RUGBYINTERNATIONAL.NET
GETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
MAY 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://perso.wanadoo.fr/olivier.vidal/enc+/
A very new web site that covers the players from the European Nation Cup teams
(as well as Spain and Germany), their clubs, their movements and their form. A
unique approach to the international game.
http://www.rugby.se This web site, in Swedish,
is very well set out and easy to find your way around. Because I’m usually
after data and stats not knowing Swedish is not a barrier.
http://www.kaunas.lt/regbis This is the
web site that keeps Lithuanians up to scratch with world rugby. Alfredas puts
in a lot of work and this site is always up to date.
Good
data as well.
http://www.laorugby.com This is the latest
international rugby web site covering the game in Laos. This nation has
returned to the international family after a gap since 1975. A very well set out
site with all things stats set up ready for their first international rugby
match v Cambodia later this month.
Latest Results
29.05.2005
Canada
15, Japan 10 in Tokyo (Super Cup Final)
United
States 28, Romania 22 in Tokyo (Super Cup Playoff 3rd/4th)
28.05.2005
Malta
28, Denmark 18 in Marsa (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2 playoff, 2nd leg)
Andorra
30, Sweden 20 in Foix (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2 playoff, 1st leg)
Senegal
22, Zambia 14 in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A final, 1st leg)
St
Lucia 36, St Vincent & Gr. 25 in St Lucia (WCQ America’s Rnd A, South
Preliminary)
25.05.2005
Japan
23, Romania 16 in Tokyo (Super Cup)
Canada
30. United States 26 in Toyko (Super Cup)
23.05.2005
British
& Irish Lions 25, Argentina 25 in Cardiff
22.05.2005
Korea
56, Hong Kong 3 in Hong Kong (WC Asia Qualifying Div.1)
Macau
46, Cambodia 7 in Hong Kong (Friendly)
21.05.2005
Denmark
12, Malta 3 in Copenhagen (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2 playoff, 1st leg)
Kenya
37, Tunisia 15 in Nairobi (CAR Division 1, Pool C)
20.05.2005
Arabian
Gulf 30, China-Taipei 26 in Bahrain (WC Asia Qualifying Div.2)
15.05.2005
Japan
50, Korea 31 in Seoul (Asia Qualifying Div.1)
Argentina
XV 27, Uruguay 21 in Buenos Aires (Sth America Championship)
14.05.2005
Netherlands
51,Lithuania 11 in Klaipeda (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool C)
11.05.2005
Uruguay
34, Chile 25 (Sth. America Championship)
Coming
Up
02.06.2005
Fiji
v New Zealand Maoris in Suva
04.06.2005
United
States v Wales at Hartford
Russia
v Portugal in Krasnoyarsk (European Nations Cup)
Sweden
v Andorra in Vänersborg (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Playoff 2nd leg)
Armenia
v Israel in ? (FIRA-AER Division 3)
Senegal
v Zambia in Lusaka (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A final, 2nd leg)
Thailand
v Sri Lanka in Bangkok (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div.3A)
India
v Kazakhstan in Mumbai (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div.3B)
05.06.2005
Romania
v Scotland in Bucharest
Jamaica
v Bermuda in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North)
Bahamas
v Cayman Islands in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North)
08.06.2005
Kazakhstan
v Malaysia in Mumbai (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div.3B)
Bermuda
v Bahamas in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North)
Jamaica
v Cayman Islands in Nassau (WCQ America Rnd A, Caribbean North)
Additional Matches Ahead or Match
Changes as per my Fixture List
Georgia
v Czech Republic. Date changed to 12 June, not 11 June and venue is Kutaisi
Italy
to play 2 tests against Argentina in Buenos Aires on 11 & 17 June, prior to
their test against Australia in Melbourne, 25 June
WCQ
Africa Rnd 1B, Pool A-Winner of Zambia/Senegal, Zimbabwe, Cote D’Ivorie
25.06.2005
Zambia
or Senegal v Zimbabwe in Harare
09.07.2005
Cote
d’Ivorie v Zambia or Senegal in TBC
23.07.2005
Zimbabwe
v Cote d’Ivory in Abidjan
Unfortunately I cannot show
you previous news pages on the archives (from November 2004) due to technical
difficulties.
THE WEEKEND 28/29 MAY
·
USA v Romania match
details (01.06)
·
Senegal v Zambia match
details (01.06)
·
St Vincent v St Lucia
match report, referee & point scorers (06.06)
·
St Vincent starting
line up & replacements (08.06)
29.05.2005
Canada 15, Japan 10 in
Tokyo (Super Cup Final)
Canada
won by 5 points. I predicted Japan by 7
This
match is a repeat of the 2004 Superpowers cup final. Japan took the trophy
winning 34-21.
Japan
has not fared well against stronger opposition this year. They allowed the
Koreans to push them around in Seoul and defeated a weakened Romanian side last
Wednesday. They have an excellent record against Canada and rise to the
occasion whenever they play in Tokyo.
Last
Five Encounters
30.05.2004
Japan 34-21 in Tokyo (Superpowers Cup)
08.07.2001
Japan 39-7 in Tokyo (Pacific Rim, playoff 3rd/4th)
15.07.2000
Canada 62-18 in Toronto (Pacific Rim)
01.05.1999
Japan 23-21 in Tokyo (Pacific Rim)
21.06.1998
Canada 34-25 in Vancouver (Pacific Rim)
GWC
Rankings: World Table-Japan 10th,
Canada 15th - CHANGE
Teams
Canada
15. Derek Daypuck
(Castaway-Wanderers), 14. Quentin Fyffe (Calgary-Irish), 13. Dean Van Camp
(Aurora Barbarians), 12. Matt King (Balmy Beach), 11. Brodie Henderson (Bay of
Plenty, N.Z), 10. Ryan Smith (Brampton Beavers), 9. Matt Weingart (Pacific
Pride), 8. Stan McKeen (Pacific Pride), 7. Mark Lawson, Capt.
(Velox-Valhallians), 6. Mike Webb (Swilers), 5. Oliver Atkinson (Aurora
Barbarians), 4. Luke Tait (Swansea-Neath, Wales), 3. Forrest Gainer (Trinity
University, Ireland), 2. Aaron Abrams (Castaway-Wanderers), 1. Dan Pletch
(Oakville Crusaders).
Replacements: 16. Kevin Tkachuk (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland), 17.
Garth Cooke (Benevento, Italy), 18. Sean O’Leary (Meralomas), 19. Aaron
Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins), 20. Kevin Parfrey (Swilers), 21. Pat Fleck
(Meralomas), 22 Ed Fairhurst
(University of Victoria),
Coach: Ric Suggitt
Match preview here at http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=893
United States 28,
Romania 22 in Tokyo (Super Cup Playoff 3rd/4th) HT 18-14
United
States won by 6 points. I predicted Romania by 7
The
USA took third place in the Super Cup tournament winning over Romania. After
building up a good lead the USA tired in the second half and allowed the
Romanians to score the last try.
