INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: NACRA Caribbean Championship

30.04.2011
Bahamas v Bermuda in Hamilton (NACRA Caribbean Champ., North, R3)

Venue: National Sports Centre

Referee: Joyce Henry

Preview
Joyce Henry is the first women referee appointed to a full IRB international rugby match.

These two teams begin round 3 in the Caribbean Championship which is a round-robin tournament involving the winner of the Cayman Islands-Mexico rugby test match scheduled for 14 May.

Honours have been even for the last two encounters between these two Caribbean rugby nations. Bermuda has the home ground advantage. The traveling team is usually weaker than when they field a side at home. At this level the teams are mostly amateur players some being unable to travel because of work commitments.

Other Previews
http://www.jonesbahamas.com/news/123/ARTICLE/22955/2011-04-28.html
http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110419/SPORT10/704199977/-1/sport10

Last Five Encounters
20.04.2008 Bermuda 29-13 in Grand Cayman (WCQ NAWIRA B, Knockout Round)
08.06.2005 Bahamas 24-15 in Nassau (WCQ America R1; Caribbean North)
12.10.1998 Bermuda 43-5 in Freeport (Caribbean Championship)
22.03.1997 Bermuda 24-3 in Nassau (WCQ America, Rnd A)
1996 Bermuda 22-14

Bermuda Last Five
01.05.2010 v Cayman Islands W 26-15 in Grand Cayman (Friendly)
25.09.2009 v Trinidad Tobago L 19-32 in Port of Spain (Friendly)
22.09.2009 v Barbados W 47-5 in Bridgetown (Friendly)
26.04.2008 v Barbados W 17-6 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B, Plate Final)
23.04.2008 v Guyana L 13-25 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B Cup, Semi-final)

Bahamas Last Five
26.04.2008 v Mexico W 23-17 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B, Bowl Final)
23.04.2008 v Jamaica W 19-12 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B, Bowl semi-final)
20.04.2008 v Bermuda L 13-29 in Grand Cayman (NAWIRA B, Knockout round)
16.02.2008 v Turks and Caicos Islands W 25-17 in Cockburn Town (Flamingo Cup)
01.10.2005 v Barbados L 3-52 in Port of Spain (WCQ America R1, Caribbean Final)

GWC Rugby Rankings Do not apply

Prediction: Bermuda by 16 points

Teams

Bahamas
Head Coach: Garry Markham

Squad not available

Bermuda Training Squad
Paul Dobinson, Devrae Noel-Simmons, Allan Steynor, Nick Chilvers, Ed Barnes, Jahan Cedenio, Thomas Greenslade, Pieter Erasmus, Jonny Peacock, Scott Brown, Aldo Campbell, David Rourke, Andrew Hook, Bobby Hurdle, Peter Dunkerley, Pete Dunlop, Conor McGlynn, Gareth Williams, Darren Richardson, Kris Furbert, Tom Healy, Tony Stott, Tom Edwards, Lachie Armour, Andy Boyce, Greg Fraser, Jack Ellison, Mark Dymond, Soniko Thomas, John Jackson, Neville Zuill, Shauntino Simons, Alun Thomas.

http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20110420/SPORT10/704209948/-1/sport10#comments

TEST RUGBY: NACRA Caribbean Championship

30.04.2011
Barbados v British Virgin Islands in Tortola (NACRA Caribbean Championship, South, R2)

Venue: A.O. Shirley Stadium, Road Town,

Referee:

British Virgin Islands secured a round 2 position by defeating St Vincent and Grenadines, 9 April. Image thanks to http://www.bvirugby.com

Preview
The two winning teams from round one meet in the British Virgin Islands. The winner joins Trinidad Tobago and Guyana in the round robin tournament that is the South Zone, round 3. The winner of the round robin plays in the grand final against the North Zone finalist.

‘Training has gone quite well but been disrupted by Examinations which has stopped several younger players coming into the squad. We have played BVI twice over the last two years in Barbados (non-test status) and they have been closely fought encounters with Barbados winning both - the squad hope to make it 3 out of 3 but know it is going to be a much tougher task in BVI’ Dennis Hargreaves (Head Coach).

‘In what is expected to be one of the biggest regional sporting events ever to be staged in the Virgin Islands, the BVI National Rugby Team will take on Barbados this Saturday April 30, 2011 at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds, a Digicel press release stated.
Fresh from a resounding victory over St. Vincent and the Grenadines on 9 April, the local team, proudly sponsored by Digicel BVI, will now take on the Barbados team. It is anticipated that hundreds of spectators will turn out to see who will advance to the next round of the North American Caribbean Rugby Association (NACRA) Men’s 15’s Tournament.
“The BVI Rugby Football Union is very excited that the local team has made it to this stage in this tournament; this is a major step in the development of rugby in the British Virgin Islands and we look forward to winning this match,” stated coach Sherlock Solomon.
“The team is rearing to go and we invite everyone to come to the A. O. Shirley Grounds on Saturday to see us in action.”
According to CEO Alan Bates of major sponsors Digicel, his company is delighted to be associated with the BVI Rugby Football Union and support especially youth rugby development in these islands. He said this is an historical time for the sport in this territory and Digicel is more than pleased to partner with the Rugby Club and other sponsors to host this tournament here.
“Digicel congratulates the BVI Team on its resounding victory over St. Vincent and the Grenadines earlier this month and we look forward to this weekend’s event, where we will be rolling out the ‘red carpet’ for Team Barbados, who incidentally is sponsored by our counterparts, Digicel Barbados,” Mr. Bates said. “So, this is expected to be some great fun among rival teams from the Caribbean and in this case also among two Digicel markets.”
Saturday’s event begins at 3pm with a BVI Youth Rugby Exhibition Game. The VI vs Barbados game begins at 4pm. The winner goes on to a round robin competition with Trinidad, Tobago and Guyana, which is the South Region NACRA Men’s 15’s Championship.
Everyone is invited to the A. O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on Saturday for the big rugby games, starting at 3pm.’

From http://preview.bviplatinum.com    Apparently this article appeared for a short time only.

Other previews

http://preview.bviplatinum.com/news.php?module=news&page=Article&articleID=1303481331

Previous Encounters
A Barbados Select XV defeated British Virgin Islands 26-17 last May in Bridgetown. The only other results I have is Barbados winning 10-0 back in 1996.

