbert
Steve Horsfall
Gabriel Lee
Andrew Bennett
James Valintine
Jonathan Lee
Ben Wheeler

BACKS:
Andrew Lee
Tong Chin Hong
John Forrester
Ryan Cumbers
Mohd Ismail Kadir
Daniel Thiam
Desmond Wee
Beng Chuan Goh
Muhd Zaki Bin Mahmood
Gareth Pritchard

Korea Squad
Prop Forwards
Kim, Gwang Sik (Posco Steel) Age 24
Heo, Woong (Korea Army) 24
Kim, Sung Hwan (Korea Army) 23

Hookers
Hwang, Min Seo (Korea Army) 24
Park, Sung Ku, Capt.(Yamaha, Japan) 26

Lock Forwards
Kim, Young Nam (NNT Tacoma) 31
Jeong, Dae Ik (Korea Army) 24
Park, Seon Kyu (Korea Electronics) 27
Park, Soon Chai (Posco Steel) 24

Flank Forwards
Yeon, Kwon-woo (Korea Army) 24
Oh, Seoung Joung (Korea Army) 23
Mun, Sang Yong (Korea Army) 24

Number 8’s
Lee, Kwang Moon (Korea Electronics) 26
Han, Kun Kyu (Korea Army) 22

Scrum Halves
Park, Wanyong (Korea University) 25
Yang, Young Hun (Honda HIT) 29
Ahn, Senghyuk (NEC, Japan) 26

Fly Halves
Hong, Jun Ki (Korea Army) 26
Yoon, Tae-il (Samsung Heavy Industry) 26

Centre Three-quarters
Park, Noh Hoon (Korea Army) 23
Yoo, Min Hyung (Korea Electronics) 28
Kim, Sung Soo (Korea Electronics) 26
Kim, Won Yong (Korea Army) 23

Wing Three-quarters
Cha, Yo Han (Korea Army) 24
Choi, Si Won (Korea Army) 23
Kwon, Soo Kwang (Posco Steel) 27
Yoo, Chul Kyu (Korea Electronics) 27

Full Backs
Chae, Jae Young (Dea Sim Trade) 25
Kim, Keun Hyun (Korea Electronics) 28

Thanks to Yun Ja Young, Korea Rugby Union

Rugby Test: Danes and Austrians Meet.

25.04.2009
Austria v Denmark in Linz (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)

Preview
Both teams have already been eliminated from further World Cup qualifiers so both can concentrate on lifting their position on the points table. At the halfway stage for ENC 3B they both fare at the bottom.

Previous Encounters
08.04.2006 Denmark 16-5 in Frederika (ENC 3A)
09.04.2005 Denmark 16-3 in Frederika (WCQ Euro.R2, Pool B)

Strangely the last time these two teams met was in 2006. Since then both have been relegation to Division 3C.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Denmark 30th, Austria 35th

Prediction: Denmark by 13 points.

Teams

Austria
Nicolas Bignotti (ACBB, France)
Sebastian Borer (RC Donau)
Valentin Brandstetter (RC Donau)
Johannes Dachler (RC Donau)
Milad Farkondeh Fal (RC Donau)
Christoph Forchtner (RC Donau)
Sebastian Freydell (RC Donau)
Andreas Gaul (RC Donau)
Rudi Glock (Cooke RFC, Ireland)
Alberto Gomez (Stade Viennois)
Paul Hruschka (Wombats RC Wiener Neustadt)
Jean Baptiste Jilibert (Stade Viennois)
Marius Johannik (RC Donau)
Georg Kaiser (Stade Viennois)
Alexander Krauchenberg (RC Donau)
Martin Leidl (Wombats RC Wiener Neustadt )
Max Navas (RC Donau)
Maurer Patrick (Stade Viennois)
Wilfried Payer (Stade Viennois)
Ferdinand Richter (Vallé du Girou, France)
Yvan Weaver (Ireland ?)
Julian Zöchling (RC Doanu)
Head Coach: Gael Mouysset

Note: ACBB = CR Amateur de Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris.
Cooke RFC is located in Belfast.
Thanks to Ulrich Gutweniger, Communications, Austria Rugby Union.