Fly
half Mike Hercus became the top point scorer in USA test rugby with his try. He
now has 290 points. New caps for USA were Doug Rowe and Mike Hobson
GWC
Rankings: World Table-Romania 11th,
USA 20th – CHANGE
Point
scorers
USA
Tries: Fee, Hercus, Palefau
Conversions: Viljoen (2)
Penalty goals: Viljoen (3)
Tries: Teodorescu, Oprisor
Penalty goals: Dumbrava (3)
Teams
United
States
15 Francois Viljoen
(Wahington); 14 Mike Palefau (Univ. of Southern Utah), 13 Paul Emerick
(Amatori), 12 Albert Tuipulotu (San Mateo), 11 David Fee (Back Bay); 10 Mike
Hercus (Sale, England), 9 Mose Timoteo (Hayward Griffins) [20 Doug Rowe
(Denver Barbarians)]; 8 Kort Schubert, Capt. (Cardiff Blues, Wales), 7 Todd
Clever (Mahurangi, New Zealand), 6 Andrew Ryland (New York Athletic Club) [19
Fifita Mo'unga (San Fernando Valley)], 5 Mike Mangan (Chicago Griffins), 4
James Lik (New York Manhattan), 3 Chris Osentowski (Belmont Shore), 2 Mark
Griffin(Old Blue) [16 Mike Hobson (Air Force Academy)], 1 Mike MacDonald
(Golden Gate).
Reserves not used: 17 Mike French (OMBAC), 18 Brian Schoener
(Seattle), 21 Matt Sherman (Golden Gate), 22 Scott Jones (Chicargo Lions).
Coach: Tom Billups
Match preview here at
http://www.usarugby.org/cgi-bin/02/press/display.pl?releaseId=1057
Romania
15. Danut Dumbrava (Steaua
Bucuresti), 14. Stefan Dumitru (Steaua Bucuresti), 13. Gabriel Brezoianu Capt.,(Dax, France), 12. Darie Curea
(Steaua Bucuresti), 11. Ioan Teodorescu (University Cluj) [22. Dan Vlad],
10. Ionut Tofan (Metro Racing, France) [21. Cristian Sauan (Rovigo,
Italy)] , 9. Lucian Sirbu (Metro
Racing, France), 7. Marian Tudori (Perigueux, France), 8. Cosmin Radiu [18. Bogdan Balan
(Bordeaux Begles, France)], 6. Florin Corodeanu (Grenoble,
France), 5. Cristian Petre (Tarbes,
France), 4. George Oprisor (Perpignan, France), 3. Marcel Socaciu (Rovigo,
Italy) [16. Paulica Ioan (Steaua Bucuresti)], 2. Razvan Mavrodin
(Tarbes, France) [17. Bogdan Zebega (Steaua Bucuresti)], 1. Petrisor Toderasc (Oyonnax, France),
Reserve not used: 20. Iulian Andrei (Steaua Bucuresti),
Coach: Daniel Santamans
Referee: Pierre Drolet (Canada)
Thanks
to www.rugby.ro and to http://www.usarugby.org
Match
review here at
http://www.usarugby.org/cgi-bin/02/press/display.pl?releaseId=1058
Last
Five Encounters
09.10.1999
Romania 27-25 in Belfast (World Cup, Pool E)
17.09.1988
United States 17-7 in Moscow
10.05.1924
United States 37-0 in Paris (Olympic Games)
28.05.2005
Malta 28, Denmark 18 in Marsa (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2
playoff, 2nd leg)
Malta
won by 10 points. I predicted Denmark by 5
Denmark
just pushed past Malta 12-3 in the first leg clash last weekend. Malta could
surprise playing at home. This is a huge match for Malta. They need to win by
more than 9 points to take one of the last two places available for round 3.
Injuries and unavailability
of key players will weaken the Malta side. David Gasan and Rohan Spiteri are
out injured while Nick Warren, Adam Magro, Martin Godfrey and Dean Zammit are
unavailable again.
For a match preview try http://www.timesofmalta.com/core/article.php?id=188318
GWC
Rankings: Europe Table-Denmark 21st,
Malta 22nd- Change
Teams
Malta
Squad
C. Von Moll, O. Sacco, M.
Cuschieri, D. Busuttil, J. Caruana, P. Marzella, J. Dimond, J. Sultana, M.
Mirabelli, S. Kempster (Capt), D. Grima, C. Vassallo, C. Diamantino, L. Watts,
R. Bonavia, T. Webb, M. Mallia, J. Ramage, I. Borda, S. Worthington, D. St
George, S. Haycock.
Andorra 30, Sweden 20
in Foix (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2 playoff, 1st leg)
Andorra
won by 10 points. I predicted Sweden by 10.
Previous
Encounters
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)
Round
2 lead up Results
Andorra
(In Pool A)
V
Norway won 76-3 (Rnd 1)
V
Norway Won 23-9 (Rnd 1)
V
Hungary Won 29-16
V
Croatia Lost 7-18
V
Spain Lost 14-36
V
Slovenia Won 38-5
Sweden
(in Pool C)
V
Latvia won 20-18
V
Lithuania Won 32-20
V
Netherlands lost 17-24
V
Belgium Lost 7-36
GWC
Rankings: Europe Table-Sweden 19th,
Andorra 27th - CHANGE
Teams
Sweden
Squad
David Ray (Stockholm Exiles
RFC)
Anders Jansson (Stockholm
Exiles RFC)
Ivar Bengtsson (Stockholm
Exiles RFC)
Björn Sjögren (Stockholm
Exiles RFC)
Daniel Lag (Uppsala RFC)
Kanogo Njuru (Hammarby IF
Rugby)
Fredrik Casselhag (Hammarby
IF Rugby)
Alan Letele (Vänersborgs RK)
Mike Tatu (Vänersborgs RK)
Erik Wikström (Vänersborgs
RK)
Hannes Eriksson (Vänersborgs
RK)
Andreas Bruhn (Göteborgs RK)
Robin Wallster (Göteborgs
RK)
Christoffer Lundell
(Göteborgs RK)
Nico Parmelund (Göteborgs
RK)
Henning Ekstrand (Göteborgs
RK)
Jan-Olov Johansson
(Spartacus RUFC)
Robert Kantmark (Malmö RC)
Mattias Björkebäck (Malmö
RC)
Sebastian Taylor
(Haberdasher Old boys, England)
Alexander Taylor (Bracknell
RFC, England)
Andrew Saunders (Richmond
RFC, England)
Thanks to http://www.rugby.se and Quentin from the
FIRA-AER forum.
15 Josep Magallon, 14 Roger
Fité, 13 Maxim Taurinyà, 12 David Astrié, 11 Esteve Pérez, 10 Cristian Pons, 9
Pep Pou, 8 Paul Alieu, 7 Tomas Kampfraat, 6 David Kirikashvili, 5 Roger Font, 4
Peter Lucas, 3 Ramiro Iglesias, 2 Iosef Tchelidze, 1 Xavier Vilasetrú,
(Reserves not available)
Coach: Bruce Hemara
Thanks to www.elperiodico.com/andorra and
Quentin from the FIRA-AER forum.
