RUGBYINTERNATIONAL.NET

GETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

JUNE 2006

 

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.barclayschurchillcuprugby.com/

This is a great rugby tournament web site. We need more of these at the international level.

 

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/EN/Home/home.htm

Good coverage of World Cup qualifying matches

 

http://www.irb.com/EN/Home/

New look IRB site. Contains more coverage and results of international rugby at all levels.

 

http://www.rugbydata.com/

A sister site for rugbyinternational.net  We boast the only two web sites doing this sort of full coverage. Well worth a good look.

 

http://mazlenaz.free.fr/

Another data rugby stats site. Has just been refurbished. Excellent rugby stats

Updated 30.06.2006

Latest Results (Last two weeks)

29.06.2006

Indonesia 34 Laos 10 in Phnom Phen (Asia Tournament Tier 6)

Cambodia 41, Brunei 10 in Phnom Phen (Asia Tournament Tier 6)

 

27.06.2006

Cambodia 30, Indonesia 7 in Phnom Phen (Asia Tournament Tier 6)

Brunei 32, Laos 17 in Phnom Phen (Asia Tournament Tier 6)

 

24.06.2006

New Zealand 25, Argentina 19 in Buenos Aires

Australia 37, Ireland 15 in Perth

France 36, South Africa 26 in Capetown

Junior All Blacks  38,Japan 8 in Dunedin (Pacific Five Nations)

Fiji 23, Samoa 20 in Suva (Pacific Five Nations)

Canada 71, Barbados 3 in Bridgetown (WCQ America)

Tonga 77, Cook Islands 10 in Rarotonga (WCQ Oceania Rnd 3, 1st leg)

Italy A 32, Russia 29 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)

Argentina A 24, Portugal 19 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)

 

18.06.2006

Argentina A 64, v Russia 6 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)

Portugal 26, Italy A 26 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)

 

17.06.2006

New Zealand 27, Ireland 17 in Auckland

Australia 43, England 18 in Melbourne (Cook Cup)

South Africa 29, Scotland 15 in Port Elizabeth

Argentina 45, Wales 27 in Buenos Aires

France 62, Romania 14 in Bucharest

Fiji 29, Italy 18 in Suva

New Zealand Maori 52, Scotland ‘A’ 17 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup Final)-Non test

Ireland ‘A’ 30, England ‘A’ 27 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup Playoff 3rd/4th)

Canada 33, United States 18 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup Playoff 5th/6th)

New Zealand Juniors 38, Tonga 10 in New Plymouth (Pacific Five Nations)

Samoa 53, Japan 9 in New Plymouth (Pacific Five Nations)

Ivory Coast 9, Morocco 9 in Abidjan (WCQ Africa Rnd 2 Grp A; Africa Cup Grp B)

 

14.06.2006

Singapore 34, China-Taipei 22 in Singapore (Asia Tournament Tier 3)

 

13.06.2005

Russia 37, Portugal 17 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)

Argentina ‘A’ 26, Italy ‘A’ 11 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)-non test

 

 A complete list of results for 2006

 

Coming Up

 

01.07.2006

United States v Barbados in San Francisco (WCQ America North)

Chile v Argentina in Santiago (WCQ America South)

Japan v Fiji in Osaka (Pacific Five Nations)
Tonga v Samoa in ? (Pacific Five Nations)

Uganda v Ivory Coast in Kampala (WCQ Africa R 2 Grp A; Africa Cup Grp A)

Tunisia v Namibia in Tunis (WCQ Africa Rnd 2 Grp B; Africa Cup Grp B)

Cameroun v South Africa Amateur in Doula (Africa Cup, Group C)

Indonesia v Brunei in Phnom Phen (Asia Tournament Tier 6)

Cambodia v Laos in Phnom Phen (Asia Tournament Tier 6)

 

Alterations/additions to fixture list

 

FIRA-AER European Nations Cup Div.1 2007-08 (25.06)

FIRA-AER European Nations Cup Div.2A 2006-08 (25.06)

FIRA-AER European Nations Cup Div.2B 2006-08 (25.06)

FIRA-AER European Nations Cup Div.3A 2006-08 (25.06)

FIRA-AER European Nations Cup Div.3B 2006-08 (26.06)

FIRA-AER European Nations Cup Div.3C 2006-08 (29.06)

FIRA-AER European Nations Cup Div.3D 2006-08 (29.06)

 

New Zealand’s Fixtures Northern Tour November 2006 (25.06)

06.11.2006 v England at Twickenham

11.11.2006 v France in Lyon

18.11.2006 v France in Paris

25.11.2006 v Wales in Cardiff

 

Score alteration (17.06)

6 May 2006 Israel 42, Bosnia 0 (not 9)

http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/medias/matches/2006_IL_BH.pdf

 

Castle Beer Trophy South Group A Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda. (12.06)

Teams-Rwanda, Swaziland, Burundi, Tanzania

This tournament will now be held in August in Arusha           

(From Paul Segombe, CAR)

                                                           

Asia Tournament Tier 6 (08.06)

To be held in Phnom Phen, Cambodia

27.06.2006

Cambodia v Indonesia

Laos v Brunei

 

29.06.2006

Indonesia v Laos

Cambodia v Brunei

 

01.07.2006

Indonesia v Brunei

Cambodia v Laos

 

http://cambodianfederationofrugby.com/

and thanks to ‘Quentin’ from FIRA-AER forum

 

Asia Tournament Tier 4 (08.06)

22.07.2006

Malaysia v Thailand in Bangkok

 

South Africa Amateur Team (26.05)

 

“Please be advised that the matches for the SA Amateur team has been rescheduled.

 

SA vs Senegal            10 June 2006 , Durban

 

SA vs Cameroon            01 July 2006 , Douala, Cameroon”

 

From Cliffie Booyen, SARFU

 

MATCH DATA SHEET UPDATING (29.06)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to or updated in the fixtures-results list in the menu and elsewhere on this site.

 

13 May 2006 Armenia v Slovenia (New)

14 May 2006 Bosnia v Azerbaijan (New)

14 May 2006 Finland v Greece (New)

20 May 2006 Portugal v Czech Republic (New)

27 May 2006 Greece v Finland (New)

 

RUGBY LISTS UPDATED (25.06)

The following countries have had their international lists updated. See alphabetical listing at the top of this page.

 

Argentina   Australia 2001-   China-Taipei   England 2001-   Italy   Kenya   Portugal   Russia   Senegal   South Africa VX

 

There is technical difficulties with the lists for Ireland, Norway, Scotland and Wales.

 

THIS WEEKEND’S MATCHES 24-27 JUNE

 

This is another busy weekend of international rugby. New Zealand plays against the ever improving Argentineans in Buenos Aires, Ireland will attempt to salvage a win on their southern tour in Australia, traditional rivals France and South Africa do battle in Capetown, Japan tries to turns its horror form around against the Junior All Blacks, an improving Fiji takes on local rivals Samoa in the other Pacific Five Nations contest, two minnows, Barbados and Cook Islands, take on their bigger neighbours Canada and Tonga, in some World Cup Qualifiers, the IRB Nations Cup tournament concludes in Lisbon and finally four Asian minnows meet each other in Phnom Phen.

 

27.06.2006

Cambodia 30, Indonesia 7 in Phnom Phen (Asia Tournament Tier 6)

Cambodia won by 23 points. I predicted Cambodia by 8.

 

The Tier 6 Asian nations begin their first serious bout of international rugby this weekend when they meet for a week in Cambodia.

 

Cambodia lost to Macau 7-46 last year in Hong Kong whilst Indonesia lost 10-17 to Macau just last week. Cambodia has the home soil advantage.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Cambodia 17th, Indonesia 18th

 

Teams

 

Cambodia Squad

Yun Sopha             Garuda              Lock     

Uk Dara           Garuda             Hooker            

Ralph McMilan  Garuda             Prop     

Chey Sophal     Hangsa             No.8     

Thang Chanda    Preah Vihear Flanker            

Phan Sophear             Stade Khmer   Flanker          

Chrou Kim Seing             Sisowath    Prop             .

Chhing Vesna             Sisowath      Lock     

Kheav Khamara         Sisowath             Lock     

Koeut Sovanreaksmey    Sisowath             Hooker            

Andrew             Preah Vihear    Prop    .

Out Vuthy         Siem Reap Flanker            

Yous Phearak  Dragons          Flanker            

Pich Ratana             Garuda          Half      

Lach Sopheara  Garuda             Centre              

Noun Meng             Garuda          Back    

Vannak Vireak  Garuda             Centre              

Thach Va             Garuda          FB        

Chan Samedi  Garuda             Centre              

Sun Malen             Hangsa          Wing    

Noun Leng             Hangsa          Half      

Vin Salin          Hangsa             Back    

Run Saroun             Preah Vihear Wing    

Enn Chanvuthy             Stade Khmer Wing    

Man Salida          Stade Khmer Back    

Bleriot Francios             Stade Khmer Flyhalf              

Heng Samnang             Stade Khmer Wing    

Vong Vannak             Siem Reap Wing      

Na Khim                Siem Reap Prop      

Châk Somnang             Sisowath       Flyhalf              

Chin Sahavitou             Sisowath       Wing    

Yorn Vantha             Sisowath             Flanker            

Chan Vanna             Tep Pranam Lock            

Coach: Laurence Karatau

 

Indonesia Squad

Husni Hiduar, Styvan Johannis, Uju Juhara (Balikpapan), Dwikie Pinotoan (Dubai), Fentje Lala, Hardiyanto Bitjara, Iksan Robo, Made Palit, Markus Lahunde, Nurhalis, Yani Alhabsi (Gosowong), Dave Letchford, Stephen Barber, Dave Keefe, Sebastian Sharp (ISCI Jakarta), Daniel Nugroho, Fikri Al-Azhar (Jakarta Bantengs), George Deda, Daniel Kobak, Nelson Joku, Niko, Willem Simopiaref (Kotekas), Andries Smallberger, Warren Wilcox (Sumbawa Nagas), Fadin Purimahua, Rod Bridges, Putu Puswadi (Sangatta Saracens), Kurt Arundale (MMU Cheshire, England).

Coach: Nicolas de Ribas

 

Brunei 32, Laos 17 in Phnom Phen (Asia Tournament Tier 6)

Brunei won by 15 points. I predicted Laos by 8.

 

As far as I know neither of these nations has recent form. Brunei’s only test match was a 3-22 loss to Singapore in 1999 whilst Laos lost 0-38 to Cambodia last year. Any help?

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Neither is registered yet

 

Teams

 

Laos Squad

1. Vong Sisimphou

2. Sod Viengsamphau

3. Vinay Inthavong

4. Thibault Ledecq

5. Bounnack Phommachanh

6. Andrew Dennis

7. Phomma Phommavongsa

8. Thomas Meadley

9. Anousith Chaleunsouk

10. Patthana Pankhamfong

11. Somphone Vongvilay

12. Phenglamphong Nachanthi (captain)

13. Kongsavanh Sihalath

14. Soulivo Amphaiyavong

15. Sin Phommahaxay

16. Thiphavong Somphoucnanh

17. Bounthanh

18. Makala Luangrath

19. Sayasouk Southakakoumal

20. Viengkhone Vonphengsy

21. Mit Oudone Keohanam

22. Chansadeth Soumphonphakdy

23. Vilasack Vongsay

24. Lee Sheridan

 

24.06.2006

New Zealand 25, Argentina 19 in Buenos Aires

New Zealand won by 6 points. I predicted New Zealand by 5.

