NEW ZEALAND v ARGENTINA: Rugby Championship

06.09.2014

Image thanks to www.skyscrapercity.com

Venue: McLean Park, Napier

Referee: Pascal Gauzère (France)

Preview
Can New Zealand produce another superhuman effort against Argentina similar to what they dished up against Australia two weeks ago? Yes, but! If they lift the foot off the pedal against Argentina fans probably wouldn’t be surprised. If the All Blacks do lower their guard would Argentina have the skill levels and pace to compete? Probably not.

Although Argentina’s record of 5 losses in as many matches may indicate a team without form those who saw the games against South Africa may beg to differ. To see a South African scrum completely dominated, as it was in Salta, would suggest this Argentine side is very capable. Perhaps not as skilled in the backs but they will certainly give the All Blacks biff if the Kiwis let their guard down. Argentina has never been totally demolished in their recent outings in New Zealand. Quite the opposite.

The weather forecast is for rain which may well reduce the impact New Zealand has out wide.This will be a most interesting clash. I can’t see New Zealand losing though.

Last Five Encounters
28.09.2013 New Zealand 33-15 in La Plata (Rugby Championship)
07.09.2013 New Zealand 28-13 in Hamilton (Rugby Championship)
29.09.2012 New Zealand 54-15 in Buenos Aires (Rugby Championship)
08.09.2012 New Zealand 21-5 in Wellington (Rugby Championship)
09.10.2011 New Zealand 33-10 in Auckland (World Cup, Quarter-final)

New Zealand has never lost to Argentina. The closest Argentina has managed was a 21-21 draw in 1985.

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 4, D 1
23.08.2014 v Australia W 51-20 in Auckland (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)
16.08.2014 v Australia D 12-12 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)
21.06.2014 v England W 36-13 in Hamilton
14.06.2014 v England W 28-27 in Dunedin
07.06.2014 v England W 20-15 in Auckland

Argentina Last Five P 5, L 5
23.08.2014 v South Africa L 31-33 in Salta (Rugby Championship)
16.08.2014 v South Africa L 6-13 in Pretoria (Rugby Championship)
21.06.2014 v Scotland L 19-21 in Cordoba
14.06.2014 v Ireland L 17-23 in Tucuman
07.06.2014 v Ireland  L 17-29 in Resistencia

Data from www.rugbyinternational.net

Prediction: New Zealand off their game to win by 20 points.

Teams

New Zealand
15 Israel Dagg, 14 Benjamin Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Joseph Moody, 19 Jeremy Thrush, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.
Head Coach: Steven Hansen

Argentina
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Horacio Agulla, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Juan Martín Hernández, 11 Lucas González Amorosino, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo, 8 Leonardo Senatore, 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 6 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Mariano Galarza, 3 Ramiro Herrera,
2 Agustín Creevy (Capt.), 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements
16 Matías Cortese, 17 Luca Noguera Paz, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro,
19 Matías Alemanno, 20 Rodrigo Báez, 21 Tomás Cubelli, 22 Santiago González Iglesias, 23 Juan Imhoff.
Head Coach: Daniel Hourcade

POLAND v SWEDEN: ENC 1B

06.09.2014
Sweden v Poland in Warsaw (ENC 1B)

Venue: Stadium Poland.

Referee:

Preview
And suddenly European test rugby is upon us! After a 3 month break the European Nations Cup for 2014-16 begins with a clash between Poland and Sweden.

The ENC runs a bi-annual competition. 2014 starts the new series. Teams from 2012-14 have been relegated and promoted and we start all over again.

Poland and Sweden both finished in the lower-middle positions of the 2012-14 competition. They will look towards a winning start to this season and improving those positions.

Last Five Encounters
07.09.2013 Poland 30-9 in Warsaw (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
01.06.2013 Sweden 19-11 in Stockholm (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
11.10.2003 Poland 36-0 in Gdansk (ENC 2A)
05.10.2002 Poland 14-7 in Lund (ENC 2A)
29.09.2001 Poland 18-3 in Warsaw (FIRA/WCQ Europe R2, Pool B)

Poland and Sweden shared the honours in 2013 with the home side prevailing. These two teams first met in 1964 so the rivalry going back a long way.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table: Poland 17th, Sweden 18th

Prediction: Poland by 14 points

Teams

Sweden Squad
Andreas Austa                           Södertälje RK
Daniel Chamberlain                   Stockholm Exiles RFC
Jonathan Edwards                     Vänersborgs RK
Fredrik Enstad                            Södertälje RK
Neill Erasmus                             Stockholm Exiles RFC
Ehsan Fadakar                           Hammarby IF
Ian Gowland (kapten)                Stockholm Exiles RFC
Jonas Grillfors                            Enköpings RK
Daniel Jansson                          Göteborg RF
Tim Johansson                          Enköpings RK
Robin Karlsson                          Hammarby IF
Osvald Levin                             Göteborg RF
Sebastian Lidberg                     Göteborg RF
John McAllister                          Hammarby IF
Bobby Nave                               Enköpings RK
Andreas Nilserius                      Södertälje RK
Daniel Nissila                            Stockholm Exiles RFC
Sami Paulsson                           NRK Troján
Alexander Rappestad                NRK Troján
David Ray                                  Stockholm Exiles RFC
Lars Tunestål                             Pingvin RC
Rikus van Niekerk                      Stockholm Exiles RFC
Johan Vuris                                Pingvin RC

Managementgruppen
Mike Carruthers                         manager
Margaretha Nilsson                   administrativ manager
Christopher Richards                 huvudtränare
Massey Tuhukaraina                 tränare
Bengt Lund                                materialare
Ulrica Nyström                           fysio

http://iof3.idrottonline.se/SvenskaRugbyforbundet/Nyheter/Senastenytt/HerrXVSverigeinledernyasasongenmotPolen/

Poland squad not yet announced

CONSUR B Day 3, Finals Day

06.09.2014
Venezuela V Colombia in Apartado (CONSUR B, Final)

Venue: Estadio Santiago Rambay de Apartadó

Referee:

Briefly
Colombia has had the edge over Venezuela over the past two seasons. Playing on their home turf I can’t imagine any other result other than a win to Colombia.

Colombia proved too strong for Peru on Day 2. Image thanks to http://www.consur.org

Venezuela So Far
v Peru w 33-28
v Ecuador W 68-3

Colombia So Far
v Ecuador W 112-0
v Peru W 56-6

Last Five Encounters
25.08.2013 Colombia 32-14 in Asuncion (CONSUR B)
12.09.2012 Colombia 26-3 in Valencia (CONSUR B)
21.08.2011 Venezuela 57-19 in Lima (CONSUR B)
30.10.2010 Venezuela 28-26 in Medellin (CONSUR B)
05.12.2009 Colombia 34-0 in La Guacima (CONSUR B)

GWC Rankings
CONSUR-Venezuela 6th, Colombia 7th

IRB Ranking Points
Colombia 43.33, Venezuela 42.52

Prediction: Colombia by 30 points

Teams not available

 

Peru v Ecuador in Apartado (CONSUR B, Playoff 3rd-4th)

Ecuador v Venezuela on Day 2. Image thanks to https://www.facebook.com/RugbyEcuador

Referee:

Preview
Peru and Ecuador playoff for 3rd-4th place in this tournament. On the basis that Peru defeated Ecuador twice in July (45-0 & 36-8) in a warm up series Peru should win this easily. Ecuador, promoted from CONSUR C last year have highlighted the huge gap between CONSUR B and C.