Senegal 22, Zambia 14
in Dakar (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A final, 1st leg) HT 13-14
The "Chipolopolo"
of Zambia outscored the "Lions" of Senegal by 3 tries to 1 but lost
this match because of their poor goal kicking and their inability to hold the
Senegalese forwards in the second half.
Steve Sarges dominated the
kicking duel with his opposite Andrew Kaminsa in the first half. The speedy and
aggressive Zambians outplayed their hosts in this first half pouncing on the
many Senegalese handling error.Sarges kept the Senegalese in touch with his
accurate gaol kicking.
The Senegalese forwards took
control in the second half and overall the hosts reduced their handling errors
thus effectively shutting the Zambians down scoreless.
The Senegalese go into the
second leg match next weekend in Lusaka with an 8 point advantage. This will be
a closely contested match.
A number of IRB dignitaries
were present to watch this match. They included Mr Syd Millar, President of the
IRB, Mr. Abdelaziz Bougja, Chairman of CAR , Mr Greg Thomas, Director of
Communication, IRB and Mr. Jean-Luc Barthes, director of the Africa Development
for the IRB.
This was the first time
these two teams had met.
Try: Corréa
Conversion: Sargos
Penalty goals: Sargos (4)
Dropped goal: Sargos
Tries: Armengol (2), Nyondo
Conversions: Kaminsa (2)
15 Djibril Diarra
(Viry-Chatillon, France), 14 Tao Mendy (Castelsarrasin, France), 13 Mohamadou
Diarra (Pau, France), 12 Biram-Victor Samb (No affiliation), 11 Youssouf Dramé
(Stade Français, France), 10 Steeve Sargos (Oyonnax, France), 9 Demba Diouf
(St-Junien, France), [Moussa Cissé (Bobigny, France)], 8 Yogane Corréa
(Albi, France), 7 Hamet Sy (Paris-Puc, France), 6 Gabriel Seck (Martigues,
France), 5 Magnamé Koita (Béziers, France), 4 Papa Ahmadou Mbow (Caïmans) [Grégory
Pelaprat (Albi, France)], 3 Ababacar Diongue [Assane Dièye (Jambars)],
2
Florentinou Gomis (Le Las, France), 1 Carlos Mendy (SMUC Marseille, France),
Replacements not used (TBC): Souleymane Samba (Malemort-Brive, France),
Louny Preira
(Mantes-la-Jolie, France), Alioune Konté (Caïmans), Gora Samb (Caïmans),
Moustapha Camara (Jambars), Mamadou Pouye (Gignac-Marignane, France)
Coach: Jean-Marc Foucras
Zambia
15 Chancey Mulama (Diggers) [Norman
Sibanda], 14 Andrew Kaminsa (Powerhouse), 13 Richard Kapoma (Buffaloes), 12
Lawrence Njovu (Diggers), 11 Owen Busenge (Raiders, South Africa), 10 Alex
Mwila (Diggers), 9 Ronnel Armando (Diggers), 8 Armitage Nyondo (Diggers), 7
Longa Chikwamo (Diggers), 6 Happy Chipili (Diggers), 5 Chipo Mubagwe,
(Buffaloes) [Chiluba Kangwa (Nchanga)], 4 Tom Mweemba (Chibuluma), 3
Chris Chileshe (Diggers), 2 Owen Mhango (Nchanga), 1 John Kambaenda (Diggers).
Replacements not used (TBC): Grey Phiri (Arrows), Langford Kashinka
(Arrows), Anthony Kalengo (Green Eagles), Mumba Mufumbwe (Ndola Wanderers),
Ronald Chishimba (Ndola Wanderers), Darren Young (Wits University, South
Africa),
Kaminsa Musonda (England
based).
Coach: Davies Mubanga
Thanks to http://www.lesoleil.sn,
kalumiana kalumiana and Quentin from the FIRA-AER forum
Match report here in French http://www.lesoleil.sn/sports/article.cfm?articles__id=50178
St Lucia 36, St Vincent
& Grenadines 25 at Olympic
Stadium at Vieux Fort, St Lucia (WCQ America’s Rnd A, South Preliminary)
HT 17-17
St. Vincent lose to St.
Lucia 36- 25 in thrilling 2007 World Cup Qualifier.
In an exciting encounter St.
Vincent and St. Lucia were locked together at 17 points to 17 at half time in
the Olympic Stadium at Vieux Fort on Saturday afternoon. The heavier St. Lucia
pack comprehensively outplayed SVG and the highly talented Vincy backs had only
scraps of possession to feed off.
Nonetheless, the Vincy boys
made the most of their chances- especially in the first half, and despite going
down by 12 points to zero within 15 minutes to two push over tries by “Slim”
Herbert and a conversion by Colvis Samuels, they fought back with tries by
Andre John and Recardo Dallaway. Phillip Alvis converted to level the scores at
12-12.
The game then swung further
St. Vincent’s way with a trademark break by Anizo Lewis, playing his first game
at full back. However, Emanuel Bastien soon countered with another forwards try
just for St. Lucia.
In the second half, St.
Lucia sought to capitalise on their forward strength with yet another try by
no.3 “Slim” Herbert. But again the Vincy boys bounced back with a spectacular
score after Anizo Lewis kicked ahead and gathered at speed before passing in a
diving movement for West Indies Sevens speedster Hollis Green to score.
Then once again “Slim”
Herbert forced his way over for his fourth try of the match. Samuels converted
for St. Lucia to move them into a comfortable lead. Another try (which Samuels
converted) by forward Bertrand Jean sealed the game for St. Lucia. Then in the
dying seconds of the match, after some inspired forwards play by SVG, Phillip
Alvis kicked a consolation penalty for SVG.
Despite impressive
performances by Captain Phillip Alvis, scrum half Osbeck O’ Brien, Recardo
Dallaway, Hollis Green and Anizo Lewis; St. Lucia ran out worthy winners by 36
points to 25. They will now go forward to the West Indies South Competition to
be held in August in Guyana. They will then face Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados
and Guyana in a four- team round robin contest. The winners of West Indies
South will then play the winners of the West Indies North competition (Bermuda,
Bahamas, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands) later in the year.
For St. Vincent there is
much to ponder on. This game will serve as a welcome wake up call, and convince
all members of the club that they have to get serious if they are to compete.
They have strengths in the backs, but not the forwards for the 15 a side game. And yet to obtain the respect of fellow
Caribbean nations, they need to compete at the 15 a side game. The club
structure in SVG is still evolving with two clubs already established. But
there is an urgent need to generate internal competition through the schools
programme. In practical terms concentrating on the ten a side formula will be
the way ahead in the near future for internal competition. And their new coach,
England under 19 player Mitchell Hulme who is also an RFU rugby ambassador
should be able to make a major contribution to injecting discipline and fitness
into our forward play.
On July 16th, the
senior team will be returning to St. Lucia to play in the St.
Lucia tens competition and then an Under 19 team will be competing in the
NAWIRA under 18’s competition to select the team to represent the West Indies
in the RWC under 19’s tournament in 2006.