 

The ‘other’ All Black side fronts up to Argentina who dispatched Wales last weekend. The Argies will be looking for an All Black scalp.

 

The Argentineans have suffered some fearful beatings by the All Blacks when they have played in New Zealand. On home soil Argentina is a different beast as Wales found out last weekend. So beware the Kiwi. The Puma looks set to pounce!

 

The GWC Rankings below would indicate that we have two of the top teams in world rugby in action in Buenos Aires.

 

Last Five Encounters

26.06.2004 New Zealand 41-7 in Hamilton

01.12.2001 New Zealand 24-20 in Buenos Aires

23.06.2001 New Zealand 67-19 in Christchurch

28.06.1997 New Zealand 62-10 in Hamilton

21.06.1997 New Zealand 93-8 in Hamilton

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, Argentina 3rd

 

Australia 37, Ireland 15 in Perth

Australia won by 22 points. I predicted Australia by 5.

 

Ireland will be desperate to win their last test match of the season after pushing the New Zealander’s close over the last two weeks.

 

Australia looked sharp against a disappointing England side over the same period and will be fresher.

 

Last Five Encounters

19.11.2005 Australia 30-14 in Dublin

07.06.2003 Australia 45-16 in Brisbane

09.11.2002 Ireland 18-9 in Dublin

10.10.1999 Australia 25-3 in Dublin (World Cup, Pool E)

19.06.1999 Australia 32-26 in Perth

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Ireland 9th, Australia 10th-CHANGE

 

France 36, South Africa 26 in Capetown

France won by 10 points. I predicted France by 12.

 

South Africa were not very convincing against Scotland at home recently. They never have been in their warm up games before the Tri-Nations series. They will need to fire and fire well to defeat France.

 

The French come to South Africa as the Five Nations international champion. They brushed Romania aside last weekend and look to carry on that good form. They have a record of mixed results playing in South Africa and will find the ‘Box’ tough at home. On form France has the edge.

 

Last Five Encounters

26.11.2005 France 26-20 in Paris

25.06.2005 South Africa 27-13 in Port Elizabeth

18.06.2005 Drawn 30-30 in Durban

09.11.2002 France 30-10 in Marseilles

10.11.2001 France 20-10 in Paris

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-France 2nd, South Africa 5th

 

Junior All Blacks 38, Japan 8 in Dunedin (Pacific Five Nations)

JABs won by 30 points. I predicted JABs by 88 points.

 

Japan has had a horror season. They have lost heavily to Tonga, Italy and Samoa in this competition so far. This is not the time for this team to have to face a New Zealand of any sort. I predict disaster!

 

Past Encounters

03.06.1968 Japan 23-19 in Wellington

19.05.1974 NZ Juniors 55-31 in Auckland

 

These don’t mean much except that Japan out played the two New Zealand sides in the backs on both occasions.

 

Fiji 23, Samoa 20 in Suva (Pacific Five Nations)

Fiji won by 3 points. I predicted Fiji by 8.

 

The pacific rugby powers of Tonga and Samoa have been able to reign their Fijian neighbours in recent years with some close games.

 

Fiji has lost to the NZ Juniors and Tonga but then out played more fancied Italy last weekend. Samoa lost also to the Juniors but easily defeated Japan last weekend. Fiji has the advantage of having home soil. This could be a close match

 

Last Five Encounters

30.07.2005 Fiji 21-15 in Suva (WCQ Oceania Round 3)

09.07.2005 Samoa 36-10 in Apia (WCQ Oceania Round 3)

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

22.06.2002 Samoa 22-12 in Suva (WCQ Oceanoa Rnd 3; Pacific Tri-Nations)

01.06.2002 Fiji 17-16 in Apia (WCQ Oceanoa Rnd 3; Pacific Tri-Nations)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Fiji 7th, Samoa 12th

                                         Pacific Table-Fiji 4th, Samoa 5th

 

Canada 71, Barbados 3 in Bridgetown (WCQ America)

Canada won by 68 points. I predicted Canada by 70.

 

Tiny Barbados won the right to join big brothers Canada and the USA in this round of World Cup Qualifiers by defeating the Bahamas last in a Caribbean final. Despite Canada’s average form lately they did win well against the USA last weekend and will have too many guns for Barbados.

 

These two teams have never met before.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: North America Table-Canada 1st, Barbados 3rd

 

Tonga 77, Cook Islands 10 in Rarotonga (WCQ Oceania Rnd 3, 1st leg)

Tonga won by 67 points. I predicted Tonga by 72.

 

In another World Cup David and Goliath encounter, the Cook Islands take on their Tongan neighbours in this third round clash. Little has been heard about the Cook’s team but they will have a good number of New Zealand-based players but will not have had the match play the Tongans have had.

 

Without recent Cook Island v Tonga matches to go by the Cook Islanders have had to do regular battle with Papua New Guinea in the previous World Cups qualifying rounds. Tonga defeated PNG 47-14 and 84-12 during the 2003 World Cup preliminaries as a guide.

 

Tonga defeated Cook Islands 68-12 in Nuku’alofa in 1997.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Pacific Table-Tonga 2nd, Cook Islands 6th

 

Italy A 32, Russia 29 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)

Italy ‘A’ won by 3 points. I Predicted Italy ‘A’ by 22.

 

Italy ‘A’ lost to Argentina ‘A’ 11-26 and drew with Portugal in the early matches of this tournament. Russia won well over Portugal in their opener and then crashed to Argentina ‘A’.

 

Argentina A 24, Portugal 19 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)

Argentina ‘A’ won by 5 points. I predicted Argentina ‘A’ by 15.

 

Portugal began with a surprise lost to Russia and then a draw with Italy ‘A’. Argentina looks to be in the driver’s seat to win this tournament.

 

 

 

RUGBY LISTS UPDATED (18.06)

The following countries have had their international lists updated. See alphabetical listing at the top of this page.

 

Czech Republic   Kazakhstan   New Zealand   Pakistan   Samoa   Singapore   South Africa   Thailand

 

Technical difficulties with the lists for Ireland, Norway and Scotland

 

MATCH DATA SHEET UPDATING (18.06)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to or updated in the fixtures-results list in the menu and elsewhere on this site.

6 May 2006 Israel v Bosnia

13 May 2006 Portugal v Ukraine

 

THIS WEEKENDS MATCHES 17-18 JUNE

Another huge weekend of international rugby is upon us. Ireland continues their southern tour and will be looking to achieve a win for the first time over New Zealand. Australia will be without George Gregan as they do battle against the old foe England. Scotland will clash again with South Africa and Wales will welcome a warmer climate in Buenos Aires. France begins its tour season with a stop over in Bucharest whilst Italy travel south to Fiji after a big win over Japan. The Churchill Cup reaches its climax with a non-test match between Scotland ‘A’ and the New Zealand Maori team whilst old neighbours Canada and the USA fight over the pickings. The Pacific Five Nations tournament continues with a double-header in New Plymouth, New Zealand, whilst Morocco travels to the south of the Sahara to take on Ivory Coast in a Rugby World Cup qualifying match. On Sunday the IRB Nations Cup continues in Portugal. Rugby truly is an international game.

 

Regret limited coverage of this weekend’s matches due to house renovations

 

18.06.2006

Argentina A 64, Russia 6 (IRB Nations Cup)

Argentina ‘A’ won by 58 points. I Predicted Russia by 5.

 

Portugal 26, Italy A 26 (IRB Nations Cup)

Match drawn. I predicted Portugal by 8 points

 

Reviews

http://www.irb.com/EN/Tournaments+and+Events/Nations+Cup/060618+DR+Nations+Cup+r2.htm

 

17.06.2006

New Zealand 27, Ireland 17 in Auckland

New Zealand won by 10 points. I predicted NZ by 40

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, Ireland 8th

 

Australia 43, England 18 in Melbourne (Cook Cup)

Australia won by 25 points. I predicted Australia by 18

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Australia 9th, England 10th

 

Reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/Australia/story_51918.shtml

 

South Africa 29, Scotland 15 in Port Elizabeth

South Africa won by 14 points. I predicted SA by 16

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-South Africa 5th, Scotland 6th

 

Argentina 45, Wales 27 in Buenos Aires

Argentina won by 18 points. I predicted Argentina by 4

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Argentina 3rd, Wales 4th

 

Reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_51925.shtml

 

France 62, Romania 14 in Bucharest

France won by 48 points. I predicted France by 56

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-France 2nd, Romania 13th

                                         Europe Table-France 3rd, Romania 7th

 

Fiji 29, Italy 18 in Suva

Fiji won by 11 points. I predicted Italy by 20

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Italy 7th, Fiji 19th-CHANGE

 

Reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_51919.shtml

 

New Zealand Maori 52, Scotland ‘A’ 17 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup Final)-Non test

NZ Maori won by 35 points. I predicted the Maoris by 15.

 

Reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_51934.shtml

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=1917

http://www.barclayschurchillcuprugby.com/

 

 

Ireland ‘A’ 30, England ‘A’ 27 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup Playoff 3rd/4th)-Non test

Ireland ‘A’ won by 3 points. I prediction Ireland ‘A’ by 8 points

 

Reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_51933.shtml

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=1916

http://www.barclayschurchillcuprugby.com/

 

Canada 33, United States 18 in Edmonton (Churchill Cup Playoff 5th/6th)

Canada won by 15 points. I predicted Canada by 5

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-USA 17th, Canada 18th CHANGE

                                      North America Table-USA 1st, Canada 2nd CHANGE

 

Reviews

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=1918

http://www.barclayschurchillcuprugby.com/

 

New Zealand Juniors 38, Tonga 10 in New Plymouth (Pacific Five Nations)

NZ Juniors won by 28 points. I predicted NZJ by 18

 

Samoa 53, Japan 9 in New Plymouth (Pacific Five Nations)

Samoa won by 44 points. I predicted Samoa by 30.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Samoa 11th, Japan 15th

 

Reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_51923.shtml

 

Ivory Coast v Morocco in Abidjan (WCQ Africa Rnd 2 Grp A; Africa Cup Grp B)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Morocco 2nd, Ivory Coast 4th

 

Prediction: Morocco by 8 points

 

 

NOT TEST MATCHES (15.06)

Earlier listed international matches played by the Canada U21 side in Cayman Islands, v Bermuda and v Cayman Islands, are not test matches. The Canada U21 side used up to ten replacement players, and Bermuda has officially advised that they were not test matches but ‘friendlies’. A pity.