GWC Rugby Rankings
NACRA Table-Barbados 5th, British Virgin Islands 8th

IRB Ranking Points do not apply

Prediction: Barbados by 10 points

Teams

Barbados Squad
Nico Blunt (Scorpions RFC) *
Jae Bowen (Trident RFC)
Jathaniel Brathwaite (Scorpions RFC)
Harold Bynoe (Trident RFC)
Omar Bynoe (Trident RFC)
Stuart Copeland (Scorpions RFC)
Rondel Cumberbatch (Emperors RFC)*
Murray Dow (Scorpions RFC)
Raj Edwards (Scorpions RFC)
Neil Forde (Scorpions RFC)
Mario Holder (Emperors RFC)
Ramon Gibson (Trident RFC)
Jamal Gonsalves (Scorpions RFC)
Che Goring (Scorpions RFC)*
Mario Holder (Emperors RFC)*
Leandro Jordan (Trident RFC)
Mark Leacock (Scorpions RFC)
Phil Mayers (Scorpions RFC)
Stephen Millar (Trident RFC)
Greg Moseley-Clarke (Renegades RFC)
Kevyn Murrel (Scorpions RFC)
Dario Stoute (Scorpions RFC)*
Sean Ward (Scorpions RFC)
Head Coach: Dennis Hargreaves

* Barbados U19 representatives

Not selected
Dwight Forde (injured), replaced by Mario Holder
Adon Rodgers (not released from army)
Kevin Carter (not able to travel due to exams)

British Virgin Islands Squad

Nicolas Recondo (Captain), Heath Copland (Vice Captain), Frank Kalama, Patrick Dennis, Clinton Hempel, Jonathon Bailey, Alex Davidson, Andrew Simmons, Andrae Adams, Marc Sorrentino, Okeito Brown, Thomas Chapman, Dustyn Molver, Donovan Staple, Franklyn Victor, Damion Brown, Roan Thornton, Simon Knight, Jeovan Thompson, Jerome Springette, Greg Boyd, Lester Hamer, Keroy Frank, Andy Woodruff and Shem Ellis.

Head Coach: Sherlock Solomon

http://www.vistandpoint.com/news/sports/6793-bvi-eager-to-meet-barbados-in-2011-nacra-tourney

Hong Kong Make Five Changes for HSBC A5N Home Opener v Japan

 

[Hong Kong, 28 April 2011]

Fresh from a key away win in the HSBC Asian Five Nations 2011, the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) has announced the squad for its first home match of thtournament against Japan on Saturday at Hong Kong Football Club (30 April, Kick-off at 16.00).

The team features five changes ahead of what is sure to be an imposing challenge from Rugby World Cup 2011-bound Japan. Hong Kong’s changes are all enforced by recent injuries with the majority of the changes coming in the forward pack.

HKRFU National Coach and Head of Performance Dai Rees commented on the selection saying, “We have had to make five changes to the team for this weekend, but the incoming players have been involved with us throughout the build-up and I am confident that they will step up to the challenge.”

“Most of the changes come in the forward pack and fortunately we have been able to retain some consistency with an unchanged backline. I think this is the best backline we have been able to put out for a number of years. The emphasis this week will again be on the forwards to provide ball and a reasonable platform for us to compete. We need to ensure that Japan doesn’t build momentum like they did last year in Tokyo,” added Rees.

The core of the team that upset Kazakhstan for the first time on the road last Saturday has been kept intact with modifications in the scrum at hooker and in the locks with Valley’s Alex Harris replacing an injured Brent Taylor at hooker and Renaud Chavanis coming in at second row. DeA’s Michael Waller takes the other second row spot replacing Oliver Jones who suffered a hand injury in training this week.

Hong Kong has kept faith with its two young props Andy Li and Alex Ng who will face a stern test for the second week in a row. The starting backline remains unchanged from last weekend with DeA’s Matthew Nuttall and HKCC’s Alex McQueen joining the reserves bench.

While Hong Kong has faced the challenge of opening away to Asia’s number two side Kazakhstan before facing top-ranked Japan, the Japanese have been continuing their build-up for the Rugby World Cup with an eight day training camp in Hong Kong. It is widely expected that John Kirwan will run out his full-look Rugby World Cup XV throughout the HSBC Asian 5 Nations for match experience.

“Making changes ahead of Japan isn’t ideal,” admitted Rees, “But we know what Japan are. Japan is the biggest test match we have on an annual basis and is the key clash for our 15-aside players each year. Playing Japan lets us know how good we are as players and as a team, and the lads relish that challenge.”

Hong Kong’s crucial opening match win should see them in good stead to retain their Top 5 spot in 2012. But the team is intent on keeping their foot on the gas ahead of crucial clashes against Sri Lanka (in Colombo on May 7) and UAE (at HKFC on May 21). At stake is the opportunity to capture honours as Asia’s second best team in 2011.

Hong Kong Senior Coach Leigh Jones said, “We have done well to get an away win but we cannot afford to let up even for a moment in this tournament. Maintaining our intensity and consistency of performance is vital at this level and key to ensuring that we achieve our goals as a team.”

A women’s match between the Hong Kong and Japan national teams will also be held on Saturday, (kick-off at 13.00). Last year, Japan edged Hong Kong’s women’s team 17-nil in Tokyo in an exciting match played as an HSBC Asian 5 Nations curtain raiser in front of over 7,000 spectators.

In the other HSBC Asian 5 Nations match this weekend, UAE host Kazakhstan at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on Friday evening, April 29, 2011 (kick-off at 19.00 local time).

Hong Kong Squad for Japan:

Andrew Li (Kowloon) 2. Alex Harris (Kowloon) 3. NG Wai Shing, Alex (Valley) 4. Renaud Chavanis (Valley) 5. Michael Waller (DeA) 6. Nick Hewson 7. Mark Goosen (Kowloon) 8. Pale Tauti (DeA) 9. Peter McKee (HKFC) 10. Keith Robertson (DeA) 11. Rowan Varty (DeA) 12. Lee Jones 13. Tom McColl © 14. YIU Kam Shing, Salom (Valley) 15. Ross Armour (Valley) 16. CHIK Man Hon, Alvin (Valley) 17. Pete Spizziri (HKFC) 18. Matthew Nuttall (DeA) 19. Terence Montgomery (Valley) 20. Tim Alexander (Valley) 21. Jamie Hood (HKFC) 21. Alex McQueen (HKCC)

ENDS

Released on behalf of the Hong Kong Rugby Football Union by Elite Step Asia Limited. For enquiries please contact Sean Moore on sean.moore@elitestep.com or +852 9095 8889.