Tries: Herbert (4), Bastien, Jean
Conversions: Samuels (3)
Tries:John, Dallaway, Lewis, Green
Conversion: Alvis
Penalty Goal: Alvis
St. Vincent
15 Anizo Lewis (Central
Sharks), 14 Jimmy Peters (Windward Pirates), 13 Orlando Ollivere (Windward
Pirates), 12 Randy Browne (Central Sharks), 11 Andrew Phillips (Central Sharks)
[20 Seymour Browne (Central Sharks)], 10 Recardo Dallaway (Central
Sharks), 9 Osbeck O' Brien (Central Sharks) [16 Larson Lewis (Central
Sharks)], 8 Phillip Alvis (Windward Pirates), 7 Andre John (Windward
Pirates), 6 Shem Ellis (Windward Pirates), 5 Zan Andrews (Windward Pirates) [18
Desmond Ollivere (Windward Pirates)], 4 Anthony John (Windward Pirates), 3 Guy Hadley (Windward Pirates),
2 Dane King (Windward Pirates), 1 Anthony Joseph (Windward Pirates).
Reserves not used: 17 Hollis Green (Windward Pirates), 19 Roderick Dick
(Windward Pirates), 21 Justin Tittle (Central Sharks), 22 Selroy Mars (Windward
Pirates).
Coach: Kelly Glass (Ex South Island, New Zealand)
Referee: Anthony Pontiflette (Trinidad and Tobago)
Previous
Encounters
2003
St Vincent won two matches played on successive days, 43-38 and 50-34. These results
have not been confirmed yet as official tests.
Thanks
to John Townend, President, St Vincent & Grenadines RFU
Following St Lucia's win v St Vincent last
Saturday, St Lucia will join Trinidad-Tobago, Barbados and Guyana in Guyana for
a 4 team qualifying tournament in August. The winner will play the winner of
the North Zone tournament (see above)
DATA
BASE UPDATING (25.05)
This
is a huge job going back to fixtures in March.
The
following nations have had their data base list of test matches updated.
See
alphabetical listings at top
Andorra
Arabian
Gulf
Argentina
Argentina
XV
Armenia
Austria
Belgium
Bosnia
Botswana
British
Isles
Bulgaria
Cameroun
Chile
More
to come!
Azerbaijan
will be uploaded once we can make a data entry on the web site
MID-WEEK 23 – 25 MAY
25.05.2005
Japan 23, Romania 16 in
Tokyo (Super Cup)
Japan
won by 7 points. I predicted Romania by 12
GWC
Rankings: World Table-Romania 10th,
Japan 14th - CHANGE
Point
scorers
Japan
Tries: Ohata (2)
Conversions: Morita (2)
Penalty goals: Morita (2)
Dropped goal: Morita
Try: Brezoianu
Conversion: Curea
Penalty goals: Dumbrava (3)
Teams
Japan
15 Goshi Tachikawa (Toshiba
Fuchu), 14 Hiroki Mizuno (Toyota Motor Co.), 13 Daisuke Ohata (Kobe Steel), 12
Yukio Motoki (Kobe Steel), 11 Hirotoki Onozawa (Suntory), 10 Kyohei Morita
(Hosei University), 9 Takashi Tsuji (NEC), 8 Takuro Miuchi, Capt. (NEC), 7
Yasunori Watanabe (Toshiba Fuchu), 6 Hare Makiri (Fukuoka), 5 Jamie Washington
(Unaffiliated), 4 Takanori Kumage (NEC), 3 Ryo Yamamura (Yamaha Motor), 2 Ken
Tsukagoshi (Toshiba Fuchu), 1 Shigeyasu Takagi (Yamaha Motor)
Replacements: 16 Masakazu Nakabayashi (Yamaha Motor), 17 Kenji
Kasai (Toshiba Fuchu), 18 Ryouta Asano (NEC), 19 Takeomi Ito, 20 Shota Goto
(Waseda University), 21 Katoni Otukolo (Saitama Institute Technology), 22 Ayumu
Goromaru (Waseda University).
Coach: Mitsutake Hagimoto
Thanks to www.planet-rugby.com
Romania
15 Danut Dumbrava (Steaua
Bucuresti),14 Bogdan Voicu, 13 Cristian Sauan (Rovigo, Italy), 12 Gabriel
Brezoianu, Capt. (Dax, France), 11 Ioan Teodorescu (University Cluj), 10 Darie
Curea (Steaua Bucuresti), 9 Lucian Sirbu (Metro Racing, France), 7 Alexandru
Tudori (Perigueux), 8 Cosmin Ratiu, 6 Florin Corodeanu (Grenoble, France), 5
Cornel Tatu (Steaua Bucuresti), 4
Cristian Petre (Tarbes, France), 3 Marcel Socaciu (Rovigo, Italy), 2 Razvan
Mavrodin (Tarbes, France), 1 Petrisor Toderasc (Oyonnax),
Replacements: 16 Bogdan Zebega (Steaua Bucuresti), 17 Paulica Ion
(Steaua Bucuresti), 18 Bogdan Balan (Bordeaux Begles, France), 19 George
Oprisor (Perpignan), 20 Iulian Andrei (Steaua Bucuresti), 21 Ionut Tofan (Metro
Racing, France), 22 Vasile Ghioc (Dinamo Bucuresti).
Coach
Thanks to www.rugby.ro and Quentin at FIRA-AER forum
Canada 30, United
States 26 in Tokyo (Super Cup)
Canada won by 4 points. I
predicted Canada by 25
GWC Rankings: World Table-Canada 15th,
USA 20th
Nth America
Table-Canada 1st, USA 2nd
Prediction: Canada by 25 points
23.05.2005
British & Irish
Lions 25, Argentina 25 in Cardiff
The British and Irish Lions
received an early wake up call from a second-string Argentina side in Cardiff.
The Lions were lucky to escape with a draw.
The result reflects both the
early frailty of this combined side that is about to undertake a famous and
most arduous tour of New Zealand, and the enormous depth that we can now see in
the rugby of Argentina.
Lions:
Try: Smith
Conversion: Wilkinson
Penalty goals: Wilkinson (6)
Argentina:
Try: Piossek
Conversion: Todeschini
Penalty
goals: Todeschini 6
15 Bernardo Stortoni
(Bristol,England), 14 Jose Nunez Piossek (Castres, France), 13 Lisandro Arbizu
(Bayonne, France), 12 Felipe Contepomi, Capt. (Leinster, Ireland), 11 Francisco
Leonelli (La Tablada), 10 Federico Todeschini (Beziers, France), 9 Nicolas
Fernandez Miranda (Hindu), 8 Juan Manuel Leguizamon (SIC), 7 Martin Schusterman
(Plymouth, England), 6 Federico Genoud (Los Tordos), 5 Mariano Sambucetti
(Brive, France), 4 Pablo Bouza (Duendes), 3 Mauricio Reggiardo (Castres), 2
Mario Ledesma (Castres), 1 Federico Mendez (Mendoza).
Replacements: 16 Eusebio
Guiñazu (Mendoza), 17 Leopoldo de Chazal (Universidad de Tucuman), 18 Manuel
Carizza (Jockey Club Rosario), 19 Santiago Sanz (CASI), 20 Lucio Lopez Fleming
(SIC), 21 Francisco Bosch (Hindu), 22 Federico Serra (SIC).