 

INDONESIAN RUGBY GOES INTERNATIONAL (15.06)

From William J. Ryan, In-country Director, CCE Indonesia and special thanks to Eric Elefante for forwarding article to me via email

 

The Indonesian Rugby Football Union’s (IRFU) National Team will make its official IRB-sanctioned international debut on June 27th, 2006 at the Asian Rugby Football Union Division 6 Championships in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Indonesia will be competing against Cambodia, Lao and Brunei. The team will be coached by Nico de Ribas, a French National who played several years of top level French Rugby.

 

This is a huge step forwards for the newly-formed (December 2005) IRFU as they work towards becoming an official IRB Member Nation and ultimately one day competing in the Rugby World Cup Qualification matches.

 

The IRFU is sponsored by companies including Thiess Indonesia, Standard Chartered Bank, Digital 1, PAC and the Canggu Club, who along with several other companies provide sponsorship for the fledgling union.

 

Stephen Barber, Vice President of the IRFU and also a player selected as part of the 28-strong Indonesian commented that, “It was a huge honour to be taking part in the first ever International Test to be played by Indonesia and that he was united with his Indonesian colleagues to do well at the tournament and put Indonesian Rugby on the map.”

 

Two young Indonesian lads one of whom is currently based in Dubai and the other in England are traveling ‘home’ to Indonesia, to join up with the squad before it departs for Cambodia. In recent correspondence, Dwikie Pinotoan commented from Dubai that, “He was proud of being Indonesian and willing to travel back to play ‘Test’ rugby for Indonesia”.

 

The squad is made up of players originating from West Papua, North Maluku, Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, Sumatra, Bali, and Java plus expat residents from the UK, Australia and South Africa. The squad is as follows:

 

Husni Hiduar, Styvan Johannis, Uju Juhara (Balikpapan), Dwikie Pinotoan (Dubai), Fentje Lala, Hardiyanto Bitjara, Iksan Robo, Made Palit, Markus Lahunde, Nurhalis, Yani Alhabsi (Gosowong), Dave Letchford, Stephen Barber, Dave Keefe, Sebastian Sharp (ISCI Jakarta), Daniel Nugroho, Fikri Al-Azhar (Jakarta Bantengs), George Deda, Daniel Kobak, Nelson Joku, Niko, Willem Simopiaref (Kotekas), Andries Smallberger, Warren Wilcox (Sumbawa Nagas), Fadin Purimahua, Rod Bridges, Putu Puswadi (Sangatta Saracens), Kurt Arundale (MMU Cheshire, England).

Coach: Nicolas de Ribas

 

Note from RugInt; I have also received data on the players in this squad. Props Rod Bridges, aged 49, and Dave Keefe, aged 50, would be the oldest test players in 2006. In fact the oldest since I’ve been keeping records for the last ten years! Now, where did I put those old rugby boots….

 

DATA UPDATES (15.06)

The following countries have had their international lists updated. See alphabetical listing at the top of this page.

 

Armenia   Barbarians (UK) RFC   Canada   Georgia   India   Japan   Malaysia   Scotland XV   Tonga   Tunisia

 

 

IRB NATIONS CUP (15.06)

To be played between Russia, Portugal, Italy ‘A’, Argentina ‘A’

http://www.irb.com/EN/Tournaments+and+Events/Nations+Cup/060612+DR+Nations+Cup.htm

 

Squads

 

Portugal

GD Direito

 Miguel Portela; Marcelo Vargas; João Correia; Gonçalo Uva; Vasco Uva; Diogo Coutinho; Eduardo Acosta; António Aguilar; Pedro Leal; Pedro Carvalho; Frederico Sousa

OS Belenenses

Cristian Spachuck; David Penalva; Manuel Mata Pereira; Diogo Mateus; David Mateus; Juan Murré

AEIS Agronomia

Luís Pissarra; Duarte C. Pinto; Adérito Esteves

CD University Porto

Joaquim Ferreira; Marcelo d’Orey;

Gonçalo Malheiro 

Académica de Coimbra

Rui Cordeiro

CD University Lisbon

Paulo Murinello 

Lazio, Italy

José Pinto

 

Argentina ‘A’

Agulla Horacio (Hindú Club)

Arocena Jaime (Asosiación Alumni)

Bosch Marcelo (Belgrano Athletic Club)

Bouza Pablo (Harlequins RFC, England)

Costa Repetto Agustín (Los Matreros)

De Robertis Gastón (Regatas de Bella Vista)

De Vedia Tomás (S.I.C)

Fernández Miranda Juan De La Cruz (Hindú Club)

Fessia Genaro (Córodoba Athletic)

Galindo Alvaro (Universitario)

Gauthier Juan Ignacio (Hind Club)

Genoud Federico (Los Tordos)

Gomez Cora Pablo Marcelo (Lomas Athletic)

Gomez Juan Francisco (Los Matreros)

Guiñazu Eusebio (Rugby Club Toulonais, France)

Henn Pablo (Stade Francais, France)

Lopez Fleming Lucio (S.I.C)

Lozada Esteban (C.A.S.I)

Merello Francisco (Regatas de Bella Vista)

Petrilli Augusto (Bourgoin, France)

Rodriguez Daniel (Brive, France)

San Martin Horacio (Tala R.C, Córdoba, Arg)

Schusterman Martin (Plymouth Albion RFC, England)

Senillosa Hernán (ASM Monteferrand, France)

Stortoni Bernardo (Bristol RFC, England)

Vergallo Nicolás (Jockey Club)

 

Italy ‘A’

Matteo BARBINI (Benetton Treviso)

Valerio BERNABO’ (Ghial Calvisano)

Lorenzo CITTADINI (Ghial Calvisano)

Salvatore COSTANZO (Benetton Treviso)

David DAL MASO (Benetton Treviso)

Leonardo GHIRALDINI (Ghial Calvisano)

Giorgio INTOPPA (Ghial Calvisano)

Roberto MANDELLI (Ghial Calvisano)

Luigi MILANI (Conad L’Aquila)

Ludovico NITOGLIA (Ghial Calvisano)

Luciano ORQUERA (Brive)

Samuele PACE (Arix Viadana)

Gonzalo PADRO’ (Adriatic LNG Rovigo)

Pino PATELLI (Ghial Calvisano)

Antonio PAVANELLO (Benetton Treviso)

Enrico PAVANELLO (Benetton Treviso)

Nicola PAVIN (Carrera Petrarca Padova)

Aaron Ronald PERSICO (Agen)

Gabriel PIZARRO (Benetton Treviso)

Walter POZZEBON (Benetton Treviso)

Tommaso REATO (Adriatic LNG Rovigo)

Michele RIZZO (Carrera Petrarca Padova)

Marko STANOJEVIC (Bristol)

Nicolò TEMPESTINI (Consiag I Cavalieri Prato)

Giulio TONIOLATTI (HDI UR Capitolina)

Pietro TRAVAGLI (Arix Viadana)

 

Russia

Not yet known

 

Draw

Round One - Tuesday June 13

16.00 Argentina A 26, Italy A 11

18.00 Russia 37, Portugal 17

 

Round Two - Sunday June 18

15.00 Argentina A v Russia

17.00 Portugal v Italy A

 

Round Three - Saturday June 24

15.00 Italy A v Russia

17.00 Portugal v Argentina A

 

DATA UPDATES (13.06)

The following countries have had their international lists updated. See alphabetical listing at the top of this page.

 

Bosnia   England XV   Fiji   Ireland XV   Morocco   New Zealand XV   Romania   Uganda   United States

 

MATCH DATA SHEET UPDATING (13.06)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to or updated in the fixtures-results list in the menu and elsewhere on this site.

29 April 2006 Sweden v Austria (New)

6 May 2006 Slovenia v Lithuania (New)

27 May 2006 Hungary v Lithuania (New)

 

ASIA RUGBY TOURNAMENTS EXPLAINED (13.06)

Email from Erick Elefante, Manilla Nomads RFC

 

ASIAN NATIONS SERIES 2005 through 2007

 

        Round 2 – April-June 2006                            Home OR Away Basis

Div 1 - 2006

Div 2 - 2006

Div 3 - 2006

Div 4 - 2006

Div 5-2006

Japan

Hong Kong

Chinese Taipei

Malaysia

Guam

Korea

China

Kazakhstan

Thailand

Pakistan

Arabian Gulf

Sri Lanka

Singapore

India

Philippines

RWC Funded

RWC Funded

IRB Trust Funded

IRB Trust Funded

IRB Trust Funded

 

 

 

Round 3 – 2007 Div 2, 3, 4, 5- April - June 2007                 Home OR Away

 

Div 2- 2007

Div 3- 2007

Div 4- 2007

Div 5- 2007

3rd Div 1 (2006)

3rd Div 2 (2006)

3rd Div 3 (2006)

3rd Div 4 (2006)

2nd Div 2 (2006)

2nd Div 3 (2006)

2nd Div 4 (2006)

2nd Div 5 (2006)

1st Div 3 (2006)

1st Div 4 (2006)

1st Div 5 (2006)

3rd Div 5 (2006)

 

Division 6 (Tier 6) has been left out. For 2006 it include Laos, Cambodia, Macau and Indonesia. I’m assuming that promotion-relegation applies in the same way

 

 

MID-WEEK GAMES  13-14 JUNE

 

14.06.2006

China-Taipei v Singapore in Singapore (Asia Tournament Tier 3)

The final game in Tier 3 should see China-Taipei easily past Singapore. Singapore lost to Kazakhstan 0-29 last week whilst China-Taipei defeated Kazakhstan 20-18 in the weekend.

 

13.06.2005

Russia 37, Portugal 17 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)

 

Argentina ‘A’ 26, Italy ‘A’ 11 in Lisbon (IRB Nations Cup)

 

 

MATCH DATA SHEET UPDATING (12.06)

The following international rugby match data sheets have been added to or updated in the fixtures-results list in the menu and elsewhere on this site.

10 June 2006 Kenya v Tunisia (New)

11 June 2006 England v Australia (New)

4 June 2006 Georgia v Barbarians (UK) RFC (Updated)

 

DATA UPDATES (12.06)

The following countries have had their international lists updated. See alphabetical listing at the top of this page.

 

Botswana   Germany   Guam   Hungary   Lithuania   Mauritius   Namibia   Reunion   Russia   Spain   Ukraine

 

Apologies to Mayotte and Philippines. We are working on your listings.

 

THIS WEEKEND 9, 10 & 11 JUNE

This is a monster of a weekend for international rugby around the globe. There are a total of 15 matches being played. The four home nations begin their Southern tours, the Churchill cup reaches its climax in North America, the final European Nations Cup matches in Europe will be played, there are World Cup qualifying matches in Africa, Asian Tournament games and a few friendlies. It’s delightfully overwhelming.

 

11.06.2006

Australia 34, England 3 in Sydney (Cook Cup)

Australia won by 31 points. I predicted Australia by 5.

 

Australia weathered a strong England attack with some excellent defence and then scored some blistering tries in the second half. It was a good performance by Australia.

 

England’s coach Andy Robinson is under pressure. His team played predictable and plodding rugby. Australia was able to put on the pressure and then pick the attacks off. England had no answer. Back to the drawing board.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-England 8th, Australia 9th CHANGE

The rankings are a good reflection as to where these two teams in world standings. They have both been in a relatively low position on this table since last November, being unusual.