Denmark
Kristian R. Andersen (Holstebro)
Søren Brobyskov, Capt. (CSR/Nanok RK)
Matias Dinesen (Frederiksberg RK)
Niels B. W. Godtfredsen (Aarhus RK)
Andrew Grantham (Aarhus RK)
Jonas Haaning (Frederiksberg RK)
Mikkel Jakobsen (Aarhus RK)
Christian S. Jensen (Aarhus RK)
Niels Bjerg Jensen (CSR/Nanok RK)
Jesper G. Jensen (Lindø)
Johannes Mackeprang (RK Speed)
Sylvester Michaelsen (Aalborg)
Rasmus Mortensen (Aarhus RK)
Rasmus N. Mortensen (Aalborg)
Kasper Vad Pedersen (RK Speed)
Nathanael Smalley (Aarhus RK)
Johannes Soussan (CSR/Nanok RK)
Edward Stafford (Haywards Heath RFC, England)
Kenneth Steel (CSR/Nanok RK)
Kristoffer Vandborg (Frederiksberg RK)
Kiwa Whatarau (CSR/Nanok RK)
Dominick Wilson (Barnes RFC, England)
Head Coach:

Same squad as v Norway
Thanks to Inger Marie Godvin, Sekretariatsleder/General Secretary, Dansk Rugby Union

International Test Rugby in Europe

25.04.2009
Slovenia v Norway in Ljubliana (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3B)

Preview
Slovenia has already qualified for the next round of the Rugby World Cup. Slovenia will have one eye on the team from ENC 3C they will next play in the World Cup qualifying process. That team will be Israel. So Norway could catch a distracted Slovenian squad. With nothing else to play for, Norway will be looking to defeat Slovenia and position itself ready to pounce on the leading teams and promotion in 2010.

Previous Encounters
These two teams have never met before.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Slovenia 28th, Norway 31st.

Prediction: Slovenia by 17 points.

Teams

Norway
Stein Ove Kristensen - Trondheim RK
Andreas Fyri - Oslo RK
Håkon Stengrimsen _ Holstebro RK
Johannes Stoltz - Oslo RK
Karl Frisch - Bergen RK
Alexander Lewendon - Stavanger RK
Stian Røstberg - Bergen RK
Eivind Lunde - Stavanger RK
Pascal Raclin - Oslo RK
Kristoffer Borsheim - Stavanger RK
Andrew Fraser Smith - Oslo RK
Joe Greenshields - Bergen RK
Espen Engevik - Stavanger RK
Glenn Collins - Oslo RK
Wesley Chibaya - Tønsberg RK
Andrei Hanger - Cheltenham RFC, England
Fredrik Skovly - Oslo RK
Roger Yttervik - Tønsberg RK
Francis Hunt - Oslo RK
Neal Hughes - Stavanger RK
Tim Edstrøm - Bergen RK
Thomas Bichard Breau - Oslo RK

Management:
Coach - John Chappell - Ponteland RFC

http://www.rugby.no/les.asp?ID=669

Slovenia
15 David Cerar (RK Bežigrad)
14 Matej Kos (RK Ljubjana)
13 Goran Jelenčič (RK Bežigrad)
12 Peter Kavčič (RK Ljubjana)
11 Aljaž Kralj (RK Ljubjana)
10 Damjan Ahačič (RK Ljubjana)
9 Urban Magušar (RAK Olimpija)
8 Damjan Jovič (?)
7 Grega Miljuš (RK Ljubjana)
6 Tit Hočevar (Oxford Harlequins, England)
5 Žarko Krsmanovič (RK Ljubjana)
4 Peter Gobec (RK Ljubjana)
3 Miroslav Lazič (RK Ljubjana)
2 Jošt Slapničar (RK Ljubjana)
1 Borut Završan (RAK Olimpija)
Replacements
16 Lovro Sambol (RK Bežigrad)
17 Luka Potnik (RAK Olimpija)
18 Damjan Volavšek (RK Ljubjana)
19 Žle
20 Urban Volavšek (RK Ljubjana)
21 Marko Gumzej (RK Bežigrad)
22 Luka Miklič (RAK Olimpija)