For those of you who can
remember the days of touring teams you will enjoy this article.
http://www.planet-rugby.com/Tournaments/British_Irish_Lions/story_43711.shtml
THE WEEKEND 21/22
MAY
·
Referee
added Denmark v Malta (23.05)
20.05.2005
Arabian Gulf 30,
China-Taipei 26 in Bahrain (WC Asia Qual. Div.2)
21.05.2005
Denmark 12, Malta 3 in
Copenhagen (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2 playoff, 1st leg)
Denmark
won by 9 points. I predicted Denmark by 7.
This
match heralds the start of the World Cup European playoff Qualifiers. Andorra
and Sweden are the other 3rd place qualifiers. Two of the teams will
head into round 3 along with first and second place getters Spain, Croatia,
Germany, Moldova, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland and Serbia-Montenegro.
These
two teams have not played each other before.
GWC
Ranking: Europe Table-Malta 21st,
Denmark 26th - Change
Teams
Denmark
1. Shane Jacklyn (Brantford
Harlequins, England) 2 tests
2. Michael Bransholm,
(Frederiksberg RK), 42
3. Søren Brobyskov, (Holluf
Pile-Tjornberg), 14
4. Jonas Haaning,
(Frederiksberg RK),13
5. Jens Aage Skare Nielsen,
(Frederiksberg RK), 22
6. Kevin Steel(Holluf
Pile-Tjornberg), 23
7. Reuben Paniora, (Aarhus
RK), 9
8. Mikael Lai Rasmussen,
kaptajn, (Aarhus RK), 42
9. Matthew Delany,
(Frederiksberg RK), 4
10. Regan Sue, (Pro Recco),
15
11. René T. Kristensen,
(Aarhus RK), 9
12. Jan Andersen,
(Frederiksberg RK), 52
13. Shaun O'Donnell, (Holluf
Pile-Tjornberg),11
14. Jesper G. Jensen,
(Lindø), 10
15. Morten Rune Nielsen,
(Frederiksberg RK), 49
16. Kasper Vad Pedersen,
(Frederiksberg RK), 7
17. Thomas Thiede,
(Hundested RK), 14
18.
Jesper Jakobsen, (Frederiksberg RK), 2
19. Morten Jørgensen,
(Erritsø), 8
20. Dodji Hounou, (RK
Speed), 3
21. Dominick Wilson,
(Frederiksberg RK), 2
22. Tom Karlebo,
(Frederiksberg RK), 2
Coach: Douglas Langley
Thanks to http://www.rugby.dk
Malta
Squad
Joe Sultana, Charlie Von
Moll, Dominic Busuttil, Mark Cuschieri, Jamie Caruana, Paul Marzella, Ryan
Robson, Matthew Mirabelli, John Dimond, Steve Haycock, Robert Bonavia, Martin
Godfrey, Steve Kempster, Daniel Grima, Chris Vassallo, Luke Watts, Tom Webb,
Martin Mallia, Ian Borda, Jason Ramage, Steve Worthington, Dominic St George.
Referee: M.Verhoest (Belgium)
Thanks to http://www.maltasport.com
Kenya 37, Tunisia 15 at
Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground, in Nairobi (CAR Division 1, Pool C)
HT 6-15
Kenya
won by 22 points. I predicted Tunisia by 14
“Former Kenya seven-a-side captain Oscar
Osir scored two tries as Kenya convincingly beat Tunisia 37-15 yesterday in an
African Rugby Confederation Top Nine competition at the Rugby Football Union of
East Africa ground- report by Eric Odanga of the Nation news paper
The winger who now plies his trade in the
United Kingdom for Newlyn and Penzance Pirates silenced critics who said he was
over the hill after being dropped from the Sevens team. Coach Thomas Odundo
called in Osir with barely two days before the match and he did not disappoint.
Osir crossed the line in the 72nd minute
after a searing run by Ian Simiyu who quickly took a penalty inside his 25. He
nearly covered the whole length of the pitch before unloading the ball to his
former captain at club and national team level to score underthe posts. Moses
Kola, the national team and Impala captain converted.
The second try was a brilliant solo effort
in which Osir weaved his way through the Tunisia backs to touch down under the
posts for substitute Tito Oduk to convert.
Also crossing the line twice was
Nondescripts winger Dan Weku. He led the resurgence after Kenya trailed 6-15 at
half time. Playing on the left wing, Weku tookonly one minute on resumption to
score after a good run by Osir. Wekhu from scored another try in the 43rd minute.
It was Tunisia who started strongly.
Fly-half Lofti Ben Msallem stroked over a penalty in the second minute which
rattled the hosts. They then took charge, dictated turning over valuable
possession and beating Kenya to the gain line.
The Kenya captain, Moses Kola levelled in
the 14th minute with a penalty. For the best part of this half,
Kenya only made sporadic raids on the North Africans territory. The Kenyan
backrow was unable to handle Tunisian number eight Bleigh Houij Bouhlet and
scrum-half Mohamed Ali Naouali. This was also helped by poor handling by Kenyan
backs.
It was no surprise when Naouali who is a key
member of the Tunisia Sevens team slipped over the line in the 24th minute
after a big drive by the forwards. Six minutes later, a well-worked try by left
winger Abbes Kherfani after France-based centre Pierrik Gaillard punched
through silenced the big crowd at the RFUEA ground. Gaillard kept a cool head
and converted for Tunisia to lead 15-3.
Just before the break, Kola narrowed the gap
15-6 with another penalty. It was in the second half when Kenya exploded to
score five tries. Pascal Wetukha who replaced John-Allan Namu made his presence
felt scoring a try in the 65th minute.
Luck was also on Kenya’s side when Tunisia
coach Mohamed Sahraoui made a tactical substitution taking off the whole of his
front row. This meant all the scrum-downs could not be contested, explained
referee Ojambo.
With a weakened pack, Kenya sucked in the
Tunisians and spread the ball wide to the backs who had enough room to run.
When Tunisia substitute Mohamed Ali Kochlef was given a yellow card for
stamping on Kenya hooker Frank Ndong’, the gaps opened.
Sahraoui admitted defeat saying it was a
tall order after jetting in on Friday morning. "Kenya played as a team and
showed some individual brilliance. They were very quick," he said. The
former Tunisia fly-half who engineered the 54-5 defeat of Kenya in 1997 said he
wished the two countries could play more friendly matches.
Thomas Odundo, the Kenya coach admitted Kenya
started slowly in the first half. "It took sometime to get the rhythm
going and our backs were a bit tense," he admitted. Michael Aung, the
Nondescripts lock was named the most valuable player.
Kenya awaits Madagascar for the Rugby World
Cup qualifier on July 11 in Nairobi before travelling to Uganda on June 23.”
From an email from Paul Sigombe, CAR
Tunisia
fielded only two players who played against Morocco a few weeks ago.
This
was the third match in this pool. Morocco had already defeated Tunisia 10-3 and
Kenya 29-3 to win this pool.