ASIA 5 NATIONS: UAE v Kazakhstan

[April 28, 2011]: United Arab Emirates will hope that home conditions will help them to get their HSBC Asian Five Nations Top Five campaign on the winning track when they take on Kazakhstan at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. It is the first time that the HSBC Asian 5 Nations has been played in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

Mike Cox-Hill and his men left Colombo last week with relief etched all over their faces having escaped with a 13-13 draw to Sri Lanka. They will now look at taking a giant step forward in their bid to stay in the elite competition next season by defeating Kazakhstan.

“Given the conditions we faced in Colombo, it was not a bad result to come away with. I guess Sri Lanka must be feeling disappointed that we got away with a draw, but the conditions were a great leveller. Now we must look forward and try to seal our place in this competition by defeating Kazakhstan,” said UAE skipper Cox-Hill.

Heavy rain turned the opening encounter in Colombo last Saturday into a mud bath. The bigger UAE pack were tackled to a standstill by Sri Lanka who had a try in the dying seconds of the match disallowed. They also missed two easy penalties as UAE clung on to a draw.

“That result has underlined the fact that in international rugby, one has to take every opportunity that presents itself,” said second-rower Cox-Hill. “It proved that we need to play a full 80 minutes, especially the last five minutes which are crucial in an international.”

UAE will make two changes to the starting line-up with specialist tighthead prop Munib Haddad, who didn’t travel to Colombo, coming in for Dan Boatwright who will move to the bench and David Clouston starting ahead of Stuart Quinn at scrumhalf. In the reserves, back Cyrus Houmayoun comes in to replace prop Mohanned Shaker.

“We have only one a couple of changes,” said Cox-Hill. “We realise the importance of continuity and there is a positive mood in the camp.”

Kazakhstan will make two enforced changes to the team which lost 23-10 to Hong Kong in Almaty as blindside flanker Ilya Poplaskiy and hooker Mikhail Solovyev picked up red cards for foul play.

Skipper and No.8 Timur Mashurov will be looking for a much-improved performance from his players, and has urged a fast start. Kazakhstan trailed 20-3 to Hong Kong at halftime and although lock-forward Yevgeniy Shekurov scored a try late in the second-half, the comeback was left too late.

Kazakhstan know a second successive defeat could spell the end to their ambitions of finishing Asian runners-up for the second successive year.

“This game is the most important match for us in the A5N,” said Mashurov.

“If we lose in Abu Dhabi we could be relegated. But the atmosphere is good in the squad. We know that if we play the same way we played in the second half against Hong Kong, when even with only 12 players we were attacking; if all 15 of us play with that same spirit from the first minute, the result will take care of itself.”

Last year Kazakhstan defeated the Arabian Gulf - now disbanded and replaced by UAE - 43-28.

"They were leading 33-28 with three minutes to go before piling on ten points,” Cox-Hill recalled. “Like I said, the last few minutes of an international are the most crucial and we have to be at the top of our game at this stage.”

"The importance of beating Kazakhstan cannot be understated. The good thing this week is that we are back on familiar ground. We know the pitch, we know the conditions and with the help of our home fans, hopefully we will be able to get a win,” Cox-Hill added.

This weekend’s other HSBC A5N 2011 Top 5 match is Hong Kong versus Japan on Saturday, April 30, at Hong Kong Football Club (kick-off 1600).

UAE Squad:

1) Chris Jones Griffiths 2) Dan Heal 3) Munib Haddad 4) Simon Osbourne 5) Mike Cox-Hill © 6) Renier Els 7) Carl Van Rosenveldt 8) Scott Kerr 9) David Clouston 10) Jonothan Grady 11) Steve Smith 12) Duncan Murray 13) John Beeton 14) Sean Hurley 15) Tim Fletcher 16) David Vittes 17) Dan Boatwright 18) Lloyd Budd 19) Andrew Millar 20) Stuart Quinn 21) Cyrus Homayoun 22) Ali Mohammed

For more information on:

HSBC Asian 5 Nations/ARFU – contact Sean Moore, Tournament Operations Manager
Mob: +852 9095-8889 Email: sean.moore@elitestep.com

HSBC ARFU Rugby Coaching Tour – contact John Higginson, Communications Director, Fast Track HK Tel: +852 2616-2707 Mob: +852 6626-1443 Email: john.higginson@fasttrackagency.com

HSBC and Rugby – contact Jonny Hamp, Head of Rugby Sponsorship - Asia, HSBC Holdings Tel: +852 2822-3423 Mob: +852 6750-3262 Email: jonnyhamp@hsbc.com.hk

TEST RUGBY: Asia 5Nations Rugby

29.04.2011
Kazakhstan v United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi (Asia5Nations)

Venue: Zayed Sports City

Referee:

Preview
Oh how one result can put pressure on teams. Both The Emirates and Kazakhstan are under enormous pressure following their opening games last weekend. Both sides desperately need points to distance themselves from the prospect of relegation.

Kazakhstan fielded, I understand, a young side without their Russia-based professionals. Also a number of older players retired following last year’s Rugby World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. So Kazakhstan is in a rebuilding phase. This is a young side that will struggle in this tournament especially if the Russian-based players are unavailable.

The Emirates side is also rebuilding after the dissolving of the Arabian Gulf RU last year. This is also a new side with inexperienced players. They have the advantage of a home game, this being The Emirates first home test. They can expect plenty of support.

Kazakhstan hosted and lost to Hong Kong last weekend. Image thanks to http://www.sports.kz

United Arab Emirates drew with Sri Lanka last weekend. Image thanks to www.thenational.ae

Other previews
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/uae-sport/ian-bremner-we-must-be-greedier-against-kazakhstan
http://gulfnews.com/sport/rugby/uae-make-two-changes-as-they-seek-win-in-abu-dhabi-1.800123

Previous Encounters
The Emirates is virtually the Arabian Gulf Side, give and take a few players, so, as a comparison, we’ll see how Kazakhstan fared against the AG in the past

24.04.2010 Kazakhstan 43-28 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
24.05.2008 Kazakhstan 56-27 in Taldy Korgan (Asia Five Nations Cup)
11.05.2007 Kazakhstan 49-9 in Doha (Asia Nations Div.2)
30.10.2004 Kazakhstan 19-9 in Hong Kong (19th Asia Champ.,Pool B Playoff)
09.04.2004 Arabian Gulf 14-13 in Doha (Asia Tournament)

Kazakhstan dominated this series over the last 3-4 years in high-scoring encounters.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Kazakhstan 3rd, United Arab Emirates 5th.

