RUGBYINTERNATIONAL.NET

GETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

JUNE 2005

THE GAME OF RUGBY IS RAPIDLY EXPANDING WORLD WIDE. THIS WEB SITE'S MAIN FUNCTION IS THE RESEARCHING, COLLECTING, COLLATING, RECORDING AND UPDATING OF INTERNATIONAL RUGBY RESULTS AND RECORDS

Web sites I recommend this month

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum If you are fed up with a lot of the rubbish, slander and generally juvenile carry-on that takes place on many rugby forums, try this lot. This forum is also an excellent source of data supplied by members. I’m in there all the time.

http://www.sarugby.net This is an excellent site on South African rugby. The site has a most comprehensive up to date database on any stat. about South African rugby you would want to know. I use it frequently.

Latest Results

28.06.2005

British & Irish Lions 109, Manawatu 6 in Palmerston North

26.06.2005

England ‘A’ 45, Argentina ‘A’ 16 in Edmonton (Churuchill Cup Final)

United States 20, Canada 19 in Edmonton (Churuchill Cup Playoff 3^rd/4th)

Malaysia 45, Guam 15 in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div. 3B)

25.06.2005

New Zealand 21, British & Irish Lions 3 in Christchurch (1^st Test)

South Africa 27, France 13 in Port Elizabeth (2^nd test)

Australia 69, Italy 21 in Melbourne

Fiji 19, Tonga 11 in Suva (WCQ Oceania Rnd 3)

Zimbabwe 21, Senegal 15 in Harare (WCQ Africa Rnd 1B, Pool A)

Kenya 8, Uganda 5 in Kampala (WCQ Africa Rnd 1B, Pool B)

Sri Lanka 34, Singapore 17 in Colombo (WCQ Asia Qualifying Div. 3A)

22.06.2005

Kazakhstan 51, Guam 6 at Almaty (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div. 3B)

21.06.2005

British & Irish Lions 26, Southland 16 in Invercargill

19.06.2005

Argentina ‘A’ 34, United States 30 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup, Preliminary)

England ‘A’ 29, Canada 5 in (Churchill Cup, Preliminary)

Ireland 47, Japan 18 in Tokyo

18.06.2005

South Africa 30, France 30 in Durban

British & Irish Lions 30, Otago 19 in Dunedin

England Counties 29, Uruguay 9 in Montevideo

Guam 8, India 8 in Guam

NEWS ARCHIVES (28.06)

At last you can now see previous news pages on the news archives section in the menu to the left. They have just been updated back to February this year (2005)

THIS WEEKEND 25/26 JUNE

26.06.2005

England ‘A’ 45, Argentina ‘A’ 15 in Edmonton (Churuchill Cup Final)

England ‘A’ won by 30 points. I predicted Argentina ‘A’ by 5

England ‘A’ swamped Argentina ‘A’ to take out the Churchill Cup.

GWC Rankings do not apply

Teams

England ‘A’

15 Tom Voyce (London Wasps), 14 Paul Sackey (London Wasps), 13 James Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), 12 Chris Bell (Leeds Tykes), 11 Mathew Tait (Newcastle Falcons), 10 Andy Goode (Leicester Tigers), 9 Peter Richards (London Wasps), 8 Phil Dowson (Newcastle Falcons), 7 Pat Sanderson (Worcester Warriors, captain) 6 Chris Jones (Sale Sharks), 5 Tom Palmer (Leeds Tykes), 4 Louis Deacon (Leicester Tigers), 3 Stuart Turner (Sale Sharks), 2 Lee Mears (Bath), 1 Perry Freshwater (Perpignan).

Replacements: 16 George Chuter (Leicester Tigers), 17 Mike Shelley (Leeds Tykes), 18 Stuart Hooper (Leeds Tykes), 19 James Forrester (Gloucester), 20 Andy Gomarsall (Gloucester), 21 Ayoola Erinle (London Wasps), 22 Andy Higgins (Bath).

Coach:

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Match review

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/Argentina/story_44509.shtml

United States 20, Canada 19 in Edmonton (Churuchill Cup Playoff 3^rd/4th) HT 10-6

United States won by 1 point. I predicted Canada by 15.

Canada and the USA clash for the second time this year as the shape up for the minor prize in the Churchill Cup.

Canada won narrowly 30-26 in Tokyo last month in the Super Cup preliminary match. The USA seem to have bridged the gap between these two old foes in the last two years. Canada, having the better record and the home advantage will be favoured to win.

Point scorers:

United States

Tries: Palefau, Wyatt

Conversions: Hercus (2)

Penalty goals: Hercus (2)

Canada:

Try: Carpenter

Conversion: Fairhurst

Penalty goals: Fairhurst (4)

Teams

Canada

15 Stirling Richmond (Vancouver Rowing Club), 14 Nik Witkowski (Coventry, England), 13. Matt King (Balmy Beach), 12. John Cannon (Coventry, England), 11.David Moonlight (University of Victoria) [22. Ryan Smith (Brampton Beavers)], 10 Ed Fairhurst (University of Victoria) [21. Simon Rodgers (Balmy Beach)], 9. Matt Weingart (Pacific Pride), 8. Aaron Carpenter (Brantford), 7. Colin Yukes (Agen, France) [18. Sean-Michael Stephen (Oakville Crusaders)], 6. Mike Webb, Capt. (Swilers), 5. Mike Burak (U.B.C. Old Boy Ravens), 4 Josh Jackson (Leonessa Brescia, Italy), 3. Forrest Gainer (Trinity University, Ireland) [17.Iain Exner (Castaway-Wanderers)], 2. Aaron Abrams (Castaway-Wanderers), 1. Casey Dunning (Pacific Pride).

Replacements not used: 16. Peter Densmore (Vandals), 19. Mike Pletch (London St Georges), 20. Pat Fleck (Meralomas),

Coach: Ric Suggitt

United States

15 Francois Viljoen (Washington), 14 Mike Palefau (Univ. of Southern Utah), 13 Paul Emerick (Amatori), 12 Salesi Sika, 11 David Fee (Back Bay) [22 Jason Pye (Univ. of Utah)], 10 Mike Hercus (Sale, England), 9 Kimball Kjar (Olympic Club); 8 Kort Schubert, Capt. (Cardiff Blues, Wales), 7 Tony Petruzzella (California Polytechnic University-San Luis Obispo), 6 Todd Clever (Mahurangi, New Zealand),[Andrew Ryland (New York Athletic Club)], 5 Mike Mangan (Chicago Griffins) [Carl Hansen (Olympic Club)], 4 Matt Kane (Old Puget Sound Beach), 3 Jacob Waasdorp (Back Bay), 2 Matt Wyatt (Philadelphia Whitemarsh), 1 Mike MacDonald (Golden Gate),

Replacements not used: 16 Mike Hobson (Air Force Academy), 17 Mike French (OMBAC), 20 David Williams (Chicagi Lions), 21 Matt Sherman (Golden Gate)

Coach: Tom Billups

Referee: Rob Debney (England)

Match reports

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=990

http://www.usarugby.org/cgi-bin/02/press/display.pl?releaseId=1067

Last Five Encounters

25.05.2005 Canada 30-26 in Tokyo (Super Cup Preliminary)

19.06.2004 Canada 32-29 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup, Playoff 3^rd/4^th)

27.05.2004 Canada 23-20 in Tokyo (Superpowers Cup, Preliminary)

27.08.2003 USA 35-20 in Buenos Aires (Pan American Series)

18.06.2003 USA 16-11 in Vancouver (Churchill Cup Preliminary)

Canada Last Five

19.06.2005 v England ‘A’ L 5-29 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup Preliminary)

11.06.2005 v Wales L 3-60 in Toronto

29.05.2005 v Japan W 15-10 in Tokyo (Super Cup, Final))

25.05.2005 v United States W 30-26 in Tokyo (Super Cup, Preliminary)

13.11.2004 v England L 0-70 at Twickenham

United States Last Five

19.06.2005 v Argentina ‘A’ L 30-34 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup, Preliminary)

04.06.2005 v Wales L3-77 in Hartford

29.05.2005 v Romania W 28-22 in Tokyo (Super Cup Playoff 3^rd/4^th)

25.05.2005 v Canada L 26-30 in Tokyo (Super Cup Preliminary)

27.11.2004 v Italy L 25-43 in Bierra-In-Piedmont

GWC Rankings: World Table-Canada 11^th, United States 13^th-Change

North America Table-Canada 1^st, USA 2^nd- Change

Malaysia v Guam in Kuala Lumpur (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div. 3B)

Malaysia has found winning at international rugby an elusive goal in the last two years. They shocked the rugby world by losing to lowly India earlier this month but get a chance to make amends against Guam, the new Asian rugby nations. Malaysia has a distinctive home advantage whilst Guam have had a busy and tiring schedule this last week, losing 6-51 to Kazakhstan away.

These two teams have not met before

Malaysia Last Five

11.06.2005 v India L 12-48 in Mumbai (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div. 3B)

08.11.2005 v Kazakhstan L 3-48 in Mumbai (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div. 3B)

16.05.2004 v Kazakhstan L 19-44 in Almaty (Asia Tournament, Pool B)

07.05.2004 v Arabian Gulf L 3-48 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Tournament, Pool B)

28.06.2003 v Singapore L 13-31 in Singapore (Asia Tournament, Pool B)

GWC Rankings: Asia Table-Guam 12^th, Malaysia 13th

Prediction: Malaysia by 7 points

25.06.2005

New Zealand 21, British & Irish Lions 3 in Christchurch (1^st Test)

New Zealand won by 18 points. I predicted NZ by 8

New Zealand dominated in the forwards to run out deserved winners in this first test. The Kiwis were absolutely devastating in all areas especially up front. The Lions were most disappointing up front being outclassed in the line outs (not a recent strong area for NZ) and in the scrums. And to cap it all off Danny Grewcock received a 2 month ban for biting and injury has ended the tour for Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll, Welsh centre Tom Shanklin and England flanker Richard Hill. This was not a happy match for the lions. Can it get worse?