Previous
Encounter
20.09.1997
Tunisia 52-5 in Tunis (WCQ Africa Rnd B)
GWC
Ranking: Africa Table-Tunisia 4th,
Kenya 8th - Change
Point
scorers
Kenya
Tries:
Weku (3), Osir (2), Wetukha
Conversions:
Kola, Oduk
Penalty
goals: Kola
Tunisia
Tries: Naouali, Kherfani
Conversion: Gaillard
Penalty
goal: Naouali
Dropped
goal: M’Sallem
Teams
15 Sean Omondi [22 Eric
Situma], 14 Oscar Osir, 13 Ian Simiyu, 12 Paul Sadat,
11 Dan Weku [21 Tito
Oduk], 10 Peter Ocholla, 9 Moses Kola (Captain) [20 Jude Thumbi], 8
John Allan Namu [19 Pascal Wetukha], 7 Anthony Ogot, 6 Enois Otieno, 5
Michael Aung, 4 Edwin Kinyany, 3 Derrick Wamalwa, 2 Frank Ndong’[16 Edwin
Alubaka], 1 Joel Ng’ang’a [17 Frankline Amiani],
Replacement not used: 18 Paul Murunga
Coach: Thomas Odundo
15 Sabeur Ben Charrada, 14
Talel Cherif [22 Nasredine Hammami], 13 Mohammed Zied Halaili, 12
Pierrik Gaillard, 11 Abbes Kherfani, 10 Lofti Ben M’Sallem, 9 Mohammed Ali
Naouali, 8 Beligh Houij Bouhlel [20 Ahmed Guerbj], 7 Mohamed Yousri
Sougir, 6 Heithem Chelli, 5 Slah Blagui, 4 Mohammed Ben Hamida [19 Amor
Hamdi Nezgar], 3 Mokhtar Guetari [18 Mohamed Ali Kochlef], 2
Seifeddine Hammami [16 Imed Fhal], 1 Wahid Karoui. [17 Mejdi Guirat]
Coach: Mohamed Sahraoui.
Thanks to http://www.kentimes.com via Quentin
FIRA-AER forum & Paul Sigombe, CAR
Referee: Paul Steven Ojambo (Uganda)
Crowd: 2,000
22.05.2005
Korea 56, Hong Kong 3
in Hong Kong (WC Asia Qualifying Div.1)
Korea
won by 53 points. I predicted Korea by 30.
Hong
Kong and Korea are grand old foes in Asian rugby. They first met in 1972.
Hong
Kong took a heavy defeat by Japan 3-91 two weeks ago. They need to defeat Korea
to stay in division 1 for 2006 when the serious World Cup qualifiers begin.
Following
the introduction of the Pacific Rim Tournament Hong Kong were able to more than
hold their own against the Koreans. Since the end of that tournament, Hong Kong
is not the force they used to be.
“[Hong Kong] coach Torpey
leads his Hong Kong troops into battle for the final time this season when they
face the mighty Koreans this Sunday in the "Sportsperformance/Devil's
Advocate Festival of International Rugby" at Hong Kong Football Club. Hong
Kong haven't defeated Korea since 1998, and in their last outing two weeks ago
went down 91-3 to a powerful Japanese team, but Torpey remains upbeat about the
coming challenge; "The players learnt a lot from Japan, and are looking
forward to testing themselves again," said the Coach, "We're putting
out an exciting mix of experience and youth, who will be eager to show their
paces in front of the home crowd," but they will all need to be at their
best chasing down the flying Koreans who Torpey expects to play an expansive game.
The Hong Kong side will be led once more by nuggety Valley centre Brett
Forsyth, whose hardened defensive skills will be crucial if Hong Kong are to
score an upset.”
From Robbie McRobbie, Hong
Kong RFU newsletter
Last
Five Encounters
20.11.2002
Korea 40-17 in Bangkok (18th Asia Championship, Div.1)
28.06.2000
Korea 36-34 in Aomori (17th Asia Championship, Div.1)
27.10.1998
Hong Kong 20-11 in Singapore (WCQ Asia Rnd C; 16th Asia Ch. Sect.A)
07.11.1996
Korea 19-15 in Taipei (15th Asia Championship)
1996
Korea 46-8 in ? (Friendly)
GWC
Rankings: Asia Table-Korea 2nd,
Hong Kong 3rd
Prediction:
Korea by 30 points
Teams
Hong Kong Squad (to be chosen from):
Pete Spizzirri, Tom Cameron,
James Wood, Chung Chun-sang, Leung Ming-hong, Lachlin Miller, Danny O'Connor,
Paul Gaffney, Andy Randall, Kwok Ka-chun, Brian O'Hara, Andy Yuen, Rob Naylor,
LI Cheuk-yin, David Wigley, Liu Kwok-leung, Chan Fuk-ping, Brett Forsyth,
Lusiano Afeaki, Jason Going, Alex Zenovic, Paul Morehu, Tsang Hing-hung
Coach: Ian Topley
From Robbie McRobbie, Hong
Kong RFU newsletter
Macau v Cambodia in
Hong Kong (Friendly)
The
curtain raiser between Hong Kong and Korea will feature a friendly between two
new Asian teams. Macau played and unofficial test against Pakistan during last
years Asian Rugby Football Tournament played in Hong Kong, winning 55-3. That
result should give Macau some favouritism against Cambodia who will be playing
its first ever match.
“The Hong Kong game will be
preceded by an International Exhibition game between Macau and Cambodia at
4.30pm, and a Hong Kong Women's International Trial Match at 3.00pm to choose
the squad to compete in the 2006 Women's World Cup Qualifiers this June in
Thailand. For the Cambodians this game will mark their first venture overseas,
and a milestone in their remarkable development story which has seen Khmer
rugby rise in four short years from the rubbish dumps of Phnom Penh to winning
the prestigious IRB Development Award in 2003.
This is also a big day for Macau, whose only previous international outing
was a convincing win over Pakistan in an exhibition match at last October's
Asian Tournament held in Hong Kong - the ongoing spirit and determination of
this team is all the more remarkable as there is currently not a single rugby
pitch in Macau on which they can train or play!”
From Robbie McRobbie, Hong
Kong RFU newsletter
Prediction:
Macau by 20 points.
Thursday May 19 2005
An email from Ntiense
Williams, Nigeria RFU
The Confederation of African
Rugby (CAR), the IRB's regional association in
Africa, on Thursday
announced the establishment of the first ever pan-African representative rugby
team, the African Leopards.
"The concept was
devised by CAR as part of its development programme for the
game in Africa," said
CAR President, Abdelaziz Bougja. "History will be made at Ellis Park in
Johannesburg on July 23 when the African Leopards play their first ever match
against South Africa Under-23. "This is an important step forward as
Africa is one of the most exciting areas of growth for rugby and every African
player will aspire to becoming a Leopard. This pan-African team will capture
the imagination of the rugby world and it is envisaged that the African
Leopards will play regularly throughout Africa and worldwide," he added.
IRB Chairman Syd Millar
described it as a "very exciting initiative", as it will provide
Africa's top players with an added incentive to develop their skills and the
opportunity to play rugby at the highest level. "The African Leopards will
also play an important role in promoting African rugby," Millar said.