IRB Ranking Points do not apply.

Prediction: United Emirates by 7 points

Teams

United Arab Emirates
15 Tim Fletcher (Dubai Dragons)
14. Sean Hurley (Dubai Dragons)
13. John Beeton (Dubai Exiles)
12. Duncan Murray (Dubai Hurricanes)
11. Steve Smith (Dubai Hurricanes)
10. Jonathan Grady (Dubai Dragons)
9. Stuart Quinn (Dubai Exiles)
8. Scott Kerr (Dubai Dragons)
7.Carl Von Rosenveldt (Dubai Exiles)
6. Renier Els (Abu Dhabi Harlequins)
5. Simon Osbourne (Dubai Hurricanes)
4. Mike Cox-Hill (capt) (Dubai Exiles)
3. Dan Boatwright (Dubai Hurricanes)
2. Dan Heal (Dubai Dragons)
1. Chris Jones Griffiths (Abu Dhabi Harlequins)
Replacements
Andrew Millar (Dubai Dragons)
David Vittes (Dubai Exiles)
Lloyd Budd (Dubai Exiles)
Ali Mohammed (Dubai Wasps)
Cyrus Humayon
Michael Riley (Dubai Exiles)
Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

Kazakhstan Squad not available

RUGBY TEST MATCHES THIS WEEKEND: 29-30 April 2011

29.04.2011
United Arab Emirates v Kazakhstan in Abu Dhabi (Asia5Nations)

30.04.2011
Japan v Hong Kong in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
Netherlands v Moldova in Chisinau (ENC 1B)
Latvia v Lithuania in Klaipedia (ENC 2A)
Croatia v Malta in La Valette (ENC 2A)
Switzerland v Slovenia in Ljubliana (ENC 2B)
Bahamas v Bermuda in Hamilton (NACRA Caribbean Champ., North R3)
Barbados v British Virgin Islands in Tortola (NACRA Caribbean Champ., South R2)

Briefly
The Asia5Nation competition continues this weekend with Japan playing after a bye last weekend. Japan is the team they have to catch. Last year they defeated Hong Kong by ninety points. This year they travel to Hong Kong where they will find the locals already with two wins from two matches under their belt. Kazakhstan travels to Abu Dhabi. Hopefully they will have their Russian-based players available to strengthen the side. The Emirates will play their first test match on home soil and will be looking to defeat the visitors and thus distance themselves from relegation.

The European Nations Cup competition warms up now that spring is in the European air. The Netherlands have an up hill battle to defeat Moldova away. The Dutch are at the bottom of the points table and are likely to stay there. Latvia meets their rapidly rising neighbours Lithuania, Malta hosts Croatia while Slovenia hosts Switzerland.

The NACRA Caribbean Championship continues with Bermuda and The Bahamas entering the North Zone for the first time whilst British Virgin Islands and Barbados slug it out in the South Zone to see who qualifies for round 3.

This will be a great weekend of test rugby. Where would I like to be sitting in the stands? Hamilton, Bermuda gets my pick. Sun and rugby. A great combination and two evenly matches teams. Keep an eye out for me. I’m the one wearing the red hat and blue tie!

RUGBY TEST RESULTS: 23 April 2011

23.04.2011
Belgium 30, Netherlands 18 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
Hong Kong 23, Kazakhstan 10 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
Sri Lanka 13, United Arab Emirates 13 in Colombo (Asia5Nations)

Briefly
Belgium added to Netherland’s woes as they prevented the home side from gaining any bonus points. Belgium gained maximum points by scoring 4 tries. Next weekend Moldova has to defeat Netherlands by 19 or more points or win with a bonus point to overtake Belgium on the points table.

Hong Kong began it’s Asia5Nations campaign with a very valuable away win against Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan were without two of their star Russian-based players plus a number of new faces who were replacing retired players. Two red cards in the second half did not help their cause.

Kazakhstan’s situation again raises the issue of player availability outside the June-November test windows. Kazakhstan were obviously affected and may well continue to be affected during this competition.

Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates slugged out a draw on a water logged and muddy Colombo rugby ground. It’s a result that neither side were after but later in the tournament the three points gained could be a crucial factor in deciding relegation for 2012.

Coming Up
Next weekend will see eight test matches around the world.

On Friday the 29th Kazakhstan flies into Abu Dhabi to play the Emirates whilst on Saturday 30th Japan wings into Hong Kong for their first Asia5Nations game.

Saturday will see four ENC games. The Netherlands travel to Moldova (ENC 1B), whilst Lithuania hosts neighbours Latvia and Malta hosts Croatia (both ENC 2A), and Slovenia hosts Switzerland (ENC 2B).

The NACRA Caribbean Championship continues with British Virgin Islands taking on Barbados at home, whilst Bermuda hosts The Bahamas.

It will be a huge weekend of international test rugby.

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Kazakhstan Hosts Hong Kong

23.04.2011
Hong Kong v Kazakhstan in Almaty (Asai5Nations)

Venue: National University Stadium

Referee:

Last year Kazakhstan lost by 4 points to Hong Kong in Hong Kong. Image thanks to http://www.sports.kz

Preview
Both teams enter this match as the leading teams in Asian rugby, behind Japan. Both sides leaked 100 points to Japan last season. Last year Kazakhstani rugby came of age as they defeated Korea in the Asia5Nations and World Cup qualifying match pushing Hong Kong into third spot. Hong Kong will be out to correct that!

Hong Kong has had an impressive build up to this game. Firstly, they toured Europe in November for a loss and a win. It was a great opportunity to blood some new players. Secondly, they have had the advantage of a warm-up game against Philippines in Manilla, another opportunity to blood players.

