07.08.2004

Australia: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Clyde Rathbone, 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Matt Giteau [21 Matthew Burke], 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Stephen Larkham, 9 George Gregan (captain), 8 David Lyons, 7 Phil Waugh, 6 George Smith [19 John Roe], 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Justin Harrison [18 Daniel Vickerman], 3 Al Baxter, 2 Jeremy Paul, 1 Bill Young [17 Matt Dunning].
Replacements not used: 16 Adam Freier, 20 Chris Whitaker, 22 Wendell Sailor.

South Africa: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Breyton Paulse,13 Marius Joubert, 12 De Wet Barry, 11 Jean de Villiers [21 Gaffie du Toit], 10 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Jacques Cronjé, 7 AJ Venter, 6 Schalk Burger [19 Joe van Niekerk, temp.], 5 Gerrie Britz, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Eddie Andrews [17 CJ van der Linde], 2 John Smit (captain), 1 Os du Randt.
Replacements not used: 16 Hanyani Shimange, 18 Albert van den Berg, 20 Bolla Conradie, 22 Brent Russell.

Referee: Chris White (England)

LAST FIVE ENCOUNTERS

02.08.2003 Australia 29-9 in Brisbane (Tri-Nations)

12.07.2003 South Africa 26-22 in Capetown (Tri-Nations)

17.08.2002 South Africa 33-31 in Johannesbourg (Tri-Nations)

27.07.2002 Australia 38-27 in Brisbane (Tri-Nations)

18.08.2001 Drawn 14-14 in Perth (Tri-Nations)

GWC RANKINGS: World Table-Australia 3rd, South Africa  4th - CHANGE

Data thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

PLAYERS CLOSING IN ON 100 TESTS (31.07)

George Gregan (Australia)         99

Fabian Pelous (France)              93

Gareth Llewellyn (Wales)            90

Joe Roff (Australia)                      86

Alessandro Troncon (Italy)          85

Thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

ZIMBABWE RUGBY LOOKS AHEAD (31.07)

Article here http://allafrica.com/stories/200407300134.html

Kenya 18, Uganda 8 at the RFUEA Grounds, in Nairobi (Friendly)

Kenya won by 10 points. I predicted Kenya by 15

This match was a warm up for both teams about to begin their CAR Division 1 campaign. Kenya is in the same group as Namibia and Zambia, taking on Zambia on 28 August in Nairobi, then will travel to Windhoek to play Namibia on 11 September. Kenya will later be in the same 2007 Rugby World Cup qualifier group as Madagascar and Uganda.

Uganda's CAR programme begins on 14 August against Madagascar, and then against Zimbabwe on 11 September.

This was Uganda's first outing of the season whilst Kenya had the warm-up against Zimbabwe last weekend. Kenya came away with a loss but fielded a weakened team whilst Zimbabwe fielded a near full-strength side.

LAST FIVE ENCOUNTERS

14.06.2003 Kenya 22-21 in Kampala (Friendly)

05.10.2002 Uganda 31-22 in Nairobi (CAR Division 1, North 2)

29.09.2001 Kenya 44-17 in Nairobi (Friendly)

21.07.2001 Kenya 12-8 in Kampala (Friendly)

1997 Kenya 65-8 in Nairobi (Friendly)

GWC RANKINGS: Africa table-Kenya 9th, Uganda 11th

PREDICTION: Kenya by 15 points.

Teams

Original info.from http://allafrica.com/stories/200407280298.html  and 'Klitch'.

Try also Kenya RFU web site, which has been upgraded since I was last in there. http://www.kenyarfu.com/

UGANDA RUGBY UNION PRESS RELEASE (28.07)

UGANDA RUGBY TOUR TO KENYA-ELGON CUP

The Uganda National rugby team plays the Kenya National team on 31^st July in an international friendly test at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA) grounds, Ngong road, Nairobi. This is the annual fixture between the two countries.

Yayiro Kasasa coaches the Uganda team and this will be Uganda’s first test match for the 2004 season. This match will be used by the Uganda team management as a build up before hosting Madagascar on 14^th August at the Kampala Rugby Union Football Club (KRUFC) in the opener of the Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) top nations cup-southern zone. Later in September the team will travel to Harare, Zimbabwe for their second CAR match. All games are a must win, if Uganda will better last year’s semi-final finishing. Last year Uganda bowed out to Namibia in Windhoek. This year the Union’s target is to bring a semi-final match at Kampala. Finals are slated for 9^th October 2004.