This initiative follows the
establishment by CAR of two regional competitions in 2002 - the Top 10
competition for the first level of teams in Africa and the Super 16 for the
second level. The African Leopards will be selected from players within the
national
Teams in both competitions.
The African Leopards versus South Africa Under-23 will
take place on July 23 as the
curtain-raiser to the Mandela Cup Test between South Africa and Australia.
Brian van Rooyen, President of the South African Rugby
Union, believes this
historic encounter is a watershed in the development of the game in Africa.
"We are very much part and parcel of the development process of African
rugby," he said. "We welcome this great initiative and are confident
that this match will contribute greatly towards raising awareness of rugby on
the greater continent."
THE WEEKEND
14/15 MAY
·
Argentina v Uruguay all
details (16.05)
·
Argentina v Uruguay
amended score & details
14.05.2005
Netherlands 51,
Lithuania 11 in Klaipeda (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool C)
Netherlands won by 40
points. I predicted Netherlands by 30.
This is
the first time these two teams have played each other.
Teams
Netherlands
15
Gerard Viguurs (Castricumse RC), 14 Edgar de la Hoz (Castricumse RC),
13 Jerker Grader (RC `t
Gooi), 12 Joe Hutana (Castricumse RC), 11 Rigo Hoencamp (Haagsche RC), 10 Bart
Viguurs (Castricumse RC), 9 Chris Williams (ASRV Ascrum), 8 Benjamin Mast
(Haagsche RC), 7 Derk Tazelaar (Haagsche RC), 6 Gavin Roberts (Castricumse RC),
5 Remco Donkers (RC Eemland), 4 Tim Schumacher (LRC DIOK), 3 Wesley Mulder
(Castricumse RC), 2 Lister Kire (Castricumse RC), 1 Allard Jonkers (RC `t
Gooi),
Replacements: 16 Joost
Puijpe (Amstelveen RC 1890),17 Dirk Willems (Haagsche RC),18 Timo de Groot (RC
`t Gooi),19 Mark Springer (Amstelveen RC 1890),
20 Silvester Ramaker (RC
Delft), 21 Derk Jan Haasters Castricumse RC, 22 Ian van der Werf (Haagsche RC).
Coach: Alex O’Dowd
Thanks to Piet van den
Deijssel, Netherlands team manager.
15.05.2005
Japan 50, Korea 31 in
Seoul
Japan
won by 19 points. I predicted Korea by 3
Japan
and Korea have a long rugby history going back to the 1960’s. Japan has always
dominated with the Koreans occasionally ambushing their foes from across the
Sea of Japan.
Last
year the Koreans nearly created a major upset when they drew 19-19 with the
full Japanese side in Tokyo. Japan made amends later in the year with their development
side but be prepared for the Koreans to spring one upon them. We hear very
little about the Koreans. They will be a young side made up mainly of students
or from the armed services. Their main aim since 2002 is to qualifying ahead of
Japan for the 2007 World Cup.
Last
five encounters
31.10.2004
Japan XV 29-0 in Hong Kong (19th ARFT Final)
16.05.2004
Japan Drawn 19-19 in Tokyo (Asia Tournament)
15.06.2003
Japan 86-3 in Osaka (Friendly)
23.11.2002
Japan XV 20-22 in Bangkok (18th Asia Champ. Div.1 Final)
13.10.2002
Japan 34-45 in Pusan (Asia Games-Gold/silver medals)
GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Japan 14th, Korea 19th
Asia
Table-Japan 1st, Korea 2nd
Prediction: Korea by 3 points
Teams-Neither
available
Argentina XV 27, Uruguay 21 in
Buenos Aires (Sth America Championship
Argentina XV won by 6
points. I predicted Argentina XV by 40.
Point scorers
Argentina XV
Tries: Higgs (2), Galindo, Fessia,
Berberian
Conversion: Graco
Uruguay
Tries: Peyrou (2)
Conversion: Dugonjis
Penalty goals: Dugonjis (3)
Teams
15. Román Miralles, 14.
Fernando Higgs 13. Horacio San Martín [Conrado López Alonso], 12. Javier
Irazusta, 11. Juan Martín Berberian, 10. Gastón Graco, 9. Nicolás Vergallo, 8.
Genaro Fessia, 7. Alvaro Galindo, 6. Javier Belloto (cap.), 5. Jaime Arocena,
4. Nicolás Carizza, 3. Bruno Cuezzo, 2. Agustín Costa Repetto, 1. Gastón De
Robertis [Facundo Borelli].
Coaches: Ricardo Imhoff & José Luis Crivelli
15. Alfredo Delgado. 14. Ivo
Dugonjis, 13. Joaquín Pastore, 12. Hilario Canessa,
11. Carlos Baldasarri, 10.
Agustín Pereira, 9. Sebastián Ramos, 8. Ignacio Conti (cap.), 7. Gonzalo
Peyrou, 6. Luis Ara [Carlos
Protasi], 5. Rafael Alvarez, 4. Juan Alzueta, 3. Diego Silveira, 2. Juan
Pérez, 1. Diego Bertacci,
Coach: Ricardo Covella
Last five encounters
28.04.2004
Argentina 69-10 in Santiago (25th S.American Champ. Div.A)
27.08.2003
Argentina 57-0 in Buenos Aires (Pan American Tournament)
03.05.2003
Argentina 32-0 in Montevideo (24th S.America Champ. Div.A)
27.04.2002
Argentina XV 35-21 in Mendoza (23rd S.America Champ. Div.A)
24.11.2001
Argentina XV 63-9 in ? (22nd S.America Champ. Div.A)
Thanks
to http://www.rugbyfun.com.ar
UGANDA IN CAR PREPARATION (13.05)
http://allafrica.com/stories/200505100719.html
THE WEEKEND 7-8 MAY
07.05.2005
Austria 11, Luxembourg
9 in Cessange (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool B)
Austria
won by 2 points. I predicted Austria by 15.
Teams
15 Loic Hervè, 14 Janick
D'Angelo, 13 Ruadrhi Guilfoyle, 12 Jonathan Harris, 11 Nigel Sharplin, 10
Gilles Caviglia, 9 Patrick Wagner, 8 Gavin Belton, 7 Alex Van Zeeland, 6 Willy
Lafaysse, 5 Andy Thompson, 4 Jonathan Flynn, 3 Arnaud Tribellini, 2 Zelito
Neves dos Santos, 1 Paul Sullivan,
Replacements: 16 Christophe
Hoffmann, 17 Steve Special, 18 Enda Horan, 19 Denis Laloy, 20 Denis Harty, 21
Pierre Husson, 21 Tony Whiteman.
Thanks
to Bernard
Jargeac, Fédération Luxembourgeoise
de Rugby
Previous
Encounters
08.05.2004
Luxembourg 19-18 in Vienna (FIRA-AER Div.3, Pool B)
10.05.2003
Luxembourg 25-14 in Cessange (FIRA-AER Div.3, Pool B)
12.05.2001
Austria 77-0 in Vienna (FIRA Pool 2, WCQ Euro. Rnd 1)
Netherlands 48, Latvia
10 in Amsterdam (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pool C)
Netherlands
won by 38 points. I predicted Netherlands by 35.