Not much is known about the present Kazakhstan side for this match. Preview here in Russian http://www.sports.kz/news.php?id=0000008269&type=main&st=0000000017

Previous Encounters
08.05.2010 Hong Kong 19-15 in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)
24.05.2009 Kazakhstan 25-6 in Almaty (Asia5Nations)
03.05.2008 Hong Kong 23-17 in Hong Kong (Asia5Nations)

Hong Kong Last Five
16.04.2011 v Philippines W 70-10 in Manilla (Friendly)"
15.12.2010 v Norway W 59-17 in Oslo (Europe Tour)
11.12.2010 v Germany L 13-34 in Heidelberg (Europe Tour)
22.05.2010 v Japan L 5-94 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
08.05.2010 v Kazakhstan W 19-15 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

Kazakhstan Last Five
17.07.2010 v Uruguay L 7-44 in Montevideo (WCQ Repechage 1)
22.05.2010 v Korea W 32-25 in Incheon (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
15.05.2010 v Japan L 7-101 in Tokyo (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
08.05.2010 v Hong Kong L 15-19 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)
24.04.2010 v Arabian Gulf W 43-28 in Almaty (WCQ Asia R2; Asia5Nations)

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-Kazakhstan 26th, Hong Kong 27th
Asia Table-Hong Kong 2nd, Kazakhstan 3rd

IRB Ranking Points
Kazakhstan 55.38, Hong Kong 52.49

Prediction: Kazakhstan by 4

Teams

Hong Kong
15. Ross Armour (Valley)
14. Yiu, Kam Shing, Salom (Valley)
13. Thomas McColl, Capt.
12. Lee Jones
11. Rowan Varty (DeA)
10. Keith Robertson (DeA)
9. Peter McKee (HKFC)
8. Pale Tauti (DeA)
7. Mark Goosen (Kowloon)
6. Nick Hewson
5. Oliver Jones (HKFC)
4. Charles French (HKFC)
3. Ng, Wai Shing, Alex (Valley)
2. Brent Taylor (Valley)
1. Andrew Li (Kowloon)
Replacements
16. Alex Harris (Kowloon) / Chik, Man Hon, Alvin (Valley) both travelling due to injury concerns
17. Pete Spizziri (HKFC)
18. Renaud Chavanis (Valley)
19. Terence Montgomery (Valley)
20. Timothy Alexander (Valley)
21. James Hood (HKFC)
21. Simon Smith (HKCC)
Head Coach: Dai Rees

Injured list
‘Simon Leung, captain of the side in last year’s A5N; Mark Wright and the Haynes brothers, Ed and Anthony’.

http://www.asian5nations.com/node/178

Kazakhstan Team not available

TEST RUGBY: Asia5Nations Sri Lanka v United Arab Emirates

23.04.2011
United Arab Emirates v Sri Lanka in Colombo (Asia5Nations)

Venue: Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club

Referee:

First United Emirates rugby team. Image thanks to http://www.arabianbusiness.com/uae-set-make-international-rugby-debut-395593.html

Preview
Much has already been published about this historic match. The United Arab Emirates begins a new chapter in Gulf rugby as they play Sri Lanka in Colombia. Once part of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Union, the Emirates is one of a number of new sides based on actual nations in the gulf.

No Previous Encounters but for historical purposes Sri Lanka did play Arabian Gulf once back in 2003, losing 25-48!

Sri Lanka Last Five
17.04.2010 v Singapore  W 23-16 in Singapore (Asia Nations, Div.1, Final)
14.04.2010 v China Taipei W 37-7 in Singapore (Asia Nations, Div.1, semi-final)
11.04.2009 v Thailand W 51-17 in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1, Playoff 3rd-4th)
08.04.2009 v China Taipei in Dubai (WCQ Asia R1; Asia Nations Div.1, semi-final)

No GWC Rugby rankings

Prediction: Sri Lanka by 7 points

Teams

Sri Lanka

The 33-member Sri Lanka squad for the HSBC Asian Five Nations Tournament

Senaka Bandara (Kandy SC)
Chanaka Chandimal (Air Force)
Prasad Chaturanga (Kandy SC)
Lasintha de Costa (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Keith Gurusinghe (Kandy SC)
Bilal Hassan (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Terrence Henry (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Nuwan Hettiarachchi (Navy)
Radhika Hettiarachchi (Air Force)
Ujitha Jayasooriya (Kandy SC)
Kishore Jehan (Kandy SC)
Ashen Karthelis (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Saliya Kumara (Kandy SC)
Pradeep Liyanage (Kandy SC)
Sumedha Malewana (Navy)
Fazil Marija (Vice Captain, Kandy SC)
Nushal Meepage (Army)
Shabeer Mohamed (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Ishan Noor (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Achala Perera (Kandy SC)
Danushka Perera (Navy)
Yoshitha Rajapaksa (Navy)
Sathya Ranatunga (Navy)
Dinesh Sanjeewa (Colombo Hockey & Football Club)
Sajith Saranga (Kandy SC)
Charith Seneviratne (Air Force)
Srinath Sooriyabandara (Ceylon Rugby & Football Club)
Chula Susantha (Navy)
Eranga Swarnatilleke (Navy)
Gayan Weeraratne (Kandy SC)
Roshan Weeraratne (Kandy SC)
Sean Wijesinghe (Captain, Kandy SC)
Kasun Yasaisuru (Kandy SC)
Head Coach:

http://www.dailynews.lk/2011/04/20/spo02.asp

United Arab Emirates

15 Tim Fletcher (Dubai Dragons)
14. Sean Hurley (Dubai Dragons)
13. John Beeton (Dubai Exiles)
12. Duncan Murray (Dubai Hurricanes)
11. Steve Smith (Dubai Hurricanes)
10. Jonathan Grady (Dubai Dragons)
9. Stuart Quinn (Dubai Exiles)
8. Scott Kerr (Dubai Dragons)
7.Carl Von Rosenveldt (Dubai Exiles)
6. Renier Els (Abu Dhabi Harlequins)
5. Simon Osbourne (Dubai Hurricanes)
4. Mike Cox-Hill (capt) (Dubai Exiles)
3. Dan Boatwright (Dubai Hurricanes)
2. Dan Heal (Dubai Dragons)
1. Chris Jones Griffiths (Abu Dhabi Harlequins)
Replacements
Andrew Millar (Dubai Dragons)
David Vittes (Dubai Exiles)
Lloyd Budd (Dubai Exiles)
Ali Mohammed (Dubai Wasps)
Mohanned Shaker (Dubai Wasps)
Stephan Imbert (Dubai Frogs)
Head Coach: Bruce Birtwistle

http://www.thenational.ae/sport/rugby/uae-target-asian-five-nations-victory-for-new-era-of-rugby
http://gulfnews.com/sport/rugby/uae-name-22-man-team-for-asian-5-nations-rugby-1.796220

INTERNATIONAL TEST RUGBY: ENC Local Derby

23.04.2011
Belgium v Netherlands in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)

Venue: National Stadium

Referee: Bargaunas (Romania)

Preview
There should be a huge crowd at the National Stadium in Amsterdam for this local derby rugby test match. Belgium and the Netherlands have a long rugby history going back to 1932 when they played their first test match against each other. There will also be a clash of different selection styles. Belgium has a large contingent of players based in France whilst the Netherlands has a tradition of player home-based players.

