INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: First test Fiji v Tonga

13.08.2011
Tonga v Fiji in Lautoka (World Cup Warm-up 1st test)

Venue: Churchill Park

Referee:

Preview
Fiji and Tonga have opted for a two-test series based at Lautoka as their Rugby World Cup preparations. They meet again next Friday 19th. Both Fiji and Tonga will announce their Rugby World Cup squads after that match.

Fiji will be out to erase the memory of their record 21-45 loss to Tonga, here on the same ground, in the opening Pacific Nations match.

New Tongan players added to squad include experience players Finau Maka, Sione Tonga’uiha, Halani ‘Aulika and Fetu Vainikolo who did not play in the Pacific Nations Cup series.

The Fijians are struggling with injuries.

Fiji’s scrum prepares for Saturday.
Image thanks to www.fijirugby.com

Other Previews
http://www.fijilive.com/sports/rugby/news/2011/08/08/22764.Fijilive
http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/?section=2011&newsid=flying-fijians-named-first-tonga-test-punjas-series

Last Five Encounters
02.07.2011 Tonga 45-21 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)
19.06.2010 Fiji 41-38 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup)
13.06.2009 Fiji 36-22 in Nuku’alofa (Pacific Nations Cup)
05.07.2008 Tonga 27-16 in Nuku’alofa (Pacific Nations Cup)
16.06.2007 Tonga 21-15 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Tonga 13th, Fiji 14th
Oceania Table-Tonga 3rd, Fiji 4th

IRB Ranking Points
Tonga 71.80, Fiji 71.52

Prediction: Tonga by 5 points.

Teams

Tonga
15 Viliame 'Iongi.
14 William Helu
13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga
12 Andrew Ma'ilei
11 Fetu'u Vainikolo
10 Samisoni Fisilau
9 Taniela Moa
8 Viliami Ma'afu
7 Sione Vaiomo'unga
6 Sione Kalamafoni
5 Paino Hehea
4 Tukulua Lokotui
3 Halani Aulika
2 'Aleki Lutui (Captain)
1 'Alisona Taumalolo
Replacements
16 Ephraim Taukafa
17 Tonga Lea'aetoa
18 Sione Timani
19 Samiu Vahafolau
20 Tomasi Palu
21 Siale Piutau
22 Vungakoto Lilo
Head Coach: ‘Isotolo Maka

Adapted from http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ikale-Tahi-for-2011-Rugby-World-Cup/113379952031591

Fiji
15. Kini Murimurivalu
14. Vereniki Goneva
13. Albert Vulivuli
12. Seremaia Bai (v-capt)
11. Adriu Delai
10. Waisea Luveniyali
9. Vitori Buatava
8. Sisa Koyamaibole
7. Malakai Ravulo
6. Dominiko Waqaniburotu
5. Wame Lewaravu
4. Rupeni Nasiga
3. Deacon Manu, Capt.
2. Sunia Koto
1. Campese Maafu
Replacements
16. Viliame Veikoso
17. Waisea Daveta
18. Jovilisi Domolailai
19. Masi Matadigo
20. Waisale Vatuvoka
21. Ravai Fatiaki
22. Iliesa Keresoni
Head Coach: Samuela Domoni

Adapted from http://www.fijirugby.com/pages.cfm/fru-news/?section=2011&newsid=flying-fijians-named-first-tonga-test-punjas-series

TEST RUGBY: Canada face USA In Second Test

13.08.2011
Canada v United States in Glendale (World Cup Warm-up 2nd test)

Venue: Infinity Park

Referee:

Preview
After a decade in which Canada were a class above their USA neighbours last weekend saw a more even encounter. Both sides have made changes to their lineups as they seek to finalise their Rugby World Cup squad.

The USA has brought veteran Mike MacDonald into their starting fifteen whilst Canada is without veteran scrum half Ed Fairhurst who has work commitments.

I will expect this to be a close match. It will be the USA’s last home game before the Rugby World Cup.

Last weekend Canada defeated USA 28-22.
Image thanks to www.usarugby.org

Other Previews
http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?page=54657&clientID=3817&leagueID=13651
http://www.usarugby.org/#cc%3D%5BApplication%5D%5C%5CStructure%5C%5CContent%5C%5CBrand%20Resource%20Center%5C%5CContent%5C%5CHome%5C%5CNewsArchive%5C%5C21125036-1296-100E-EBC6-9CF78B06F959%5C%5C23181D59-12DA-5CDF-F9B0-726A00EA373A%5C%5C23181D59-131B-F8E2-1CAB-3B81C46FEDF1%7B%7BTab%3AView%7D%7D

Last Five Encounters
06.08.2011 Canada 28-22 in Toronto (CanAm Series, World Cup Warm-up)
11.07.2009 Canada 41-18 in Edmonton (WCQ Americas R2 Final, 2nd leg)
04.07.2009 USA 12-6 in Charleston (WCQ Americas R2 Final, 1st leg)
21.06.2008 Canada 26-10 in Chicago (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)
02.06.2007 Canada 52-10 at Twickenham (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Canada 16th, USA 17th
NACRA Table-Canada 1st, USA 2nd