As a contest it was conducted at a furious pace especially in the first half. The heavy rain and sleet did not seem to slow anybody down but handling errors did creep in.

Point scorers:

New Zealand

Tries: Williams, Sivivatu

Conversion: Carter

Penalty goals: Carter (3)

Lions:

Penalty goal: Wilkinson

Teams

New Zealand:

15 Leon MacDonald [22 Mils Muliaina], 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Tana Umaga, Capt. [21 Rico Gear], 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Justin Marshall [20 Byron Kelleher], 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jerry Collins [19 Sione Lauaki], 5 Ali Williams, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu [16 Derren Witcombe], 1 Tony Woodcock [17 Greg Somerville].

Replacement not used: 18 Jono Gibbes,

Coach: Graham Henry

British & Irish Lions:

15 Jason Robinson [22 Shane Horgan], 14 Josh Lewsey, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt [21 Will Greenwood], 12 Jonny Wilkinson, 11 Gareth Thomas, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Dwayne Peel [20 Matt Dawson], 8 Martin Corry, 7 Neil Back, 6 Richard Hill [19 Ryan Jones], 5 Ben Kay [18 Danny Grewcock], 4 Paul O'Connell, 3 Julian White, 2 Shane Byrne [16 Steve Thompson], 1 Gethin Jenkins.

Replacement not used: 17 Graham Rowntree,

Coach: Sir Clive Woodward

Referee: Joël Jutge (France)

Last Five Encounters

03.07.1993 New Zealand 30-13 in Auckland

26.06.1993 British & Irish Lions 20, New Zealand 7 in Wellington

12.06.1993 New Zealand 20-18 in Christchurch

16.07.1983 New Zealand 38-6 in Auckland

02.07.1983 New Zealand 15-8 in Dunedin

New Zealand Last Five

10.06.2005 v Fiji W 91-0 in Albany

27.11.2004 v France W 45-6 in Paris

20.11.2004 v Wales W 26-25 in Cardiff

13.11.2004 v Italy W 59-10 in Rome

14.08.2004 v South Africa L 26-40 in Johannesburg (Tri-Nations)

British & Irish Lions Last Five

23.05.2005 v Argentina D 25-25 in Cardiff

14.07.2001 v Australia L 23-29 in Sydney

07.07.2001 v Australia L 14-35 in Sydney

30.06.2001 v Australia W 29-13 in Brisbane

05.07.1997 v South Africa L 16-35 in Johannesburg

GWC Rankings: I Regret I’m unable to give the Lions a ranking.

Team lists thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

Match reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Tournaments/British_Irish_Lions/story_44456.shtml

South Africa 27, France 13 in Port Elizabeth (2^nd test)

South Africa won by 14 points. I predicted France by 7.

South Africa ran out comfortable winners against a disappointing French team who were expected to carry on their good work from last weekend. France now head to play a test in Australia.

Point scorers:

South Africa:

Tries: Habana 2, De Villiers

Conversions: Montgomery 3

Penalty goals: Montgomery 2

France:

Try: Michalak

Conversion: Michalak

Penalty goal: Yachvili, Michalak

Last Five Encounters

18.06.2005 Drawn 30-30 in Durban

09.11.2002 France 30-10 in Marseilles

10.11.2001 France 20-10 in Paris

23.06.2001 South Africa 20-15 in Durban

16.06.2001 France 32-23 in Johannesburg

France Last Five

18.06.2005 v South Africa D 30-30 in Durban

19.03.2005 v Italy W 56-13 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

12.03.2005 v Ireland W 26-19 in Dublin (6 Nations International Championship)

26.02.2005 v Wales L 18-24 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

13.02.2005 v England W 18-17 at Twickenham (6 Nations International Champ.)

South Africa Last Five

18.06.2005 v France D 25-25 in Durban

11.06.2005 v Uruguay W 134-3 in East London

04.12.2004 v Argentina W 39-7 in Buenos Aires

27.11.2004 v Scotland W 45-10 at Murrayfield

20.11.2004 v England L 16-32 at Twickenham

GWC Rankings: World Table-France 2^nd, South Africa 3^rd Change

Teams

South Africa:

15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Jean de Villiers, 13 Marius Joubert, 12 De Wet Barry, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Jacques Cronjé, 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Albert van den Berg, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Lawrence Sephaka.

Replacements: 16 Hanyani Shimange, 17 Gurthro Steenkamp, 18 Juan Smith, 19 Joe van Niekerk, 20 Fourie du Preez, 21 Jaque Fourie, 22 Brent Russell

Coach: Jake White

France:

15 Nicolas Brusque, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 Yannick Jauzion, 12 Damien Traille, 11 Cedric Heymans, 10 Frederic Michalak, 9 Dimitri Yachvili (captain), 8 Julien Bonnaire, 7 Yannick Nyanga , 6 Remy Martin, 5 Pascal Pape, 4 Thibault Privat, 3 Pieter De Villiers, 2 William Servat, 1 Sylvain Marconnet.

Replacements: 16 Sebastien Bruno, 17 Olivier Milloud, 18 Gregory Lamboley, 19 Olivier Magne, 20 Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, 21 Benoit Baby, 22 Julien Laharrague.

Coach: Bernard Laporte

Referee: Donal Courtney (Ireland)

Team data thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

Match previews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_44455.shtml

Match reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_44476.shtml

Australia 69, Italy 21 in Melbourne

Australia won by 48 points. I predicted Australia by 25.

Australia outclassed the Italians in every area except in the forwards and especially the driving maul. The Italians also lacked somebody with some flair and push in the mid field. The Australians were devastating out wide. Their job was made easier every time the Italians kicked the ball (and possession) away.

This was the highest score ever by Australia against Italy

George Gregan returned to the Australian side after breaking his leg in the Super 12 competition. Mat Rogers made his first international rugby appearance since 2003 when he replaced the injured Chris Latham.

Point scorers:

Australia:

Tries: Tuqiri (4), Gregan, Giteau, Chisholm. Sailor, Rogers, Lyons, Paul

Conversions: Giteau (6), Mortlock

Italy:

Tries: Lo Cicero, Mannato, Bergamasco

Conversions: Peens (3)

Teams

Australia:

15 Mat Rogers, 14 Wendell Sailor, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Stephen Larkham, 9 George Gregan (captain), 8 David Lyons, 7 George Smith, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Nathan Sharpe (vice-captain), 4 Mark Chisholm, 3 Al Baxter, 2 Jeremy Paul, 1 Bill Young.

Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore, 17 Matt Dunning, 18 Hugh McMeniman, 19 John Roe, 20 Chris Whitaker, 21 Morgan Turinui, 22 Mark Gerrard.

Coach: Eddie Jones

Italy:

15 Gert Peens, 14 Kaine Robertson, 13 Gonzalo Canale, 12 Andrea Masi, 11 Antonio Mannato, 10 Ramiro Pez, 9 Paul Griffen, 8 Sergio Parisse, 7 Mauro Bergamasco, 6 David Dal Maso, 5 Marco Bortolami (captain), 4 Cristian Bezzi, 3 Martin Castrogiovanni, 2 Carlo Festuccia, 1 Andrea Lo Cicero.

Replacements: 16 Michele Rizzo, 17 Carlos Nieto, 18 Antonio Pavanello, 19 Silvio Orlando, 20 Pablo Canavosio, 21 Cristian Zanoletti, 22 Walter Pozzebon

Coach: Pierre Berbizier

Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)

Last Five Encounters

23.11.2002 Australia 34-3 in Genoa

23.10.1996 Australia 40-18 in Padova

25.06.1994 Australia 20-7 in Melbourne

18.06.1994 Australia 23-20 in Brisbane

03.12.1988 Australia 55-6 in Rome

Australia Last Five

11.06.2005 v Samoa W 74-7 in Sydney

27.11.2004 v England W 21-19 at Twickenham (Cook Cup)

20.11.2004 v Scotland W 31-17 in Glasgow

13.11.2004 v France L 14-27 in Paris

06.11.2004 v Scotland W 31-14 at Murrayfield

Italy Last Five

17.06.2005 v Argentina W 30-29 in Cordoba

11.06.2005 v Argentina L 21-35 in Salta

19.03.2005 v France L 13-56 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

12.03.2005 v England L 7-39 at Twickenham (6 Nations International Championship)

26.02.2005 v Scotland L 10-18 at Murrayfield (6 Nations International Championship)

GWC Rankings: World Table-Italy 5^th, Australia 8^th Change

Team data thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

Match previews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_44464.shtml

Match reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/Australia/story_44468.shtml

Fiji v Tonga in Suva (WCQ Oceania Rnd 3)

Tomorrow the Pacific Island rugby nations of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga begin their trek towards qualifying for the 2007 rugby World Cup. The winner will qualify directly whilst the other two proceed to the repechage stages.

Fiji is still not at full strength for this encounter although they have the advantage of two warm up games (both lost) against the New Zealand Maori and against New Zealand.

Tonga enters this competition without any match play. Their squad contains a good sprinkling of overseas-based players. They have in the past always given Fiji tough competition. There has been no more than 3 points in it between these two traditional rivals in their last three encounters. It will be close.

Last Five Encounters

05.06.2004 Fiji 26-25 in Nuku’alofa (Pacific Tri-Nations)

11.07.2003 Tonga 23-22 in Nuku’alofa

04.07.2003 Fiji 34-31 in Nadi

06.07.2002 Fiji 47-20 in Nadi (WCQ Oceania Rnd 2, Pacific Tri-Nations)

07.06.2002 Fiji 47-22 in Nuku’alofa (WCQ Oceania Rnd 2, Pacific Tri-Nations)

Fiji Last Five

10.06.2005 v New Zealand L 0-91 in Albany

03.06.2005 v NZ Maoris L 27-29 in Suva

13.11.2004 v NZ Divisional XV W 61-22 in Lautoka

06.11.2004 v NZ Divisional XV L 25-34 in Suva

12.06.2004 v Samoa W 29-3 in Apia

Tonga Last Five

05.06.2004 v Fiji L 26-27 in Nuku’alofa (Pacific Tri-Nations)

29.05.2004 v Samoa L 14-24 in Apia

29.10.2003 v Canada L 7-24 in Wollongong (World Cup, Pool D)

24.10.2003 v New Zealand L 8-91 in Brisbane (World Cup, Pool D)

19.10.2003 v Wales L 20-27 in Canberra (World Cup, Pool D)

GWC Rankings: World Table-Fiji 17^th, Tonga 19^th

Pacific Table-Fiji 3^rd, Tonga 5th

Prediction: Fiji by 3 points

Teams

Fiji:

15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Ilai Derenalagi, 13 Epeli Ruivadra, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Sireli Bobo, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Mosese Rauluni (captain), 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Apolosi Satala, 6 Aca Ratuva, 5 Isoa Domolailai, 4 Iferemi

Rawaqa, 3 Jo Bale, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Ravuama Samo.