 

Details

 

Preview

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/Australia/story_51742.shtml

 

Reviews

http://www.rugbyheaven.smh.com.au/articles/2006/06/11/1149964415376.html

http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.News_Detail/StoryID/14151

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/England/story_51772.shtml

 

Argentina 27, Wales 25 in Puerto Madryn

Argentina won by 2 points. I predicted Wales by 1.

 

New Welsh coach Gareth Jenkins brings his Welsh boys as far south in Argentina as you would want to go. History is one of the reasons for this venture (See preview below). Wales were disappointed to have not been able to win their Five Nations crown back this northern season. With a new-look inexperienced team he will be struggling to win his first test as coach.

 

Argentina has not been without their recent problems. A threatened player strike and a rugby union on the brink of bankruptcy has made preparations for this match difficult. The Argentineans do have a more experienced look about them.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Wales 3rd, Argentina 11th CHANGE

 

Preview

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/Wales/story_51743.shtml

 

Italy 52, Japan 6 in Tokyo

Italy won by 46 points. I predicted Italy by 25.

 

GWC Rugby Ranking: World table-Italy 6th, Japan 15th

 

Chinese Taipei v Kazakhstan in Singapore (Asia Tournament Tier 3)

It is difficult to predict this match as I can’t find the Kazakhstan-Singapore mid-week result.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia table-Kazakhstan 5th, China-Taipei 9th

 

Prediction: China Taipei by 5 points.

 

10.06.2006

New Zealand 34, Ireland 23 at Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

New Zealand won by 11 points. I predicted NZ by 40.

 

Ireland have been a very competitive side this season but again failed to just clip the top teams in the Five Nations Tournament. New Zealand is on top of the rugby world at the moment and should stay there.

 

Last Five Encounters

12.11.2005 New Zealand 45-7 in Dublin

22.06.2002 New Zealand 40-8 in Auckland

15.06.2002 New Zealand 15-6 in Dunedin

17.11.2001 New Zealand 40-29 in Dublin

15.11.1997 New Zealand 63-15 in Dublin

 

New Zealand has never lost to Ireland. If New Zealand wins this match it will be their 17th consecutive home test win, a world record.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-New Zealand 1st, Ireland 6th

After a very successful Northern tour last November, this is the first time New Zealand has begun its season on top of the World Table. I expect them to stay there throughout 2006.

 

Teams

 

New Zealand:

15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Doug Howlett, 13 Ma'a Nonu, 12 Aaron Mauger, 11 Joe Rokocoko, 10 Luke McAlister, 9 Byron Kelleher, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Marty Holah, 5 Greg Rawlinson, 4 Chris Jack, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Clarke Dermody.

Replacements: 16 Anton Oliver, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Troy Flavell, 19 Jerome Kaino, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 David Hill, 22 Scott Hamilton.

Coach: Graham Henry

 

Ireland

15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (captain), 12 Gordon D'Arcy, 11 Andrew Trimble, 10 Ronan O'Gara, 9 Peter Stringer, 8 Denis Leamy, 7 David Wallace, 6 Neil Best, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Donncha O'Callaghan, 3 John Hayes, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Marcus Horan.

Replacements: 16 Rory Best, 17 Bryan Young, 18 Mick O'Driscoll, 19 Keith Gleeson, 20 Isaac Boss, 21 Denis Hickie, 22 Girvan Dempsey.

Coach: Eddie O’Sullivan

 

 

South Africa 36, Scotland 16 in Durban

South Africa won by 20 points. I predicted Scotland by 5.

 

Scotland front up with an improved Five Nations Tournament performance and a convincing win over the Barbarians. South Africa can only boast a narrow win over a make shift World XV last weekend. Touring South Africa is always tough and Scotland should expect a gritty South African team to be aggressive.

 

Last Five Encounters

27.11.2004 South Africa 45-10 at Murrayfield

14.06.2003 South Africa 28-19 in Johannesburg

07.06.2003 South Africa 29-15 in Durban

16.11.2002 Scotland 21-6 at Murrayfield

03.10.1999 South Africa 46-19 at Murrayfield (World Cup, Pool A)

 

Scotland was a very competitive side when they last toured South Africa. Who can forget Scotland’s famous win at Murrayfield in 2002?

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Scotland 4th, South Africa 7th CHANGE

 

Teams

 

Scotland:

15 Hugo Southwell (Edinburgh Gunners), 14 Chris Paterson (Edinburgh Gunners), 13 Marcus Di Rollo (Edinburgh Gunners), 12 Andrew Henderson (Glasgow Warriors), 11 Sean Lamont (Northampton Saints), 10 Dan Parks (Glasgow Warriors), 9 Mike Blair (Edinburgh Gunners), 8 Allister Hogg (Edinburgh Gunners), 7 Donnie Macfadyen (Glasgow Warriors), 6 Jason White (Sale Sharks, captain), 5 Scott Murray (Edinburgh Gunners), 4 Nathan Hines (Perpignan), 3 Bruce Douglas (Border Reivers), 2 Scott Lawson (Glasgow Warriors), 1 Gavin Kerr (Leeds Tykes).

Replacements: (from) Dougie Hall (Edinburgh Gunners), Craig Smith (Edinburgh Gunners), Alastair Kellock (Edinburgh Gunners), Jon Petrie (Glasgow Warriors), Kelly Brown (Border Reivers), Sam Pinder (Glasgow Warriors), Gordon Ross (Leeds Tykes), Simon Webster (Edinburgh Gunners).

Coach: Frank Hadden

 

England ‘A’ 41, Canada 11 at York University Stadium, Toronto

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

 

Previews

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=1874

http://www.rfu.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/RFUHome.News_Detail/StoryID/14143

 

Teams

 

Canada

15 Edward Fairhurst (University of Victoria), 14 Michael Pyke (Edinburgh Gunners, Scotland), 13 Nicholas Witkowski (Coventry, England), 12 David Spicer (University of Victoria), 11 Justin Mensah-Coker (Meraloma),

10 Ander Monro (Edinburgh Gunners, Scotland), 9  Morgan Williams (Stade Francais, France), 8 Sean-Michael Stephen (Oakville Crusaders), 7 Adam Kleeberger (University of Victoria), 6 David Biddle (Meraloma), 5 Matthew Phinney (Meraloma), 4 Luke Tait (Overmarch Parma, Italy), 3 Michael Pletch (Oakville Crusaders), 2 Aaron Abrams (Castaway-Wanderers), 1 Michael Barbieri (Overmarch Parma, Italy).

Replacements

16 Patrick Riordan (Burnaby Lake), 17 Daniel Pletch (Oakville Crusaders),

18 Hubert Buydens (Wild Oats), 19 Oliver Atkinson (Velox Valhallians),

20 Aaron Carpenter (Brantford Harlequins), 21 Kris Witkowski (Castaway-Wanderers), 22 Craig Culpan (Meraloma)

Coach: Ric Suggitt

New Caps: Barbieri, Monro

 

England Saxons

15 D Armitage (London Irish); 14 R Haughton (Saracens),  13 B Johnston (capt, Saracens), 12 C Bell (Leeds Tykes), 11 A Crockett (Bath Rugby); 10 D Walder (Newcastle Falcons), 9 R Wigglesworth (Sale Sharks), 8 K Horstmann (Worcester Warriors). 7 D Seymour (Saracens), 6 L Narraway (Gloucester), 5 K Roche (London Irish), 4 N Kennedy (London Irish), 3 R Morris (Newcastle Falcons), 2 D Paice (London Irish), 1 M Ward (Newcastle Falcons),

Replacement

16 J Buckland (Leicester Tigers), 17 D Barnes (Bath Rugby), 18 J Hudson (Bath Rugby), 19 B Woods (Newcastle Falcons), 20 C Stuart-Smith (Llanelli Scarlets), 21 S Vesty (Leicester Tigers), 22 A Erinle (London Wasps).

Coach: Jon Callard

 

 

New Zealand Maori 27, Ireland ‘A’ 6 in San Francisco

NZ Maori won by 21 points. I predicted The Maoris by 45.

 

The New Zealand Maori team were an awesome power as they swamped the USA team mid-week. They are now favourites to take the Churchill Cup. Firstly they have to overcome an Irish team equally confident after their win against the USA last weekend. However so dominating were the Maoris it’s hard to see Ireland getting close.

 

Previews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_51667.shtml

 

Teams

 

Ireland 'A'

15 Bryn Cunningham (Ulster), 14 Simon Keogh (Harlequins RFC, England),

13 Kieran Lewis (Leinster, 12 David Quinlan (Northampton RFC, England),

11 Robert Kearney (Leinster), 10 Paddy Wallace (Ulster), 9 Christopher Keane (Connacht), 8 James Heaslip (Leinster), 7 Shane Jennings, Capt. (Leicester RFC, England), 6 Roger Wilson (Ulster), 5 Matthew McCullough (Ulster), 4 Trevor Hogan (Munster), 3 Thomas Court (Ulster), 2 John Fogarty (Connacht), 1 Raymond Hogan (Connacht).

Replacements: 16 Brian Blaney (Leinster), 17 Declan Fitzpatrick (Ulster),

18 Damien Browne (Northampton RFC, England), 19 Neil McMillan (Ulster), 20 Tomas O'Leary (Munster), 21 Eoghan Hickey (Leinster), 22 tbc

Coach: Michael Bradley

 

New Zealand Maori

15 Shannon Paku, 14 Anthony Tahana, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Neil Brew, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Callum Bruce, 9 Chris Smylie, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Tanerau Latimer, 6 Jono Gibbes (captain), 5 Paul Tito, 4 Kristian Ormsby, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Scott Linklater, 1 Joe McDonnell.

Replacements: 16 Luke Mahoney, 17 Mike Noble, 18 Thomas Waldrom, 19 Jake Paringatai, 20 Corey Tamou, 21 Matt Berquist, 22 Cory Jane.

Coach: Donny Stevenson

 

 

 

Tonga 24, Fiji 23 at Central Coast Stadium, Gosford, Australia (Pacific Five Nations)

Tonga won by 1 point. I predicted Tonga by 8.

 

Tonga runs onto the paddock fresh from a very convincing win against Japan last weekend. Fiji were not so convincing when it lost to a strong New Zealand Juniors side also last weekend. Playing on neutral ground adds to an interesting game. I feel it’s a great pity that this match is not being played back in the islands in front of a local crowd.

 

Previews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_51669.shtml

 

Last Five Encounters

16.07.2005 Fiji 24-19 in Nuku’alofa (WCQ Oceania, Round 3)

25.06.2006 Fiji 19-11 in Suva (WCQ Oceania, Round 3)

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

 

Tonga v Fiji encounters over the last few seasons has been very competitive. I expect the same for Saturday

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Tonga 13th, Fiji 18th

                                        Pacific Table-Fiji 3rd, Tonga 5th

 

Teams

 

Fiji:

15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Mosese Luveitasau, 13 Epeli Ruivadra, 12 Kameli Ratuvou, 11 Sekove Leawere, 10 Seremaia Bai, 9 Seveci Taka, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 5 Simon Raiwalui, 4 Isoa Domolailai, 3 Apisai Nagi, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Josese Bale.