IRB Ranking Points
Canada 70.18, USA 66.38

Prediction: Canada by 3 points

Teams

Canada
15. James Pritchard (Bedford RFC, England)
14. Ciaran Hearn (The Rock)
13. DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
12. Mike Scholz (Ontario Blues)
11. Phil Mackenzie (Esher RFC, England)
10. Ander Monro (Ontario Blues)
9. Sean White (British Columbia Bears)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Plymouth Albion RFC, England)
7. Chauncey O'Toole (The Rock)
6. Adam Kleeberger (British Columbia Bears)
5. Jamie Cudmore (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France)
4. Jebb Sinclair (The Rock)
3. Jason Marshall (British Columbia Bears)
2. Pat Riordan, Capt. (British Columbia Bears)
1. Hubert Buydens (Prairie Wolf Pack)
Replacements
16. Ryan Hamilton (British Columbia Bears)
17. Andrew Tiedemann (Prairie Wolf Pack)
18. Brian Erichsen (British Columbia Bears)
19. Tyler Hotson (Plymouth Albion RFC, England)
20. Jamie Mackenzie (Esher RFC, England)
21. Ryan Smith (Prairie Wolf Pack)
22. Nathan Hirayama (British Columbia Bears)
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?page=54657&clientID=3817&leagueID=13651

United States
15 Blaine Scully (Unattached)
14 Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France)
13 Paul Emerick (Life University)
12 Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins)
11 Colin Hawley (Olympic Club)
10 Nese Malifa (Glendale)
9 Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC, England)
8 Nic Johnson (Unattached)
7 Todd Clever, Capt. (Suntory Sungoliath, Japan)
6 Louis Stanfill (Unattached)
5 Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
4 John van der Giessen (Unattached)
3 Shawn Pittman (London Welsh, England)
2 Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate)
1 Mike MacDonald (Leeds Carnegie, England)
Replacements
16 Phillip Thiel (Life University)
17 Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks)
18 Scott LaValla (Stade Francais, France)
19 Jonathan ‘JJ’ Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, South Africa)
20 Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club)
21 Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby)
22 Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore)
Head Coach: Eddie O’Sullivan

Not considered due to injury-Troy Hall (NYAC), Brian McClenahan (Olympic Club), James Paterson (Highlanders, New Zealand), Junior Sifa (Unattached), Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)

http://www.usarugby.org

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND: 13 August

13.06.2011
Australia v South Africa in Durban (Tri Nations; Mandela Trophy)
Ireland v France in Bordeaux (World Cup Warm-up)
Wales v England at Cardiff (World Cup Warm-up)
Japan v Italy in Trieste (World Cup Warm-up)
United States v Canada in Glendale (World Cup Warm-up)

Briefly
South Africa plays the first of its Tri Nations home games against Australia with very little/no chance of taking the title. One gets the feeling that the South Africans have another trophy in their sights and that these two home games (they play New Zealand next weekend) will be their final Rugby World Cup preparations.

Australia will not want to arrive in New Zealand with a string of losses. This will not be good for the confidence of this young side. I believe they will bounce back and push South Africa very close. If they win in South Africa and New Zealand also wins next weekend, the New Zealand-Australia clash in Brisbane on the 27th August will be a cracker!

France plays its first serious World Cup warm-up test against Ireland whilst England and Wales play the return test in Cardiff.

Japan travels to Italy for a most interesting test. Italy has rightly taken its place among the top rugby nations of the world. It will be interesting to see how they handle the Japanese.

Canada and the USA clash again, this time in the USA. The Americans put up a good fight against the Canadians last weekend. A good showing Saturday may well see them clawing back some ground against the Canadians. Canada has dominated the USA in test rugby over the last decade. Could the USA be coming into some good form before the Rugby World Cup?

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 6 August

06.08.2011
New Zealand 30, Australia 15 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
England 23, Wales 19 at Twickenham (World Cup Warm up)
Scotland 10, Ireland 6 at Murrayfield (World Cup Warm Up)
Canada 28, United States 23 in Toronto (World Cup Warm Up)
Argentina 78, South America XV 15 in San Juan (Non-test)

Briefly
New Zealand placed itself in a good position to take the 2011 Tri Nations Trophy with a emphatic win over Australia. A first half blitz saw them to a 17-0 lead at half time. Australia came back in the second half but the Kiwis never looked like losing.

England defeated Wales and Scotland just pipped Ireland in two Northern Hemisphere World Cup Warm up games. None of the teams look like world beaters but then they didn’t field their strongest sides.

Canada defeated the USA at home in a predictable win. The Canuks didn’t have the game all their way. The return game in Glendale next weekend will be interesting.

Argentina ended their home preparations for the 2011 Rugby World cup with an easy win over a South American XV

Next Weekend
13.06.2011
Australia v South Africa in Durban (Tri Nations; Mandela Trophy)
Ireland v France in Bordeaux (World Cup Warm-up)
Wales v England at Cardiff (World Cup Warm-up)
Japan v Italy in Trieste (World Cup Warm-up)
United States v Canada in Glendale (World Cup Warm-up)

TRI NATIONS AND BLEDISLOE CLASH: Australia v New Zealand

06.08.2011
Australia v New Zealand in Auckland (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)

Venue: Eden Park

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Preview
Media talk this week bills this rugby test match as a preview of the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. I have said right from last year that Australia will be one of the teams in the 2011 Rugby World Cup final. If they can click on the day and if their forward pack can more than hold the opposition this exciting team should make the final. No other team at the elite test level can produce back play like this team does. Against South Africa two weeks ago they were simply amazing.

