THIS WEEKEND 10-11 AUGUST

11.08.2007

Scotland 31, Ireland 21 at Murrayfield (World Cup warm up)

Scotland won by 10 points. I predicted Ireland by 17.

Reviews

Previews

Both these teams begin their Rugby World Cup preparations in earnest today at Murrayfield. Ireland looks to have too much oomph for Scotland

Jason White returns to the Scottish side after missing all the Six Nation’s matches and scrum half Mike Blair also returns. The playing of Chris Paterson at fly half has never been a success for Scotland. Coach Frank Hadden will announce on Tuesday his thirty players for the World Cup tournament.

This is not an Irish side at full strength but is close to the best starting line up. Ireland has a settled squad going into the rugby world cup.

Teams

Ireland

15 Geordan Murphy, 14 Brian Carney, 13 Brian O'Driscoll (Capt.), 12 Gavin Duffy, 11 Tommy Bowe, 10 Paddy Wallace, 9 Isaac Boss, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Stephen Ferris, 6 Neil Best, 5 Paul O'Connell, 4 Malcolm O'Kelly, 3 Simon Best, 2 Jerry Flannery, 1 Bryan Young.

Replacements: 16 Rory Best, 17 John Hayes, 18 Alan Quinlan, 19 Keith Gleeson, 20 Eoin Reddan, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Shane Horgan.

Coach: Eddie O’Sullivan

Scotland

15 Rory Lamont, 14 Sean Lamont, 13 Rob Dewey, 12 Andrew Henderson, 11 Simon Webster, 10 Chris Paterson, 9 Mike Blair, 8 Simon Taylor, 7 Allister Hogg, 6 Jason White (Capt.), 5 Jim Hamilton, 4 Nathan Hines, 3 Euan Murray, 2 Ross Ford, 1 Allan Jacobsen.

Replacements: 16 Fergus Thomson, 17 Craig Smith, 18 Scott MacLeod, 19 Kelly Brown, 20 Chris Cusiter, 21 Dan Parks, 22 Hugo Southwell.

Coach: Frank Hadden

France 21, England 15 at Twickenham (World Cup warm up)

France won by 6 points. I predicted France by 5.

Reviews

Previews

This is the first of a double-header between these grand old foes of European rugby. They meet again next weekend in Marseilles.

There are plenty of questions needing an answer over the final selection of the England thirty that will travel to France next month. For coach Brian Ashton this match will hopefully answer them. To complicate matters Lewis Moody has been a late with drawl from the England side. I will expect a better performance by England next weekend in France following their team announcement. But then so will France play better in a city notorious as a graveyard for foreign teams.

France has already selected their thirty. They may well be a more relaxed combination. Fabian Pelous will equal the French record of 111 test caps. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=80&objectid=10456993&ref=rss

Teams

England

15 Nick Abendanon (Bath), 14 Paul Sackey (Wasps), 13 Jamie Noon (Newcastle), 12 Mike Catt Capt. (London Irish), 11 Josh Lewsey (Wasps), 10 Olly Barkley (Bath), 9 Shaun Perry (Bristol), 8 Lawrence Dallaglio (Wasps), 7 Lewis Moody (Leicester), 6 James Haskell (Wasps), 5 Ben Kay (Leicester), 4 Simon Shaw (Wasps), 3 Matt Stevens (Bath), 2 Mark Regan (Bristol), 1 Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks).

Replacements: 16 Lee Mears (Bath), 17 Phil Vickery (Wasps), 18 Martin Corry (Leicester), 19 Joe Worsley (Wasps), 20 Andy Gommarsall (Harlequins), 21 Jonny Wilkinson (Newcastle), 22 Danny Cipriani (Wasps).

Coach: Brian Ashton

France

15 Clément Poitrenaud, 14 Vincent Clerc, 13 David Marty, 12 Yannick Jauzion, 11 Aurelien Rougerie, 10 David Skrela, 9 Pierre Mignoni, 8 Rémy Martin, 7 Julien Bonnaire, 6 Serge Betsen, 5 Jérôme Thion, 4 Fabien Pelous, 3 Jean-Baptiste Poux, 2 Raphaël Ibañez (Capt.), 1 Olivier Milloud.

Replacements: 16 Dimitri Szarzewski, 17 Nicolas Mas, 18 Sébastien Chabal, 19 Yannick Nyanga, 20 Jean-Baptiste Elissalde, 21 Frédéric Michalak, 22 Cédric Heymans.

