THIS WEEKEND 24-25 MAY

 

25.05.2008

Serbia 19, Armenia 8 in Belgrade (ENC 3C)

Reviews

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 3A            Updated 27.05.2008

SEEDING; SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, SERBIA, DENMARK, ARMENIA

30.09.2006

SWITZERLAND

29

ARMENIA

16

VIENNE

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

07.10.2006

SWITZERLAND

30

SERBIA

9

NYON

SWEDEN

8

7

0

1

153

66

+75

22

21.10.2006

SWEDEN

24

ARMENIA

0

HELSINGBORG

ARMENIA

8

5

0

3

129

115

+14

18

28.10.2006

SWEDEN

23

DENMARK

13

ODENSE

SWITZERLAND

8

4

0

3

153

129

+24

16

04.11.2006

SERBIA

34

DENMARK

23

BELGRADE

SERBIA

8

2

1

5

99

168

-69

13

31.03.2007

DENMARK

24

SWITZERLAND

22

BALE

DENMARK

8

1

1

5

112

168

-56

11

07.04.2007

ARMENIA

11

DENMARK

3

ODENSE

Sweden promoted to Division 2B

Denmark relegated to Division 3B

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
Points for the first year of competition carries over to the next season.
Winner promoted to Div.2B. Last placed team will be relegated to Division 3B in 2008.

*Note-The Armenia v Serbia first round match was postponed.

14.04.2007

SWEDEN

30

SERBIA

12

BELGRADE

05.05.2007

SWEDEN

6

SWITZERLAND

0

ESKILSTUNA

01.09.2007

ARMENIA

16

SWEDEN

12

BOURGOIN JALLIEU

06.10.2007

ARMENIA

28

SWITZERLAND

15

NYON

27.10.2007

DENMARK

17

SERBIA

17

ODENSE

03.11.2007

SWEDEN

8

DENMARK

6

HELSINGBORG

24.11.2007

SWITZERLAND

13

SERBIA

5

BELGRADE

05.04.2008

SWITZERLAND

28

DENMARK

13

ODENSE

12.04.2008

ARMENIA

25

DENMARK

13

EREVAN

19.04.2008

SWEDEN

28

SWITZERLAND

16

NYON

26.04.2008

SWEDEN

22

SERBIA

3

STOCKHOLM

10.05.2008

ARMENIA

25

SERBIA

0

EREVAN

25.05.2008

SERBIA

19

ARMENIA

8

BELGRADE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.05.2008

Korea 50, Hong Kong 24 in Hong Kong (Asia Five Nations Cup)

Korea won by 26 points. I predicted Hong Kong by 4.

 

Reviews

Korea re-established its runner up position in Asian rugby with a convincing 50-24 win against a disappointing Hong Kong side. Hong Kong defeated the Koreans last year to jump into 2nd place on the GWC Rugby Rankings. The Koreans grabbed 2nd place, their only loss in the competition was to winners Japan.

 

2008 ASIA NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Points: Win = 5, Draw = 3, Loss = 1, Loss within 7 points = 1 bonus, 4 tries or more = 1 bonus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASIA FIVE NATIONS Updated 25.05.2008

SEEDINGS: Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Kazakhstan, Arabian Gulf

26.04.2008

JAPAN

39

KOREA

17

SEOUL

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

DIFF

BPL

BPT

PT

26.04.2008

HONG KONG

20

ARABIAN GULF

12

AL AIN

JAPAN

4

4

0

0

310

58

+252

0

4

24

03.05.2008

JAPAN

114

ARABIAN GULF

6

OSAKA

KOREA

4

3

0

1

150

104

+46

0

3

19

03.05.2008

HONG KONG

23

KAZAKHSTAN

17

HONG KONG

HONG KONG

4

2

0

2

98

154

-56

0

0

12

09.05.2008

KOREA

43

ARABIAN GULF

20

DOHA

KAZAKHSTAN

4

1

0

3

100

172

-72

1

0

10

10.05.2008

JAPAN

82

KAZAKHSTAN

6

ALMATY

ARABIAN GULF

4

0

0

4

65

233

-172

0

0

4

17.05.2008

KOREA

40

KAZAKHSTAN

21

INCHEON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.05.2008

JAPAN

75

HONG KONG

29

NIIGATA

Arabian Gulf is relegated to Asian Nations Division 1 for 2009.

24.05.2008

KOREA

50

HONG KONG

24

HONG KONG

24.05.2008

KAZAKHSTAN

56

ARABIAN GULF

27

ALMATY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

Hong Kong and Korea have established themselves in this competition for another year. Who will take second place though will be decided today in Hong Kong. Hong Kong caused an upset when they defeated Korea last year 27-20 and will be looking to do the same again.

 

Last Five Encounters

27.05.2007 Hong Kong 27-20 in Hong Kong (Asia Nations, Division 2)

21.11.2006 Korea 23-5 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia R5, 20th Asia Championship)

22.05.2005 Korea 51-3 in Hong Kong (WCQ Asia Qualification, Div.1)

20.11.2002 Korea 40-17 in Bangkok (18th Asia Championship, Div.1)

28.06.2000 Korea 36-34 in Aomori (17th Asia Championship, Div.1)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Hong Kong 2nd, Korea 3rd CHANGE

 

Teams

 

Kazakhstan 56, Arabian Gulf  27 in Taldykorgan (Asia Five Nations Cup)

Kazakhstan won by 29 points. I predicted Kazakhstan by 21.