Replacements: 16 Viliame Gadolo, 17 Viliame Cavubati, 18 Jone Qovu, 19 Akuila Matanibukaca, 20 Jacob Rauluni, 21 Jack Prasad, 22 Jo Tora.

Coach: Wayne Pivac

Fiji team data thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

Tonga Squad

Props

Taufa'ao Filise, NZ

Kafalosi Tonga, Tonga

Kisi Pulu, UK

Fotu'aika Naitoko, Tonga

Kana Fakava, Tonga

Hookers

'Aleki Lutui, NZ

Viliami Ma'asi, UK

'Ifalemi Taukafa, UK

Locks

Viliami Vaki, Italy

Mosese Makasini, Tonga

Lisiate Fa'aoso, Tonga

Benhur Kivalu, Japan

Loose Forwards

Sione Niu, Tonga

Rodney Mahe, Tonga

Kulisitofa Hala'ufia, UK

Sione Tu'amoheloa, UK

Ueleni Fono, Tonga

Manu Tu'ipulotu, UK

Siope Kapeli, Tonga

Matini Tupou, Tonga

Halfbacks

Soane Havea, Tonga

Siaosi Taufa, NZ

First Fives

Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, Tonga

Movete 'Oto'ota, UK

Centres

Hudson Tonga'uiha, Tonga

Keni Fisilau, UK

Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu, UK

Sione Taukapo, Tonga

Andrew Ma'ilei, NZ

Wings

Tevita Vaikona, UK

Seti Kiole, UK

Samuela Lisala, Tonga

Taniela Tulia, Tonga

Full Backs

Pierre Hola, Japan

Sila Va'enuku, Tonga

Coach: Viliami 'Ofahengaue

Tonga team details thanks to John Lea

Match previews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_44460.shtml

Zimbabwe 21, Senegal 15 in Harare (WCQ Africa Rnd 1B, Pool A)

Zimbabwe won by 6 points. I predicted Senegal by 14.

This was a bad-tempered game .The referee called it off just into injury time as on field violence then flowed on into the stands. This match was not a good advertisement for the game in Africa.

Match report

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_44499.shtml

These two teams had never met before

Point scorers:

Zimbabwe

Penalty goals: Cloete (7)

Senegal:

Tries: Roux, Sy

Conversion: Sarsos

Dropped goal: Sarsos

Teams

Zimbabwe

15 Cleopas Makotose, 14 Victor Zambawo, 13 Wesley, Mbanje, 12 Gilbert Nyamutsamba, 11 Emmanuel Munyoro, 10 Dave Cloete, 9 Gary Hewitt, 8 Rocky Gurumani, 7 Mbekezeli Ndiweni, 6 Max Madziva (captain), 5 Rob Durant, 4 Fortune Chipendo, 3 Shingi Chirimuuta, 2 Aubrey Dube, 1 Norman Mutiba.

Senegal

15 Djibril Diarra, 14 Youssouf Drame, 13 Mahamadou Diarra, 12 Victor Samb, 11 Louny Pneira, 10 Steeve Sarsos, 9 Demba Doiuf, 8 Yogane Correa, (captain) 7 Felix Mendy, 6 Himet Sy, 5 Gabriel Seck, 4 Jonathan Roux, 3 Cailos Mendy, 2 Flongutima Gomlis, 1 Babacai N’Diongue

Referee: Jacques le Roux (Namibia)

Senegal Last Five

04.06.2005 v Zambia W 13-7 in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A Final 2^nd Leg)

28.05.2005 v Zambia W 22-14 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A Final 1^st Leg)

26.03.2005 v Cameroun W 6-0 in Duala (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A North)

12.03.2005 v Nigeria W 48-6 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A North)

12.06.2004 v Mali L 6-15 in Dakar (CAR Div.2, North, Pool A)

Zimbabwe Last Five

25.09.2004 v Namibia L 8-68 in Windhoek

11.09.2004 v Uganda in Harare W 17-0

29.08.2004 v Madagascar L18-23 in Antanaviro

24.07.2004 v Kenya in Bulawayo W 24-15 (Friendly)

19.07.2003 v Madagascar L 0-21 (Default)

GWC Rankings: Africa Table-Senegal 8^th, Zimbabwe 12^th- CHANGE

Kenya 8, Uganda 5 in Kampala (WCQ Africa Rnd 1B, Pool B) HT 5-0

Sri Lanka v Singapore in Colombo (WCQ Asia Qualifying Div. 3A)

The battle is on for places for next year’s full Asian qualifying round so each game is vital and each win nudges the team a little closer.

Both Singapore and Sri Lanka started their campaigns strongly with wins over Thailand. Singapore has got the measure of Sri Lanka in the last two encounters but this game is on Sri Lankan soil so a more even contest will ensure.

Last Five Encounters

02.07.2000 Singapore 15-12 in Aomori (17^th Asia Championship Div.2)

31.10.1998 Singapore 25-13 in Singapore (16^th Asia Championship, Sect B, Final)

16.07.1997 Sri Lanka 17-15 in Bangkok (International Quadr. Tournament)

30.03.1997 Sri Lanka 18-15 in Colombo (WCQ Asia Rnd 1)

24.09.1992 Sri Lanka 15-0 in Hong Kong (13^th Asia Championship)

Sri Lanka Last Five

04.06.2005 v Thailand W 48-38 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia Qualification Div. 3A)

30.10.2004 v China L16-30 in H. Kong (19th Asia Rugby Tourn, Pool C Playoff)

27.10.2004 v Pakistan W 75-3 in H.Kong (19th Asia Rugby Tourn, Pool C)

22.06.2004 v India W 54-17 in Mumbai (Asia Tournament Div.4)

11.10.2003 v Hong Kong L 22-36 in Kandy (Asia Tournament Pool A)

Singapore Last Five

11.06.2005 v Thailand W 47-27 in Singapore (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div. 3A)

30.10.2004 v Thailand W 31-24 in Hong Kong (19^th Asia Rugby Tourn., Pool B Final)

28.10.2004 v Arabian Gulf W 32-6 in Hong Kong (19^th Asia Rugby Tourn., Pool B)

22.05.2004 v Hong Kong L 14-47 in Singapore (Asia Tournament)

06.12.2003 v China-Taipei L 6-19 in Tainan (Asia Tournament, Pool B)

GWC Rankings: Asia Table-Singapore 4^th, Sri Lanka 8^th

Prediction: Singapore by 12 points

22.06.2005

Kazakhstan 51, Guam 6 at Almaty (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div. 3B)

21.06.2005

British & Irish Lions 26, Southland 16 in Invercargill

THE WEEKEND 17-20 JUNE

19.06.2005

Argentina ‘A’ 34, United States 30 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup, Preliminary)

Argentina ‘A’ won by 4 points. I predicted Argentina ‘A’ by 12.

It’s a great shame that Argentina will not be fielding their strongest side for the opening game in this tournament. The side will be reinforced for what will probably be the final against England. Providing this ‘A’ side can push the USA aside.

The USA suffered a very heavy defeat against Wales recently. This could be a more even contest especially if the Americans feel insulted by having to face an ‘A’ Argentina side. I expect fireworks!

United States Last Five

04.06.2005 v Wales L3-77 in Hartford

29.05.2005 v Romania W 28-22 in Tokyo (Super Cup Playoff 3^rd/4^th)

25.05.2005 v Canada L 26-30 in Tokyo (Super Cup Preliminary)

27.11.2004 v Italy L 25-43 in Bierra-In-Piedmont

20.11.2004 v Ireland L 6-55 in Dublin

England ‘A’ 29, Canada 5 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup, Preliminary)

England ‘A’ won by 24 points. I predicted England ‘A’ by 30.

This will be a very different England side that Canada lost 0-70 to at Twickenham last November. Then again Canada did not look very strong when it lost 3-60 to Wales last weekend. The Canadians did look a better side when they won the Super Cup in Tokyo last month. Still I can’t see them getting anywhere near this England side.

Last Five Encounters

13.11.2004 England 70-0 at Twickenham

13.06.2004 England ‘A’ 48-23 in Calgary (Churchill Cup)

14.06.2003 England ‘A’ 43-7 in Vancouver (Churchill Cup)

09.06.2001 England 59-20 in Vancouver

02.06.2001 England 22-10 in Toronto

Canada Last Five

11.06.2005 v Wales L 3-60 in Toronto

29.05.2005 v Japan W 15-10 in Tokyo (Super Cup, Final))

25.05.2005 v United States W 30-26 in Tokyo (Super Cup, Preliminary)

13.11.2004 v England L 0-70 at Twickenham

06.11.2004 v Italy L 6-51 in L’Aquilla

Ireland 47, Japan 18 in Tokyo

Ireland won by 29 points. I predicted Ireland by 44.

Ireland

15 Girvan Dempsey (Terenure College/Leinster), 14 Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), 13 Gavin Duffy (NEC Harlequins), 12 David Quinlan (Blackrock College/Leinster), 11 Anthony Horgan (Cork Constitution/Munster), 10 David Humphreys (Dungannon/Ulster, captain), 9 Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster), 8 Eric Miller (Terenure College/Leinster), 7 David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster), 6 Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster), 5 Matt McCullough (Ballymena/Ulster), 4 Leo Cullen (Blackrock College/Leinster), 3 Simon Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), 2 Frankie Sheahan (Cork Constitution/Munster), 1 Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster).