Replacements: 16 Joeli Lotawa, 17 Ravuama Samo, 18 Kini Salabogi, 19 Netani Talei/Alifereti Doviverata, 20 Emosi Vucago/Jacob Rauluni, 21 Jo Tora, 22 Seru Rabeni

Coach: Wayne Pivac

 

Tonga

Not available

 

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

 

Russia 25, Romania 24 in Krasnoyarsk (European Nations Cup)

Russia won by 1 point. I predicted Romania by 12

 

Russia was once one of the East European giants of rugby. Romania was the other. Since the 1990’s Russia’s position has slipped whilst Romania’s has progressed. Romania has had to travel to central Asia and beyond to play this match and the travel, which has been disrupted, may have an effect.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Romania 12th, Russia 20th

                                      Europe Table-Romania 7th, Russia 10th

 

Teams

 

Romania

15. Iulian Dumitras (Pau, France), 14. Catalin Fercu (Contor Zenner Arad), 13. Gabriel Brezoianu (Dax, France), 12. Romeo Gontineac (Aurillac, France),

11. Cristian Sauan (Rugby Rovigo, Italy), 10. Ionut Dimofte (Contor Zenner Arad), 9. Lucian Sirbu (Metro Racing, France), 7. Marian Tudori (Casono di Venezia, Italy), 8. Sorin Socol, Capt. (Agen, France), 6. Cosmin Ratiu (Dinamo), 5. Petre Cristian (Tarbes, France), 4. Valentin Ursache (Contor Zenner Arad), 3. Ion Paulica (Steaua Bucharest), 2. Razvan Mavrodin (Tarbes, France), 1. Cezar Popescu (Agen, France).

 Replacements: 16. Bogdan Zebega (Steaua Bucharest), 17. Nicola Nere (Steaua Bucharest), 18. Bogdan Balan (Montauban, France), 19. Mocai Macovei (REMIN Baia Mare), 20. Iulian Andrei (Steaua Bucharest), 21. Dan Vlad (Steaua Bucharest), 22. Danut Dumbrava (Steaua Bucharest).

 Coach: Daniel Santamans

http://www.rugby.ro/articol_a.asp?aid=10218

 

Russian Squad (Unofficial)

1. Alexander Voytov (VVA-Podmoskovje)

2. Andrey Garbuzov (Krasniy Yar)

3. Alexandr Gvosdovskiy (Krasniy Yar)

4. Vladimir Marchenko (VVA-Podmoskovje)

5. Viacheslav Grachov (Bayonne, France)

6. Alex Korobeynikov (Enisey-STM)

7. Vladimir Korshunov (VVA-Podmoskovje)

8. Igor Kluchnikov (VVA-Podmoskovje)

9. Kiril Kulemin (Agen, France)

10. Andrei Kuzin (VVA-Podmoskovje)

11. Kiril Kushnarev (VVA-Podmoskovje)

12. Iuri Kushnarev (VVA-Podmoskovje)

13. Pavel Novikov (Enisey-STM)

14. Ivan Prishipenko (Enisey-STM)

15. Konstantin Rachkov

16. Roman Romak (Enisey-STM)

17. Alexey Sarichev (Krasniy Yar)

18. Viktor Motorin (VVA-Podmoskovje)

19. Sergei Trishin (VVA-Podmoskovje)

20. Artem Phatakhov (Enisey-STM)

21. Alexander Khrokin (VVA-Podmoskovje)

22. Alexander Shakirov (VVA-Podmoskovje)

23. Viktor Gresev

24. Valeri Ignatiev (Enisey-STM)

25. Yaroslav Rechnev (Enisey-STM)

26. Sergei Novosiolov

27. Valeri Fedchenko (Krasniy Yar)

28. Alexey Panasenko (VVA-Podmoskovje)

Coach: Johanes Gruenewald

 

Thanks to ‘Qu’ from FIRA-AER forum. Source not indicated

 

Georgia 24, Czech Republic 3 in Prague (European Nations Cup)

Georgia won by 21 points. I predicted Georgia by 12.

 

Georgia is expected to win this encounter. The Cup winner, Romania, was long ago decided so there is little, apart from National pride, at stake in this match.

 

Teams

 

Czech Republic

15 Rudolf Jan (Petrovice), 14 Václav Jursík (Sparta Praha), 13 Martin Pekárek (Říčany), 12 Jan Rohlík (St. Nazaire, France), 11 Martin Pachman (Říčany), 10 Martin Snídal (Vyškov), 9 Vítězslav Dosedla (Dragon Brno),

8 Jan Žíla (Tatra Smíchov), 7 Ladislav Vondrášek (Esher RFC, England),

6 Patrik Leroch (Havířov), 5 Miroslav Němeček (Bordeaux- Begles, France),

4 Jiří Buryánek (Dragon Brno), 3 Pavel Šťastný (Lombez Samatan, France),

2 Jan Oswald (Tatra Smíchov), 1 Rapant Lukáš (St. Nazaire, France),

Replacements

16 Jan Sluka (Petrovice), 17 Jan Benda (Sparta Praha), 18. Pavel Indrák (Havířov), 19 Vlastimil Madry (Praga), 20 Pavel Syrový (Praga), 21 Jaroslav Tomčík (Havířov), 22 Petr Čížek (Praga)

http://rugbyunion.cz/

 

Georgia Squad

George Elizbarashvili (Academy)

Irakli Machkhaneli (Beziers, France)

Otar Eloshvilli (Arras, France)

Lexo Gugava (Locomotivi)

Revaz Guigauri (Locomotivi)

Irakli Guiorgadze (Bourgoin, France)

George Katcharava (Vannes, France)

Paliko Jimsheladze (Bobigny, France)

Bidzina Samkharadze (Farul Constanta, Romania)

Vakhtan Pailodze (Praga, Czech Republic) New Cap

Mamuka Magrakvelidze (Montpellier, France)

Akvsenti Guiorgadze (Castres, France)

Avtandil Kopaliani (Montauban, France)

Michael Sujashvili (Perigueux France)

David Khinchaguishvili (Bourgoin, France)

Ilia Zedguinidze (Capt) (Pays d’Aix, France)

Mamuka Gorgodze (Montpellier, France)

Levan Datunashvili (Bordeaux, France)

Shalva Papashvili (Chateauroux, France)

Ilia Maissuradze (Nantes, France)

Rati Urushadze (Enisei STM, Russia)

Besso Udessiani (Chalon, France)

Zviad Maissuradze (Krasny Yar, Russia)

 

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Georgia 8th, Czech Republic 11th

 

South Africa XV 84, Senegal 5 in South Africa (Africa Cup Group C)

South Africa XV won by 79 points. I predicted SA XV by 25.

 

After two false starts the South Africa Amateur XV finally gets a game. Two attempts to settle the fixture with Cameroun failed so that match will be played in Juy.

 

In 2005 Madagascar caused a boil over by defeating the South African Amateurs at home eliminating them from a final place for the Africa Cup. Senegal began their season with a 20-16 win against Cameroun at home in early April.

 

Kenya 25, Tunisia 21 in Nairobi (WCQ Africa Round 2, Group B, Africa Cup Group B

Kenya won by 6 points. I predicted Kenya by 3.

 

This will be Kenya’s third match of the season. They started with a 7-7 draw against Neighbours Uganda in a friendly and then travelled to Windhoek for the first of their World Cup qualifying matches. Namibia proved far too strong, especially up front, and hammered the visitors 84-12.

 

Tunisia started with a 35-7 loss to England Counties in Birmingham last weekend.

 

Review

http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news_s.php?articleid=1143953806

 

Details

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Kenya 6th, Tunisia 9th

 

Pakistan 24, Philippines 3 in Manilla (Asia Tournament Tier 5)

Pakistan won by 21 points. I predicted Philippines by 8.

 

By Jamie Scott and Jarrad Gallagher, in Manila

 

Pakistan wrapped up their 2006 Asian Nations Series group five campaign with a well earned 24-3 victory over the Philippines in Manila.

 

The Philippines had the upper hand in the first half, bottling their opposition up in their own 22 for the opening quarter but Pakistan were able to soak up the pressure.

 

With half time looming they scored a fine try, wing Arslan Zahid crossing the line. A tight first half ended with the score at 7-3 in favour of Pakistan.

 

Much improved from their 27-22 mid-week victory over Guam, Pakistan showed strong defence and good organisation and were able to establish territorial advantage, which in turn placed the Philippines under pressure.

 

Two further tries came for Pakistan in the second half, a second for Zahid and one for flanker Rehan.

 

Earlier, in Singapore on Thursday, Kazakhstan beat Singapore 29-0.Pakistan caused an upset when it defeated Guam 27-22 last week. Today they face the home side Philippines in the Tier 5 decider. The Philippines had previously defeated Guam 18-14 in Guam in their first international rugby test match. This looks to be an evenly contested match.

http://www.irb.com/EN/News/Regional+News/060611+SL+Asia+nations+3.htm

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Philippines 13th, Pakistan 14th CHANGE

 

Teams

 

Philippines

15 Matt Cullen (Alabang Eagles), 14 Charles Jarvis (Alabang Eagles), 13 Jeffrey Betinol (USA), 12 Max Stewart (Manilla Nomads), 11 Noel Flowers (Cebu City), 10 Tom Egerton (Alabang Eagles), 9 Jake Letts (Australia), 8 Romain Barberis, Capt. (Manilla Nomads), 7 Eric Savina (Manilla Nomads), 6 Mark Ellis (Manilla Nomads), 5 Bryan Feldkamp Manilla (Nomads), 4 Justin Puiu (Makati Chiefs), 3 Jerry Echter (Manilla Nomads), 2 Chris Hettel (Alabang Eagles), 1 Dave Thomas (Manilla Nomads).

Replacements

16 Graham Catchlove (Australia), 17 Alvin San Diego (Alabang Eagles), 18 Michael Duhig (Australia), 19 Chris Hartley (Manilla Nomads), 20 Pauline Padayhag (Cebu City), 21 Carlito Abono (Alabang Eagles), 22 Carlos Reporas (MAAP). Emergency Player:Tom Hall (Manilla Nomads)

Coach: Michael McMahon

http://www.prfu.com/content/view/91/160/

 

 Pakistan-Not available

 

 

09.06.2006

New Zealand Juniors 56, Samoa 12 in Albany (Pacific Five Nations)

Reviews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_51741.shtml

 

MID-WEEK 7-8 JUNE

 

08.06.2006

New Zealand Maori 74, United States 6 in San Francisco (Churchill Cup)

OUCH! The Maoris won by 68 points

 

The New Zealand Maoris last appeared at the Churchill Cup tournament in 2004. They defeated the USA 69-31 and went on to defeat England ‘A’ 26-19 in the final. The Maoris were not invited back to the 2005 tournament.