As a Kiwi living in Australia I’d be very happy to see New Zealand as the other finalists and perhaps finally win that damn Cup! For me this game is the pre curser to the World Cup final.

Changes have been made to both teams since they last played a test. New Zealand looks like a team with a very solid squad look about. Australia looks to have significant flair. This is a match I can wait to view.

New Zealand holds the Bledisloe Cup.

Last Five Encounters
30.10.2010 Australia 26-24 in Hong Kong (Bledisloe Cup)
11.09.2010 New Zealand 23-22 in Sydney (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)
07.06.2010 New Zealand 20-10 in Christchurch (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)
31.07.2010 New Zealand 49-28 in Melbourne (Tri Nations; Bledisloe Cup)
31.10.2009 New Zealand 32-19 in Tokyo (Bledisloe Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Australia 1st, New Zealand 2nd
Oceania Table-New Zealand 1st, Australia 2nd

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.19, Australia 85.45

Prediction: A close game-New Zealand by 4 points

Teams

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, Capt.6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Alistair Williams, 4 Bradley Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements
16 Andrew Hore, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Samuel Whitelock, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
Head Coach: Graham Henry

Australia
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Patrick McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 William Genia, 8 Benjamin McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, Capt. 5 James Horwill, 4 Robert Simmons, 3 Benjamin Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements
16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Daniel Vickerman, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Luke Burgess, 21 Anthony Fainga'a, 22 Lachie Turner.
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

2011 RUGBY WORLD CUP WARM UP TEST: Wales and England Clash

06.08.2011
Wales v England at Twickenham (World Cup Warm Up)

Referee: Steven Walsh (Australia)

Preview
A lot has been made in the media this week connected with Jonny Wilkinson playing in this test match. He is a must for England at the Rugby World Cup but after that his place in the team is in jeopardy under the new qualification regulations put in place by the Rugby Union. Only domestic-based players will be eligible for England after the World Cup. Wilkinson has just signed a new contract with French club Toulon. The question is, is this the last time he will play a test at Twickenham?

Jonny Wilkinson.
Is this his last Twickenham test?

Another little cloud hanging over the England camp is that of the captaincy. Lewis Moody is the captain for this game but Rugby World Cup captaincy appears to be undecided. Johnson insists he will pick his 30 players first and then the captain. So places and the captaincy is up for grabs.

In other areas for England the opportunity for players to make that final squad is reflected in the make up of this team. Centre Manu Tuilagi makes his England debut whilst on the bench lock Botha and wing Sharples could earn their first test caps. Also of interest is the return of prop Matt Stevens who will play his first test match since 2008 and the recall of Thomas Croft who last played a test last year.

Welsh legend and flyhalf Stephen Jones will make his 101st test appearance for Wales passing Gareth Thomas’s record. Lock Alun-Wyn Jones will play his 50th test. There are changes though in this side from that that played against the Barbarians in June. As with the other 6 Nations side taking the field today there are places up for grabs

Last Five Encounters
04.02.2011 England 26-19 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
06.02.2010 England 30-17 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
14.02.2009 Wales 23-15 in Cardiff (6 Nations)
02.02.2008 Wales 26-19 at Twickenham (6 Nations)
14.08.2007 England 62-5 at Twickenham (World Cup Warm Up)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-England 5th, Wales 10th
Europe Table-England 2nd, Wales 5th

IRB Ranking Points
England 82.41, Wales 79.55

Prediction: England by 16

Teams

England
15 Delon Armitage, 14 Matthew Banahan, 13 Manu Tuilagi, 12 Riki Flutey, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Jonny Wilkinson, 9 Daniel Care, 8 James Haskell, 7 Lewis Moody, Capt.
6 Thomas Croft, 5 Thomas Palmer, 4 Simon Shaw, 3 Matthew Stevens, 2 Dylan Hartley, 1 Alexander Corbisiero.
Replacements
16 Lee Mears, 17 David Wilson, 18 Mouritz Botha, 19 Thomas Wood, 20 Richard Wigglesworth, 21 Charles Hodgson, 22 Charles Sharples.
Head Coach: Martin Johnson

Wales
15 Rhys Priestland, 14 George North, 13 Jonathan Davies, 12 James Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Michael Phillips, 8 Tobias Faletau, 7 Samuel Warburton, Capt. 6 Daniel Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Craig Mitchell, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Paul James.
Replacements
16 Lloyd Burns, 17 Ryan Bevington, 18 Luke Charteris, 19 Ryan Jones, 20 Tavis Knoyle, 21 Scott Williams, 22 Morgan Stoddart.
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

RUGBY WORLD CUP WARM UP TEST: Ireland Take On Scotland

06.08.2011
Ireland v Scotland at Murrayfield

Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

Preview
Ireland and Scotland meet in a 2011 Rugby World Cup warm-up test at Murrayfield. It’s the start of a handful of tests both nations will play before they head off to New Zealand ready for the World Cup which begins in September.

Irish coach Declan Kidney has left out a number of top players but insists this is still a test match and it has to be won. This very much second-string side will need to play well if they are to be included in Ireland’s final 30 that fly into Auckland next month. Despite it being a second-string side it does include on new cap, flanker Mike McCarthy. Also returning after a while off with injury is fullback Rob Kearney. 37 year-old John Hayes also returns, but sits on the bench, after a period away from test rugby in which he probably thought his test days were over. It is also of interest that veteran Leo Cullen gets the captaincy nod for this match.