Peru So Far
v Venezuela L 28-33
v Colombia L 6-56

Ecuador So Far
v Colombia L 0-112
v Venezuela L 3-68

GWC Rugby Rankings
CONSUR: Peru 8th, Ecuador 9th

IRB Rankings do not apply

Prediction: Peru by 50 points

Squads

Peru
Jorge Abugattas (Newton COB-UPC)
Michael Aramayo (Old Markhamians RFC)
Galileo Arbulu (Universidad de Lima RC)
Mauricio Arias (Old Markhamians RFC)
Jhonatan Carrera (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú)
Diego Choy (Newton COB-UPC)
Daniel Cino (Newton COB-UPC)
Christian Corzo (Universidad de Lima RC)
Giorgio Crolle (Newton COB- UPC)
Miguel Davila (Universidad de Lima RC)
Cristhian Diaz (Santa Clara RC)
Diego Diaz (Newton COB- UPC)
Carlos Garcia (Newton COB-UPC)
Luis Higa (Universidad de Lima RC)
Renato Lecca (Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola)
Gonzalo Mansilla (Universidad de Lima RC)
Alan Marcelo (Alumni UC)
Jhonatan Palacios (Alpamayo Blues RCA)
Christian Piskulich (Markhamians RA)
Augusto Robles (Universidad de Lima RC)
Andre Urquieta (Old Markhamians RFC)
Paolo Urquieta (Old Markhamians RFC)
Marcial Vasquez (Old Markhamians RFC)
Sebastian Velarde-Alvarez (Universidad de Lima RC)
Alfredo Villavicencio (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú)

Head Coach: Federico Cravero

Adapted from https://www.facebook.com/Tumisperu/photos/a.527722307279297.1073741828.522160914502103/774520475932811/?type=1&theater

Ecuador

Jonathan Arroyo (Monos RC)
Edisson Avellaneda (Quito RC)
Eloy Basantes (Cerberos RFC)
Heccer Benavides (Quito RC)
Jair Benavides (Quito RC) (Capt.)
John Cacpata (Quito RC)
Andrés Cascante (Cerberos RFC)
Jorge Civinta (Cerberos RFC)
Luis Cordero (Monos RC)
Fabián Cruz (Cerberos RFC)
Jose D'Lagazca (Monos RC)
Juan Gálvez (Quito RC)
Santiago Gálvez (Quito RC)
Christian Herrera (Carneros RC)
Juan Herrera (Quito RC)
Luis Hinostroza (Yaguares RC)
Jacobo Kiwi (Nómadas RC)
Edwin Lastra Quiñones (Monos RC)
Alberto Merchan (Yaguares RC)
José Molina (Cerberos RFC)
Jaime Perelli (Monos RC)
Gustavo Salvador (Bárbaros UCE RC)
Alberto Vallarino (Yaguares RC)
Daniel Viola (Nómadas RC)
Juan Viola (Nómadas RC)

Head Coach: Douglas Rodriguez

Adapted from http://kickoffecuador.com/noticias/piqueros/mayores/piqueros-prepara-para-sudamericano-rugby-b and http://kickoffecuador.com/noticias/piqueros/test-matches/ecuador-no-pudo-con-per%C3%BA-chiclayo

CONSUR B Day 2

03.09.2014
Venezuela 68, Ecuador 3 in Apartado (CONSUR B)
Colombia 56, Peru 6 in Apartado (CONSUR B)

Briefly
Venezuela and Colombia sealed their positions in the CONSUR B final with easy wins.

In a hot and humid day Colombia led 32-6 at halftime in the second game of the day. Previously Venezuela were too strong for Ecuador.

CONSUR B Day 1 Results

31.08.2014
Venezuela 33, Peru 28 in Apartado (CONSUR B)
Colombia 112, Ecuador 0 in Apartado (CONSUR B)

Briefly
The Venezuela-Peru game went much according to plan with Venezuela edging out the Peruvians in a tight game.

The second result was a surprise re the margin. Ecuador shipped two yellow cards which would not have helped. They may also have not fielded their strongest team keeping players for game against Peru. It looks like a tough tournament for the Ecuadorians. There is obviously a big gap between CONSUR B and C.Colombia scored 18 tries and led 66-0 at halftime.

CONSUR B 2014; Day 1, Sunday 31 August

31.08.2014
Peru v Venezuela in Apartado (CONSUR B)

Preview
The CONSUR B tournament gets underway Sunday with a new competition format. Colombia on home ground would be favourites to win this but with stiff competition from Venezuela. Peru could upset but Ecuador could be well out of its depth.

Peru has two warm up tests against Ecuador back in mid July, winning both games 45-0 and 36-8.

Previous Encounters
30.08.2013 Venezuela 29-25 in Asuncion (CONSUR B)
09.09.2012 Venezuela 28-17 in Valencia (WCQ Americas; CONSUR B)
27.08.2011 Venezuela 17-15 in Lima (CONSUR B)
25.10.2010 Peru 13-5 in Medellin (CONSUR B)
02.12.2009 Venezuela 25-13 in La Guacima (CONSUR B)
These two nations first met in 2000 with Venezuela winning the majority of games to date.

Data supplied by www.rugbyinternational.net

GWC Rugby Rankings
CONSUR Table: Venezuela 7th, Peru 8th

IRB Ranking Points
Venezuela 41.67, Peru 40.13

Prediction: Venezuela by 8 points.

Teams

Peru Squad

Jorge Abugattas (Newton COB-UPC)
Michael Aramayo (Old Markhamians RFC)
Galileo Arbulu (Universidad de Lima RC)
Mauricio Arias (Old Markhamians RFC)
Jhonatan Carrera (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú)
Diego Choy (Newton COB-UPC)
Daniel Cino (Newton COB-UPC)
Christian Corzo (Universidad de Lima RC)
Giorgio Crolle (Newton COB- UPC)
Miguel Davila (Universidad de Lima RC)
Cristhian Diaz (Santa Clara RC)
Diego Diaz (Newton COB- UPC)
Carlos Garcia (Newton COB-UPC)
Luis Higa (Universidad de Lima RC)
Renato Lecca (Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola)
Gonzalo Mansilla (Universidad de Lima RC)
Alan Marcelo (Alumni UC)
Jhonatan Palacios (Alpamayo Blues RCA)
Christian Piskulich (Markhamians RA)
Augusto Robles (Universidad de Lima RC)
Andre Urquieta (Old Markhamians RFC)
Paolo Urquieta (Old Markhamians RFC)
Marcial Vasquez (Old Markhamians RFC)
Sebastian Velarde-Alvarez (Universidad de Lima RC)
Alfredo Villavicencio (Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú)

Head Coach: Federico Cravero

Adapted from https://www.facebook.com/Tumisperu/photos/a.527722307279297.1073741828.522160914502103/774520475932811/?type=1&theater

Venezuela Squad not available

Colombia v Ecuador in Apartado (CONSUR B)

Preview
Hosts Colombia should have little difficulty accounting for Ecuador who were promoted from CONSUR C 2013. Ecuador had two warm up tests against Peru in July, losing both 0-45 and 8-36.