Coach: Bernard Laporte

Poux replaces an injured De Villiers.

Kenya 35, Uganda 15 in Nairobi (Elgin Cup)

Kenya won by 20 points. I predicted Uganda by 8.

Reviews

http://www.eastandard.net/hm_news/news_s.php?articleid=1143972761

http://www.sundayvision.co.ug/detail.php?mainNewsCategoryId=7&newsCategoryId=129&newsId=580808

Preview

This match could well be a dress rehearsal for an Africa Cup final.

Uganda has produced its share of suprises in the African rugby world this year. Firstly they thumped Kenya 29-10 in late May in the first leg of the Elgin Cup. Then they dumped Namibia 20-19 in mid-June just a week after the Namibians had competed in the prestigious IRB Nations cup in Bucharest. Uganda went on to defeat Zambia 21-5 to take out the honours in the Africa Cup, Division 1, South A section. This qualified them for a quarter final spot.

Kenya recovered from its humiliating defeat to Uganda to upset Morocco 23-16 in Nairobi on the same weekend that the Ugandans were slipping past Namibia. Kenya then defeated Cameroun to also take a semi-final berth thus setting up the possibility of an all-East African final in Division 1.

Prediction: Kenya will be very difficult to defeat at home. I expect the Ugandans to continue their amazing run of victories. Uganda by 8

Teams

Kenya

15 Innocent Simiyu (Quins), 14 Collins Injera (Mwamba), 13 Humphrey Khayange (Mwamba), 12 Sydney Nderitu (Mwamba), 11 Victor Sudi (Mwamba), 10 Lavin Asego (Mwamba), 9 Peter Mutai (KCB), 1 Daniel Kiptoo (Quins), 2 Edwin Alubaka (KCB), 3 Derrick Wamalwa (KCB), 4 Mike Aung (Nondies), 5 Wilson K’Opondo (Mean Machine), 6 Arnold Odera (KCB), 7 Anthony Ogot (KCB), 8 Paul Murunga (KCB).

Reserves: 16 Vincent Ong’era (Quins), 17 Joel Ng’ang’a (Quins), 18 Leslie Libasia (Quins), 19 Lewis Olaka (Quins), 20 Moses Kola (Impala), 21 Nato Simiyu (Impala), 22 Horace Owiti (Impala).

Coach: Michael Otieno

Uganda

15 Brian Tabaruka, 14 Allan Musoke, 13 Timothy Mudoola, 12 John Musoke, 11 Felix Lubega, 10 Edmond Tumusiime, 9 Allan Misiko, 8 Adrian Bukenya (Capt.). 7 Mathias Ochwo, 6 Robert Sseguya, 5 Moses Soita, 4 Victor Wadia, 3 Brian Makalama, 2 Solomon Mawanda, 1 Fred Mudoola.

Reserves: 16 Alex Mubiru, 17 Ronald Adigasi, 18 Ronald Mwisaka, 19 Joel Anguyo, 20 Anthony Kinene, 21 Emmanuel Ochaya, 22 Dennis Etuket.

Head Coach: Yayiro Kasasa

Previews

WE SHALL RECLAIM TUSKER ELGON CUP (08.08)

Confidence is oozing in the Kenya camp following a sponsorship by Tusker for the return leg of Elgon Cup match against Uganda on Saturday at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground. Team captain, coach and Kenya Rugby Football Union officials were united in their thoughts about reclaiming Elgon Cup. Frank Sabwa, the KRFU secretary put it bluntly: “We shall defeat Uganda.”

The former Kenya forward noted there was a lot at stake in the match for which fans will pay Sh200 gate charges. “We have a big task but are happy to have Tusker on board to give us big boost,” he said. Sabwa also said that Kenya was confident of hosting the Africa Cup semi-finals. “Kenya’s bid is quite good and we have an advantage because of our central position,” Sabwa added.

Wangila Simiyu, the team manager would like to see the player’s achievements recognized and rewarded. He challenged the government to come out with a uniform way of rewarding achieving teams. Kenya is currently ranked 43rd by the IRB. Coach Michael ‘Tank’ Otieno allayed fears that some of the players had been dropped from the team. “We have just picked the best 22 according to the game at hand,” he said. The coach explained he had a squad of 32 from which to pick from. “The other players are still members of the squad and have not been dropped,” Otieno explained.