The Scottish side sees Graham Morrison returning from injury after missing all 6 Nations matches. Afew top-flight players look to be rested whilst two new caps grace the bench, 21-year-old Edinburgh back-row forward David Denton and 23-year-old Bath full-back Jack Cuthbert. As with the Irish side winning will be vital if certain players want to be considered for the final 30 Scottish players who will travel to New Zealand.

Last Five Encounters
27.02.2011 Ireland 21-18 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
20.03.2010 Scotland 23-20 in Dublin (6 Nations)
14.03.2009 Ireland 22-15 at Murrayfield (6 Nations)
23.02.2008 Ireland 34-13 in Dublin (6 Nations)
11.08.2007 Scotland 31-21 at Murrayfield (World Cup Warm up)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Ireland 4th, Scotland 7th
Europe Table-Ireland 1st, Scotland 3rd

IRB Ranking Points
Ireland 82.51, Scotland 77.35

Prediction: A close game, Ireland by 5 points

Teams

Ireland
15 Robert Kearney, 14 Andrew Trimble, 13 Fergus McFadden, 12 Patrick Wallace, 11 Luke Fitzgerald, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Tomas O'Leary, 8 Denis Leamy, 7 Niall Ronan, 6 Michael McCarthy, 5 Leo Cullen (capt), 4 Donnacha Ryan, 3 Anthony Buckley, 2 Sean Cronin, 1 Thomas Court.
Replacements
16 Jeremy Flannery, 17 Marcus Horan, 18 John Hayes, 19 Michael O'Driscoll, 20 Kevin McLaughlin, 20 Isaac Boss, 22 Felix Jones.
Head Coach: Declan Kidney

Scotland
15 Christopher Paterson, 14 Nikki Walker, 13 Joseph Ansbro, 12 Graeme Morrison, 11 Sean Lamont, 10 Ruaridh Jackson, 9 Rory Lawson, Capt. 8 John Beattie, 7 Ross Rennie, 6 Alasdair Strokosch, 5 Richard Gray, 4 James Hamilton, 3 Geoffrey Cross, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.
Replacements
16 Douglas Hall, 17 Alasdair Dickinson, 18 Alastair Kellock, 19 David Denton, 20 Greig Laidlaw, 21 Nicholas De Luca, 22 Jack Cuthbert.
Head Coach: Andy Robinson

RUGBY WORLD CUP: Canada and USA begin Preparations

06.08.2011
United States v Canada in Toronto (Can-Am Trophy)

Venue: BMO Field

Referee:

Preview
Canada has dominated test matches against the USA over the last decade or so. In the recent Churchill Cup, played in England, Canada reached the final against England Saxons, losing 6-37, whilst the USA finished 5th after a 32-25 win over Russia. In their first match of the tournament the USA were defeated 87-8 by the England Saxons.

Both teams look to be at full strength or close to it. The USA team looks stronger than the side that played in the Churchill Cup. Playing on home turf will be an advantage to Canada.

Former All Black and Canadian Coach
Kieran Crowley.

Last Five Encounters
11.07.2009 Canada 41-18 in Edmonton (WCQ Americas R2 Final, 2nd leg)
04.07.2009 USA 12-6 in Charleston (WCQ Americas R2 Final, 1st leg)
21.06.2008 Canada 26-10 in Chicago (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)
02.06.2007 Canada 52-10 at Twickenham (Churchill Cup, Playoff 5th-6th)
12.08.2006 Canada 56-7 in St Johns (WCQ Americas R3, North)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Canada 16th, United States 17th
NACRA Table-Canada 1st, United States 2nd

IRB Ranking Points
Canada 69.79, United States 66.78

Prediction: Canada by 22 points

Teams

Canada
15. Matt Evans (Unattached)
14. Phil Mackenzie (Esher RFC, England)
13. DTH van der Merwe (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland)
12. Mike Scholz (Ontario Blues)
11. James Pritchard (Bedford RFC, England)
10. Ander Monro (Ontario Blues)
9. Ed Fairhurst (British Columbia Bears)
8. Aaron Carpenter (Plymouth Albion RFC, England)
7. Chauncey O'Toole (The Rock)
6. Jebb Sinclair (The Rock)
5. Brian Erichsen (British Columbia Bears)
4. Jamie Cudmore (ASM Clermont Auvergne, France)
3. Jason Marshall (British Columbia Bears)
2. Pat Riordan, Capt. (British Columbia Bears)
1. Hubert Buydens (Prairie Wolf Pack)
Replacements
16. Ryan Hamilton (British Columbia Bears)
17. Scott Franklin (Prairie Wolf Pack)
18. Tyler Hotson (Plymouth Albion RFC, England)
19. Adam Kleeberger (British Columbia Bears)
20. Sean White (British Columbia Bears)
21. Ryan Smith (Prairie Wolf Pack)
22. Ciaran Hearn (The Rock)
Head Coach: Kieran Crowley

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/leagues/newsletter.cfm?page=54495&clientID=3817&leagueID=0