The Netherlands has struggled since their promotion to the second tier of ENC rugby. They have lost all three rugby tests to date without gaining a bonus point and without being a threat. They have finally settled upon a coach. Hopefully the team work will develop. They have grouped their final three rugby test matches in a row at this end of the season. Their next match will be a tough away match against Moldova. If they are to end their season with a win, this home game would appear to be their only chance.

Belgium has only lost to Poland away this season. They are building a formidable side under long-serving coach McClintock. They should, on form, win.

Last Five Encounters
03.04.2008 Belgium 51-3 in Brussels (ENC 2A)
05.05.2007 Belgium 27-20 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
16.04.2005 Belgium 15-10 in Vise (WCQ Europe R2, Pool C)
17.03.2004 Netherlands 18-10 in Vise (Friendly)
22.01.2003 Belgium 32-25 in Middleburg (Friendly)

The Netherlands last defeated Belgium at home in 1987, winning 10-8 in Hilversum. These two teams have a long history of international competition, going back to 1932.

Belgium Last Five
19.03.2011 v Germany W 28-25 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
12.03.2011 v Poland L 21-28 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)
12.02.2011 v Moldova W 20-5 in Brussels (ENC 1B)
13.11.2010 v Czech Republic W 24-12 in Prague (ENC 1B)
06.11.2010 v Canada L 12-43 in Brussels (Friendly)

Netherlands Last Five
18.04.2011 v Poland L 18-32 in Cracovie (ENC 1B)
27.11.2010 v Germany L 10-29 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
20.11.2010 v Czech Republic L 13-25 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
24.04.2010 v Croatia L 14-16 in Split (ENC 2B)
17.04.2010 v Malta W 19-0 in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)

GWC Rugby Rankings
Europe Table-Belgium 13th, Netherlands 21st

IRB Ranking Points
Belgium 55.96, Netherlands 48.33

Prediction: Belgium by 13 points

Teams

Netherlands
15 Bart Viguurs (RC The Dukes)
14 Bas Cornelisse (RC 't Gooi)
13 Fedde Lingsma (RC Hilversum)
12 Richard van den Broek
11 Jay Jay Boske (RC Hilversum)
10 Leon Koenen (LRC DIOK)
9 Rik Roovers (RC Etten-Leur)
8 Jordy Bonhof (LRC DIOK)
7 Chappy van vliet
6 Tjebbe Jehee (LRC DIOK)
5 Scott Smith
4 Maurice Stahlecker (RC Hilversum)
3 Rob Rijnholt (RC Hilversum)
2 Duncan Jansen
1 Allard Jonkers (RC 't Gooi)
Replacements
16 Costin Buburuzan
17 Catalin Buburuzan (RC The Dukes)
18 Patrick Brooijmans
19 Jason Knox (RC 't Gooi)
20 Augustin Garello
21 Arko Hoonderd
22 Floris van de Ruit (URC)
Head Coach: Silvester Ramaker

Thanks to Jacqueline Reus, NRB

Belgium Squad
Thibaut André (Soignies)
Julien Berger (La Rochelle, France)
Bertrand Billi (Soignies)
Christophe Debaty (Limoges, France)
Mika De Molder (Boitsfort)
Thomas Dienst (Lille, France)
Denis Eppe (ROC Ottignies)
Sébastien Guns (Boitsfort)
Dirk Haghedooren (Cap d’Agde, France)
Julien Hanchir (Milau, France)
Pierre Hendrikx (Boitsfort)
Daniel Janssens (Chateaubriand, France)
Simon Marote (Brussels University Club)
Julien Massimi (Saint-Etienne, France)
Nicolas Meeus (Kituro)
Jimmy Mulumba (Gennevilliers, France)
Pierre Plasman (Dendermonde)
Frédéric Rongé (Kituro)
Damien Verhaeghen (Coq Mosan, France)
Mathieu Verschelden (ASUB)
Norman Wende (Saint-Etienne, France)
Jérôme Wey (Saint-Nazaire, France)
Alan Williams (Montluçon, France)
Head Coach: Richard McClintock

http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=7528

TEST RUGBY: Asia5Nations Gets Underway

HSBC ASIAN FIVE NATIONS OPENER A SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST

[Colombo, 21 April 2011]: Survival will be the name of the game for both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sri Lanka as the 2011 HSBC Asian Five Nations Top Five competition gets underway in Colombo on Saturday. In the weekend’s other match Kazakhstan and Hong Kong will battle it out for a win and the crucial points that accompany that on the series table in Almaty.

Both Sri Lanka and UAE know that their best chance of remaining in the elite competition next year will be to win this game, for the rest of the opposition - defending champions Japan, runners-up last year Kazakhstan and third-place Hong Kong - might be a bridge too far to travel.

Sri Lanka is making its Top 5 debut after winning the HSBC Asian Five Nations Division I in 2010, while the United Arab Emirates Rugby Association (UAERA) are replacing the former regional representative, the Arabian Gulf Rugby Football Union in the Top 5 in 2011.

Wearing a new strip, the UAE enter a new era with high hopes of remaining in the Top Five competition next season.

“It is a new beginning for us and a new history. For the first time, our players will be representing a country and I’m very confident we will do well,” said Qais Abdulla Aldhalai, deputy general secretary of the UAE Rugby Association (UAERA).

Qais added: “We were given two options by the Asian Rugby Football Union when we formed the UAERA. They said we could either continue in the Top Five competition and take the place of the Arabian Gulf, or that we could start from bottom in Division Five. We obviously choose to stay in the big league. Our goal is now to remain there.”

“We must return with something from Sri Lanka,” said Ian Bremner, chief executive of UAERA. “If we don’t win our first game, we will be running up a slope for the remaining matches. Lose and we will have our backs a little bit to the wall,” Bremner added.

“We are playing away to Hong Kong and while we have home advantage against Kazakhstan, we lost to them last year,” Bremner said. “Our best chance of staying in the Top Five next season will be to beat the new boys in the big league Sri Lanka.”