 

Prediction: NZ Maori by 15 points

 

Kazakhstan 29, Singapore 0 in Singapore (Asia Tournament Tier 3)

This match is the first of the Tier 3 nations Asian Tournament. These two teams have met only once before in 2002. This was at the Asia Championship in Bangkok when they played for 3rd place in Division 2. Singapore won 30-14.

 

Preview

http://www.sru.org.sg/news/news_080606_1.html

 

Teams

 

Singapore (Starting fifteen)

15.Daniel Thiam (Bedok Kings),

14.Eric Ng (Bedok Kings)

13.Lionel Robinson (Singapore Cricket Club)

12.Mohd Ismail Kadir (Wanderers)

11.Jonathan Chen (Bedok Kings)

10.Rob Martin Murphy (Wanderers)

9.Tong Chin Hong (Bedok Kings)

8.Rong Jing Xiang (Captain) (Bedok Kings)

7. Riduan Mohdar (Singapore Armed Forces Sports Association (SAFSA)

6. Romi Musa (Bedok Kings)

5 Andy Douglas (Singapore Cricket Club)

4 Chris Gilbert (Wanderers)

3 Mark Lee (Bedok Kings)

2 Gasper Tan (Bedok Kings)

1 Riady Perdana (Singapore Cricket Club)

 

07.06.2006

Scotland ‘A’ 15, Canada 10 at Twin Elm Park, Nepean (Churchill Cup)

Scotland ‘A’ won by 5 points. I predicted Scotland ‘A’ by 5 points.

 

Scotland ‘A’ earned a place in the Churchill Cup final with this closely fought win. Scotland ‘A’ lead 12-0 at one stage, 12-7 at halftime, but Canada came back strongly late in the second half. They gave away a number of scoring opportunities that could have won them the game.

 

Previews

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?page_id=10&lang=en&news_id=1860

 

Reviews

http://www.rugbycanada.ca/index.php?lang=en&page_id=10&news_id=1869

 

Details

 

Pakistan 27, Guam 22 in Manilla (Asia Tournament)

Pakistan won by 5 points. I predicted Guam by 16

 

Guam was defeated 18-14 by Philippines last week. Pakistan will be a stronger team than in the past with a reported inflow of English-raised players out of both rugby league and rugby union clubs.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Guam 14th, Pakistan 16th-CHANGE

 

Review

http://www.irb.com/EN/News/Regional+News/060607+SL+Asia+nations+2.htm

 

Thailand 50, India 28 in Bangkok (Asia Tournament Tier 4)

Thailand won by 22 points. I predicted Thailand by 28.

 

India lost 20-61 to Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on Monday and will find Thailand just as tough. This would appear to be a brutal tour for the Indian rugby team.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Thailand 10th, India 12th

 

Review

http://www.irb.com/EN/News/Regional+News/060607+SL+Asia+nations+2.htm

 

 

05.06.2006

Malaysia 61, India 20 in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Tournament Tier 4)

Review

http://www.irb.com/EN/News/Regional+News/060606+SL+Asia+nations+1.htm

 

 

THIS WEEKEND 3-4 JUNE

 

04.06.2006

Tonga 57, Japan 16 in Fukuoka (Pacific 5 Nations)

Tonga won by 41 points. I predicted Japan by 12.

 

Tonga scored a huge win over Japan and claimed respectability in this competition. The margin was a surprise.

 

Last Five Encounters

25.05.2002 Tonga 41-29 in Kumaguya

03.06.2000 Tonga 26-25 in Tokyo (Pacific Rim)

08.05.1999 Japan 44-17 in Tokyo (Pacific Rim)

19.02.1995 Tonga 24-16 in Tokyo

11.02.1995 Tonga 47-16 in Tokyo

 

Tonga has dominated most previous encounters with Japan. Competition goes back to the Pacific Rim days.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-Japan 13th, Tonga 21st-CHANGE

 

Teams

 

Tonga Squad

Props

Tevita Taumoepeau (Worcester, England)

Kisi Pulu (Coventry, England)        

Tonga Lea'aetoa (Pau, France)           

Hooker/Prop

Ma'afu Pale (Coventry, England)        

Hooker

Eghraim Taukafa (Leicester, England)        

Lock/Flanker

To be named            -

Emosi Kauhenga (Daito, Japan)           

Lock Forward

Paino Kelekolio Hehea (Metro Racing, France)          

Loose Forwards

Christpher Hala'ufia (N.E.C Harlequins)

Nili Latu (Wellington, New Zealand)

Lotu Filipine (IBM, Japan)

Sione Tu'amoheloa (Worcester, England)

Tevita Fifita (Kamaishi Seawaves, Japan)

No.8   

David Palu (Manawatu, New Zealand)

Scrum Half

Sosiua Taumalolo (Bristol, England)

Soane Havea (Marist)

Five eight

Tevita Vaikona (Saracens, England)

Sukanaivalu Hufanga            (AS Beziers, France)

Five eight/Centre

Kosilio Tonga'uiha (Vaini)

Centre

Tatafu Naaniumotu (Nukunuku)

Wing/Centre

Tevita Tuifua            (Karaka RFC, Counties, NZ)

Winger

Pierre Hola (Kobe RC, Japan)

Fullback

Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu (Worcester, England)

Viliami Hakalo (Spartan Club)

Utility Back

 Sioeli Nau (Metro Racing, France)

 

Adapted from http://www.rugby-japan.jp/japan/japan/2006/id2487.html

 

Barbarians (UK) RFC 28, Georgia 19 in Tblissi

Barbarians won by 9 points. I predicted Georgia by 5.

 

The Barbarians Rugby Club ended their season with a win over Georgia.

 

Details

 

Armenia 18, Lithuania 3 in Siauliai (FIRA-AER Division 3B)

Armenia won by 15 points. I predicted Armenia by 16.

 

Armenia maintained their unique unbeaten record in international rugby. In addition they gain promotion to Division 3A for 2006-07.

 

These two teams have not met before

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe-Armenia 27th, Lithuania 31st

 

03.06.2006

South Africa XV 30, World XV 27 in Johannesburg (Non-test)

 

Match Previews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/South_Africa/story_51566.shtml

 

Teams

 

Springbok XV:

15 Percy Montgomery, 14 André Snyman, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Jean de Villiers (captain), 11 Gaffie du Toit, 10 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Joe van Niekerk, 7 AJ Venter, 6 Wikus van Heerden, 5 Albert van den Berg, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 Eddie Andrews, 2 Hanyani Shimange, 1 Deon Carstens.

Replacements: 16 Gary Botha, 17 Lawrence Sephaka, 18 Johann Muller, 19 Pedrie Wannenburg, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Wynand Olivier, 22 Brent Russell.

 

World XV

15 Matt Burke (Australia), 14 Bruce Reihana (New Zealand), 13 Thomas Castaignède (France), 12 Fraser Waters (England), 11 Isa Nacewa (Fiji), 10 Carlos Spencer (New Zealand), 9 Justin Marshall (Capt.)(New Zealand), 8 Olivier Magne (France), 7 Sébastien Chabal (France), 6 Xavier Rush (New Zealand), 5 Radike Samo (Australia), 4 Tom Palmer (England), 3 Cobus Visagie (South Africa), 2 Raphaël Ibañez (France), 1 Dave Hewett (New Zealand).

Replacements: 16 Mark Regan (England), 17 Christian Califano (France) 18 Julien Pierre (Bourgoin RC), 19 Sam Harding (Northampton RFC)/Toutai Kefu (Australia), 20 Mark Robinson (New Zealand), 21 Ludovic Mercier (Gloucester RFC), 22 Joe Roff (Australia).

 

Both team lists thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

 

 

Scotland ‘A’ 13, England ‘A’ 7 at York Stadium, Toronto (Churchill Cup, Pool B-Non test)

Scotland ‘A’ won by 6 points. I predicted Scotland ‘A’ by 12.

 

Three ‘A’ teams from the British Isles join the New Zealand Maori team, Canada and the United States in this year’s Churchill Cup. Broadening the international field will help improve the standard of international rugby for the two local teams ahead of next years Rugby World Cup.

 

Both teams have a sprinkling of ‘test’ players with Scotland fielding eleven making them the stronger looking combination.

 

England ‘A’ have been named England Saxons

 

Match Previews

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/England/story_51538.shtml

 

Teams

 

England ‘A’

15 Michael Horak (London Irish), 14 Delon Armitage (London Irish), 13 Ben Johnston (Saracens), 12 Sam Vesty (Leicester Tigers), 11 Ayoola Erinle (London Wasps), 10 Dave Walder (Newcastle Falcons), 9 Paul Hodgson (capt, London Irish), 8 Kai Horstmann (Worcester Warriors), 7 David Seymour (Saracens), 6 Andy Beattie (Bath), 5 Dean Schofield (Sale Sharks), 4 James Hudson (Bath Rugby), 3 Stuart Turner (Sale Sharks), 2 James Buckland (Leicester Tigers), 1 David Barnes (Bath).

Replacements: 16 David Paice (London Irish), 17 Micky Ward (Newcastle Falcons), 18 Nick Kennedy (London Irish), 19 Ben Woods (Newcastle Falcons), 20 Richard Wigglesworth (Sale Sharks), 21 Alex Crockett (Bath), 22 Chris Bell (Leeds Tykes).

Coach: Callard

 

Scotland 'A':

15 Calum MacRae (Border Reivers), 14 Simon Danielli (Border Reivers), 13 Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), 12 Matt Dey (Edinburgh Gunners), 11 Rory Lamont (Glasgow Warriors), 10 Phil Godman (Edinburgh Gunners), 9 Rory Lawson (Edinburgh Gunners, captain), 8 David Callam (Edinburgh Gunners), 7 Alasdair Strokosch (Edinburgh Gunners), 6 Ross Beattie (Northampton Saints), 5 Mark Rennie (Lyon), 4 Craig Hamilton (Glasgow Warriors), 3 Colin Noon (Biarritz), 2 Fergus Thomson (Glasgow Warriors), 1 Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh Gunners).

Replacement: 16 Andrew Kelly (Edinburgh Gunners), 17 Alasdair Dickinson (Edinburgh Gunners), 18 Andrew Wilson (Glasgow Warriors), 19 Andy Hall (Newport-Gwent Dragons), 20 Scott Gray (Border Reivers), 21 Colin Gregor (Glasgow Warriors), 22 Nikki Walker (Border Reivers).

Coach: Steve Bates

 

Referee: Gary Wise (New Zealand)

 

Thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

 

 

Ireland ‘A’ 28, United States 13 in San Francisco (Churchill Cup, Pool A)

Ireland ‘A’ won by 15 points. I predicted Ireland ‘A’ by 12

 

The first game in pool ‘A’ pits the USA up against Ireland ‘A’. The USA side has a look of inexperience in it. Six players will be making their test debut;

Owen Lentz, Jeff Hullinger, Vaha Esikia, Alipate Tuilevuka and Tyson Meek.