United States
15 Blaine Scully (Unattached)
14 Takudzwa Ngwenya (Biarritz, France)
13 Paul Emerick (Life University)
12 Andrew Suniula (Chicago Griffins)
11 Kevin Swiryn (Agen, France)
10 Nese Malifa (Glendale)
9 Mike Petri (New York Athletic Club)
8 Nic Johnson (Unattached)
7 Todd Clever, Capt. (Suntory, Japan)
6 Louis Stanfill (Unattached)
5 Hayden Smith (Saracens, England)
4 John van der Giessen (Unattached)
3 Shawn Pittman (London Welsh, England)
2 Phillip Thiel (Life University)
1 Mate Moeakiola (Bobigny 93, France)
Replacements
16 Chris Biller (San Francisco Golden Gate)
17 Eric Fry (Las Vegas Blackjacks)
18 Inaki Basauri (Perigueux, France)
19 Jonathan ‘JJ’ Gagiano (Univ. of Cape Town, Sth Africa)
20 Tim Usasz (Nottingham RFC, England)
21 Roland Suniula (Boston Rugby)
22 Tai Enosa (Belmont Shore)
Head Coach: Eddie O’Sullivan

Unavailable through injury: James Paterson (Highlanders, NZ), Chris Wyles (Saracens, England)

http://www.usarugby.org

SOUTH AMERICA XV SET TO PLAY ARGENTINA

06.08.2011
South America XV v Argentina in San Juan (Non-Test friendly)

Venue: San Juan Bicentennial Stadium

Referee: Javier Mancuso (Argentina)

Preview
This is not the first time a South American rugby team has been assembled. Back in the days of the apartheid system in South Africa, Argentina could only tour under the name of ‘South America’ as the Argentine government refused to sanction such a tour. Those teams of the eighties did include players from Uruguay and Chile.

Even though it’s not a test match it is refreshing to see players from CONSUR B nations in this combined side, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela being represented.

This international rugby game has not been recognised by Argentina as a full test match. Test ‘caps’ will not be awarded. Argentina is using this game as part of their 2011 Rugby World Cup preparations. Players Alvaro Galindo and Juan Manuel Leguizamon are out with injury. By the bench list I’d expect there to be a fair number of replacements used which may work in favour of the invitation side.

Even with a spattering of Argentine players I’d expect the South American XV to be outclassed in the end.

Prediction: Argentina by 40 points.

Teams

South American XV Squad
Felipe Aranguren (Argentina)
Joseph Basile (Argentina)
Felipe Brangier (Chile)
Sebastian Velarde-Alvarez Clark (Peru)
Matías Cabrera (Chile)
Emiliano Coria (Argentina
Mula De Rodolfo (Uruguay)
Francisco Deformes (Chile)
Lucas Rodrigues Duque (Brazil)
Julio César Henrique Figal (Brazil)
Jose Manuel Goddess Gomez (Colombia)
Juan Cruz Guillemain (Argentina)
Leandro Leiva (Uruguay)
Lisandro Gomez Lopez (Argentina)
Fernando Luna (Argentina)
Benjamin Madero (Argentina)
Gaston Mieres (Uruguay)
Santiago Méndez (Argentina)
Ignacio Pasman (Argentina)
Luis Alfredo Zamora Petit (Venezuela)
Alberto Román (Uruguay)
Hugo Schierano (Argentina)
Figueredo Schwerter (Paraguay)
Germain Suazo (Chile)

Adapted from http://www.uar.com.ar/noticias4.asp?notcod=20110801182408

Argentina

1- Marcos Ayerza
2- Mario Ledesma
3- Juan Figallo
4- Mariano Galarza
5- Patricio Albacete
6- Genaro Fessia
7- Alejandro Campos
8- Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
9- Nicolás Vergallo
10- Felipe Contepomi (capitán)
11- Juan Imhoff
12- Santiago Fernández
13- Marcelo Bosch
14- Horacio Agulla
15- Lucas González Amorosino.
Replacements
16- Andrés Bordoy
17- Martín Scelzo
18- Eusebio Guiñazú
19- Martín Rodríguez
20- Rafael Carballo
21- Gabriel Ascárate
22- Leonardo Senatore
23- Nicolás Sánchez
24- Alfredo Lalanne
25- Julio Farías Cabello
26- Santiago Guzmán
27- Lucas Borges
28- Agustín Gosio
29- Maximiliano Bustos
30- Tomás Vallejos.

Head Coach: Santiago Phelan.

http://www.uar.com.ar/noticias4.asp?notcod=20110805185506

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND 6 August

06.08.2011
Australia v New Zealand in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup; Tri Nations)
Wales v England at Twickenham (World Cup Warm up)
Ireland v Scotland at Murrayfield (World Cup Warm Up)
Canada v United States in Toronto (World Cup Warm Up)
Argentina v South America XV in San Juan, Argentina

WEEKEND TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 29-30 July

30.07.2011
New Zealand 40, South Africa 7 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
Laos 14, Cambodia 7 in Vientiene (Mekong Cup)-unconfirmed score
Mali 13, Niger 3 in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Final)
Burkino Faso 15, Ghana 3 in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 3^rd-4th)
Mali ‘A’ 3, Benin 0 in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 5^th-6^th)
Chad 13, Togo 0 in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 7^th-8^th)

29.07.2011
Mauritius 41, Nigeria 12 in Johannesburg (CAR Division 1D, Final)
Tanzania and Swaziland withdrew

Briefly
South Africa were severely bounced by the All Blacks on Saturday but nobody really seems to be too worried in the Republic. 21 top players are out of the ‘rehab’ and ready to take on Australia and New Zealand at home. Hmmmmmmm.