Keeping their Top 5 spot is the minimum requirement coach Bruce Birtwistle has set his team, although only five players have been retained from last year’s Arabian Gulf XV which finished fourth in the competition with wins over Hong Kong and South Korea.

Easier said than done with coach Birtwistle grappling with a reduced pool of players as well as the loss of key individuals like scrumhalf Jonny MacDonald who has gone on to represent Scotland in sevens.

“We used to be able to draw players from Bahrain, Oman and Qatar in the past, but no more,” said New Zealander Birtwistle, who had been in charge of the Arabian Gulf at the last two campaigns in the HSBC Asian Five Nations.

“We have also lost players who have left the region like Jonny MacDonald who has joined Scotland and played at the Hong Kong Sevens and Adelaide Sevens. His loss is huge,” Birtwistle said.

The IRB decreed that a player, who had turned out for the Arabian Gulf, could if he wished represent his home country without having to go through the required stand-down period of three years. MacDonald, a livewire halfback, jumped at the chance and the Scotland sevens set-up grabbed him.

UAE Skipper Mike Cox-Hill, a lionhearted lock forward, and his men have had the importance of staying in the Top Five drummed into them.

“It is vital to stay in the Top Five for the sake of continuity and sustainability. We have to show our fans that the UAERA can take over from the Arabian Gulf and be a team they can support,” said Bremner.

The UAERA played its first away game in April to Morocco in Casablanca. They returned home wishing they could play it again having lost 13-0.

“A few poor refereeing decisions went against us and it created some frustrations for the players. We also had five players who were playing international rugby for the first time,” said Birtwistle.

This inexperience will worry him, especially a greenish back division that could struggle against Sri Lanka. The return of loose forwards Remiere Els and Andrew Miller will strengthen the pack and it is here that the game will be won or lost for UAE.

“We have a reasonable forward pack but the backs are inexperienced,” said Birtwistle. “But if we play to our potential we will be a difficult team to handle.”

“The players are carrying the flag of UAE on their chest for the first time. I’m confident they will do us proud,” Qais said.

Sri Lanka, promoted after winning division one last season, also admit that their best chance of registering a victory will be in their opening match.

New Zealand-based coach Ellis Meachen said: “We realise the importance of this game. Our aim this year is to make certain we are not relegated back into Division One next season.”

Meachen who was brought into the hot seat three months ago has tried his best to concentrate the mind of the players on the task at hand but says his biggest problem is the lack of match-practice for the team with rugby being off-season in Sri Lanka right now.  Kandy flanker Sean Wijesinghe will lead Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s goal will be made slightly easier by raising the curtain on the tournament at home in Colombo, and by the fact that they will host three HSBC Asian Five Nations matches this year with the moving of the final Japan v Sri Lanka match from Tokyo to the Ceylonese Rugby & Football Club in Colombo.

While the stakes are high in Sri Lanka, Kazakhstan will face an equally tough challenge from Hong Kong who travel to Almaty on Saturday.

“Hong Kong is a very competitive team,” said Kazakhstan captain Timur Mashurov. “They have a very good set-up and are well drilled.”

The head-to-head between the two sides is 2-1 in Hong Kong’s favour. The significant aspect of this is that the home team has always emerged winners, which (considering the partisan atmosphere and tough travel conditions of playing in Almaty) will give heart to Mashurov and his men.

“We need to keep them out of the game from the opening whistle and rely on playing on our home ground to give us the edge to even the record,” Mashurov added.

Hong Kong has included seven players turning out for the first time in the HSBC Asian Five Nations for the match against Kazakhstan, including new captain and outside centre Tom McColl. The recent IRB-eligibility of No. 8 Pale Tauti plus hooker Brent Taylor and lock-forward Oliver Jones will strengthen the pack ahead of what is always a tight forwards battle.

Hong Kong also boats a new midfield combination in McColl and Lee Jones while scrumhalf Peter McKee and fullback Ross Armour are also appearing for the first time in this competition.

“We have got seven guys who will be playing for the first time in the A5N. The good thing is that they are not making their debut, having been part of the team which toured Europe last December, so they know each other well,’ said Hong Kong head coach Dai Rees.

Opening match action kicks off at 16.00 local time in both Colombo and Almaty. The Sri Lanka versus UAE tie will be shown LIVE on ESPN Star Sports throughout the region.

ENDS

Released on behalf of the HSBC Asian Five Nations by Elite Step Asia Limited. For enquiries please contact sean.moore@elitestep.com or on +85 9095 8889.

RUGBY TEST MATCHES THIS WEEKEND: 23 April

23.04.2011
Belgium v Netherlands in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
Sri Lanka v United Arab Emirates (Asia5Nations)
Kazakhstan v Hong Kong in Almaty (Asia5Nations)

Briefly
There was a time when Belgium was regarded as the poor rugby neighbour of the Netherlands. Not any more. In fact Belgium is regarded as one of the favourites in this competition with the Netherlands trailing at the bottom of the table. Even though being played in Amsterdam, Belgium would be the favourite to win.

The Asia 5 Nations competition begins this weekend. Of particular interest is the first game of the newly-formed United Arab Emirates Rugby Union. Previously all the Gulf nations competed under the umbrella of the Arabian Gulf Rugby Union. That union disbanded in 2010, with each nation going its own way.

Sri Lanka gets to start the competition having been promoted from Asia Nations Division 1, replacing Korea. There has been a fair bit of argy-bargy in this union with the IRB suspending Sri Lanka last year because of irregularities in their election of officers at the union’s last AGM. All has been corrected just in time for this competition to begin.

TEST RUGBY SCORE UPDATES

16.04.2011
Barbados 31, St Lucia 12 in Bridgetown (NACRA Caribbean Champ., South, R1)
Cayman Islands 36, Jamaica 24 in Grand Cayman (NACRA Caribbean Champ, North, R1)

TEST RUGBY RESULTS: 16 April 2011

16.04.2011
Poland 32, Netherlands 14 at Cracovie (ENC 1B)
Hong Kong 74, Philippines 10 in Manilla (Friendly test)
Barbados v St Lucia in Bridgetown (NACRA Caribbean Champ.R1, South) Latest Barbados 31-5
Cayman Islands v Jamaica in Grand Cayman (NACRA Caribbean Champ.R1, North) Ht Caymans 16-12

Briefly

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
MOLDOVA	4	3	0	1	93	76	17	2	0	14
BELGIUM	4	3	0	1	93	70	23	0	1	13
POLAND	5	3	0	2	122	112	10	0	1	13
CZECH R.	5	3	0	2	102	99	3	0	0	12
GERMANY	5	1	0	4	109	117	-8	0	3	7
NETH.	3	0	0	3	41	86	-45	0	0	0

Poland’s win has left it in 3rd place in this competition and that is probably where they will stay. The winner will depend on how Moldova and Belgium each fare against the Netherlands over the next two weekends.