These two teams have never met in a 15’s rugby test before.

GWC Rugby Rankings
CONSUR Table: Colombia 8th, Ecuador 9th

IRB Ranking points do not apply as Ecuador is not a full member of the IRB.

Prediction: Colombia by 30 points

Teams

Ecuador Squad

Jonathan Arroyo (Monos RC)
Edisson Avellaneda (Quito RC)
Eloy Basantes (Cerberos RFC)
Heccer Benavides (Quito RC)
Jair Benavides (Quito RC) (Capt.)
John Cacpata (Quito RC)
Andrés Cascante (Cerberos RFC)
Jorge Civinta (Cerberos RFC)
Luis Cordero (Monos RC)
Fabián Cruz (Cerberos RFC)
Jose D'Lagazca (Monos RC)
Juan Gálvez (Quito RC)
Santiago Gálvez (Quito RC)
Christian Herrera (Carneros RC)
Juan Herrera (Quito RC)
Luis Hinostroza (Yaguares RC)
Jacobo Kiwi (Nómadas RC)
Edwin Lastra Quiñones (Monos RC)
Alberto Merchan (Yaguares RC)
José Molina (Cerberos RFC)
Jaime Perelli (Monos RC)
Gustavo Salvador (Bárbaros UCE RC)
Alberto Vallarino (Yaguares RC)
Daniel Viola (Nómadas RC)
Juan Viola (Nómadas RC)

Head Coach: Douglas Rodriguez

Adapted from http://kickoffecuador.com/noticias/piqueros/mayores/piqueros-prepara-para-sudamericano-rugby-b and http://kickoffecuador.com/noticias/piqueros/test-matches/ecuador-no-pudo-con-per%C3%BA-chiclayo

Colombia Squad not available

CONSUR B 2014

31.08.2014
Peru v Venezuela in Apartado (CONSUR B)
Colombia v Ecuador in Apartado (CONSUR B)

03.09.2014
Winner Peru/Venezuela v Loser Colombia/Ecuador in Apartado (CONSUR B)
Winner Colombia/Ecuador v Loser Peru/Venezuela in Apartado (CONSUR B)

06.09.2014
Playoff 3rd-4th in Apartado (CONSUR B)
Final in Apartado (CONSUR B)

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 2014

23.08.2014
New Zealand 51, Australia 20 in Auckland (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
South Africa 33, Argentina 31 in Salta (Rugby Championship)

Briefly
Rugby is the game they play in heaven. That is a famous saying. Heaven came down to earth last night as New Zealand put on a performance that would have had the All Mighty standing to join a collective ovation at games end. It was simply amazing. New Zealand swept Australia off the park. It was not that Australia played that poorly, it was New Zealand played the game at a number of notches above what they played last weekend. Breathtaking performance!

South Africa were regarded as lucky to get away with the win in Salta. They had to come back from 16-28 to win this one. Argentina were simply magnificent up front and they played with enterprise, speed and some skill. Their encounter with New Zealand in Napier in two weeks time is shaping up to be a cracker.

SOUTH AFRICA v ARGENTINA: Rugby Championship

23.08.2014

Venue: Padre Ernesto Martearena Stadium, Salta

Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)

Preview
The conditions didn’t help either team last weekend in Pretoria. If anything Argentina handled the conditions better. This weekend it will be 30+deg and dry as. So it will be the team playing the better dry weather rugby that will win.

South Africa allowed themselves to be out-muscled by the Argies, a situation intolerable by the team and fans. So I’d expect a better forward effort from South Africa.

Argentina has made two changes from last week’s team. Returning but to inside centre is the vastly experienced Juan Martín Hernández who withdrew from last week’s lineup due to injury. Also in is Lucas González Amorosino making for an attacking backline. If Argentina can maintain forward pressure on South Africa they may well win against them for the first time.

Last Five Encounters
16.08.2014 South Africa 13-6 in Pretoria (Rugby Championship)
24.08.2013 South Africa 22-17 in Mendoza (Rugby Championship)
17.08.2014 South Africa 73-13 in Bloemfontein (Rugby Championship)
25.08.2012 Drawn 16-16 in Mendoza (Rugby Championship)
18.08.2012 South Africa 27-6 in Capetown (Rugby Championship)

South Africa has never lost against Argentina.

Argentina Last Five P 5, W 1, L 4
16.08.2014 v South Africa L 6-13 in Pretoria (Rugby Championship)
21.06.2014 v Scotland L 19-21 in Cordoba
14.06.2014 v Ireland L 17-23 in Tucuman
07.06.2014 v Ireland  L 17-29 in Resistencia
25.05.2014 v Chile W 73-12 in Santiago (CONSUR Cup)

South Africa Last Five
16.08.2014 v Argentina W 13-6 in Pretoria (Rugby Championship)
28.06.2014 v Scotland W 55-6 in Port Elizabeth
21.06.2014 v Wales W 31-30 in Nelspruit
14.06.2014 v Wales W 38-16 in Durban
23.11.2013 v France W 19-10 in Paris

South Africa’s last loss was 27-38 to New Zealand 5 October 2013. They have won the last seven on the trot.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: South Africa 3rd, Argentina 14th

IRB Ranking Points
South Africa 89.34, Argentina 73.98

Prediction: South Africa will dominate in the forwards to win by 7 points.

Teams

Argentina
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Lucas González Amorosino, 13 Marcelo Bosch,
12 Juan Martín Hernández, 11 Manuel Montero, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo, 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Mariano Galarza, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustín Creevy (Capt.), 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements
16 Matías Cortese, 17 Bruno Postiglioni, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, 19 Matías Alemanno, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Tomás Cubelli, 22 Jerónimo de la Fuente, 23 Horacio Agulla.
Head Coach: Daniel Hourcade

South Africa
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Jean de Villiers (Capt.), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handrè Pollard, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements
16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Tendai Mtawarira, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Bakkies Botha, 20 Marcell Coetzee, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Morné Steyn, 23 Lwazi Mvovo.
Head Coach: Heyneke Meyer

AUSTRALIA v NEW ZEALAND: Bledisloe Cup,Rugby Championship

23.08.2014

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Referee: Romain Poite (France)

Preview
There were many not happy with last weekend’s draw in Sydney. New Zealand fans, players and management were not happy with the referee nor with the way the All Blacks played. They weren’t happy with the draw either; it robbed New Zealand of an 18th successive test victory (Tier 1 nations that is).

The Australian’s weren’t happy with the weather and the fact they let this one slip away. In control for much of the game and with an advantage of two yellow cards given against the AB’s, they just couldn’t breach the Kiwi’s defence.

So this game is another new start. Australia can take a lot of credit the way they played especially the second half. This is a team that looks to be on the way up. Coach Ewan McKenzie is putting together a squad of players who continue to improve in skill, pace and team work. They’ll be looking to break the Eden Park hoodoo. Australia last defeated New Zealand back in 1986 when they won 22-9.

New Zealand played a shocker last weekend and were lucky with a draw. They rarely play two poor games in a row. They will also be without a few key players; Ma’a Nonu, Carter, Kaino and Woodcock are all form players out with injury. Back into the side comes Conrad Smith (now that baby has arrived) and Liam Messam who had a brilliant 2013.