He set two targets for the team. One is to beat Uganda and second to reclaim Elgon Cup. “We are starting with a deficit of 19 points and the focus is to achieve both targets,” the coach said. Such is the confidence by the Kenyan coach that he stated the best way of defending was attacking but noted that Uganda was not a weak team. “They have invested a lot in the team,” Otieno noted. In his assessment, Uganda plays almost a similar brand of rugby to that of Kenya. “They have very good backs and a solid back. After beating us twice, their confidence is up there,” observed Otieno.

The coach noted that the build up towards the return leg was much better than when the teams first played on May 26 in Kampala. “We named the best team that moment but the return of several key players from the IRB Sevens World Series and the completion of Kenya Cup has given us more options,” the coach said. Asked about the main undoing in the first leg, Otieno observed that the tries Uganda scored against Kenya arose from silly mistakes. “They capitalized on our errors in the first leg. We have worked hard to minimize the errors,” Otieno explained.

Daniel Kiptoo, the Kenya captain believes it is possible to score quick tries against Uganda on Saturday to settle their nerves. He said the team has been training hard since defeating Cameroon on July 7 in Yaoundé in an Africa Cup match. “Our aim is to score three tries in the first 15 minutes. It will be a game of high pace but we are ready. The players are a good mix with some employed while others are students. They have sacrificed a lot for the country. Starting from 19 points down is no mean feat but is achievable,” the prop assured. The captain assured this was the best team that Kenya has assembled.

Released by KRFU Media and Communications krfu@iconnect.co.ke

NEW LOOK SQUAD FOR TUSKER ELGON CUP (08.08)

Kenya has named a new look side to play against Uganda in the return leg of the annual Tusker Elgon Cup match on Saturday at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground. Coach Michael Otieno and his technical bench of Charles Ngovi and Edward Kinyany have made upto 10 changes in the squad that traveled to Uganda on May 26 for the first leg which Kenya lost 10-29. The changes in this East Africa Breweries Limited-sponsored fixture have been made to accommodate some of the players who were unable to travel to Uganda.

Six players from the national seven-a-side team have been included in the team. They are national seven-a-side captain Innocent Simiyu together with his brothers Victor Sudi and Nato Simiyu. Two brothers from Mwamba, Humphrey Khayange and Collins Injera have been named in the team. The other national seven-a-side player in the squad is Horace Owiti. Others who did not travel to Uganda and have been included in the team are Wilson K’Opondo, Mike Aung, Leslie Libasia, Moses Kola, Vincent Ong’era and Lewis Olaka.

Otieno cautioned that the rest of the players had not been ‘dropped’. “We have a squad of 32 players from which we can only select 22 according to the type of game we intend to play against any team. Most of the time, we work on the approach and then identify the players to do the task. Players who are able to play in one or more positions offer the flexibility that is required in the modern game,” Otieno explained. The coach left no doubt about what kind of tactics he would use against what he considers to be a solid Uganda side. “It really does not matter whether they have made only a few changes to the side we played in the first leg. We are better prepared this time and playing at home. The players have instructions to attack from the whistle and defend during the entire game. We have the players to match Uganda in every department and since this is a home match, the aim is to score 29 points and continue from there,” the coach explained.

With two training sessions left, the technical bench will address key areas on Wednesday and Friday. Wangila Simiyu, the team manager urged rugby fans to come and cheer the team to a big win. He noted that the players needed the support to overcome the 19-poin deficit from the first leg to reclaim the Elgon Cup. “It is unfortunate that very few people in the country realise that rugby has gained big strides. Our Sevens team is a core team for the International Rugby Board World Sevens Series and the 15’s team has qualified for the semi-finals of the Africa Cup which makes it one of the top four teams in the continent besides South Africa and Namibia. These are achievements we should be proud of.

If rugby was played at the All Africa Games, Kenya will be a sure medal winner. Players need incentives. We need to motivate the players to beat Uganda and a reward of some kind is welcome. Of course the biggest incentive for the players should be announced for the Africa Cup where Kenya has a realistic chance of winning the trophy. It begins with winning the Elgon Cup,” Simiyu said.

The squad: Horace Otieno, Lavin Asego, Collins Injera, Sydney Nderitu, Humphrey Khayange, (Mwamba), Innocent Simiyu, Joel Ng’ang’a, Leslie Libasia, Daniel Kiptoo, Victor Sudi, Lewis Olaka, Vincent Ong’era (Quins), Moses Kola, Nato Simiyu (Impala), Wilson K’Opondo (Mean Machine), Peter Mutai, Paul Murunga, Edwin Alubaka, Derrick Wamalwa, Arnold Odera, Anthony Ogot (KCB) and Mike Aung (Nondies). Officials: Michael Otieno (head coach), Edward Kinyany, Charles Ngovi (assistant coaches), Chris Makachia (physiotherapist), Wangila Simiyu (team manager), Mike Mwanja (liaison).