Teams
15 Gerard Viguurs
(Castricumse RC), 14 Edgar de la Hoz (Castricumse RC),
13 Jerker Grader (RC `t
Gooi), 12 Joe Hutana (Castricumse RC), 11 Rigo Hoencamp (Haagsche RC), 10 Bart
Viguurs (Castricumse RC), 9 Chris Williams (ASRV Ascrum), 8 Benjamin Mast
(Haagsche RC), 7 Derk Tazelaar (Haagsche RC), 6 Gavin Roberts (Castricumse RC),
5 Remco Donkers (RC Eemland), 4 Tim Schumacher (LRC DIOK), 3 Wesley Mulder
(Castricumse RC),1 Allard Jonkers (RC `t Gooi),
2 Lister Kire (Castricumse
RC),
Replacements: 16 Joost
Puijpe (Amstelveen RC 1890),17 Dirk Willems (Haagsche RC),18 Timo de Groot (RC
`t Gooi),19 Mark Springer (Amstelveen RC 1890),
20 Silvester Ramaker (RC
Delft), 21 Piet Hein Schram (RC `t Gooi), 22 Ian van der Werf (Haagsche RC).
Thanks to Piet van den Deijssel,
Netherlands rugby team manager.
Poland 18,
Serbia-Montenegro 11 in Lodz (WCQ Euro. Rnd 2, Pl D)
Poland
won by 7 points. I predicted Poland by 14.
These
two teams proceed to the next round despite this match. They are both at the
top of their pool.
Previous
Encounters
18.10.1970
Poland 19-15 (v Yugoslavia) in Sisak
05.04.1970
Yugoslavia 12-9 in Smed. Palanka
Morocco 29, Kenya 3 in
Casablanca (CAR Div.1, Pool C)
Morocco
won by 26 points. I predicted Morocco by 18.
These
two teams had never played before.
The
Teams
Kenya
Squad
Joel Nganga (Kenya
Harlequin),
Frank Ndong (Impala),
Mike Aung (Nondescripts),
Derrick Wamalwa (Kenya
Commercial Bank),
Edwin Alubaka (Kenya
Commercial Bank),
Edward Kinyany (Kenya
Harlequin),
Franklyn Amiani (Kenya
Commercial Bank),
Paul Oimbo (Impala),
Enos Otieno (Nakuru),
Paul Murunga (unattached),
Moses Kola (Impala),
Anthony Ogot (Kenya Commercial
Bank),
John-Allan Namu
(Nondescripts),
Jude Thumbi (Quins),
Peter Ocholla (Impala),
Paul Sadat (Mean Machine),
Dan Wekhu (Nondescripts),
Reuben Kisaka (Kenya
Commercial Bank),
Innocent Simiyu (Impala),
Tito Oduk (Kenya Harlequin),
Sean Omondi (Kenya
Harlequin),
Erick Situma (Impala).
Thanks
to The
Nation via allafrica.com and to ‘Quentin’ FIRA-AER forum
Norway 44, Finland 14
in Bergen (FIRA-AER Div.3)
Norway
won by 30 points. I predicted Norway by 7.
Teams
Finland
15 Mikko Jarvi (Jyväskylä
RC), 14 Joakim Grader De Groo’te (Netherlands),
13 Thomas Finell (Warriors
Helsinki RC), 12 Mikko Luopio, Capt. (Tampere RC),
11 Lasse Sariola (Tampere
RC), 10 Jaakko Vilen (Warriors Helsinki RC), 9 Andrew Clutterbuck (Helsinki
RC), 8 Jonathan Price (Torquay, England), 7 Tuomo Kilponen (Jyväskylä RC), 6
Carl Pancutt (Loughborough Univ, England), 5 Andras Devenyi (Helsinki RC), 4
Gordon Fellows (Old Wesley’s, England), 3 Mikael Holmstrom (Helsinki RC), 2
Heikki Kylmaniemi (Tampere RC), 1 Sebastien Garcia (Helsinki RC),
Replacements:
16 Tommi Vahajylkka
(Jyväskylä RC), 17 Mikko Somiska (Jyväskylä RC), 18 Henri Tyrvainen (Jyväskylä
RC), 19 Sami Sarkki (Tampere RC), 20 Miika Heikkinen (Lahti RC), 21 Ilkka
Pietila (Oyus RC), 22. Lauri Ylonen (Warriors Helsinki RC).
Coach: Andrew Bannatyne
Average age of the squad is
24.6 yrs.
New caps are: S Garcia, G
Fellows, C Pancutt, S Sarkki, M Heikkinen, I Pietila.
Thanks
to http://www.rugbyfinland.com
Norway
Samir Sayed-Ahmed (Bergen
RC),
Jonathan Bruns (Oslo RC)
Lewis Eaton (Stavanger RC)
Alex Wilson (England)
Karl Frisch (Bergen RC)
Eivind Lunde (Stavanger RC)
Stein Ove Kristensen
(Trondheim RC)
Stian Røstberg (Bergen RC)
Derek Johnson (Bergen RC)
David Hume (Bergen RC)
Erik Lund (England)
William Wilson (Bergen RC)
Kristoffer Borsheim
(Stavanger RC)
Hanro van Wyk (Bergen RC)
Hamish Esplin (Bergen RC)
Tommy Vassnes (Bergen RC)
Roger Yttervik (Tønsberg RC)
Francis Hunt (Oslo RC)
Andrei Hanger (England)
Shelton Davies (Horten RC)
Christian Dahl (Bergen RC)
Guillaume Lescoffit
(Trondheim RC)
Coach: Paul Winson
Thanks
to http://www.rugby.no
Last
Five Encounters
05.06.2004
Norway 54-7 in Beauvais, Fr. (FIRA-AER Div.3, Pool C, Playoff 3rd/4th)
29.09.2001
Norway 37-3 in Oslo (Friendly)
29.09.1991
Finland 18-3 in Karlstad (Nordic Cup)
29.09.1990
Norway 34-3 in Toijala (Nordic Cup)
01.10.1989
Norway 85-6 in Oslo (Nordic Cup)
Armenia 47, Israel 15
in Erevan (FIRA-AER Div.3)
Armenia
won by 32 points. I predicted Armenia by 35.
These
two teams had never played before.
08.05.2005
Japan v Hong Kong in
Tokyo (WC Asia Classifying, Div. 1)
Last
Five Encounters
28.10.2004
Japan XV 40-12 in Hong Kong (19th Asia Rugby Tournament, Pool A)
19.10.2003
Japan XV 90-5 in Fukuoka (Asia Tournament, Pool A)
17.11.2002
Japan XV 29-15 in Bangkok (18th Asia Championship, Div.1)
25.06.2000
Japan XV 75-0 in Aomori (17th Asia Championship)
31.10.1998
Japan 47-7 in Singapore (WCQ Asia Rnd C, 14th Asia Champ. Sect.A)
GWC
Rankings: Asia Table-Japan 1st,
Hong Kong 3rd
Prediction: Japan by 50 points
Argentina XV v Chile (Sth America
Championship, Div.A)
Prediction: Argentina XV by 7 points