Last Five Encounters NZ 3, Drawn 2.
16.08.2014 Drawn 12-12 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)
19.10.2013 New Zealand 41-33 in Dunedin (Bledisloe Cup)
24.08.2013 New Zealand 27-16 in Wellington (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
17.08.2013 New Zealand 47-22 in Sydney (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
20.10.2013 Drawn 18-18 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup)

Australia Last Five P 5, W 4, D 1 
16.08.2014 v New Zealand D 12-12 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup; Rugby Champ.)
21.06.2014 v France W 39-13 in Sydney
14.06.2014 v France W 6-0 in Melbourne
07.06.2014 v France W 50-23 in Brisbane
30.11.2013 v Wales W 30-26 in Cardiff

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 4, D 1
16.08.2014 v Australia D 12-12 in Sydney (Bledisloe Cup, Rugby Champ.)
21.06.2014 v England W 36-13 in Hamilton
14.06.2014 v England W 28-27 in Dunedin
07.06.2014 v England W 20-15 in Auckland
24.11.2013 v Ireland W 24-22 in Dublin

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

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.42, Australia 87.32

Prediction: History goes with New Zealand as does the home ground. A much better game of rugby. New Zealand by 8 points

Teams

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Liam Messam, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Charles Faumuina, 19 Steven Luatua, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Beauden Barrett,
23 Malakai Fekitoa
Head Coach: Steven Hansen

Australia
15 Israel Folau, 14 Patrick McCabe, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Matthew Toomua, 11 Robert Horne, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nicholas White, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper (Capt.), 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Robert Simmons, 4 Samuel Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements (one to be omitted):
16 James Hanson, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Benjamin Alexander, 19 William Skelton, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Tevita Kuridrani, 24 Benjamin McCalman.
Head Coach:Ewan McKenzie

TEST RUGBY THIS SATURDAY: 23 August

23.08.2014
South Africa v Argentina in Salta (Rugby Championship)
Australia v New Zealand in Auckland (Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup)

Briefly
Round two of the 2014 Rugby Championship sees a repeat of last weekend’s fixtures except in the oppositions territory. Australia play on Eden Park where they haven’t won since Adam was a boy in shorts, whilst South Africa travel to Salta a provincial city in the far north west of the country, about as far from Buenos Aires you can get!

TEST RUGBY RESULTS;Saturday 16 August

16.08.2014
New Zealand 12, Australia 12 in Sydney (Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup)
South Africa 13, Argentina 6 in Pretoria (Rugby Championship)

Briefly
In wet conditions in Sydney New Zealand and Australia slugged it out for a draw. Neither side mastered the conditions or each other, the result decided by penalty kicks.

In Pretoria South Africa overcame a much improved and determined Argentina also in wet conditions.

Next Games
23.08.2014
South Africa v Argentina in Salta (Rugby Championship)
Australia v New Zealand in Auckland (Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup)

NEW ZEALAND v AUSTRALIA

16.08.2014

Venue: ANZ Stadium, Sydney

Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Preview
There is no doubt that this encounter has pushed the passion, the excitement and the controversy to giddy heights.The prospect of a tight encounter between these two Trans-Tasman neighbours always sharpens the enthusiasm for international test rugby. Players get edgy, coaches say things, spectators get dressed up and make noise whilst armchair critics take up their place on the edge of their chairs.

Lets look at some stats. This will be the 150th encounter between these two Trans-Tasman rivals. New Zealand has won the Bledisloe Cup for the past eleven years Australia only winning twice in the last twenty meetings. If New Zealand wins tonight it will be their 18th consecutive win. a record for a Tier One nation (Cyprus actually holds the world record with 23 consecutive test rugby wins since 2008!).

There are some interesting changes to each team’s expected line ups. Australia has made a controversial change at fly half where Kurtley Beale comes in for Foley, the latter dropping to the reserves. New Zealand will be without experienced Conrad Smith who is home with his wife whose baby is expected.

Australia will be vulnerable at hooker and on the wings where injuries have taken a tole. Despite that Australia goes into this match on a high. McKenzie’s team is starting to gel together well. Beale’s selection is viewed as a confidence boost to a team beginning to show depth in all positions. The Waratah’s Super Rugby win has certainly been a confidence boost for Australia.

New Zealand is still the best team in the world. Australia’s most experienced back Adam Ashley-Cooper said mid week that Australia would need to be at their best in all positions for a full 80 minutes to defeat the Kiwis. If they can do that they are in with a chance. Lose this test and Australia can virtually kiss the Rugby Championship and the Bledisloe Cup good-bye for another year.

Last Five Encounters
19.10.2013 New Zealand 41-33 in Dunedin (Bledisloe Cup)
24.08.2013 New Zealand 27-16 in Wellington (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
17.08.2013 New Zealand 47-22 in Sydney (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)
20.10.2013 Drawn 18-18 in Brisbane (Bledisloe Cup)
25.08.2012 New Zealand 22-0 in Auckland (Rugby Champ., Bledisloe Cup)

Australia last defeated New Zealand back in 2011, a 25-20 win in Brisbane. Australia last defeated New Zealand in Sydney in 2008, winning 34-19

Australia Last Five P 5, W 5
21.06.2014 v France W 39-13 in Sydney
14.06.2014 v France W 6-0 in Melbourne
07.06.2014 v France W 50-23 in Brisbane
30.11.2013 v Wales W 30-26 in Cardiff
23.11.2013 v Scotland W 21-15 at Murrayfield

New Zealand Last Five P 5, W 5
21.06.2014 v England W 36-13 in Hamilton
14.06.2014 v England W 28-27 in Dunedin
07.06.2014 v England W 20-15 in Auckland
24.11.2013 v Ireland W 24-22 in Dublin
16.11.2013 v England W 30-22 at Twickenham

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 1st, Australia 3rd
Oceania Table-New Zealand 1st, Australia 2nd

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.81, Australia 86.92

Prediction: New Zealand by 8 points

Teams

Australia
15 Israel Folau, 14 Patrick McCabe, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Matthew Toomua, 11 Robert Horne, 10 Kurtley Beale, 9 Nicholas White, 8 Wycliff Palu, 7 Michael Hooper (Capt.), 6 Scott Fardy, 5 Robert Simmons, 4 Samuel Carter, 3 Sekope Kepu, 2 Nathan Charles, 1 James Slipper.
Replacements
16 James Hanson, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Ben Alexander, 19 William Skelton,
20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nicholas Phipps, 22 Bernard Foley, 23 Tevita Kuridrani.
Head Coach: Ewen McKenzie

New Zealand
15 Benjamin Smith, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Malakai Fekitoa/Ryan Crotty, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read,
7 Richie McCaw (Capt.), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements
16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Benjamin Franks, 18 Joseph Moody, 19 Steven Luatua, 20 Samuel Cane, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Malakai Fekitoa/Ryan Crotty.
Head Coach: Steve Hansen

ARGENTINA v SOUTH AFRICA: Rugby Championship

16.08.2014

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)

Preview
South Africa has stumbled and stuttered in their outings up to this game (the game v Scotland excepted). They bring a number of younger players into a very experienced mix. There are young and exciting players in de Allende, Pollard and de Jager.