Released by KRFU Media and Communications krfu@iconnect.co.ke

THREE CHANGES IN UGANDA TEAM FOR TUSKER ELGON CUP (07.08)

Uganda has made three changes in the team that is due to arrive in Nairobi on Thursday night for the return leg of Tusker Elgon Cup to be played on Saturday 11th August 2007 at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground. The new faces are John Musoke, Emmanuel Ochaya and Dennis Etuket. Left out of the squad which was named by coach Yayiro Kasasa are Bonny Moro, Bobby Bigamba and Richard Lumu.

Uganda won the first leg 29-10 and are the current holders of the two leg series. East Africa Breweries Limited shall sponsor the Nairobi leg of the annual match.

Uganda team: Ronald Adigasi, Solomon Mawanda, Fred Mudoola, Alex Mubiru, Brian Makalama, Ronald Mwisaka, Victor Wadia, Moses Soita, Robert Sseguya, Mathias Ochwo, Joel Anguyo, Adrian Bukenya, Allan Masiko, Anthony Kinene, Edmond Tumusiime, Allan Musoke, Felix Lubega, Timothy Mudoola, John Musoke, Emmanuel Ochaya, Dennis Etuket and Brian Tabaruka.

Officials: David Dobela (director of coaching), Yayiro Kasasa (head coach), Henry Musoke (team manager), Arthur Kwizera (doctor), James Thomas (physiotherapist).

Released by KRFU Media and Communications krfu@iconnect.co.ke

10.08.2007

Japan XV 69, Asia Barbarians 10 in Tokyo-non test

Teams

Asian Barbarians Squad

Position	Name	Union	Age	Height	Weight	Caps
Props	Antonov EVGENIY	Kazakhstan	33	183	111	24
	Vladimir CHERNIH	Kazakhstan	33	186	115	52*
	Masahiko TOYOYAMA	Japan	30	178	107	24
	Kwang-Mo KIM	Korea	27	187	120	5
	Sung-Woon YOON	Korea	27	183	115	5
Hookers	Masaaki SAKATA	Japan	34	180	99	33
	Jia-Cheng WANG	China	23	178	105	-
Locks	Hiroyuki TANUMA	Japan	34	193	90	42
	Jason KNOX	Arabian Gulf	-	-	-	-
	Kwang-Moon LEE	Korea	23	188	100	-
Back row/lock	Rudoy ANTON	Kazakhstan	24	192	105	52*
Back row	Semi IAFETA	Hong Kong	35	182	109	6
	Timur MASHUROV	Kazakhstan	26	193	108	62*
	Zhong-Liang HE	China	25	193	95	-
	Takeomi ITO	Japan	36	185	90	62
Halves	Myung-Geun LEE	Korea	29	170	70	12
	Wataru MURATA	Japan	39	172	75	41
	Sheshin EVGENIY	Kazakhstan	28	170	80	20
Flyhalves	Keiji HIROSE	Japan	34	170	74	40
	Emil VATARIZIAN	India	31	180	80	19
Centres	Yukio MOTOKI	Japan	35	177	90	79
	Mark WRIGHT	Hong Kong	22	180	85	5**
Centre/fullback	Colin BISLEY	Hong Kong	29	184	88	3
Centre/wing	Wen-Yen CHEN	Chinese Taipei	26	182	82	15
Wing/fullback	Jae-Young CHAE	Korea	23	183	83	8
Wings	Yang LI	China	22	175	85	-
	Sanjeewa JAYASINGHE	Sri Lanka	29	170	80	22
Fullback	Zhi-Qiang ZHANG	China	32	185	90	-
	Tsutomu MATSUDA	Japan	37	180	85	43

* includes caps for Russia.

** Sevens caps.

Staff

Head Coach	Jarrad GALLAGHER	IRB Asia
General Manager	Yuichi UENO	JRFU technical development committee chairman
Coach	Deano HEREWINI	IRB coaching director
Coach	John WALTERS	Hong Kong Head Coach
Coach	Masahito KUNDA	Toshiba
General Staff	Haruma UCHIDA	JRFU
General Staff	John MIN	Korea RFU