http://www.rugby-klub-ljubljana.si/inde ... ice&id=236

Rugby Test: Finland Journey to Bulgaria

25.04.2009
Finland v Bulgaria in Pernik (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)


Preview
Both these teams are no longer able to qualify further in the World Cup. They are playing to drag themselves off the bottom of the points table in ENC 3C, and of course for pride. Although only at the half-way stage in the ENC competition, these two teams look likely to be the ones who will be fighting to avoid relegation in 2010.

Bulgaria were easily defeated by Greece two weeks ago but always play better at home (although they did lose to Israel at home earlier in the season).

Finland has lost all its games so far and has two opportunities in which to advance. There is this game against Bulgaria, and then a game against Israel who have already qualified.

Previous Encounters
30.10.2004 Bulgaria 50-3 in Sofia (WCQ Europe, Round 1)
18.09.2004 Bulgaria 42-3 in Helsinki (WCQ Europe R1)
06.06.2003 Bulgaria 42-3 in Ibisa, Spain (ENC 3C, Semi-final)

The Bulgarians have a healthy record in the past against the Finns but I think Finland has improved their standard whilst I believe the Bulgarians have remained static.

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Bulgaria 34th, Finland 37th

Prediction: Bulgaria by 21 points.

Teams

Finland Squad
Andras Devenyi (Helsinki Rugby Football Club) Age 33
Thomas Finell (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 25
Micke Holmström (Tampere Rugby Club)
Matthew Jordan (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 24
Topi Karjalainen (Lahti Sisu Rugby Club)
Jussi Kivelä (Tampere Rugby Club)
Mauno Konttila (Tampere Rugby Club)
Antti Lammi (Jyväskylä Rugby Club) 26
Jussi Latvala (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club)
Otto Nojonen (Tampere Rugby Club)
Erik Pekkola (Helsinki RFC)
Juha Rainvuori (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 22
Stuart Reynish (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 34
Riku Ryynänen (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 27
Joonas Santala (Helsinki RFC) 24
Sami Sarkki (Turku Eagles Rugby Football Club) 22
Ville Siiskonen
Christian Skogholm
Stephen Whittaker (Helsinki Rugby Football Club) 32
Valtteri Valtia (Helsinki Warriorrs RFC) 22
Jaakko Vilen (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 27
Lauri Ylönen (Helsinki Warriors Rugby Club) 28
Head Coach: Lee Bolger (UK)

Thanks to Heta Lampinen, Suomen Rugbyliiton puheenjohtaja, and to http://rugbyliitto.sporttisaitti.com/ti ... ?num=13434

Test Rugby: Are the Greeks on a roll?

25.04.2009
Greece v Luxembourg in Cessange (WCQ Euro.R5; ENC 3C)

Preview
The Greeks did their cause no harm when they defeated Bulgaria a few weeks ago. It placed them second to Israel on the table and from there in a good position to be promoted to ENC 3B for 2010-12. Israel, though, has already qualified for the next round of World Cup qualifiers because they have alrady defeated Greece. Still, the Greeks have placed themselves well and truely on the European rugby map.

For Greece this will be their 12th international rugby test and three players have played in them all. Wing and captain Chris Fiotakis, centre Georgos Tsatsaronis and back row forward Phillipos Sotiriadis.