The traveling team will be announced on Wednesday 28^th July at the Kyadondo rugby club. Attached is the 27-man squad, that will be trimmed to 22 on Wednesday evening. Early indications show that several players will earn their first cap in Nairobi. Competition for places has been tough and the best is expected out of the team that will likely have a fair balance between experience and youth.

The last time the two sides met in a XV’s game, Kenya escaped as 22-21 victors at Kyadondo rugby club in 2003. This test match will mark the first time the two teams play at RFUEA grounds since 2002, when Uganda eliminated Kenya in the CAR cup in 2002.

Uganda’s team will travel to Nairobi on Thursday and will be expected back on Sunday.

Bell lager Uganda’s Premium lager generously sponsor the Rugby Cranes and are one of Ugandan Rugby main sponsor.

UG vs. Kenya test July 31^st 2004

1. Brian Makalama

2. Fred Mudoola

3. Gideon Kamya

4. Kenneth Mutabaruka

5. Deogratius Tumuhairwe

6. Deogratius Mukasa

7. Victor Wadia

8. Andrew Owor

9. Soita Moses

10. Ronnie Mwisaka

11. Robert Seguya

12. Peter Magona

13. Bobby Bibagamba

14. Roger Sebina

15. Bobby Tumusiime

16. Ronnie Lutakome

17. O’Brien Tindimwebwa

 18. John Musoke

 19. Tony Lugya

20. Mark Olweny

21. Simon Wakabi

22. Emmanuel Ochaya

23. Timothy Mudoola

24. Geoffrey Okello

25. Brian Tabaruka

26. Anthony Kinene

27. Gamma Faisal

Coach: Yayiro Kasasa

Asst Coach: Ojambo Paul

Team Manager: Edmond Owor

Asst Team Manager: Henry Musoke

Team Doctor: Dr. Albert Majwara

HERBERT WAFULA

COUNTRY RUGBY MANAGER

UGANDA RUGBY UNION 

NEWS ARCHIVES (25.07)

This section has been a tricky beast on this site. I now have pages loaded for July 2003, August 2003 & September 2003. Due to a PC crash only part of October 2003 is available. November & December 2003 are unavailable (yes I lost all my 2003 Rugby World Cup data!). January 2004 is also unavailable.

March & April 2004 have now been loaded. I'm working on May (It's too big for the server too cope with!!). June has the same problem.

NATIONAL COACHES LIST (25.07)

This list has now been updated and includes the 2004 Coaches for Cook Islands, Romania, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Venezuela and Sri Lanka. Go to links.

SCOTLAND TRAINING SQUAD FOR POLAND (25.07)

TRANSFERS OF INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS (AND OTHERS) IN FRANCE (25.07)

Found here at http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_37387.shtml

24.07.2004

New Zealand 23, South Africa 21 at Jade Stadium, in Christchurch (Tri-Nations)

17.07.2004

New Zealand 16, Australia 7 in Wellington (Bledisloe Cup & Tri-Nations) HT 3-0

New Zealand won by 9 points. I predicted New Zealand by 7 points.

Australia, and particularly Steven Larkham, missed the pivot play and leadership of George Gregan, as New Zealand managed the slippery conditions better, to registering an important first-up win in the Tri-Nations series. New Zealand also took the Bledisloe Cup.

GWC RANKINGS: World Table-New Zealand 4th, Australia 5th-unchanged

                                 Pacific table-New Zealand 1st,  Australia 2nd-Change!

Point scorers

New Zealand
Tries: Howlett
Conversion: Carter
Penalty goals: Carter (3)

Australia:
Try: Mortlock
Conversion: Giteau

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Tana Umaga (captain), 12 Daniel Carter, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Carlos Spencer, 9 Justin Marshall, 8 Xavier Rush, 7 Richie McCaw, 6 Jono Gibbes [18 Jerry Collins] [16 Andrew Hore temp.],  5 Keith Robinson, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Kees Meeuws.
Replacements not used: 17 Greg Somerville, 19 Marty Holah, 20 Byron Kelleher, 21 Nick Evans, 22 Sam Tuitupou.