Argentina has the disadvantage of not have game time together. Only three players remain from the loss to Scotland. They also must contend with travel to Pretoria and the altitude question. They have some exciting individual players but cohesion will be a major problem.

I can’t see South Africa losing this one. It will be about how much damage Argentina can prevent.

Last Five Encounters
24.08.2013 South Africa 22-17 in Mendoza (Rugby Championship)
17.08.2014 South Africa 73-13 in Bloemfontein (Rugby Championship)
25.08.2012 Drawn 16-16 in Mendoza (Rugby Championship)
18.08.2012 South Africa 27-6 in Capetown (Rugby Championship)
09.08.2008 South Africa 63-9 in Johannesburg
South Africa has never lost against Argentina.

Argentina Last Five
21.06.2014 v Scotland L 19-21 in Cordoba
14.06.2014 v Ireland L 17-23 in Tucuman
07.06.2014 v Ireland  L 17-29 in Resistencia
25.05.2014 v Chile W 73-12 in Santiago (CONSUR Cup)
17.05.2014 v Uruguay W 65-9 in Montevideo (CONSUR Cup)

South Africa Last Five
28.06.2014 v Scotland W 55-6 in Port Elizabeth
21.06.2014 v Wales W 31-30 in Nelspruit
14.06.2014 v Wales W 38-16 in Durban
23.11.2013 v France W 19-10 in Paris
17.11.2013 v Scotland W 28-0 at Murrayfield
South Africa’s last loss was 27-38 to New Zealand 5 October 2013. They have won the last six on the trot.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: South Africa 2nd, Argentina 14th

IRB Ranking Points
South Africa 89.34, Argentina 75.12

Prediction: South Africa by 39 points.

Teams

South Africa
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Jean de Villiers (Capt.), 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Ruan Pienaar,
8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Willem Alberts, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Lood de Jager,
4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements
16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Trevor Nyakane, 18 Frans Malherbe, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Marcell Coetzee, 21 Francois Hougaard, 22 Morné Steyn, 23 Jan Serfontein.
Head Coach:

Argentina
15 Joaquín Tuculet, 14 Horacio Agulla, 13 Marcelo Bosch, 12 Juan Martín Hernández, 11 Manuel Montero, 10 Nicolás Sánchez, 9 Martín Landajo, 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamón, 7 Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomás Lavanini, 4 Mariano Galarza, 3 Ramiro Herrera, 2 Agustín Creevy (Capt.), 1 Marcos Ayerza.
Replacements
16 Matías Cortese, 17 Lucas Noguera Paz, 18 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro,
19 Matías Alemanno, 20 Leonardo Senatore, 21 Tomás Cubelli, 22 Santiago González Iglesias, 23 Lucas González Amorosino.
Head Coach: Daniel Hourcade

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND; Saturday 16 August

16.08.2014
Argentina v South Africa in Pretoria (Rugby Championship)
Australia v New Zealand in Sydney (Rugby Championship, Bledisloe Cup)

Briefly
The 2014 Rugby Championship gets underway this Saturday. Argentina travels to South Africa in what will be a very challenging encounter for them. New Zealand head to Sydney for a showdown with their Trans-Tasman rival and a chance to create a record of 18 consecutive test wins for a Tier 1 nation. The world record for all test rugby is held by Cyprus with an incredible 23 consecutive test wins between 2008 and 2014.

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Repechage Playoffs

02.08.2014
Russia 23, Zimbabwe 15 in Krasnoyarsk (WCQ Repechage 1)
Uruguay 28, Hong Kong 3 in Montevideo (WCQ Repechage 2)

Review
Russia and Uruguay will play a two-leg playoff to sort out who gets the last place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals. The first leg will be played in Krasnoyarsk 27/28 September with the second in Montevideo 11/12 October.

Other Reviews
http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/news/newsid=2072390.html#uruguay+book+russia+world+cup+showdown

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/qualifying/news/newsid=2072269.html#russia+book+place+repechage+final

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_Rugby_World_Cup_%E2%80%93_Repechage_qualification

http://www.hkrugby.com/eng/news/4246.php

http://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2014/08/04/sables-world-cup-dream-shattered

http://www.rugbynews.com.uy/destacadas/el-triunfo-de-la-identidad/ (In Spanish)

http://www.rugbynews.com.uy/destacadas/el-scrum-como-bandera/

Image thanks to South China Morning Post

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Repechage

The Repechage playoffs are to find the final place at the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals to be played in the United Kingdom. The winner will play in Pool A along with England, Wales, Australia and Fiji. Russia qualified as Europe No.3, Zimbabwe as Africa No.2, Hong Kong as Asia No.2 and Uruguay as America’s No.3. The home draw is dependent on teams having the highest IRB Ranking. The winning teams from this weekend will playoff for the final place.

02.08.2014
Russia v Zimbabwe in Krasnorask (WCQ Repechage 1)

Venue: Central Stadium

Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)

Preview
This is the first meeting between these two teams. Zimbabwe has been playing opposition well below of what Russia has been playing. The Africans playing in the middle of Russia would have been a huge physical and mental struggle. Plus they have had little preparation.

Russia hasn’t exactly set the rugby world on fire with some very ordinary results in the IRB Nations cup but I expect them to be fielding a stronger line up. They will just be too much fro Zimbabwe.

Last Five
Russia
22.06.2014 L 6-13 v Uruguay in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
18.06.2013 L 16-20 v Romania in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
13.06.2013 L 0-66 v Emerging Ireland in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
24.05.2013 W 31-20 v Germany in Hamburg (WCQ Europe R5 Playoff)
15.03.2013 W 34-20 v Belgium in Brussels (WCQ Europe R5; ENC 1A)

Zimbabwe
06.07.2013 W 28-10 v Kenya in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup 1A)
02.07.2013 L 20-24 v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup 1A)
12.11.2013 W 29-14 v Kenya in Windhoek (IRB Tri-Nations)
08.11.2013 L 26-35 v Namibia in Windhoek (IRB Tri-Nations)
14.07.2013 L 17-29 v Kenya in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup 1A, Final)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Do not apply

IRB Ranking Points
Russia 63.43, Zimbabwe 55.98

Prediction: Russia by 40 points

Teams

Russia
1 Grigory Tsnobiladze
2 Valery Tsnobiladze
3 Andrey Igretsov
4 Alexander Voytov
5 Andrey Ostrikov
6 Andrey Garbuzov
7 Andrey Temnov
8 Viktor Gresev
9 Alexander Yaniushkin
10 Yuri Kushnariov
11 Denis Simplikevich
12 Alexey Makovetsky
13 Vasily Artemyev
14 Mikhail Babayev
15 Igor Kliuchnikov
16 Stanislav Selsky
17 Innokenty Zykov
18 Artiom Fatakhov
19 Pavel Butenko
20 Alexey Scherban
21 Igor Galinovsky
22 Ramil Gaisin

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=141&start=25

Zimbabwe Squad

Forwards
Pieter Joubert, Keith Murray, Kevin Nqindi, Jan Ferreira, Graeme Lawler, Jacques Leitao, Lambert Groenewald, Lawrence Cleminson, Sanele Sibanda, Matthew Mandioma, Farai Mudariki, Fortune Chipendu, Kingsley Lang, Takunda Chifokoyo.