Laos retained the Mekong Cup although score is yet to be confirmed. They obviously won but the score is uncertain.

Mali are the reigning CAR Division 2, North champion. I’m not sure where that takes them. With some considerable luck they may get to meet the winner of CAR Division 2, South.

Finally on Friday Nigeria re entered the test rugby arena after a few very wobbly administrative years out of circulation. They lost but it’s good to see them back.

TRI NATIONS TEST RUGBY: South Africa v New Zealand

30.07.2011
South Africa v New Zealand in Wellington (Tri Nations)

Venue: Westpac Stadium

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Preview
South Africa plays the second leg of their away games in this year’s shortened Tri Nations competition. Having lost the test 20-39 against Australia last weekend, the Springbox limp into Wellington with 20 add top-flight players left at home.

New Zealand is fresh from a 60-14 win over Fiji which was, as expected, a rusty first up performance. The Kiwis will be defending their hold on the Trophy which is a symbol of rugby supremacy between New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

New Zealand has rested a few key players for this test match.

Last Five Encounters
21.08.2010 New Zealand 29-22 in Johannesburg (Tri Nations)
17.07.2010 New Zealand 31-17 in Wellington (Tri Nations)
10.07.2010 New Zealand 21-12 in Auckland (Tri Nations)
12.09.2009 South Africa 32-29 in Hamilton (Tri Nations)
01.08.2009 South Africa 31-19 in Durban (Tri Nations)

South Africa last won against New Zealand in Wellington back in 1998, South Africa winning 13-3.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 2nd, New Zealand 6th

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.19, South Africa 85.24

Prediction: New Zealand by 12 points

Teams

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 James Cowan, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw, Capt. 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Alistair Williams, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Benjamin Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements
16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
Head Caoch: Graham Henry

South Africa
15 Morne Steyn, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Adi Jacobs, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Patrick Lambie, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Daniel Rossouw, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Gerhard Mostert, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit, Capt. 1 Dean Greyling.
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Charles McLeod, 21 Wynand Olivier, 22 Odwa Ndungane.
Head Caoch: Pieter de Villiers

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Mekong Cup Laos v Cambodia

The Mekong Cup is the symbol of rugby supremacy between Cambodia and laos. The Cup began in 2008. This is the first year that both matches are being played away from other regional tournaments. Laos and Cambodia were originally to play in Asia Nations Division 5, with Brunei and Mongolia. The last two teams pulled out.

30.07.2011
Cambodia v Laos in Vientiane (Mekong Cup)

Venue: Chao Anouyong Stadium

Preview
Laos, the Cup holder, won the first leg 21-19 in Cambodia earlier in the month. This gives them a vital 2 point lead on aggregate going into the second leg which is played in Laos.

More previews here plus a summary of the first game  http://laorugby.com/Lao_Rugby_Federation/Mekong_Cup_2011.html

From Cambodia http://www.phnompenhpost.com/index.php/2011072950704/Sport/cup-hangs-in-the-balance.html

Previous Encounters
16.07.2011 Laos 21-19 in Phnom Phen (Mekong Cup)
26.06.2010 Laos 12-3 in Phnom Phen (Asia Regional; Mekong Cup)
15.05.2010 Laos 16-14 in Vientiene (Mekong Cup)
23.05.2009 Cambodia 24-8 in Phnom Phen (Mekong Cup)
28.03.2009 Laos 8-3 in Savannakhet (Asia Regional; Mekong Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Laos 18th, Cambodia 20th

No IRB Ranking Points

Prediction: Laos by 14 points

Teams

Laos squad

FORWARDS (from):
Phanavanh BOUTTHAVONG
Damlongsack CHANTHASOUK
Phetthanousone CHITTHAPHONG
Soukhata CHALUNGLANGSY
Phayphisit MANISENG
Garry WRIGHT
Somphone VONGVILAY
Somxainoy PHOKHAM
Phouphet PHOTTHAVONG
Sompavanh KHETTIYA
Matsumoto HIDEAKI
Ekkasan SENGCHANPHENG
Phonphasit SANSAIYA
Mit Oudone KEOHANAM

BACKS (from):
Vannaxay SOMSUTHI
Chris MASTAGLIO
Thit Outhone THIRAKHOUN
Pisa VONGDEUANPHENG
Saysana VINAVONG
Soukthavi SOULIYACHACK
Savanhxay XAYYASONE
Phoudthasi THAMMAVONG
Phakkham SENSOULIVONG
William LUANGRATH
http://laorugby.com/Lao_Rugby_Federatio ... _2011.html

Cambodian Squad not available

RUGBY IN AFRICA: CAR Division 2, North Finals Day

Mali v Niger in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Final)

 

Results to the Final
Mali
v Chad W 32-3
v Ghana W 28-3

Niger
v Mali ‘A’ W 28-3
v Burkino Faso W 12-5

Last Five Encounters
21.07.2010 Niger 6-3 in Niamey (CAR Africa Trophy, Semi-Final)
12.07.2009 Drawn 11-11 in Tsevie (CAR Dev.Trophy, North, Pool A)
25.06.2008 Drawn 3-3 in Accra (CAR Dev. Trophy, North, Pool B)
20.06.2007 Mali 10-6 in Ougadougou (CAR Castel Beer Trophy, North, Pool A)
28.03.2006 Niger 15-0 in Niamey (CAR Castel Beer Trophy, Pool A)