Coach: Graham Henry

Wallabies: 15 Chris Latham, 14 Clyde Rathbone [22 Wendell Sailor], 13 Stirling Mortlock, 12 Matt Giteau, 11 Lote Tuqiri, 10 Stephen Larkham (vice-captain), 9 Chris Whitaker [20 Matt Henjak], 8 David Lyons [16 Jeremy Paul,temp.], 7 Phil Waugh (vice-captain), 6 Radike Samo [19 George Smith], 5 Nathan Sharpe (captain), 4 Justin Harrison [18 Dan Vickerman], 3 Al Baxter, 2 Brendan Cannon,[16 Jeremy Paul] 1 Bill Young [17 Matt Dunning], 
Replacement not used:   21 Matt Burke,

Coach: Eddie Jones

Referee: A Rolland (Ireland)

Replacement details thanks to UK and Ireland Press Association, via irish_stevens forum at www.fira-aer.com

South Africa 38, Pacific Islands 24 at Gosford, Australia HT 23-0
South Africa won by 14 points. I predicted South Africa by 12

Even though they were outplayed by the Springbok pack, the Islanders were able to match their opponent's try scoring efforts, scoring four good tries. It was another encouraging display by the Pacific Islands team despite the South African disappontment at their own effort. The South Africans totally dominated the first half. The half time score suggested a walkover but the Islanders returned to play their best rugby of the game.

Point scorers

South Africa
Tries: Paulse (2), Cronje, De Villiers
Conversions: Montgomery (3)
Penalty goals: Montgomery (4)

Pacific Islands:
Tries: Sivivatu (2), Lauaki, Bobo
Conversions: Rabeni (2)

Pacific Islands: 15 Norman Ligairi [22 Brian Lima], 14 Sereli Bobo, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Seru Rabeni, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Tanner Vili, 9 Mosese Raulini [20 Steve So'oialo], 8 Sisa Koyamaibole [19 Tu Tamarua],  7 Alivereti Doviverata, 6 Sione Lauaki, 5 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 4 Inoke Afeaki (captain) [18 Filipo Levi], 3 Tevita Taumoepeau [17 Taufaao Filise], 2 Aleki Lutui [16 Joeli Lotawa], 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacement not used: 21 Seremaia Bai,

South Africa: 15 Percy Montgomery, 14 Breyton Paulse, 13 Marius Joubert, 12 De Wet Barry, 11 Jean de Villiers, 10 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 9 Bolla Conradie, 8 Jacques Cronjé, 7 AJ Venter, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Gerrie Britz, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Eddie Andrews [17 CJ van der Linde], 2 John Smit, 1 Os du Randt.
Replacements not used: 16 Danie Coetzee, 18 Quinton Davids, 19 Pedrie Wannenberg, 20 Fourie du Preez, 21 Brent Russell, 22 Gaffie du Toit

Referee: Scott Young (Australia)

Tamarua is the first Cook Islander to be selected for the Pacific Island team.

Data thanks to www.planet-rugby and http://teivovo.com

NIGERIA NATIONAL RUGBY TEAM LIST TO THE SUPER 16 AFRICAN RUGBY LEAGUE NORTHERN ZONAL QUALIFIERS IN TOGO FROM 27 JUNE – 4 JULY (16.07)

1. GBENGA HAMED -        F/BACK ( CAPTAIN)
2. .RICHARD  RAPHEAL-  F ½    (V . CAPTAIN)
3. SANI  HALLILU        -     S ½  
4. MAALIK AHMED           F1/2
5. PAUL  ADAGBO            -CENTER
6. TATA ALHASSAN         -WINGER
7. OBINNA  ALEATO      - CENTER
8. SAMAILA  MICHEAL  - WINGER
9. LATEEF YUSUF       -      WINGER
10. OSITA OGBOLO            - PROP
11. IBRAHIM MUSA           - S1/2
12. MATHEW EMEKA        –HOOKER
13. SUNDAY BENARD      – PROP
14. MOHAMED KABIR       –LOCK
15. LOUIS ONYINWENWA –FLANKER
16. BOBMANUEL MAJEKU  -LOCK
17. CHIKE OKOYE                -  LOCK
18. JONATHAN  ERIMAKO –PROP
19. SEGUN SAMUEL            – FLANKER
20. ANGULU ABDULKAREEM  - PROP
21. SIMON JOSEPH               – 8^TH MAN
22. MATIAS  EMEKA             –HOOKER

 OFFICIALS

1 . PHILLIP GOSHIT                   - COACH

2.  LAZARUS   NUHU                 - ASS. COACH

3  FELIX LAWRENCE                - TEAM MEDIC

4 .ADENIYI. BEYIOKU-             - SEC.GEN.