Backs
Daniel Hondo (captain), Hilton Mudariki, Guy Cronje, Stephan Hunduza, Riaan O’Neill, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Peter Du Toit, Lenience Tambwera, Shayne Makombe, Danny Robertson.

‘The Sables have not been able to get into camp prior to the Russian trip due to financial challenges but are expected to depart for Siberia on Saturday where they are scheduled to hold a five-day training camp.’
http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=141&start=25

Hong Kong v Uruguay in Montevideo (WCQ Repechage 2)

Venue: Estadio Charrúa

Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)

Preview
I expect this to be a much closer contest than the Russia-Zimbabwe match.
’Hong Kong is a solid squad. Having watched them for a few years now, they have improved immensely and if there is any A5N team outside of Japan that could beat Uruguay, it's Hong Kong. Unfortunately I think their biggest loss is not a player, but losing head coach Leigh Jones to become Japan's defence coach is something that will go a long way. Hong Kong play a pretty structured/patterned game that relies off of good set piece. They play a solid in to out drift defence with an occasional blitz. They're system is very similar to the Welsh spread/fan where they prefer to put numbers into the line instead of loading the breakdown. They one or two they put in though will be pests, able to slow and turn over ball.

While Uruguay may boast a better forward pack, Hong Kong will certainly threaten out wide, and are not afraid to let their 7s stars play with the ball. The key for Hong Kong is they can't have any lapses, they need to put in the full 80. As we saw against Japan, 3 tries in about 10 minutes at the end of the first half really took the wind out of their sails. I would say Uruguay is a favorite but I wouldn't be surprised if Hong Kong was able to keep it close right until the end. They're one scrappy bunch. Uruguay beat Kazakhstan something like 44-6 four years ago? I believe Hong Kong 2014 to be better than Kazakhstan 2010.’
Thanks to Martin Dunham at http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=142

‘Peter McKee failed a fitness test so he was dropped, props Stephen Nolan and Alex Ng were unavailable so Bennett and Leung were selected. Scrumhalf Kenneth Hsieh was unavailable, enter Charles Cheung. Centre Lee Jones is still recovering from injury (didn't play in this year's A5N), aiming to return for the A7S. Baddeley had passed his fitness test before departing, securing his spot.’
Again, thanks to Martin Dunham  http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=142

Last Five
Hong Kong
25.05.2014 v Japan L 8-49 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
10.05.2014 v Korea W 39-6 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
03.05.2013 v Sri Lanka W 41-10 in Colombo (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)
26.04.2014 v Philippines W 108-0 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia; Asia 5 Nations)

Uruguay
22.06.2014 v Russia W 13-6 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
18.06.2014 v Emerging Ireland L 3-51 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
13.06.2013 v Romania L 16-34 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
17.05.2014 v Argentina L 9-65 in Montevideo (CONSUR Cup)
10.05.2013 v Chile W 55-13 in Montevideo (CONSUR Cup)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table: Uruguay 17th, Hong Kong 23rd

IRB Ranking Points
Uruguay 61.86, Hong Kong 58.47

Prediction: Uruguay by 15 points

Teams

Hong Kong

1. Leon Wei Hon-sum; 2. Alex Harris; 3. James Cooper; 4. Paul Dwyer; 5. Jack Delaforce; 6. Nick Hewson (captain); 7. Matt Lamming; 8. Pale Tauti; 9. Jamie Hood; 10. Chris McAdam; 11. Salom Yiu Kam-shing; 12. Jake Phelps; 13. Lloyd Jones; 14. Rowan Varty; 15. Alex McQueen.
Replacements: 16. Tom Bolland; 17. Jack Bennett; 18. Phil Leung; 19. Bill Brant; 20. Alex Baddeley; 21. Charles Cheng; 22. Niall Rowark; 23. Tom McQueen.
http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=142

Uruguay

1) Alejo Corral ,2) Nicolás Klappenbach(c), 3) Óscar Duran; 4) Matías Palomeque, 5) Franco Lamanna, 6) Juan Gaminara, 7) Diego Magno, 8) Alejandro Nieto; 9) Agustín Ormaechea, 10) Felipe Berchesi; 11) Jerónimo Etcheverry, 12) Alberto Román, 13) Joaquín Prada, 14) Santiago Gibernau; 15) Gastón Mieres.

El banco será con: 16) Arturo Ávalo, 17) Rodolfo De Mula, 18) Carlos Arboleya ,19) Cristofer Soarez de Lima, 20) Juan De Freitas, 21) Guillermo Lijtenstein, 22) Alejo Duran y 23) Santiago Vilaseca.

http://www.rugbynews.com.uy/banner/el-xv-de-los-teros-para-enfrentar-a-hong-kong/

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Saturday 28 June

28.06.2014
South Africa 55, Scotland 6 in Port Elizabeth
Fiji 108, Cook Islands 6 in Lautoka (WCQ Oceania)

Briefly
South Africa were too strong for a weakened and tired Scotland at Port Elizabeth whilst Fiji had to overcome some stiff resistance from the Cook Islands in the first half before eventually overwhelming the visitors in the second half. Fiji has qualified for the 2015 Rugby World Cup

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: WCQ Africa and Africa Cup 1A

28.06.2014
Kenya 29, Namibia 22 in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)
Zimbabwe 55, Madagascar 6 at Antananarivo (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)

Briefly.
Kenya and Zimbabwe were the victors on day 1 of this crucial World Cup qualifying tournament.

Namibia suffered a shock loss to Kenya, the rising starts of African rugby. Zimbabwe showed they are ready for a return to World Cup Finals with a big win over hosts Madagascar.

Remaining Matches
02.07.2014
Zimbabwe v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Kenya v Madagascar in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

06.07.2014
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Madagascar v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: Caribbean Championship

28.06.2014
Guyana 30, USA South 27 in Marietta (Carib. Champ.,Final)-After extra time
Mexico 96, Turks & Caicos Islands 0 in Mexico City (Carib. Ch.,Div.2, North)
Bahamas v Jamaica in ? (Caribbean Champ., Div.2, North)-Result to come

Briefly
For the first time since entering this competition a few years ago the USA team has lost a game. They lost the final 30-27 at home after extra time. Guyana is the new Caribbean champion.

In the other game played Mexico crushed Turks and Caicos Islands at home. The promotion-relegation playoffs will be played in September.

 

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND; Saturday 28 June

28.06.2014
South Africa v Scotland in Port Elizabeth
Fiji v Cook Islands in Lautoka (WCQ Oceania)

Briefly
Scotland has a huge hurdle to jump to be competitive against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Firstly they have had to travel from Canada and secondly their record against USA and Canada was very ordinary. Coupled with a poor Six Nations and Scotland are well below the level that South Africa is playing at.

Prediction: South Africa by 50 points

The tiny nation of the Cook Islands takes on the Oceania giant of Fiji in Lautoka. The Cooks Islands has prepared for this game with matches against some minor New Zealand provincial unions. They will be spirited but will be outpaced, out-skilled and well behind by the end of the game.