Hong Kong, as expected, overwhelmed the Philippines in Manilla. The locals can take a lot from this game. You don’t improve until you play a team well advanced in skill and pace. The Philippines will be stronger side when it takes to the field in the upcoming Asia Nations Division 1

In the NACRA Caribbean Championship matches the Caymans hold the lead over Jamaica at halftime whilst Barbados looks to be cruising over Saint Lucia.

RUGBY TEST MATCH: Netherlands v Poland

16.04.2011
Netherlands v Poland in Cracovie (ENC 1B)

Venue: Stadionie Hutnika

Referee: Stefano Marrama (Italy)

Image thanks to http://www.pzrugby.pl/reprezentacja/seniorzy/index.html

Preview

	P	W	D	L	PF	PA	DIFF	BT	BL	PT
MOLDOVA	4	3	0	1	93	76	17	2	0	14
BELGIUM	4	3	0	1	93	70	23	0	1	13
CZECH R.	5	3	0	2	102	99	3	0	0	12
POLAND	4	2	0	2	90	94	-4	0	1	9
GERMANY	5	1	0	4	109	117	-8	0	3	7
NETH.	2	0	0	2	23	54	-31	0	0	0

Poland and the Netherlands are both languishing towards the back end of this points table. Poland are better placed in the middle of the table and have only a slight mathematical chance of actually leading at the end of the first round. The Netherlands would have to defeat both Belgium and Moldova in its last two matches and of course Poland would need to win today.

The competition has been very even at this level, one tier below Division 1A. At the end of next year the winner of round two will be promoted to ENC 1A.

Poland has the advantage over the Netherlands in that this is a home game plus they have performed better than the newly promoted Dutch side. The Poles have won their last two games, against competition leaders Belgium and Moldova and should account for the Dutch side.

The Netherlands is an outfit struggling for consistency from coach selection through to players. They have been on a rebuilding programme since 2008. The rebuild continues. It’s a tough ask for such a group of new players to take on Poland who are tough at home.

Polish side training mid-week. Image thanks toThomas Plenkowski at http://www.pzrugby.pl/reprezentacja/seniorzy/index.html

The Netherlands has dropped its first two games in their new division, losing to both Germany and Czech Republic. They haven’t played since November, another disadvantage, Poland having played one test match this year

Last Five Encounters
22.06.2006 Netherlands 22-20 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe R3, Pool A)
25.04.2004 Netherlands 29-18 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
10.05.2003 Drawn 13-13 in Gdansk (ENC 2A)
26.10.1997 Netherlands 49-7 in Amsterdam (WCQ Europe Pool 1, Rnd B)
23.04.1995 Poland 28-12 in Amersfoort (FIRA A1)

Netherlands Last Five
27.11.2010 v Germany L 10-29 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
20.11.2010 v Czech Republic L 13-25 in Amsterdam (ENC 1B)
24.04.2010 v Croatia L 14-16 in Split (ENC 2B)
17.04.2010 v Malta W 19-0 in Amsterdam (ENC 2B)
19.12.2009 v Hong Kong W 25-10 in Amsterdam (Friendly)

Poland Last Five
12.03.2011 v Belgium W 28-21 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)
20.11.2010 v Germany W 22-17 in Frankfurt (ENC 1B)
13.11.2010 v Moldova L 25-36 in Gdansk (ENC 1B)
09.10.2010 v Czech Republic L 15-20 in Prague (ENC 1B)
24.04.2010 v Belgium L 8-29 in Brussels (WCQ Europe R4, ENC 2A)

GWC Rugby Rankings
European Table-Poland 12th, Netherlands 21st

IRB Ranking Points
Poland 52.57, Netherlands 48.63

Prediction: Poland by 26 points

Teams

Netherlands
15. Bart Viguurs (RC The Dukes)
14. Bas Cornelisse (RC 't Gooi)
13. Fedde Lingsma (RC Hilversum)
12. Richard van den Broek
11. Diede Breklemans
10. Leon Koenen (LRC DIOK)
9. Rik Roovers (RC Etten-Leur)
8. Jordi Bonhof (LRC DIOK)
7. Augustin Garello*
6. Tjebbe Jehee (LRC DIOK)
5. Patrick Brooijmans*
4. Maurice Stahlecker (RC Hilversum)
3. Robert Rhineholt (RC Hilversum)
2. Duncan Van Ham*
1. Allard Jonkers (RC 't Gooi)
Replacements
16. Bart-Jan Altink (RC Hilversum)
17. Catalin Buburuzan (RC The Dukes)
18. Jason Knox (RC 't Gooi)
19. Casper Boelens*
20. Timothy Schumacher (LRC DIOK)
21. Floris van der Ruit (URC)
22. Arko Hoondort

Head Coach: Silvester Ramaker

* Probable new caps.
Coach v Germany & Czech Republic was Jean Bidal, who had replaced Hugues Dispas.
New coach? Team manager, if same player, in at number 20 on the bench.

Team lineup based on team sheet provided by Jacqueline Reus, NRB.

Poland

1.Eric Piorkowski 2.Kamil Bobryk (kapitan) 3.Jean Boutes 4.Michał Krużycki 5.Merab Gabunia 6.Paweł Najdek 7.Mateusz Bartoszek 8.Kacper Ławski 9.Cedric Vaissiere 10.Dawid Popławski 11.Alexandre Beccuau 12.Tomasz Stępień 13.Wojciech Łukasiewicz 14.Krzysztof Hotowski 15.David Chartier.

Replacements
16.Grzegorz Janiec 17.Marcin Wilczuk 18.Tomasz Hebda 19.Stanisław Niedźwiecki 20.Rafał Szrejber 21.Konrad Jarosz 22.Łukasz Szostek.

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3758

Watch The Game Live
http://www.polsatsport.pl/News,5827/Puchar_Narodow_Europy__Jupitery_Utrudnieniem,1167975/Rugby,133605/index.html