Replacements: tbc

Referee: Nigel Whitehouse (Wales)

Preview here http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_44260.shtml

18.06.2005

South Africa 30, France 30 in Durban

Match drawn. I predicted South Africa by 10

Two old foes on the rugby field clash in the first of two tests this Saturday in Durban.

This will be France’s first outing since March. They will be rusty and regard this tour as an opportunity to blood players.

South Africa has a more serious focus in retaining the Tri-Nations Trophy next month that involves Australia and New Zealand. They also have the advantage of already playing a test (if you consider a 134-3 romp v Uruguay a ‘test’) and they usually do better against France at home.

Last Five Encounters

09.11.2002 France 30-10 in Marseilles

10.11.2001 France 20-10 in Paris

23.06.2001 South Africa 20-15 in Durban

16.06.2001 France 32-23 in Johannesburg

22.11.1997 South Africa 52-10 in Paris

South Africa Last Five

11.06.2005 v Uruguay W 134-3 in East London

04.12.2004 v Argentina W 39-7 in Buenos Aires

27.11.2004 v Scotland W 45-10 at Murrayfield

20.11.2004 v England L 16-32 at Twickenham

13.11.2004 v Ireland L 12-17 in Dublin

GWC Rankings: World-France 2^nd, South Africa 4th

British & Irish Lions 30, Otago 19 in Dunedin

The Lions won by 11 points. I predicted the Lions by 15

The Lions take a second-string side down to Dunedin’s house of pain. The ‘House of Pain’ refers to playing ground, Carisbrook, which has seen the fall and demise of many a visiting, and especially touring, side. However, in those days Otago was a force to be reckoned with. Today, well the side, basically the Super 12 Highlanders side, is just not that strong.

England Counties 29, Uruguay 9 in Montevideo

Guam 8, India 8 in Guam

Match drawn. I predicted India by 14

India recorded a first ever win on home soil last weekend when they defeated Malaysia 48-12 in Mumbai. The Indians have made great strides in Asian rugby since they joined the international rugby club in 1998. Because they have to travel a number of their top players may not be able to travel, which is usually what happens at this level of international rugby.

Guam are new chums in the club about to play their first ever international 15’s rugby match that I am aware of. They only advantage I see for them is that they do not have to travel.

India Last Five

11.06.2005 v Malaysia W 48-13 in Mumbai (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div.3B)

04.06.2005 v Kazakhstan L 22-36 in Mumbai (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div.3B)

30.10.2004 v Pakistan W 56-3 in H.Kong (19th Asia RT, Pool C Playoff)

27.10.2004 v China L 15-50 in H.Kong (19th Asia Rugby Tournament, Pool C )

26.06.2004 v Thailand L 12-86 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament Div.4)

17.06.2005

Italy 30, Argentina 29 in Cordoba

Italy won by 1 point. I predicted Argentina by 28

Italy’s tour around provincial Argentina concludes with a test in Cordoba.

Last Five Encounters

11.06.2005 Argentina 35-21 in Salta

16.11.2002 Argentina 36-6 in Rome

14.07.2001 Argentina 38-17 in Buenos Aires

07.11.1998 Italy 23-19 in Picenza

22.10.1997 Drawn 18-18 in Lourdes (Latin Cup)

Argentina Last Five

11.06.2005 v Italy W 35-21 in Salta

23.05.2005 v British Isles D 25-25 in Cardiff

23.04.2005 v Japan W 68-36 in Buenos Aires

04.12.2004 v South Africa L 7-39 in Buenos Aires

27.11.2004 v Ireland L 19-21 in Dublin

Italy Last Five

11.06.2005 v Argentina L 21-35 in Salta

19.03.2005 v France L 13-56 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

12.03.2005 v England L 7-39 at Twickenham (6 Nations International Championship)

26.02.2005 v Scotland L 10-18 at Murrayfield (6 Nations International Championship)

12.02.2005 v Wales L 8-38 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

GWC Rankings: World Table-Argentina 5^th, Italy 15^{th CHANGE}

15.06.2005

British & Irish Lions 23, Wellington 6 in Wellington

THIS WEEKEND 10-12 JUNE

· Argentina XV v England Counties score (19.06)

12.06.2005

Ireland 44, Japan 12 in Osaka

Ireland won by 32 point. I prediction Ireland by 14 points

Georgia 75, Czech Republic 10 in Kutaisi (European Nations Cup)

Georgia won by 65 points. I prediction Georgia by 35 points

Argentina XV 36, England Counties 10 at Santa Fe (non-test)

Teams

Argentina XV Squad

Jaime Arocena (Asociación Alumni), Alejandro Bar (Los Tordos), Javier Belloto (Huirapuca), Simón Bofelli (Duendes), Facundo Octavio Borelli (Mendoza), Nicolás Carizza (Jockey Club, Rosario), Agustín Costa Repetto (Los Matreros), Bruno Fabricio Cuezzo (Los Tarcos), Gerónimo Cutuk (Hindú Club), Leopoldo De Chazal (Universitario, Tucumán), Gastón De Robertis (Regatas de Bella Vista), Agustín María Durand (Champagnat), Genaro Fessia (Córdoba Athletic), Alvaro Galindo (Universitario, Tucumán), Gastón Daniel Graco (Tala), Fernando Adolfo Higgs (Los Tordos), Javier Irazusta (Regatas de Bella Vista), Gastón Llanos (Petrarca), Conrado López Alonso (Hindú Club), Román Miralles (Duendes),Diego Ternavasio Hebert (Universitario, Tucumán), Nicolás Vergallo (Jockey Club, Rosario), Leopoldo

Villanueva (Mendoza)

England Counties

Forwards: Rob Faulkner (Newbury & Somerset), Paul Price (Lydney & Gloucestershire), Jon Williams (Tynedale & Northumberland), Stewart Pearl (Plymouth Albion & Devon), Glenn Cooper (Newbury & Somerset), Matthew Long (Pertemps Bees & Gloucestershire), Chris Bentley (Exeter & Cheshire), Paul Arnold (Orrell & Lancashire), Nick Rouse (Plymouth Albion & Devon), Craig Hammond (Nottingham & Notts Lincs Derbyshire) (captain), Dave Wilks (Orrell & Lancashire), James Ponton (Sedgley Park & Northumberland), Ed Thorpe (Otley & Northumberland), Glen Wilson (Otley & Yorkshire)

Backs: Andy Brown (Otley & Yorkshire), David McCormack (Sedgley Park & Lancashire), Duncan Hughes (Stourbridge & North Midlands), Ollie Thomas (Moseley & North Midlands), Chris Wyles (Nottingham & Notts Lincs & Derbys), Andrew MacRae (Lydney & Gloucestershire), Isaac Richmond (Manchester & Cheshire), Chris Malherbe (Wharfedale & Yorkshire), Lee Blackett (Rotherham & Yorkshire), Matt Jess (Penzance Newlyn & Cornwall), Ben Thompson (Nottingham & Oxfordshire),

Coaches: Paul Westgate and Ben Ryan

11.06.2005

Australia 74, Samoa 7 at Telstra Stadium, in Sydney

Australia easily defeated Samoa in a mismatch test. Australia clinically put the Samoans to the sword after they weathered a barrage of heavy hits from the Islanders.

Samoa had few answers to the strength, speed and skill of an Australian team missing a number of their star players. The amount of tackling they had to do soon wore them down and eventually the Australians were able to attack almost at will.

Samoa began their short tour of Australia easily defeating New South Wales Country 39-0 in Wollongong, Thursday 9 June.

Previews below

Article here http://xtramsn.co.nz/rugby/0,,12416-4459376,00.html

Article here http://www.planetrugby.com/News/story_44140.shtml

Samoa end their short Australian tour with a game against Northern Territory in Darwin, Friday June 17.

Previous Encounters

26.09.1998 Australia 25-13 in Brisbane (WCQ Pacific, Rnd C)

06.08.1994 Australia 73-3 in Sydney

09.10.1991 Australia 9-3 in Pontypool (World Cup)

Australia Last Five

27.11.2004 v England W 21-19 at Twickenham (Cook Cup)

20.11.2004 v Scotland W 31-17 in Glasgow

13.11.2004 v France L 14-27 in Paris

06.11.2004 v Scotland W 31-14 at Murrayfield

21.08.2004 v South Africa L 19-23 in Durban (Tri Nations)

Samoa Last Five

12.06.2004 v Fiji L 3-29 in Apia (Pacific Tri-Nations)

04.06.2004 v Scotland L 3-38 in Wellington

29.05.2004 v Tonga W 24-14 in Apia (Pacific Tri-Nations)

01.11.2003 v South Africa L 10-60 in Brisbane (World Cup, Pool C)

26.10.2003 v England L22-35 in Melbourne (World Cup, Pool C)

Teams

Australia

15 Chris Latham (Queensland), 14 Wendell Sailor (Queensland), 13 Stirling Mortlock (Australian Capital Territory), 12 Morgan Turinui (New South Wales),11 Clyde Rathbone (Australian Capital Territory), 10 Matt Giteau(Australian Capital Territory), 9 Chris Whitaker (New South Wales), 8 David Lyons (New South Wales), 7 George Smith (Australian Capital Territory), 6 Rocky Elsom (New South Wales), 5 Nathan Sharpe, Capt. (Queensland), 4 Mark Chisholm (Australian Capital Territory), 3 Matt Dunning (New South Wales), 2 Jeremy Paul (Australian Capital Territory), 1 Bill Young (Australian Capital Territory).

Replacements: 16 Stephen Moore (Queensland), 17 Nic Henderson(Australian Capital Territory), 18 Hugh McMeniman (Queensland),19 John Roe (Queensland), 20 Matt Henjak (Australian Capital Territory), 21 Stephen Larkham (Australian Capital Territory), 22 Mat Rogers (New South Wales).