Prediction: Fiji by 80 points

WORLD CUP QUALIFYING: Africa Cup, Division 1A

28.06.2014
Kenya v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)
Zimbabwe v Madagascar (WCQ Africa, AfricaCupDiv.1A)

Briefly
This is a hugely important tournament in the island African republic of Madagascar. The winner qualifies directly to the 2015 Rugby World Cup finals. The second-placed team joins Hong Kong, Uruguay and Russia in the repechage stage.

Namibia is the favourites to take the title. I’d expect Kenya to be a threat as will Madagascar on their home turf and if front of what will be 30,000 crowds. Yes that does read 30,000! Don’t right off Zimbabwe although their preparations would be the least impressive of the four nations.

Hosts Madagascar played in a tournament in Reunion, Namibia played against South African provincial sides as did Kenya.

Predictions
Namibia by 10 v Kenya
Madagascar by 5 v Zimbabwe

Other Games
02.07.2014
Zimbabwe v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Kenya v Madagascar in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

06.07.2014
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)
Madagascar v Namibia in Antananarivo (WCQ Africa; Africa Cup, Division 1A)

NACRA CARIBBEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 28 June

28.06.2014
Guyana v USA South in TBA (Caribbean Champ., Final)
Mexico v Turks and Caicos Islands in Mexico City (Carib. Champ.,Div.2, North)
Bahamas v Jamaica in Nassau (Caribbean Champ., Div.2, North)

Briefly
The big game here is the final. It will be a huge task for Guyana to win this one away from home and in a very unfamiliar environment which is the US of A. I can’t see USA South losing this one.

Prediction: USA South by 20 points

The other two games are the final ones in the round robin series

Mexico by 30 v Turks and Caicos Islands
Bahamas by 5 v Jamaica

TEST RUGBY RESULTS SUNDAY 22 JUNE

22.06.2014
Georgia 34, Emerging Italy 10 in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Argentina Jaguars 41, Spain 7 in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Uruguay 13, Russia 6 in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Emerging Ireland 31, Romania 10 Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Lebanon 20, Uzbekistan 19 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West, Final)
India 25, Pakistan 7 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West, Playoff 3^rd-4th)

TEST RUGBY SUNDAY 22 JUNE

22.06.2014
Georgia v Emerging Italy in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Argentina Jaguars v Spain in Tblisi (IRB Tblisi Cup)
Russia v Uruguay in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Romania v Emerging Ireland Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Uzbekistan v Lebanon in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West, Final)
India v Pakistan in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West, Playoff 3^rd-4th)

Predictions
Georgia by 6 v Emerging Italy
Jaguars by 43 v Spain
Russia by 9 v Uruguay
Emerging Ireland by 11 v Romania
Lebanon by 3 v Uzbekistan
Pakistan by 7 v India

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 4

19.06.2014
Mongolia 49, Cambodia 5 in Brunei (Asia Nations Division 4)

Mongolia easily takes out this division. The Cambodia-Brunei match Saturday will determine 2nd and 3rd place.

ASIA NATIONS DIVISION 3, WEST

19.06.2014
Uzbekistan 23, India 17 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West)
Lebanon 17, Pakistan 3 in Lahore (Asia Nations Div.3, West)

Briefly
I was surprised that this tournament actually got underway with the violence in Pakistan. Good on them all for braving the conditions.

Apparently India were down to eleven players as the Indian army players were not permitted to travel to Pakistan.

Sundays Matches
Uzbekistan v Lebanon-Final
India v Pakistan-Playoff 3rd-4th

BOTSWANA ‘A 44, LESOTHO 3

Played Saturday 14 June. It was probably Botswana ‘A’ as the main Botswana side played Swaziland on the following day.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 15 JUNE

15.06.2014
South Africa XV 61, Mauritius 17 in Gaborone (CAR Africa Cup 1C)
Botswana 87, Swaziland 0 in Gaborone (CAR Africa Cup 1C)
Zambia 30, Nigeria 20 in Gaborone (CAR Africa Cup 1C)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 14 JUNE-Updated

14.06.2014
Australia 6, France 0 in Melbourne( 2^nd test)
South Africa 38, Wales 16 in Durban (1^st test)
New Zealand 28, England 27 in Dunedin (2^nd test)
Scotland 19, Canada 17 in Toronto
Ireland 23, Argentina 17 in Tucuman (2^nd test)
Samoa 15, Italy 0 in Apia
Japan 37, United States 29 in Halawa (Pacific Nat.Cup; North)
Fiji 45, Tonga 17 in Lautoka (Pacific Nations Cup; South)
Georgia 23, Spain 13 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
Argentina Jaguars 45, Emerging Italy 20 in Tbilisi (Tbilisi Cup)
Tunisia 26, Ivory Coast 6 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B Final)
Senegal 32, Uganda 31 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B Playoff 3^rd-4^th)
USA South 34, Cayman Islands 30 (Caribbean Champ.,North League)
Lesotho v Botswana ‘A’ in Gaborone (Friendly) result to come

Briefly
My coverage of world test rugby is limited at this time of the year due to work commitments. Today Monday I’m off work sick so here is my opportunity.

Australia and France slugged out a rather boring game. It was intense but error-ridden and kick-happy. France improved their commitment and pushed Australia all the way. Let’s hope the day time match next Saturday is better. On this form Australia are going to come unstuck in the forwards v South Africa and unstuck in general play v New Zealand.

South Africa were too good for Wales. Not sure where Wales goes from here but they certainly have slipped form over the last two years. South Africa looks to be a tough nut for the All Blacks to crack in the Rugby Championship.

New Zealand and England played an exciting great game of rugby. Very enjoyable to watch. The All Blacks blitz at the beginning of the second half is what puts this team above all else. Pace, timing and skills. Hansen will be concerned about allowing those two late tries by England. NZ wont get away with that against South Africa.

Ireland won the series against Argentina. Argentina are going to struggle against the other Tier 1 nations this year. They have selection and internal issues at the moment.

Samoa continued the Italian Pacific nightmare in Apia whilst Japan and Fiji look to be the teams in the Pacific Nations Cup final.

Tunisia will compete in the CAR Africa Cup 1A tournament next year with the fancied Ugandans dropping down to Division 1C.

The USA South team booked their Caribbean Championship final against Guyana with a close win over Cayman Islands.

IRB NATIONS CUP 2014 Day 1

13.06.2014
Emerging Ireland v Russia in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)
Romania v Uruguay in Bucharest (IRB Nations Cup)

There should not be any surprises on day 1 of this IRB sponsored tournament. I guess the only complaint is that we see the same old nations fronting up for this tournament. It is designed to give match time to 2015 Rugby World Cup qualifying teams from Tier 2 nations, which this does.