These are all the test matches these two teams have played against each other.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Niger 16th, Mali 17th

Prediction: Niger by 7 points

Teams Not Available

Ghana v Burkino Faso in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 3^rd-4th)

 

Results to The 3rd-4th Playoff
Ghana
v Benin W 16-7
v Mali L 3-28

Burkino Faso
v Togo W 11-6
v Niger L 5-12

Previous Encounters
15.07.2009 Ghana 17-7 in Tsevie (CAR Dev. Trophy, North, Pool B)
27.06.2008 Burkino Faso 9-8 in Accra (CAR Dev. Trophy, North, Pool B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Ghana 18th, Burkino Faso 19th

Prediction: Ghana by 7 points

Teams Not Available

Mali ‘A’ v Benin in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 5^th-6^th)
 
Results to the 5th-6th Playoff

Mali ‘A’
v Niger L 3-28
v Togo W 14-11

Benin
v Ghana L 7-16
v Chad W 16-11

No Previous Encounters and no GWC Rugby Rankings

Prediction: Mali "’A’ by 7 points

Chad v Togo in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 7^th-8^th)

 

Results to 7th-8th Playoff

Chad
v Mali L 3-32
v Benin L 11-16

Togo
v Burkino Faso L 6-11
v Mali ‘A’ L 11-14

These two teams have never met before. Prior to this tournament, Chad last played test rugby in 2008

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Togo 20th, Chad 30th

Prediction: Togo by 7 points

TEST RUGBY: CAR Africa Division 2, North

This tournament is being held in Bamako, Mali

Results From Last Week

Round 1-Mali ‘A’ took the place of Gabon who didn’t show up.
23.07
Niger 28, Mali ‘A’ 3
Mali 32, Chad 3

24.07
Ghana 16, Benin 7
Burkino Faso 11, Togo 6

Round 2
26.07
Mali ‘A’ 14, Togo 11
Benin 16, Chad 11

27.07
Niger 12, Burkino Faso 5
Mali 28, Ghana 3

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND 30 JULY

30.07.2011
South Africa v New Zealand in Wellington (Tri Nations)
Cambodia v Laos in Vientiene (Mekong Cup)
Mali v Niger in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Final)
Ghana v Burkino Faso in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 3^rd-4th)
Mali ‘A’ v Benin in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 5^th-6^th)
Chad v Togo in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North, Playoff 7^th-8^th)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 23 July

Australia 39, South Africa 20 in Sydney (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
Zimbabwe 26, Kenya 20 in Nairobi (Victoria Cup) Another source says 26-21

Briefly
Australia were simply too good for what was basically a second string South African side in Sydney. The Australian backs were magnificent whilst South Africa looked staid and predictable, except for fullback Aplon and winger Mvovo. It was just the reply Australia needed after their disastrous loss to Samoa last weekend.

South Africa will need to rebuild and rethink ahead of the second test on their tour, when they play New Zealand in Wellington next Saturday.

Zimbabwe did enough to win a rather scrappy game 26-20 (or 21) in Nairobi. There was not a lot to play for as Zimbabwe had secured the Victoria Cup and remained undefeated.

No news yet from the CAR tournament in Mali

TEST RUGBY: Tri Nations Rugby Gets Underway

23.07.2011
South Africa v Australia in Sydney (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)

Venue: ANZ Stadium

Referee: Christopher Pollock (New Zealand)

Preview

The Tri Nations rugby tournament gets underway in Sydney tonight. The symbol of supremacy in test rugby between New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, the Tri Nations this year also serves as a warm up for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, now only a few months away.

Australia has an uphill battle to prove some points in Sydney. Firstly they will want to wash away the disappointment of the result and their performance against Samoa last weekend. Without taking anything away from Samoa, the Australians were caught on the hop and a lot of that was blamed on complacency and inexperienced players. That excuse won’t hold up this weekend. Australia came to earth with a thud and the only way now is up. A second dud performance will be followed by sharpening of knives.

Some of that sharp edge may well be pushed in the direction of coach Robbie Deans who has a somewhat uncertain relationship with Australian rugby. During poor patches of form from his team over the last two years Deans has certainly come under fire from the media, past players, fans..well..everyone really. I can’t see Australia changing coaches so close to the 2011 Rugby World Cup but a poor performance wont stop the critics.

Thirdly, Australia is playing a South African side that on paper is..er..ordinary. Some 20 top notch players are back in South Africa nursing various wounds and the Springbox are not expected to be at full strength until South Africa plays its two home tests (The Tri Nations has been shortened due to the Rugby World Cup). A loss or poor performance against ‘South Africa B’ will be unacceptable to Australian rugby fans. Robbie Deans will be sitting close to the edge of his seat than the rest of the Australian rugby public tonight.

South Africa did this in 2007. In that year they won the Rugby World Cup after resting key players before the tournament. Are they doing the same again? Yep!

Last Five Encounters
04.09.2010 Australia 41-39 in Bloemfontein (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
28.08.2010 South Africa 44-31 in Pretoria (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
24.07.2010 Australia 30-13 in Brisbane (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
05.09.2009 Australia 21-6 in Brisbane (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)
29.08.2009 South Africa 32-25 in Perth (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)

The last test between these two nations in Sydney
07.07.2007 Australia 25-17 (Tri Nations; Mandela Cup)

The Last Time South Africa won v Australia in Sydney
31.07.1993 South Africa 19-12

The First Test Match Between These Two Nations
08.07.1933 South Africa 17-3 in Capetown. This was the Australian’s first test on their long tour of South Africa that year.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-South Africa 1st, Australia 5th

IRB Ranking Points
South Africa 86.44, Australia 85.45

Prediction: South Africa by 8 points. A result that will turn Australian rugby on its head!