 

Teams

 

United States

USA: 15 Francois Viljoen (Belmont Shore), 14 Mike Palefau (Haggis), 13 Salesi Sika (BYU), 12 Vahafalau Esikia (Blackjacks), 11 Jeff Hullinger (BYU), 10 Alipate Tuilevuka (BYU), 9 Tyson Meek (Denver Barbarians), 8 Kort Schubert , Capt.(Cardiff,), 7 Tony Petruzzella (Olympic Club), 6 Todd Clever (Mahurangi, NZ), 5 Mike Mangan (Chicago Griffins), 4 Carl Hansen (Olympic Club), 3 John Tarpoff (St Louis), 2 Owen Lentz (Washington), 1 Mike MacDonald (Leeds RFC, England).

Replacements: 16 Patrick Bell (Life), 17 Chris Osentowski (Belmont Shore), 18 Mike French (OMBAC), 19 Brian Schoener (OPSB), 20 Mark Aylor (Austin), 21 Brian Barnard (Golden Gate), 22 Mose Timoteo (Hayward).

 

Coach: Peter Thorburn

 

http://www.usarugby.org/cgi-bin/02/press/display.pl?releaseId=1317

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/USA/story_51541.shtml

 

Ireland 'A':

15 Robert Kearney (UCD/Leinster), 14 Simon Keogh (Harlequins), 13 Andrew Maxwell (Ballymena/Ulster), 12 John Hearty (Galwegians/Connacht), 11 David Quinlan (Northampton), 10 Paddy Wallace (Ballymena/Ulster), 9 Tomas O'Leary (Dolphin/Munster), 8 Shane Jennings (Leicester Tigers, captain), 7 Jamie Heaslip (Clontarf/Leinster), 6 John Muldoon (Galwegians/Connacht), 5 Matt McCullough (Ballymena/Ulster), 4 Trevor Hogan (Shannon/Munster), 3 Tom Court (Ballymena/Ulster), 2 John Fogarty (Buccaneers/Connacht), 1 Ray Hogan (Galwegians/Connacht).

Replacements: 16 Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), 17 Brian Blaney (Terenure College/Leinster),18 Damien Browne (Northampton), 19 Neil McMillan (Ballymena/Ulster), 20 Eoghan Hickey (UCD/Leinster), 21 Kieran Lewis (St. Mary's College/Leinster). 22 A N Other.

Coach: Michael Bradley

 

Referee: Phil Smith (Canada)

 

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Teams/Ireland/story_51541.shtml

 

Prediction: Ireland ‘A’ by 12 points

 

New Zealand Juniors 35, Fiji 17 at Post Fiji Stadium, Suva (Pacific 5 Nations)

The New Zealand Juniors are a team full of Super 14 players ready to make the step up to the All Blacks if required. To do this they have to play and win well against a Fijian team full of experience playing in front of their home crowd.

 

Previews

http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=42692

 

Teams

 

Junior All Blacks:

15 Sosene Anesi, 14 Anthony Tuitavake, 13 Niva Ta'auso, 12 Cameron McIntyre, 11 Caleb Ralph (vice-captain), 10 Stephen Donald, 9 Jamie Nutbrown, 8 Nick Williams, 7 Josh Blackie, 6 Steven Bates, 5 Bernie Upton, 4 Tom Donnelly, 3 John Afoa, 2 Corey Flynn (captain), 2 Saimone Taumoepeau.

Replacements: 16 Campbell Johnstone, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Hoani MacDonald, 19 Johnny Leo'o, 20 Kevin Senio, 21 Tamati Ellison, 22 Viliame Waqaseduadua.

Coach: Ian Foster

 

Thanks to www.planet-rugby.com

 

Fiji:

15 Norman Ligairi, 14 Mosese Luveitasau, 13 Epeli Ruivadra, 12 Seru Rabeni, 11 Rupeni Caucau, 10 Seremaia Bai, 9 Seveci Taka, 8 Alivereti Doviverata, 7 Aca Ratuva, 6 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 5 Simon Raiwalui (capt), 4 Isoa Domolailai, 3 Apisai Nagi, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Josese Bale.

Replacements

16 Joeli Lotawa, 17 Ravuama Samo, 18 Netani Talei, 19 Akapusi Qera, 20 Emosi Vucago, 21 Josevata Tora, 22 Kameli Ratuvou.

Coach: Wayne Pivac

www.fijitimes.com

 

Reviews

http://www.allblacks.com/index.cfm?layout=displayNews&newsArticle=3911

 

Romania 58, Ukraine 0 in Kiev (European Nations Cup)

Romania won by 58 points. I predicted Romania by 65

 

This competition has already been settled away back in March. The reason it plods along in June with a match between the already winner Romania and the already demoted Ukraine is pointless to me. Its time this competition was dragged into the 21st Century with an expanded competition, a pools system and a grand final.

 

Incidentally Romania, even without some of their top players, should steamroll the hapless Ukrainians.

 

Previous Encounters

19.03.2006 Romania 97-0 in Bucharest (European Nations Cup)

30.05.1998 Romania 39-17 in Kiev (WCQ Europe, Pool 2, Rnd B)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Romania 7th, Ukraine 12th

 

Teams

 

Romania:

15. Iulian Dumitras (Pau, France), 14. Catalin Fercu (Contor Zenner Arad), 13. Robert Dascalu (Steaua Bucharest), 12. Romeo Gontineac (Aurillac, France), 11. Ioan Teodorescu (Univ. Cluj), 10. Ionut Dimofte (Contor Zenner Arad), 9. Lucian Sirbu (Metro Racing, France) 8. Sorin Socol , Capt.(Agen, France), 7. Alexandru Tudori (Casino di Venezia, Italy), 6. Cosmin Ratiu (Dinamo Bucharest), 5. Petre Cristian (Tarbes, France), 4. Valentin Ursache (Contor Zenner Arad), 3. Petrisor Toderasc (Brive, France), 2. Razvan Mavrodin (Tarbes, France), 1. Bogdan Balan (Montauban, France)

 

Replacements (2 to be left out)

Cezar Popescu, Bogdan Zebega, Ion Paulica, Mihai Macovei, Stelian Burcea,  Valentin Calafeteanu, 22 Gabriel Brezoianu, Cristian Sauan, Florin Vlaicu

Coach: Daniel Santamans

 

Thanks to http://www.rugby.ro/articol_a.asp?aid=10182

 

Ukraine

Not available

 

Morocco 36, Uganda 3 in Casablanca (WCQ Africa R2, Grp A; Africa Cup Grp A

Morocco won by 33 points. I predicted Morocco by 40.

 

South Africa is the only nation whose team is guaranteed a place in the 2007 Rugby World Cup finals to be played in France. Six other nations will vie to also represent Africa at this tournament. They are Morocco, Uganda and Ivory Coast in Group A, Namibia, Kenya and Tunisia in Group B.

 

These teams will play on a home-away basis for the rest of this year. The winner of each pool will play for the right to qualify as Africa’s second team in the finals tournament.

 

Namibia has already started in Group B with an 84-12 win over Kenya last weekend. On Saturday Morocco will host Uganda. They are the current African Champions winning the 2005 CAR Division 1 final against Madagascar last November. With half the team professionals playing in France, they are expected to be too strong for the East Africans who are predominantly amateur players.

 

Uganda has the advantage of already playing together. They secured a 7-7 draw against Kenya in Kampala two weeks ago.

 

Teams are not available

 

These two teams have never met before

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Morocco 2nd, Uganda 7th

 

Preview (In French)

http://www.lematin.ma/journal/article.asp?id=sport&ida=61607

 

Review (In French)

http://www.lematin.ma/Journal/Article.asp?id=sport&ida=61677

 

Norway 35, Bosnia 23 in Oslo (FIRA-AER Division 3C)

Norway won by 12 points. I predicted Norway by 45.

 

“Norway will play Bosnia Herzegovina as the concluding game of their 2005/06 European Cup league campaign. A win will see Norway promoted a division to 3B and extend their unbeaten run to 5 games”

 

Norway is enjoying its best season ever and has not lost a game since September 2004. Bosnia is having a wretched time and could be heading for Division 3D next season.

 

These two teams have not met before.

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe-Norway 29th, Bosnia 36th

 

Teams

 

Norway Squad

Stein Ove Kristensen (Trondheim RK)

Karl Frisch (Bergen RK)

Cato Berg (Glommen RK)
Lewis Eaton (Stavanger RK)

Haakon Stengrimsen (Ponteland RFC)

Eivind Lunde (Stavanger RK)

Stian Røstberg (Bergen RK)

Erik Lund, Capt (Sedgeley Park RFC, England)

Adam Harrington (Oslo RK)

Kristoffer Borsheim (Stavanger RK)

David Hume (Bergen RK)

William Wilson (Bergen RK)

Karl Harper (Oslo RK)

Hanro van Wyk (Bergen RK)

Wesley Chibaya (Tønsberg RK)

Oliver Rogers (Basingstoke RFC, England)

Andrei Hanger (Cheltenham RFC, England)

Andrew Olsen (Castlebar RRC, Ireland)

Tim Edstrøm (Bergen RK)

Roger Yttervik (Tønsberg RK)

Shelton Davies (Tønsberg RK)

Anthony Ainsley

Coach: Paul Winson

 

Thanks to http://www.rugby.no/les.asp?ID=391

 

Bosnia

15. Adis Karabegović, 14. Mirza Oruč, 13. Edin Hrapović, 

12. Benjamin Kapić, 11. Albin Kapić,10. Sedad Tufekčić, 

9. Latif Bešo, 8. Adis Selimspahić, 7. Nermin Selimbegović,

6. Kenan Uzunović, 5. Adis Trako, 4. Mensur Uzunović, 

3. Adis Bašić, 2. Anes Smriko, 1. Semir Ajanović

Replacements

16. Edin Muratović, 17. Jasmin Halilović, 18. Sabahudin Subašić,

19. Senad Tabaković, 20. Sejo Kadić, 21. Armin Vehabović

 

As per ‘rugbylife’, FIRA-AER forum-source yet to be confirmed

 

England Counties 35, Tunisia 7 in Birmingham

England Counties won by 28 points. I predicted the Counties by 25.

 

Tunisia’s preparation for their Rugby World Cup qualifiers culminates in this rugby international against the amateur side England Counties. Tunisia will play Namibia and Kenya on a home-away basis in 2006 hoping to qualify for a playoff against the winner of the other African pool, which includes Morocco, Uganda and Ivory Coast.

 

The Counties won their game against France Amateur last year and continue their recent habit of playing against developing rugby nations. They defeated Uruguay 29-9 last year in Montevideo, lost to Romania 23-45 in 2003 and defeated Chile 33-21 in 2002. All these matches were away so this is a change to be playing at home.

 

Teams

 

England Counties:

Oliver Viney (Preston Grasshoppers & Lancashire); Hamish Smales (Tynedale & Northumberland), Chris Malherbe (Wharfedale & Yorkshire), Chris Briers (Orrell & Lancashire), Neil Kerfoot (Waterloo & Lancashire); Ollie Thomas (Moseley & North Midlands), Paul Knight (Birmingham Pertemps Bees & Gloucestershire); Duncan Cormack (Esher & Surrey), Joe Duffey (Nottingham & Notts, Lincs & Derby), Wayne Reed (Launceston & Devon), Brett Luxton (Launceston & Devon), Paul Arnold (Nottingham & Lancashire), Mark Evans (Moseley & North Midlands), Neil Spence (Bradford & Bingley & Yorkshire), James Rodwell (Moseley & North Midlands).