Coach: Eddie Jones

Samoa

15 Apoua Stewart (Bay of Plenty, NZ), 14 Lome Fa'atau, 13 Terry Fanolua (UK), 12 Brian Lima (Ireland), 11 Alesana Tuilagi (Samoa), 10 Tanner Vili (Japan), 9 Lualua Vailoaloa (Wellington, NZ), 8 Semo Sititi, Capt. (UK), 7 Faleiva Motusaga (UK), 6 Simaika Mikaele (Samoa), 5 Siuleo Lafaiali'I (Italy), 4 Opeta Palepoi (UK), 3 Cencus Johnston (Taranaki, NZ), 2 Jonathon Meredith (Auckland, NZ), 1 Justin Va'a (Wellington, NZ).

Replacements: 16 Trevor Leota (UK), 17 Jamie Parkinson (Wellington, NZ), 18 Daniel Lio, 19 Paul Tupai (Bay of Plenty, NZ), 20 Notise Tauafao (Samoa), 21 Faletoese Talapusi (Samoa), 22 George Leaupepe (Japan).

Coach: Michael Jones

Referee: Lyndon Bray (New Zealand)

Team lists thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

South Africa 134, Uruguay 3 at ASBA Stadium, in East London

South Africa won by 131 points. I predicted South Africa by 84 points.

South Africa slaughtered the hapless South Americans in a major mismatch. One has to ask the question as to whether this sort of match up does anything for the development of the game in Uruguay.

Previous Encounters

11.10.2003 South Africa 72-6 in Perth (World Cup, Pool C)

15.10.1999 South Africa 39-3 in Glasgow (World Cup, Pool A)

South Africa Last Five

04.12.2004 v Argentina W 39-7 in Buenos Aires

27.11.2004 v Scotland W 45-10 at Murrayfield

20.11.2004 v England L 16-32 at Twickenham

13.11.2004 v Ireland L 12-17 in Dublin

06.11.2004 v Wales W 38-36 in Cardiff

Uruguay Last Five

15.05.2005 v Argentina XV L 21-27 in Buenos Aires (26^th Sth. America A Champ.)

11.05.2005 v Chile L 25-34 in Buenos Aires (26^th Sth. America A Champ.)

16.04.2005 v Japan W 24-18 in Montevideo

06.11.2004 v Portugal W 30-3 in Montevideo (Intercontinental Cup)

30.10.2004 v Georgia W 17-7 in Montevideo (Intercontinental Cup)

Teams

South Africa

15 Percy Montgomery (Newport Gwent Dragons, Wales) (61 tests), 14 Tonderai Chavhanga (Western Province) (debut), 13 Marius Joubert (Western Province) (26), 12 Jean de Villiers (Western Province) (9), 11 Bryan Habana (Northern Blue Bulls) (3), 10 Jaco van der Westhuyzen (NEC, Japan) (22), 9 Enrico Januarie (Golden Lions) (debut), 8 Jacques Cronjé (Northern Blue Bulls) (10), 7 Danie Rossouw (Northern Blue Bulls) (7), 6 Solly Tyibilika (Natal Sharks) (2), 5 Albert van den Berg (Natal Sharks) (25), 4 Gerrie Britz (Western Province) (10), 3 CJ van der Linde (Orange Free State Cheetahs) (13), 2 John Smit, Capt. (Natal Sharks) (39), 1 Gurthro Steenkamp (Northern Blue Bulls) (2)

Replacements: 16 Hanyani Shimange (Western Province ) (4), 17 Os du Randt (Cats) (52), 18 Juan Smith (Orange Free State Cheetahs) (11),19 Joe van Niekerk (Western Province) (32), 20 Fourie du Preez (Northern Blue Bulls) (13), 21 Jaque Fourie (Cats) (7), 22 Brent Russell (Natal Sharks) (17).

Coach: Jake White

Data thanks to http://www.sarugby.net

Uruguay

15 Agustin Perez del Castillo (Old Boys), 14 Ivo Dugonjic (Pucara),13 Joaquin Pastore (Old Boys), 12 Hilaro Canessa (Old Christians), 11 Carlos Baldasarri (Champagnat), 10 Emiliano Caffera (Champagnat), 9 Juan Campomar, Capt. (Old Boys), 8 Ignacio Conti (Carrasco Polo), 7 Rafael Alvarez (Old Christians), 6 Alfredo Guiria (Bèziers, France), 5 Carlos Protasi (Carrasco Polo), 4 Juan Alzueta (Trébol),

3 Guillermo Storace (Old Christians), 2 Juan Perez (Old Boys),1 Diego Silveira (Carrasco Polo).

Replacements: 16 Luis Ara (Pucara), 17 Gonzalo Peyrou (Champagnat),18 Diego Bertacchi (Los Cuervos), 19 Gaston Ibarbaru (Pucara), 20 Sebastian Ramos (Pucara),/Alfredo Delgado(Old Christians), 21 Matias Arocena (Old Christians), 22 Nicolas Morales (Trébol).

Coach: Ricardo Covella

Uruguay team data thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

Wales 60, Canada 3 in Toronto

Wales completed their short two-test tour of North America with another convincing win, this time over the Canadians.

For Wales, winger Chris Czekai made his test debut.

Last Five Encounters

12.10.2003 Wales 41-10 in Melbourne (World Cup, Pool D)

16.11.2002 Wales 32-21 in Cardiff

21.08.1999 Wales 33-19 in Cardiff

19.07.1997 Wales 28-25 in Markham

11.06.1994 Wales 33-15 in Markham

Wales Last Five

04.06.2005 v United States W 77-3 in Hartford

19.03.1995 v Ireland W 32-20 in Cardiff (6 Nations International Championship)

13.03.2005 v Scotland W 46-22 at Murrayfield (6 Nations International Champ.)

26.02.2005 v France W 24-18 in Paris (6 Nations International Championship)

12.02.2005 v Italy W 38-8 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

Canada Last Five

29.05.2005 v Japan W 15-10 in Tokyo (Super Cup, Final))

25.05.2005 v United States W 30-26 in Tokyo (Super Cup, Preliminary)

13.11.2004 v England L 0-70 at Twickenham

06.11.2004 v Italy L 6-51 in L’Aquilla

10.07.2004 v France L 13-47 in Toronto

Teams

Wales

15 Kevin Morgan (Newport-Gwent Dragons), 14 Rhys Williams (Cardiff Blues), 13 Mark Taylor, Capt. (Sale, England), 12 Ceri Sweeney (Newport-Gwent Dragons), 11 Chris Czekaj (Cardiff Blues), 10 Nicky Robinson (Cardiff Blues), 9 Michael Phillips (Cardiff Blues), 8 Ryan Jones (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), 7 Colin Charvis (Newcastle, England), 6 Jonathan Thomas (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), 5 Robert Sidoli (Cardiff Blues), 4 Luke Charteris (Newport-Gwent Dragons), 3 Ben Broster (Saracens, England), 2 Rhys Thomas (Cardiff Blues), 1 Duncan Jones (Neath-Swansea Ospreys)

Replacements: 16 Mefin Davies (Gloucester, England), 17 John Yapp (Cardiff Blues), 18 Robin Sowden-Taylor (Cardiff Blues), 19 Alix Popham (Llanelli Scarlets), 20 Andrew Williams (Bath, England), 21 Matthew Jones (Neath-Swansea Ospreys), 22 Matthew Watkins (Lanelli Scarlets).

Coach: Mike Ruddick

Wales team data thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

Canada

15. Derek Daypuck (Castaway-Wanderers), 14. Quentin Fyffe (Calgary-Irish), 13. Matt King (Balmy Beach), 12. John Cannon (Coventry, England), 11. Stirling Richmond (Vancouver Rowing Club), 10. Ryan Smith (Brampton Beavers), 9. Morgan Williams (Saracens, England), 8. Colin Yukes (Agen, France), 7. Stan McKeen (Pacific Pride), 6. Mike Webb (Swilers), 5. Jamie Cudmore (Grenoble, France), 4. Luke Tait (Swansea-Neath Ospreys, Wales), 3. Garth Cooke (Benevento, Italy), 2. Aaron Abrams (Castaway-Wanderers), 1. Kevin Tkachuk, Capt. (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland),

Reserves: 16. Dan Pletch (Oakville Crusaders), 17. Pat Dunkley (James Bay AA),

18. Forrest Gainer (Trinity University, Ireland), 19. Josh Jackson (Leonessa Brescia, Italy), 20. Pat Fleck (Meralomas), 21. Ed Fairhurst (University of Victoria), 22. Simon Pacey (Fredericton Loyalists).

Coach: Ric Suggitt

Canada data thanks to http://www.rugbycanada.ca

Referee: Matt Goddard (Australia)

Argentina 35, Italy 21 in Salta

Argentina won by 14 points. I predicted Argentina by 15 points.

Last Five Encounters

16.11.2002 Argentina 36-6 in Rome

14.07.2001 Argentina 38-17 in Buenos Aires

07.11.1998 Italy 23-19 in Picenza

22.10.1997 Drawn 18-18 in Lourdes (Latin Cup)

17.10.1995 Argentina 26-6 in Tucaman (Latin Cup)

Italy Last Five

19.03.2005 v France L 13-56 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

12.03.2005 v England L 7-39 at Twickenham (6 Nations International Championship)

26.02.2005 v Scotland L 10-18 at Murrayfield (6 Nations International Championship)

12.02.2005 v Wales L 8-38 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

06.02.2005 v Ireland L 17-28 in Rome (6 Nations International Championship)

Argentina Last Five

23.05.2005 v British Isles D 25-25 in Cardiff

23.04.2005 v Japan W 68-36 in Buenos Aires

04.12.2004 v South Africa L 7-39 in Buenos Aires

27.11.2004 v Ireland L 19-21 in Dublin

20.11.2004 v France W 24-14 in Marseilles

Teams

Argentina

15 Bernardo Stortoni (Bristol, England), 14 José María Nuñez Piossek, 13 Lisandro Arbizu (Bayonne, France), 12 Felipe Contepomi (Leinster, Ireland), 11 Hernán Senillosa (Clermont Auvergne), 10 Federico Todeschini (Béziers, France), 9 Nicolás Fernández Miranda (Hindú), 8 Gonzalo Longo, Capt. (Clermont Auvergne, France), 7 Juan Manuel Leguizamon (SIC), 6 Martín Schusterman (Plymouth Albion, England), 5 Pablo Bouza (Duendes), 4 Patricio Albacete (Pau, France), 3 Omar Hasan (Toulouse, France), 2 Mario Ledesma (Castres, France), 1 Marcos Ayerza (Newman).