Previous Encounters
These two teams will meet for the first time

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Greece 33rd, Luxembourg 36th

Prediction: Greece by 10 points

Teams

Greece squad
Forwards
Tamaz Tsakalides (Macedones Evosmos)
Antonis Demertzis (Athens Spartans)
Mikele Jorgo (Wits University, South Africa)
Niko Christodoulakis (Wits University, South Africa)
Marios Goumagias (Iraklis)
Filippos Sotiriadis (Athens Rugby)
Nikos Mavreas (Athens Rugby)
Nikos Hatzinikos (Rhodes
Kostas Karandreas (Athens Rugby)
Nathan Courcelle (Springbox Attica)
Vassilis Poulopoulos (Springbox Attica)
Vangelis Nastas (Athens Rugby)

Backs
Vasilis Katsakos (Athens Rugby)
Nikos Revelas (Wits University, South Africa)
Jinok Lee (Springbox Attica)
Georgos Tsatsaronis (Athens Rugby)
Giorgos Kouroumichakis (Iraklis)
Chris Fiotakis, Capt. (Nice Cote d'Azur, France)
Alex Mendoros (Burnley RFC, England)
Thodoris Fotiou (Thessaloniki Lions)
Beka Bekaouri (Macedones Evosmos)
Alexandros Gounaris (Springbox Attica)

Head Coach: Nikos Petropoulos

http://sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=3154

Luxembourg
Nicolas Abel
William Bond
Steven Clarke
Julien Da-Col
Michele Englaro
Paul Evans (Captain)
Jonathan Flynn
Nicholas Geoffreys
Alexander Goodhew
Loic Herve
Stuart Kelly
Ronan Kuczaj
Willy Lafaysse
Adam Marcus
Scott McKinlay
Christophe Narcisse
Glenn Nordahl
Thomas Picherit
Euan Roger
Timothee Seite
Nigel Sharplin
Adrien Timmermans
Head Coach: Marty Davis

http://sportingreece.com/kb/article.asp?fIndex=3154

Rugby Tests This Weekend 25 April

25.04.2009
Japan v Kazakhstan in Osaka (Asia5Nations)
Korea v Singapore in Seoul (Asia5Nations)
Chile v Brazil in Santiago (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A Prelim.)
Malta v Netherlands in La Valette (WCQ Euro.R3; ENC 2B)
Croatia v Latvia in Makarska (WCQ Europe R3; ENC 2B)
Austria v Denmark 9n Linz (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3B)
Slovenia v Norway in Ljubliana (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3B)
Finland v Bulgaria in Pernik (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 3C)
Greece v Luxembourg in Lux. (WCQ Euro.R5;ENC 3C)

26.04.2009
Uruguay v Paraguay in Montevideo (WCQ Am.R2; CONSUR A prelim.)

This weekend is huge in international rugby. This great international game is being played at the highest level in three of the continents. I'll be honest and say that with some other committments I have this weekend I'll be struggling to keep up with them all.

The Asia5Nations begins. Eyes will be on not who wins but on who loses. The last placed team will be relegated to Asia Nations Division 1 (to be replaced by Arabian Gulf). For it is in 2010 that the Asian qualifiers for the 2011 Rugby World Cup will be determined.

In Europe the halfway stage of the FIRA-AER 2008-10 competition is about to conclude. It is at this stage that teams will qualify for the next round of the 2011 Rugby World Cup qualifying in Europe.

Look out for the Netherlands. They must defeat Malta to ensure they proceed. Keep an eye on Croatia for if they win their next two games, and the Netherlands lose against Malta, they will be in.

Next, keep an eye on Slovenia. Only just promoted this season, they only need to defeat Norway at home and they are through. If they lose then Hungary will go through.

In Division 3C Greece will need to defeat Luxembourg away and then hope that Finland defeats Israel next weekend. At this stage Israel look likely to take this division.

In South America both the CONSUR A competition and the World Cup qualifiers get underway, with the main competition in Montevideo, the Uruguayan capital. The CONSUR A preliminary places 1st and 2nd will have to face Argentina 'A' later in May.

So its all happening this weekend in the world of rugby union.