Replacements: Kenny Bingham (Newbury & Oxfordshire), Ed Barnes (Plymouth Albion & Devon), David Knight (Birmingham Pertemps Bees & Gloucestershire), Ryan Hopkins (Plymouth Albion & Devon), Glen Cooper (Newbury & Somerset), David Campton (Coventry & Warwickshire), John Munro (Nuneaton & Warwickshire).

Coach: Ben Ryan

 

Tunisia

Not available

 

Lao Rugby steps onto the international stage (03.06)

By Daryl Mcmahon

 

The Lao Rugby Federation’s (LRF) senior national team will make its official international debut later this month when it travels to Phnom Penh to compete against Cambodia, Brunei and Indonesia in the first Asian Rugby Football Union 6th Tier Tournament.

 

This is an exciting leap forward for the LRF as they continue to strive towards becoming a full member of the International Rugby Board and participating in a Rugby World Cup.

 

Team captain, Phenglamphong Nachanthi, says this is a big step, “We have a very young team and even though most of these guys have been playing for several years now there will be a steep learning curve for all of us at this tournament. We only hope to do our absolute best and hopefully bring a victory home for Laos.”

 

The following players were selected for the squad:

1. Vong Sisimphou

2. Sod Viengsamphau

3. Vinay Inthavong

4. Thibault Ledecq

5. Bounnack Phommachanh

6. Andrew Dennis

7. Phomma Phommavongsa

8. Thomas Meadley

9. Anousith Chaleunsouk

10. Patthana Pankhamfong

11. Somphone Vongvilay

12. Phenglamphong Nachanthi (captain)

13. Kongsavanh Sihalath

14. Soulivo Amphaiyavong

15. Sin Phommahaxay

16. Thiphavong Somphoucnanh

17. Bounthanh

18. Makala Luangrath

19. Sayasouk Southakakoumal

20. Viengkhone Vonphengsy

21. Mit Oudone Keohanam

22. Chansadeth Soumphonphakdy

23. Vilasack Vongsay

24. Lee Sheridan

 

Email from Erick Elefante

 

DATA UPDATES (03.06)

The following countries have had their international lists updated. See alphabetical listing at the top of this page.

 

Austria   China   Czech Republic   Finland   Greece   Hong Kong   Kenya   Latvia   Portugal   Singapore

 

CAR Castle Beer Trophy South, Group B-in Port Louis, Mauritius

03.06.2006

Botswana 37, Mayotte 0,

 

La Reunion 25, Mauritius 0-Final

 

Match report Day 3 (In French)

http://www.clicanoo.com/article.php3?id_article=131300

http://www.clicanoo.com/article.php3?id_article=131338

 

Thanks to ‘svsvsv’ from FIRA-AER Forum

 

01.06.2006

Mauritius 20, Mayotte 13

This was an improved performance from Mayotte who played their backs more and pushed the more experience Mauritians to the limit.

 

La Reunion 17, Botswana 3

Reunion won this game through a superior forward effort. It now sets up an Mauritius-La Reunion final with Botswana and Mayotte battling over 3rd and 4th places.

 

Match reports Day 2 (In French)

http://www.clicanoo.com/article.php3?id_article=131252

 

 

30.05.2006

La Reunion 48, Mayotte 0

 

Mauritius 20, Botswana 15

 

Match reports day one (In French)

http://www.clicanoo.com/article.php3?id_article=131085

http://www.lexpress.mu/display_article.php?news_id=65960

In English

http://www.planet-rugby.com/News/story_51545.shtml

 

Thanks to ‘svsvsv’ and ‘Quentin’ from FIRA-AER forum

 

Squads

 

Mauritius

Nicolas Dupavillon, Stéphane Pilot, Xavier de Senneville, Denis Claite, Damien Bax, Jean-Rilo Flore (1ère ligne), Bruno Bax (Capt), Marc D'Argent, Gregory Deweer (2ème ligne), Thierry Park, Arnaud Boullé, Herbert Couacaud Jr, Laurent Desvaux (3e ligne), Cédrick Raffray (demi-mêlée, vice capt), Simon Yapp (demi d'ouverture), Nicolas Pilot, Frédérick d'Unienville, Sacha Marot, Olivier Rey, Fabien Sauzier, Fabien Maujean (ailier), Dimitri Vaulbert, Henri Vaulbert (centre).

 

http://lemauricien.com/mauricien/

 

la Réunion

Avants : Michael Sabrilamour (27 ans, 179 cm, 110 kg, pilier, RC St-Pierre) - Frédéric Rivière (30 ans, 185 cm, 100 kg, talonneur/2è-3è ligne, SC Chaudron) - William Hoarau (32 ans, 187 cm, 94 kg, 2è/3è ligne, SC Chaudron, ex Montluçon F2) Jérome Gauthier (Cap) (32 ans, 190 cm, 99 kg, 2è/3è ligne, SC Chaudron)

Nicolas Tieffenbach (37 ans, 175 cm, 103 kg, pilier, RC St-Paul)

François Dorla (24 ans, 184 cm, 92 kg, 2è/3è ligne, RC St-Paul)

Jonathan Nassibou (21 ans, 185 cm, 81 kg, 3ème ligne, RC St-Paul)

Rodolphe Bax (21 ans, 190 cm, 90 kg, 3ème ligne, RC Portois)

Laurent Savigny (30 ans, 177 cm, 127 kg, pilier, RC St-Pierre)

Hendrick Lavallee (25 ans, 178 cm, 102 kg, talonneur/2è-3è ligne, RC St-Pierre) - Loic Raffin (vice capitaine) (33 ans, 188 cm, 105 kg, 2è/3è ligne, RC St-Pierre, ex PUC F1)

Nicolas Frapaise (33 ans, 198 cm, 90 kg, 2è/3è ligne, RC St-Pierre)

Daniel Lebon (27 ans, 176 cm, 90 kg, pilier, RC St-Pierre)

Trois-quarts

Gilles Brouzeng (34 ans, 172 cm, 72 kg, demi de mêlée, RC St-Paul)

Ulrich Lamour (22 ans, 170 cm, 65 kg, arrière/ailier, RC St-Paul)

Lazare Hoareau (22 ans, 166 cm, 76 kg, centre, XV Dionysien)

Fred Samelor (vice capitaine) (28 ans, 180 cm, 75 kg, 9/arrière, ailier, RC Portois) - Hassan Alhadhuir (27 ans, 185 cm, 90 kg, ailier, RC Portois)

 Raphael Gomez (32 ans, 175 cm, 77 kg, 9/centre, RC St-Pierre, ex Sarcelles F3) - Steve Martin (31 ans, 185 cm, 85 kg, arrière/centre/ailier, RC St-Pierre, ex Massy F1) Fred Leichnig (22 ans, 185 cm, 80 kg, ouverture/centre, RC St-Pierre) –

Julien Besinge (25 ans, 170 cm, 70 kg, ouverture/centre, RC St-Pierre)

Arnaud Brand (28 ans,

 

Coaches: Guy Baquer and Marco Dulac

 

www.clicanoo.com

 

A special thank you to ‘Quentin’ who digs a lot of this data up.

 

SAMOA SQUAD FOR PACIFIC 5 NATIONS (01.06)

PROPS

Filemoni Toleafoa (Montpellier, France)

Census Johnston (Biarritz, France)

Jeremy Tomuli (Bayonne, France)

Donald Kerslake (Vaiala)

 

HOOKERS   

Mahonri Schwalger (Wellington, New Zealand)

Muliufi Salanoa (Falefa)

 

LOCKS  

Daniel Leo (London Irish, England)

Jonathan Faamatuainu (Bath, England)

Pelu Taele (Otago, New Zealand)

     

LOOSE FORWARDS

Semo Sititi (Borders, Scotland)

Daniel Farani (Natal Sharks, South Africa)

Isaac Feaunati (Bath, England)

Ofisa Ofisa (Malie Sharks)

Ulia Ulia (Marist)

     

HALFBACKS  

John Senio (Auckland, New Zealand)

Garrick Cowley (Bay of Plenty, New Zealand)

     

FLY HALVES  

Tanner Vili (Japan)

Douglas Sanft  (Marist RFC, Auckland, NZ)

 

SECOND FIVE EIGHTS  

Dominic Feaunati (London Irish, England)

Brian Lima (Bristol, England)

     

CENTERS  

Anitelea Tuilagi (Leicester, England)

Seilala Mapusia  (Otago, New Zealand)

     

WINGS  

Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester, England

Lome Faatau (Wellington, New Zealand)

Timoteo Iosua (Vaiala)

     

FULLBACKS  

Loki Crighton  (Waikato, New Zealand)

Lolo Lui (Italy)

 

Coach: Laauli Michael Jones              

 

The following players that were not considered due to injury

 

Justin Vaa, Sailosi Tagicagibau,  David Lemi, Roger Warren, Elvis Sevealii, Lolenese Talapusi, Leo Lafaialii, Paul Tupai, Eliota Sapolu, Henry Tuilagi, Jonathan Meredith, Notise Tauafao, Terry Fanolua.

 

Adapted from http://www.manusamoa.com.ws/

 

IRELAND SQUAD FOR NZ & AUSTRALIA (01.06)

 

Backs: Isaac Boss (Ballymena/Ulster ), Tommy Bowe (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Gordon D'Arcy (Lansdowne/Leinster), Girvan Dempsey (Terenure College/Leinster), Gavin Duffy (Harlequins), Denis Hickie (St. Mary's College/Leinster), Shane Horgan (Lansdowne/Leinster), John Kelly (Cork Constitution/Munster), Geordan Murphy (Leicester), Brian O'Driscoll (Capt.) (Blackrock College/Leinster), Ronan O'Gara (Cork Constitution/Munster), Jeremy Staunton (Wasps), Peter Stringer (Shannon/Munster), Andrew Trimble (Ballymena/Ulster).

 

Forwards*: Neil Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Rory Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Simon Best (Belfast Harlequins/Ulster), Leo Cullen (Leicester), Jerry Flannery (Shannon/Munster), Anthony Foley (Shannon/Munster), Keith Gleeson (St.Mary's College/Leinster), John Hayes (Bruff/Munster), Marcus Horan (Shannon/Munster), Denis Leamy (Cork Constitution/Munster), Donncha O'Callaghan (Cork Constitution/Munster), Paul O'Connell (Young Munster/Munster), Mick O'Driscoll (Cork Constitution/Munster), David Wallace (Garryowen/Munster), Bryan Young (Ballymena/Ulster).

 

Not Considered due to injury: Simon Easterby Johnny O'Connor Malcolm O'Kelly Eoin Reddan

 

*One forward still to be added to squad.

 

Thanks to www.planet-rugby.com