Teams

Australia
15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Patrick McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 William Genia, 8 Benjamin McCalman,
7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom, Capt. 5 James Horwill, 4 Robert Simmons, 3 Benjamin Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements
16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Pekahou Cowan, 18 Nathan Sharpe, 19 Matthew Hodgson, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Anthony Fainga'a
Head Coach: Robbie Deans

South Africa
15 Gio Aplon, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit, Capt 1 Dean Greyling
Replacements
16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski , 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Charles McLeod, 21 Adrian Jacobs, 22 Patrick Lambie
Head Coach: Pieter de Villiers

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Zimbabwe in Kenya

23.07.2011
Zimbabwe v Kenya in Nairobi (Victoria Cup)

Venue: Nyayo National Stadium

Preview
Zimbabwe has already taken out the Victoria Cup for 2011. Kenya, last year’s winner, will be seeking a win that would jump it into second place. Kenya lost 18-32 to Uganda last weekend in Kampala, placing Uganda into second place.

Zimbabwe have two players unavailable for personal reasons, skipper Daniel Hondo and flanker Jacques Leitao.

Last Five Encounters
25.06.2011 Zimbabwe 42-24 in Harare (Victoria Cup)
17.07.2010 Kenya 23-18 in Harare (Victoria Cup)
12.06.2010 Kenya 11-10 in Nairobi (Victoria Cup)
24.07.2004 Zimbabwe 24-15 in Bulawayo (Friendly)
24.05.2003 Kenya 32-24 in Nairobi (Friendly)

Zimbabwe last won in Nairobi back in 1993, a 42-7 World Cup qualifying match.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Zimbabwe 5th, Kenya 6th

IRB Ranking Points
Zimbabwe 51.58, Kenya 50.40

Prediction: Zimbabwe by 6 points

Teams

Zimbabwe
15 Daniel Robertson.
14 Gardener Nechironga
13 Lloyd Machanjaire
12 Dylan Bradshaw
11 T Nemadire
10 Tichafara Makwanya
9 Charles Jiji
8 Norman Mukondiwa
7 Costa Dinha, Capt.
6 Shingi Mpofu
5 Schalk Ferreira
4 Fortune Chipendu
3 Kuda Kambasha
2 Prayer Chitenderu
1 Denford Mutamangira
Replacements
16.Tatenda Karuru
17. Pieter Joubert
18.Brian Makamure
19 Jan Ferreira
20. Njabula Ndlovu
21. Cleopas Makotose
22. Thomas Nelson
Head Coach: Brandon Dawson

http://www.zimbabwerugby.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1059:dirty-tactics-in-zim-sables-match&catid=92:july-2011&Itemid=205

Kenya
15.Vincent Mose
14, Victor Sudi, Capt.
13. Kelvin Omiyo
12. Patrice Agunda
11. Peter Abuoga
10. Issac Adimo
9. Peter Mutai
8 Lawrence Buyachi
7. Andrew Amonde
6. Anthony Mutai
5. Ronnie Mwenesi
4.Martin Likami
3.Daniel Kiptoo
2. Vincent Ong'era
1.Joel Ng'ang'a
Replacements
16. Dennis Abenga
17. Dennis Karani
18. Victor Oduor
19. David Mogere
20. Edwin Achayo
21. Nato Simiyu
22. Allan Omuka
Head Coach:

http://www.kenyarfu.com/

INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TOURNAMENT: African Rugby

CAR Division 2, North
There has been some mystery as to which teams would turn up to this tournament. Only yesterday was it revealed that Gabon would replace Congo Brazzaville to make up the eight nations participating. We only know for sure the first round, being played over Saturday and Sunday.

Leading up to this tournament Chad were involved in warm-up games. On July 17 Chad 3, defeated French Servicemen 0, in Chad. Prior to that Chad defeated a Cameroun XV 21-5. http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3660&start=165 Chad has not played a test match since 2008.

The venue: Stadium Quezzin, Bamako

Teams Participating
Niger, Mali, Ghana, Burkino Faso, Togo, Benin, Chad, Gabon

Round One
Saturday 23 July
Niger v Gabon in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North)

 

Gabon is making, as far as I am aware, their test debut. They have played games prior to this but I have seen them labelled as ‘Gabon Selection’.

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply.

Prediction: Niger by 20 points

Mali v Chad in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North)

 
Previous Encounters
29.06.2008 Chad 10-0 in Accra(CAR Dev.Trophy, North, playoff 5th-6th)
18.06.2007 Mali 32-0 in Ouagadougou (CAR Castel Beer Trophy, North, Grp A)
26.03.2006 Mali 12-5 in Niamey (CAR Castel Beer Trophy, North, Grp A)

GWC Rugby Rankings do not apply as Chad has not played a test match since 2008.

Prediction: Mali by 14 points

 

Sunday 24 July-Previewed Tomorrow
Ghana v Benin in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North)
Burkino Faso v Togo in Bamako (CAR Africa Cup Division 2, North)