Replacements: 16 Eusebio Guiñazú (Mendoza), 17 Pablo Henn (Hindú), 18 Mariano Sambucetti (Brive, France), 19 Federico Genoud (Los Tordos), 20 Matías Albina (Los Tilos), 21 Francisco Leonelli (La Tablada), 22 Federico Serra (SIC)

Coach:

Italy

15 Gert Peens (Conad L’Aquila); 14 Kaine Paul Robertson (Arix Viadana), 13 Gonzalo Canale (Benetton Treviso), 12 Andrea Masi (Viadana), 11 Ludovico Maria Nitoglia (Calvisano); 10 Luciano Orquera (Carrera), 9 Paul Griffen (Calvisano); 8 Sergio Parisse (Treviso), 7 Josh Sole (Viadana), 6 Aaron Persico (Agen); 5 Marco Bortolami, Capt. (Narbonne) , 4 Cristian Bezzi (Viadana); 3 Carlos Nieto (Viadana), 2 Andrea Moretti (Calvisano), 1 Andrea Lo Cicero (L’Aquila).

Replacements: 16 Carlo Festuccia (SKG Gran Parma), 17 Martin Castrogiovanni (Calvisano), 18 Antonio Pavanello (Rovigo), 19 Silvio Orlando (Treviso), 20 Pablo Canavosio (Calvisano), 21 Gabriel Alejandro Pizarro (Rovigo), 22 Mannato (Gran Parma)

Coach: Pierre Berbizier

Referee: Tappe Henning (South Africa)

New Zealand Maoris 19, British & Irish Lions 13 in Hamilton

New Zealand Maoris won by 6 points. I prediction NZ Maoris by 10 points

Teams

New Zealand Maori squad

Daniel Braid (Auckland), Neil Brew (Otago), Greg Feek (Canterbury), Ross Filipo (Wellington), Corey Flynn (Canterbury), Rico Gear (Nelson Bays), Jono Gibbes (captain, Waikato), Carl Hayman (Otago), David Hill (Waikato), Marty Holah (Waikato), Sean Hohneck (Waikato), Scott Linklater (Waikato), Deacon Manu (Waikato), Angus MacDonald (Auckland), Leon MacDonald (Canterbury), Luke McAlister (North Harbour), Craig McGrath (North Harbour), Wayne Ormond (Bay of Plenty), Caleb Ralph (Canterbury), Carlos Spencer (Auckland), Rua Tipoki (North Harbour) and Piri Weepu (Wellington).

Romania 14, Portugal 10 in Bucharest (European Nations Cup)

Romania won by 4 points. I prediction Romania by 14 points

Russia 75, Ukraine 10 in Moscow (European Nations Cup)

Russia won by 65 points. I prediction Russia by 25 points

Kenya 25, Madagascar 25 in Nairobi (WCQ Africa Rnd 1B, Pool B)

Match drawn. I prediction Kenya by 50 points

Armenia 31, Israel 12 in Erevan (FIRA-AER Division 3)

Armenia won by 19 points. I predicted Armenia by 35 points

Previous Encounter

07.05.2005 Armenia 47, Israel 15 in Erevan (FIRA-AER Division 3)

GWC Rankings: Europe Table-Armenia 25^th, Israel 36^th

Armenia Last Five

07.05.2005 v Israel W 47-15 in Erevan (FIRA-AER Division 3)

20.10.2004 v Belgium W 24-11 in Vise (Friendly)

05.06.2004 v Israel W 48-0 in Beauvais (FIRA-AER Div. 3, Pool C Final)

02.06.2004 v Norway W 36-6 in Beauvais (FIRA-AER Div. 3, Pool C Prelim.)

Israel Last Five

07.05.2005 v Armenia L 15-47 in Erevan (FIRA-AER Division 3)

23.10.2004 v Lithuania L 7-60 in Vilnius (WCQ Euro. Rnd 1)

16.10.2004 v Lithuania L 0-53 in Ranaana (WCQ Euro. Rnd 1)

05.06.2004 v Armenia L0-48 in Beauvais (FIRA-AER Div. 3, Pool C Final)

02.06.2004 v Finland W 24-15 in Beauvais (FIRA-AER Div. 3, Pool C Prelim.)

Prediction: Armenia by 35

Singapore v Thailand in Singapore (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div. 3A)

Prediction: Singapore by 42 points

India 48, Malaysia 12 in Mumbai (WCQ Asia Qualifying, Div. 3B)

India won by 36 points. I prediction India by 3 points

Cayman Islands v Bermuda in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North)

Prediction: Cayman Islands by 8 points

Jamaica 5, Bahamas 3 in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North)

Jamaica won by 2 points. I prediction Bahamas by 20 points

Jamaica ended their World Cup campaign with a surprise win over hosts Bahamas. The result has no affect on the Bahamas proceeding to a show down with the winner of the Caribbean South section in October.

Article here http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=123&a=3889

Teams

Jamaica

Coach: Kevin Gordon

Bahamas

Coach: Steven Thompson

10.06.2005

New Zealand 91, Fiji 0 in Albany

New Zealand won by 91 points. I predicted NZ by 40 points

Teams

New Zealand squad

Sosene Anesi, Dan Carter, Jerry Collins, Doug Howlett, Chris Jack, Byron Kelleher, Richie McCaw, Justin Marshall, Aaron Mauger, Keven Mealamu, Mils Muliaina, Ma'a Nonu, James Ryan, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Greg Somerville, Rodney So'oialo, Campbell Johnstone, Mose Tuiali'i, Tana Umaga (Captain), Ali Williams, Tony Woodcock, Derren Witcombe.

Thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

08.06.2005

British & Irish Lions 36, Taranaki 14 in New Plymouth

Lions won by 22 points

Taranaki displayed the resolve and determination that is typical of New Zealand provincial rugby when they met the Lions in New Plymouth yesterday.

The Lions eventually won 36-14 after dominating the second half. Taranaki dominated the Lions forwards and the possession for most of the first half and all but the last quarter of the second. The crucial moment of the match came with a Taranaki backline mistake that led to a Lions breakaway try. Taranaki began to make mistakes including a sin bin for hooker Hore and the game swung the Lions way.

The Lions showed brilliance among their backs. The lack of domination in their forward pack will have been noted by the New Zealand Maoris, whom they take on this weekend, and the All Blacks who they will play in a 3 match test series beginning later this month.

Kazakhstan 48, Malaysia 3 in Mumbai (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div.3B)

Bahamas 24, Bermuda 15 in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North)

The win by the Bahamas has put them in an unbeatable position to win the Northern Caribbean tournament. They will go on to face the winner of the Southern tournament on 1 October. The winner of that game will then match up with the USA and Canada to decide one of the places at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Article here http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=123&a=3845

Cayman Islands 18, Jamaica 8 in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North)

The English Counties team in South America (06.06)

Matches

June 12 v Argentina XV in Santa Fe

June 15 v Atletica Rosaria RFC in Rosario

June 18 v Uruguay in Montevideo

THIS WEEKEND 4/5 JUNE

05.06.2005

Scotland 39, Romania 19 in Bucharest

Scotland won by 20 points. I predicted Romania by 3

Last Five Encounters

09.11.2002 Scotland 37-10 at Murrayfield

28.08.1999 Scotland 60-19 at Murrayfield

22.04.1995 Scotland 49-16 at Murrayfield

31.08.1991 Romania 18-12 in Bucharest

09.12.1989 Scotland 32-0 at Murrayfield

Romania Last Five

29.05.2005 v United States L 20-28 in Tokyo (Super Cup, Playoff)

25.05.2005 v Japan L 16-23 in Tokyo (Super Cup Preliminary)

19.03.2005 v Ukraine W 97-0 in Bucharest (European Nations Cup)

12.03.2005 v Georgia L 13-20 in Tblissi (European Nations Cup)

26.02.2005 v Russia W 33-10 in Timisoara (European Nations Cup)

Scotland Last Five

19.03.2005 v England L 22-43 at Twickenham (6 Nations Int. Championship)

13.03.2005 v Wales L 22-46 at Murrayfield (6 Nations Int. Championship)

26.02.2005 v Italy W 18-10 at Murrayfield (6 Nations Int. Championship)

12.02.2005 v Ireland L 13-40 at Murrayfield (6 Nations Int. Championship)

05.02.2005 v France L 9-16 in Paris (6 Nations Int. Championship)

GWC Rankings: World Table-Romania 13^th, Scotland 14^th

Europe Table-Romania 6^th, Scotland 7^th

04.06.2005

British & Irish Lions 34, Bay of Plenty 20 in Rotorua

The British and Irish lions rugby team got their New Zealand tour off to a wobbly start against the Provincial team Bay of plenty. Final score 34-20.

Lions:

Tries: Lewsey (2), Cueto, Shanklin, Peel, D'Arcy

Conversions: O'Gara 2

Bay of Plenty:

Tries: Bourke, Williams

Conversions: Williams (2)

Penalty goals: Williams (2)

Teams

British & Irish Lions:

15 Josh Lewsey (England), 14 Mark Cueto (England), 13 Brian O'Driscoll, Capt. (Ireland), 12 Gavin Henson(Wales), 11 Tom Shanklin (Wales), 10 Ronan O'Gara (Ireland), 9 Dwayne Peel(Wales), 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (England), 7 Martyn Williams (Wales), 6 Richard Hill (England), 5 Ben Kay (England), 4 Paul O'Connell, (Ireland), 3 Matt Stevens (England), 2 Gordon Bulloch (Scotland), 1 Gethin Jenkins, (Wales).

Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson (England), 17 Andy Sheridan (England), 18 Donncha O'Callaghan (Ireland), 19 Martin Corry (England), 20 Matt Dawson (England), 21 Charlie Hodgson (England), 22 Gordon D'Arcy (Ireland).