5. NTIENSE O. WILLIAMS         –TEAM MANAGER / HEAD OF DELEGATION

Thanks to Ntiense O. Williams, Nigeria RFU

WORLD CUP 2007 QUALIFYING PROCESS (14.07)

Follow the process here http://www.irb.com/NR/rdonlyres/EF1744FE-B546-4F51-88CC-B3B43DD94D32/0/040606KMWC7Qualificationschedule_alt.doc

WORLD CUP 2007 QUALIFYING FIXTURES 2004-05 (13.07)

Referee: Andy Turner (South Africa)

Thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

New Zealand 41, Pacific Islands 26 at North Harbour Stadium, in Albany

NIGERIA TO HOST FINALS OF SUPER 16 AFRICAN RUGBY LEAGUE (08.07)

Good days are here for the game of Rugby Football Union in Nigeria as the Nigerian Union have been offered the hosting of the finals of the Super 16 African Rugby League.

According to the International Rugby Board Coaches Trainer for Nigeria, Mr Ntiense O. Williams, Nigeria has been given the first privilege of hosting the finals of the on-going Super 16 African Rugby League in October this year.

According to Williams, the finals will feature Mali, Nigeria and the Winners of the other 2 Southern groups on the 16^th of October

2004.

This is the first time that Nigeria will be hosting the finals of a Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) continental program which is co-organised by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

As host, Nigeria stands a very good chance to win and gain promotion to the elite Top 10 African Cup where we will start seeing International Rugby matches featuring countries such as: Morocco, Cote d’voir, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Madagascar, Cameroun, Tunisia and South Africa on a home away basis.

According to Williams, who is also the Head of Technical for the Nigeria Rugby Union, the promoting of Nigeria from Super 16 to Top 10 African Rugby League is our aim for the 15’s National Team for the 2004 Rugby season.  We believe that we can achieve it and the morale is very high right now especially as we have just won the group stage in Togo over the weekend.  Our playing in the Top 10 next year will greatly develop the standard of Rugby in Nigeria because we will be playing with the best Rugby nations in Africa.  Also the Top 10 has good sponsorship and the players can travel around to see for themselves the standard of the game in other African countries.  It will now be a great honour to be called a National Team Player.  We will be able to attract sponsorship and our foreign professionals will also come to star for the nation.

The Rugby Union will immediately start the planning and sponsorship drive for this worthy project.

Meanwhile, in the recently concluded week-long Super 16 African Rugby League in Togo, Nigeria stole the show by winning their group with 11 points,followed by host Togo, with 6 points, Benin came 3^rd, with 5 points and Ghana with 1 point.  Nigeria’s Yusuf

Lateef also won the highest try scorer with 3 trys followed by Simon Joseph and Gbenga Hammed with 2 trys each.  Nigeria also won the best attacking team with 10 trys and 60 points difference.  Nigeria was also the best defence team with only 3 points against while scored 63 points.

From Ntiense Williams (Nigeria RFU)

NIGERIA QUALIFIES (06.07)

Nigeria drew 0-0 with hosts Togo to take out the CAR Div.2 North Pool B tournament being played in Lome. Nigeria will now join Pool A winner Mali in the finals tournament possibly to be played in Nigeria in October.

Information thanks to Ntiense Williams, Nigeria RFU

2005 BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS TOUR TO NZ (05.07)

June 4 v Bay of Plenty, Rotorua International Stadium
June 8 v Taranaki, Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
June 11 v NZ Maori, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
June 15 v Wellington, Westpac Stadium, Wellington
June 18 v Otago, Carisbrook, Dunedin
June 21 v Southland, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill
June 25 v New Zealand (First Test), Jade Stadium, Christchurch
June 28 v Manawatu, Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North
July 2 v New Zealand (Second Test), Westpac Stadium, Wellington
July 9 v New Zealand (Third Test), Eden Park, Auckland

Thanks to www.planet-rugby.com