Predictions
Emerging Ireland by 30 v Russia
Romania by 10 v Uruguay

Squads

Emerging Ireland Squad for IRB Nations Cup

PROPS
Rodney Ah You (Connacht)
Michael Bent (Leinster - 3 caps)
Callum Black (Ulster)
John Ryan (Munster)
James Tracy (Leinster)

HOOKERS
Niall Annett (Ulster)
Bryan Byrne (Clontarf)

LOCKS
Robin Copeland (Cardiff Blues)
David Foley (Munster)
Mick Kearney (Connacht)

BACKROW
Paddy Butler (Munster)
Sean Dougall (Munster)
Mike McCarthy (Leinster - 16 caps)
Tommy O'Donnell (Munster - 4 caps)
Dominic Ryan (Leinster)

SCRUMHALVES
Paul Marshall (Ulster - 3 caps)
Luke McGrath (Leinster)

FLYHALVES
JJ Hanrahan (Munster)
Ian Keatley (Munster - 2 caps)

CENTRES
Eoin Griffin (Connacht)
Brendan Macken (Leinster)
Noel Reid (Leinster)

WINGERS
Michael Allen (Ulster)
Craig Gilroy (Ulster - 6 caps)

FULLBACKS
Andrew Conway (Munster)
Johne Murphy (Munster - 2 caps)

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4527&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=30

Romania
1. Constantin Pristavita (Baia Mare)
2. Otar Turashvili (Farul Constanta)
3. Horatiu Pungea (Scarlets)
4. Valentin Poparlan (RCM Timisoara)
5. Marius Sarbe (Tarbes)
6. Viorel Lucaci (Steaua)
7. Mihai Macovei (Massy) - captain
8. Daniel Carpo (RCM Timisoara)
9. Florin Surugiu (CSM Bucuresti)
10. Filip Lazar (St. Jean D'Angely)
11. Florin Ionita (Steaua)
12. Florin Vlaicu (Farul Constanta)
13. Csaba Gal (Baia Mare)
14. Ionut Dumitru (Steaua)
15. Gabriel Conache (RCM Timisoara)
16. Eugen Capatana (RCM Timisoara)
17. Alex Tarus (RCM Timisoara
18. Dorin Lazar (RCM Timisoara)
19. Vlad Nistor (Castres)
20. Robert Dascalu (Steaua)
21. Valentin Ivan (CSM Bucuresti)
22. Daniel Statulescu (CSM Bucuresti)

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=125

Uruguay
1. Alejo Corral
2. Nicolas Klappenbach (Captain)
3. Juan Echeverria
4. Cristofer Soares de Lima
5. Franco Lamanna
6. Juan de Freitas
7. Diego Magno
8. Alejandro Nieto
9. Guillermo Lijenstein
10. Alejo Duran
11. Gaston Gibernau
12. Alberto Roman
13. Joaquin Prada
14. Santiago Gibernau
15. Gaston Mieres
16. Carlos Arboleya
17. Mateo Sanguinetti
18. Mathias Braun
19. Fernando Bascou
20. Agustin Alonso
21. Jeronimo Etcheverry
22. Federico Favaro

http://t2rugby.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=125

Russia
1. Alexey Volkov
2. Stanislav Selsky
3. Sergey Sekisov
4. Alexander Voytov (Captain)
5. Denis Antonov
6. Andrey Garbuzov
7. Andrey Temnov
8. Viktor Gresev
9. Alexander Yanyushkin
10. Ramil Gaysin
11. Igor Galinovskiy
12. Alexey Makovetskiy
13. Herman Davydov
14. Mikhail Babaev
15. Igor Klyuchnikov
16. Valery Tsnobiladze
17. Grigory Tsnobiladze
18. Alexander Bezverkhov
19. Artem Fatakhov
20. Pavel Butenko
21. Alexey Shcherban
22. Sergey Yanyushkin

CAR AFRICA CUP 1B Day 1

10.06.2014
Ivory Coast 22, Uganda 19 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final 1)
Tunisia 22, Senegal 14 in Tunis (CAR Africa Cup 1B, Semi-final 1)

Finals Day Saturday 14 June
Ivory Coast v Tunisia (Final)
Uganda v Senegal (Playoff 3rd-4th)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS FOR 7 JUNE-Updated 11/07

07.06.2014
Australia 50, France 23 in Brisbane (1^st Test)
South Africa XV 47, World XV 13 in Capetown (Non test)
New Zealand 20, England 15 in Auckland (1^st test)
Scotland 24, United States 6 in Houston
Ireland 29, Argentina 17 in Resistencia (1^st test)
Fiji 25, Italy 14 in Suva
Japan 34, Canada 25 in Vancouver (Pacific Nations Cup; North Conf.)
Samoa 18, Tonga 18 in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup; South Conf.)
Austria 26, Bosnia Herzegovina 12 in Tešanj (ENC 2C-2D Playoff)
Cayman Islands 24, Bermuda 3 in Hamilton (Caribb. Champ.;League, North)
Guyana 15, Trinidad Tobago 8 in Georgetown (Caribb. Champ., League, South)
Mexico 34, Jamaica 8 in Ewarton (Caribbean Champ.,Cup, North)
Curacao 19, St Vincent & Grenadines 12  in Arnos Vale (Carib.Ch.,Cup, South)
St Lucia 29, British Virgin Islands 18 in Tortola (Carib. Champ., Cup, South)
Congo Kinshasa 9, Rwanda 5 in Kigali (CAR Division 2, South)

TEST RUGBY THIS WEEKEND Saturday 7 June

07.06.2014
France v Australia in Brisbane (1^st Test)
South Africa XV v World XV in Capetown (Non test)
England v New Zealand in Auckland (1^st test)
Scotland v United States in Houston
Ireland v Argentina in Resistencia (1^st test)
Italy v Fiji in Suva
Japan v Canada in Vancouver (Pacific Nations Cup; North Conf.)
Samoa v Tonga in Apia (Pacific Nations Cup; South Conf.)
Austria v Bosnia Herzegovina in Tešanj (ENC 2C-2D Playoff)
Bermuda v Cayman Islands in Hamilton (Caribb. Champ.;League, North)
Guyana v Trinidad Tobago in Georgetown (Caribb. Champ., League, South)
Mexico v Jamaica in Kingston (Caribbean Champ.,Cup, North)
St Vincent & Grenadines v Curacao in Kingstown (Caribb. Champ.,Cup, South)
British Virgin Islands v St Lucia in Tortola (Caribbean Champ., Cup, South)

Briefly
There is the saying about ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen..’. For the international test rugby calendar the month of June is madness but delightful madness. June is one of the windows for international test rugby and so there are dozens of fixtures around the globe.

France, England, Ireland and Wales tour down under whilst Scotland tours Canada, USA and Argentina. Italy tours the Pacific Islands and Japan. In addition Japan, Samoa, Fiji, Canada and the USA play for the Pacific Nations Cup.

Austria and Bosnia Herzegovina play the first of the ENC promotion-relegation playoffs (Latvia and Croatia playoff on 21 June-Denmark forfeited to Hungary) whilst no less than ten Caribbean nations play for their glory in the sun.

It is not possible for me to cover every game in depth. As a school teacher June is an assessment and report writing month (I have the same dilemma in November!) so that has to come first. I hope to cover three games each weekend.

TEST RUGBY RESULTS 30 May-1 June

01.06.2014
Barbarians (UK) RFC 39, England XV 29 at Twickenham (Non-test)

31.05.2014
Finland 29, Bosnia Herzegovina 25 in Turku (ENC 2D)
China 41, Guam 10 in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Semi-final 2)
Indonesia 11, Laos 10 in Vientiane (Asia Nations Div.3, East; Semi-final 2)
Bahamas 13, Turks and Caicos Islands 11 in Providenciales (Caribb.Champ., Div.2, North)

30.05.2014
Japan 33, Samoa 14 in Tokyo (Pacific Nations Warm-up)