Coach: Clive Woodward

Bay of Plenty

15 Adrian Cashmore, 14 Filimone Bolavucu, 13 Allan Bunting, 12 Grant McQuoid, 11 Anthony Tahana, 10 Murray Williams, 9 Kevin Senio, 8 Colin Bourke, 7 Nili Latu, 6 Wayne Ormond (captain), 5 Bernie Upton, 4 Mark Sorenson, 3 Ben Castle, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Simms Davison.

Replacements: 16 John Pareanga, 17 Taufa'ao Filise, 18 Paul Tupai, 19 Warren Smith, 20 Charles Hubbard, 21 Robert Moon, 22 Apoua Stewart.

Referee: Paul Honiss

Thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

Wales 77, United States 3 at Hartford

Wales won by 74 points. I predicted Wales by 38

Wales overwhelmed the USA even without ten of their top players who are touring New Zealand with the British & Irish Lions side.

Last Five Encounters

18.11.2000 Wales 42-11 in Cardiff

12.07.1997 Wales 28-23 in San Francisco

05.07.1997 Wales 30-20 in Wilmington

11.01.1997 Wales 34-14 in Cardiff

07.11.1987 Wales 46-0 in Cardiff

GWC Rankings: World Table-Wales 1^st, United States 12^th

Wales Last Five

19.03.2005 v Ireland W 32-20 in Cardiff (6 Nations International Champ-Winner)

13.03.2005 v Scotland W 46-22 in Murrayfield (6 Nations International Champ.)

26.02.2005 v France W 24-18 in Paris (6 Nations International Champ.)

12.02.2005 v Italy W 38-8 in Rome (6 Nations International Champ.)

05.02.2005 v England W 11-9 in Cardiff (6 Nations International Champ.)

United States Last Five

29.05.2005 v Romania W 28-22 in Tokyo (Super Cup Playoff 3^rd/4^th)

25.05.2005 v Canada L 26-30 in Tokyo (Super Cup Preliminary)

27.11.2004 v Italy L 25-43 in Bierra-In-Piedmont

20.11.2004 v Ireland L 6-55 in Dublin

03.07.2004 v France L 31-39 in Hartsford

Portugal 18, Russia 16 in Krasnoyarsk (European Nations Cup)

Portugal won by 2 points. I predicted Portugal by 7

Last Five Encounters

27.03.2004 Portugal 19-18 in Coimbra (European Nations Cup)

29.03.2003 Portugal 25-14 in Krasnodar (European Nations Cup)

07.04.2002 Russia 38-13 in Lisbon (European Nations Cup)

08.04.2001 Russia 45-27 in Krasnodar (European Nations Cup)

09.05.1987 Russia 50-6 in Kharkov (FIRA A)

GWC Rankings: World Table-Russia 24^th, Portugal 26^th

Europe Table-Portugal 9^th, Russia 11^th

Russia Last Five

19.03.2005 v Czech Republic L 7-11 in Prague (European Nations Cup)

26.02.2005 v Romania L 10-33 in Timisoara (European Nations Cup)

20.11.2004 v Georgia L 15-27 in Krasnodar (European Nations Cup)

30.05.2004 v United States L 14-41 in Tokyo (Superpowers Cup, Playoff 3^rd/4^th)

27.05.2004 v Japan L 12-29 in Tokyo (Superpowers Cup Preliminary)

Portugal Last Five

26.02.2005 v Czech Republic W 19-13 in Lisbon (European Nations Cup)

05.02.2005 v Georgia w 18-14 in Lisbon (European Nations Cup)

20.11.2004 v Ukraine W 36-16 in Odessa (European Nations Cup)

06.11.2004 v Uruguay L 3-30 in Montevideo (Intercontinental Cup)

30.10.2004 v Chile W 28-9 in Santiago (Intercontinental Cup)

Referee: M. Dartigeas (France)

Sweden 14, Andorra 10 in Vänersborg (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Playoff 2^nd leg) HT 5-7

Sweden won by 4 points. I predicted Sweden by 5.

Andorra are ahead 40-34 on aggregate, thus the tiny Principality goes, against the odds, through to the third round in 2005-06.

Previous Encounters

28.05.2005 Andorra 30, Sweden 20 in Foix (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2 playoff, 1st leg)

02.11.1996 Andorra 21-20 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Euro. Pool 3, Rnd A)

11.09.1993 Sweden 25-6 in Nassjo (FIRA B1)

GWC Rankings: Europe Table-Andorra 19^th, Sweden 20^th

Ranking stays the same despite Sweden’s win.

Sweden Last Five

28.05.2005 v Andorra L 20-30 in Foix (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2 playoff, 1st leg)

30.04.2005 v Belgium L 7-36 in Stockholm (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool C)

23.04.2005 v Netherlands L 17-24 in Amsterdam (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool C)

30.10.2004 v Lithuania W 32-20 in Helsinborg (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool C)

23.10.2004 v Latvia W 20-18 in Valmeria (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool C)

Andorra Last Five

28.05.2005 v Sweden W 30-20 in Foix (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2 playoff, 1st leg)

30.04.2005 v Slovenia W 38-5 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool A)

12.02.2005 v Spain L 14-36 in Andorra La Vela (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool A)

20.11.2004 v Croatia L 7-18 in Sisak (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool A)

23.10.2004 v Hungary W 29-16 in Estergom (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool A)

Referee: M. Reinecke (Germany)

Thanks to www.fira-aer-rugby.com

Armenia v Israel in ? (FIRA-AER Division 3)

Senegal 13, Zambia 6 in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A final, 2^nd leg)

Senegal won by 7 points. I predicted Senegal by 7

Senegal goes forward the next round of Africa World Cup qualifiers joining Cote D’Ivorie and Zimbabwe. These matches are to be played later in June and in July.

Point scorers

Senegal

Try: Sargos

Conversion: Sargos

Penalty goal: Sargos

Dropped goal: Sargos

Zambia

Penalty Goals: Kaminsa (2)

Point scorers thanks to Kalumiana Kalumiana.

Last Encounter

28.05.2005 Senegal 22-14 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A Final 1^st Leg)

Senegal Last Five

28.05.2005 v Zambia W 22-14 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A Final 1^st Leg)

26.03.2005 v Cameroun W 6-0 in Duala (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A North)

12.03.2005 v Nigeria W 48-6 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A North)

12.06.2004 v Mali L 6-15 in Dakar (CAR Div.2, North, Pool A)

09.06.2004 v Burkino Faso W 23-6 in Dakar (CAR Div.2, North, Pool A)

Zambia Last Five

28.05.2005 v Senegal L 14-22 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A Final 1^st Leg)

09.04.2005 v Botswana W 28-24 in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A South)

12.03.2005 v Swaziland L 23-24 in Mbabane (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A South)

19.08.2004 v Kenya L 10-33 in Nairobi (CAR Div.1, Pool C, South 2)

14.08.2004 v Namibia L 10-52 in Chingola (CAR Div.1, Pool C, South 2)

Sri Lanka 48, Thailand 38 in Bangkok (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div.3A)

Sri Lanka won by 10 points. I predicted Thailand by 7

Teams

Sri Lanka Squad

PROP FORWARDS - Dilan Ekanayake (CH and FC), Saranath Hettiarachchi (Kandy SC), Jayantha Ranaweera (CH and FC)

HOOKERS - Viraj Prasantha (CR and FC), Anuranga Walpola (CR and FC)

LOCK FORWARDS - Senaka Bandara (CH and FC), Anuradha Dharmatilleke (CR and FC)

FLANKERS - Pavithra Fernando (CR and FC), Dilanka WIjesekera (CH and FC)

NUMBER EIGHT - Dushantha Lewke (CH and FC), Rajiv Ganapathy (Havelocks)

SCRUM HALVES - Zulki Hamid (CR and FC), Amjad Buksh (Kandy SC)

FLY HALF - Fazil Marija (Kandy SC)

CENTRES - Sajith Mallikaraachchi (Captain, Kandy SC), Pradeep Liyanage (Kandy SC), Rajith Jayasundera (CR and FC)

WINGERS - Sanjeeva Jayasinghe (Kandy SC), Chamara Vithanage (Kandy SC), Danushka Pushpakumara (CR and FC)

FULL BACKS - Asanga Rodrigo (CR and FC), T. A. Silva (Army)

COACH - George Simpkin

Last Five Encounters

18.11.2002 Thailand 72-0 in Bangkok (18th Asia Championship, Div.2, Sect.2)

20.05.2001 Sri Lanka 46-17 in Colombo (Asia Plate)

25.06.2000 Thailand 38-28 in Aomori (17th Asia Championship, Div.2)

1999 Sri Lanka 25-3 in Ipoh (Quadr. Tournament)

12.12.1998 Sri Lanka 18-6 in Bangkok (Asia Games, Section 1)

Thailand Last Five

30.10.2004 v Singapore L 24-31 in H. Kong (19th Asia Rugby Tourn, Pool B, Final)

28.10.2004 v Kazakhstan W 37-36 in H. Kong (19th Asia Rugby Tourn, Pool B)

26.06.2004 v India W 86-12 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament Div.4)

19.11.2003 v Korea L 8-64 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament)

15.11.2003 v China L 23-24 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament)

Sri Lanka Last Five

30.10.2004 v China L 16-30 in H. Kong (19th Asia Rugby Tourn, Pool C Playoff)

27.10.2004 v Pakistan W 75-3 in H.Kong (19th Asia Rugby Tourn, Pool C)

22.06.2004 v India W 54-17 in Mumbai (Asia Tournament Div.4)

11.10.2003 v Hong Kong L 22-36 in Kandy (Asia Tournament Pool A)

22.04.2003 v Japan XV L 8-36 in Colombo (Asia Tournament Pool A)

GWC Rankings: Asia Table-Sri Lanka 8th, Thailand 10^th

Kazakhstan 36, India 22 in Mumbai (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div.3B)

Kazakhstan won by 14 points. I predicted Kazakhstan by 25

Point Scorers

Kazakhstan

Tries: Sazono (2), Rudov, Antonov, Vorobov, Picholin

Conversions: Sazono (2), Picholin

India

Tries: Vartazarian, Sawant, Sabharwal

Conversions: Vartazarian (2)

Penalty goals: Vartazarian

Point scorer details and match report here thanks to ‘4N’ from FIRA-AER forum

http://www.hindu.com/2005/06/06/stories/2005060604372000.htm

Previous Encounters

18.11.2002 Kazakhstan 89-10 in Bangkok (18th Asia Championship, Div.2, Sect.2)

25.04.2001 Kazakhstan 51-9 in Bahrain

India Last Five

30.10.2004 v Pakistan W 56-3 in H.Kong (19th Asia RT, Pool C Playoff)

27.10.2004 v China L 15-50 in H.Kong (19th Asia Rugby Tournament, Pool C )

26.06.2004 v Thailand L 12-86 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament Div.4)

22.06.2004 v Sri Lanka L 17-54 in Mumbai (Asia Tournament Div.4)

31.10.2003 v Pakistan W 52-15 in Kandy (Friendly)

Kazakhstan Last Five

30.10.2004 v Arabian Gulf W 19-9 in Hong Kong (19th Asia Rug.T. Pool B)

28.10.2004 v Thailand L 36-37 in Hong Kong (19th Asia Rugby T. Pool B Playoff)

16.05.2004 v Malaysia W 44-19 in Almaty (Asia Tournament)

09.04.2004 v Arabian Gulf L 13-14 in Doha (Asia Tournament)

20.10.2003 v Korea L 19-45 in Seoul (Asia Tournament)

GWC Rankings: Asia Table-Kazakhstan 5th, India 12^th

Teams

Kazakhstan squad

Akhmetzhan Baratov, Yevgeny Vorobyov, Mikhail Solovev, Oleg Savchenko, Alexander Polkovnikov, Ivan Galushkin, Arman Mussulmankulov, Dmitry Pichugin, Timur Mashurov (Captain), Serik Zhanseitov, Anton Rudoy, Georgiy Anokhin, Ilya Poplavskiy, Luke O'Callaghan, Dmitry Tkachenko, Tairzhan Arzuyev, Mikhail Bakanov, Sergey Kharlov, Evgeny Sazonov, Evgeny Sheshin, Grigoriy Ivanchenko, Yevgeniy Shekurov, Evgeny Antonov, Ivan Ossikovskiy, Viktor Babichev

Coach: Popov

Thanks to and match preview at http://msn.foxsports.com/rugby/story/3625972

Thanks also to ‘Quentin’ at the FIRA-AER forum

Prediction: Romania by 3

Teams

Romania

15. Danut Dumbrava (Steaua Bucuresti), 14. Cristian Sauan (Rovigo, Italy), 13. Gabriel Brezoianu (Dax, France), 12. Dan Vlad (Steaua Bucuresti ), 11. Ioan Teodorescu (University. Cluj),10. Darie Curea (Steaua Bucuresti ), 9. Iulian Andrei (Steaua Bucuresti), 8. Cosmin Ratiu (Dinamo Bucuresti ), 7. Marian Tudori (Perigueux, France), 6. Florin Corodeanu (Grenoble, France), 5. Cristian Petre (Tarbes, France), 4. Valentin Ursache (Arad), 3. Petrisor Toderasc (Brive, France), 2. Razvan Mavrodin Capt. (Tarbes, France), 1. Cezar Popescu (Agen, France)

Reserves: 16. Ion Paulica (Steaua Bucuresti), 17. Bogdan Zebega (Steaua Bucuresti), 18. Bogdan Balan (Montauban, France), 19. George Oprisor (Perpignan, France), 20. Lucian Sirbu (Metro Paris, France), 21. Stefan Dumitru (Steaua Bucuresti ), 22. Vasile Ghioc (Dinamo Bucuresti).

Coach: Daniel Santamans

Thanks to www.rugby.ro

Jamaica v Bermuda in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North)

Previous Known Encounters

15.10.1998 Bermuda 39-12 in Freeport (Caribbean Championship)

1977 Bermuda 26-3 in Martinique (Caribbean Championship)

1976 Bermuda 14-3 in Kingston

1975 Bermuda 16-10 in Devnshire

Bermuda Last Five

18.10.2003 v Cayman Islands L 0-14 in Bermuda

24.11.2001 v Trinidad-Tobago L 12-23 in Georget. (WCQ Am. Rnd 1, Caribb Zone)

22.11.2001 v Barbados W 13-5 in Georgetown (WCQ Am. Rnd 1, Caribb Zone)

1999 v Cayman Islands W 22-3

17.10.1998 v Trinidad-Tobago W 25-17 in Freeport (Caribbean Championship)

Jamaica Last Five

28.02.2004 v Cayman Islands L 14-41 in G.Cayman (Mayfair Cup)

08.11.2002 v Cayman Islands L 27-32 in Montego Bay (Mayfair Cup)

24.11.2001 v Bahamas L 5-13 in G.Cayman (WCQ America Rnd 1, Caribb.Zone)

22.11.2001 v Guyana W 18-15 in G.Cayman (WCQ America Rnd 1, Caribb.Zone)

20.11.2001 v Trin.& Tobago L 5-51 in G.Cayman (WCQ Am. Rnd 1, Caribb.Zone)

GWC Rankings: North America Table-Bermuda 5^th, Jamaica 6^th

Prediction: Bermuda by 15

Teams

Bermuda

Coach: Peter Shillingford

I can’t get the squad but here is an article…

http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050527/SPORT/105270109&SearchID=73210317833722

and again, dated 29 April http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050429/MIDOCEAN/104290116&SearchID=73210318091738

Bahamas v Cayman Islands in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North

Previous Encounters

01.05.2004 Cayman Is 43-8 in G.Cayman (Becks Cup)

14.06.2003 Cayman Is 13-7 in Nassau (Friendly)

22.11.2001 Bahamas 34-12 (v Caymans ‘B’) in Georgetown (Friendly)

1999 Cayman Islands 26-0

Bahamas Last Five

01.05.2004 v Cayman Is L 8-43 in G.Cayman (Becks Cup)

14.06.2003 v Cayman Is L7-13 in Nassau (Friendly)

24.11.2001 v Jamaica W 13-5 in Georgetown (WCQ America Rnd 1, Caribb.)

22.11.2001 v Cayman Is ‘B’ W 34-12 in Georgetown (Friendly)

20.11.2001 v Barbados L 18-25 in Georgetown (WCQ America Rnd 1, Caribb.)

Cayman Islands Last Five

01.05.2004 v Bahamas W 43-8 in Grand Cayman (Becks Cup)

28.02.2004 v Jamaica W 41-14 in Grand Cayman (Mayfair Cup)

18.10.2003 v Bermuda W 14-0 in Bermuda

14.06.2003 v Bahamas W 13-7 in Nassau

08.11.2002 v Jamaica W 32-27 in Montego Bay (Mayfair Cup)

GWC Rankings: North America Table-Cayman Islands 3^rd, Bahamas 4^th

Prediction: Cayman Islands by 20

Teams

Bahamas Squad

Forwards: Marcus Cheetham, Steve Darwin, Shane Garner, John Gates, Albon NinjaGibson, Garfield Morrison, Bouncer Nelson, Jackelo Pierre, Mario Rolle, Manoli Rousous, William Russel, Dan Woodside and vice-captain Dorian Roach.

Backs: Jeremico Cooper, Jamaal Curry, Matthew Patton, Antoine Roberts, Giovanni Rolle, Kevin Salabie, Raymon Simpson, Dominick Stubbs and team captain Tommy Thompson.

Coach: Steve Thompson

Thanks to http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=123&a=3739

And more http://www.jonesbahamas.com/?c=123&a=3740

03.06.2005

New Zealand Maoris 29, Fiji 27 in Suva

New Zealand Maoris won by 2 points. I predicted NZ Maoris by 10

New Zealand Maori teams have been playing Fiji for nearly seventy years. They first met in Suva in 1938. Fiji usually award ‘caps’ for these matches but the Maori team is an unofficial international side that does not award ‘caps’.

This match serves as a warm up fixture for the Maori team before their game against the British & Irish Lions on June 11.

Last Five Encounters

01.11.1996 Maori 25-10 in Suva

04.06.1994 Maori 34-13 in Christchurch

31.10.1992 Maori 35-34 in Suva

30.08.1980 Maori 22-9 in Rotorua

19.05.1979 Maori 19-13 in Suva

Teams

Fiji

15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Vilimone Delasau, 13 Viliame Satala, 12 Seremaia Bai, 11 Sireli Bobo,10 Nicky Little, 9 Mosese Rauluni (capt), 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Aca Ratuva,6 Ifereimi Rawaqa,5 Isoa Domolailai, 4 Akuila Matanibukaca, 3 Bill Cavubati, 2 Bill Gadolo, 1 Josese Bale

Reserves: 16 Sunia Koto, 17 Jone Railomo, 18 Jone Qovu, 19 Sam Tabua, 20 Jacob Rauluni, 21 Epeli Ruivadra, 22 Seva Rokobaro

Coach: Wayne Pivac

Thanks to http://teivovo.com

New Zealand Maori

15 Shannon Paku (Wellington), 14 Hayden Pedersen (Otago),13 Rua Tipoki (North Harbour),12 Luke McAlister (North Harbour), 11 Neil Brew (Otago), 10 David Hill (Waikato), 9 Piri Weepu (Wellington), 8 Angus MacDonald (Auckland), 7 Marty Holah (Waikato), 6 Jono Gibbes (captain, Waikato), 5 Paul Tito (Taranaki), 4 Ross Filipo (Wellington), 3 Carl Hayman (Otago), 2 Scott Linklater (Waikato), 1 Deacon Manu (Waikato).

Reserves: 16 Corey Flynn (Canterbury), 17 Greg Feek (Canterbury), 18 Thomas Waldrom (Wellington), 19 Daniel Braid (Auckland), 20 Craig McGrath (North Harbour), 21 Riki Flutey (Wellington), 22 Tamati Ellison (Wellington).

Coach: Matt Te Pou

Thanks to http://www.allblacks.com