 

Reviews

The Arabian Gulf will play in Asian Nations Division 1 next year after failing to register a vital win against Kazakhstan. The Gulf team allowed the locals to pile on the points in the first half. Kazakhstan led 32-5 at halftime. See final points table above.

http://www.7days.ae/en/2008/05/25/gulf-drop-out-of-asia%E2%80%99s-top-tier.html

 

Previews

This game will decide who is relegated to Division 1 for 2009.

http://www.heavensgame.com/competitions/asian-5-nations/do-or-die-for-the-arabian-gulf-in-asian-5-nations.html

 

Previous Encounters

11.05.2007 Kazakhstan 49-9 in Doha (Asia Nations Div.2)

30.10.2004 Kazakhstan 19-9 in Hong Kong (19th Asia Championship, Pool B, Playoff)

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

26.04.2001 Arabian Gulf 66-22 in Bahrain (Asia Bowl)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Kazakhstan 4th, Arabian Gulf 5th.

 

Teams

Arabian Gulf Squad

Mike Riley (Dubai Exiles)

Fain Ferguson (Dubai Dragons)                              

Mike McKnight (Doha RFC)                                    

Mark Gathercole (Dubai Exiles)

Vivian Albertyn (Dubai Dragons)

Diarmuid O’Malley - Captain (Dubai Dragons)

Steve Huber (Dubai Hurricanes)

Rory Power (Bahrain RFC)

Karl Sutcliffe (Muscat RFC)

Ed Nicholas (Dubai Exiles)

Dave Clark (Dubai Exiles)

Sean Hurley (Dubai Dragons)

Paul Beard (Dubai Exiles)

Ayman Razek (Gulf Sevens)

Stephen Cooper – Vice Captain (Dubai Exiles)

Jo Czerpak (Abu Dhabi RUFC)

Francois Coetzer (Dubai Exiles)

Stuart Gibb (Dubai Dragons) Pending Fitness Test

James Tometzki (Dubai Hurricanes)

Jonathon Brookes (Dubai Exiles)

Mark Simon (Abu Dhabi RUFC)

Marcus Smith(Dubai Exiles)

Stand-By: Wayne Esselmont

Coach: Wayne Marsters

 

Barbarians RFC 84, Belgium 10 v in Brussels (Friendly)

Barbarians won by 74 points.

 

Reviews

The Barbarians walked over Belgium in Brussels but Belgium played with spirit scoring two tries.

http://www.sportkipik.be/articles.php?id_article=6160

 

Previews

As far as can be ascertained this will be a test match for Belgium in which caps will be awarded.

 

Previous Encounters

None

 

GWC Rugby Rankings

Does not apply

 

Teams

Le XV des Barbarians Britanniques

1.Patrice Collazo, 2.Mark Regan, 3.Darren Crompton, 4.Kris Chesney, 5.Justin Harrison, 6.Maama Molitika, 7.David Croft, 8.Mitch Chapman, 9.Andy Gomersall, 10.Glen Jackson, 11.Lesley Vainikolo, 12.Tyrone Smith, 13.Morgan Turinui, 14.Gareth Thomas, 15.Iain Balshaw

Remplaçants : 16.Sébastien Bruno, 17.Ollie Le Roux, 18.Santiago Delape, 19.Ross Skeate, 20.Pedrie Wannenburg, 21.Mark Robinson, 22.Stephen Larkham

 

Le XV de Belgique

1.Christophe Debaty, 2.Thomas Dienst, 3.Alain Miriallakis, 4.Mathieu Verschelden, 5.Damien Godefroy, 6.Pierre Plasman, 7.Andrew Neil, 8.Charlie Fourneau, 9.Julien Berger, 10.Kevin Williams, 11.Dirk Haghedooren, 12.Aurélien Decerf, 13.Thibaut André, 14.David Nemsadze, 15.Peter Duchau

Remplaçants : 16.Norman Wende, 17.Jérôme Wey, 18.Jimmy Mulumba, 19.Cyrille Nana, 20.Pierre Hendrickx, 21.Mathew Hocken, 22.Bertrand Billi

 

‘Quite shocking: Belgium doesn't have any replacements for their backs!!?!’

 

Thanks to ‘Belgian Lion’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2738

 

Uganda 20, Kenya 3 in Kampala (Elgin Cup, 1st leg)

Uganda won by 17 points.

 

Reviews

Uganda was dominant in the first half racing to a 20-3 lead by halftime. The Kenyans fought back to stalemate in the second half and the score remained unchanged by full time. Uganda has a 17 point aggregate advantage over Kenya. The second leg will be in Nairobi in August.

http://www.eastandard.net/sports/?id=1143987256&cid=2 (Thanks to ‘Natal’ FIRA-AER forum)

 

Previews

Both Kenya and Uganda will use this Elgin Cup clash as a warm-up to their Africa Cup matches which begin next month. Uganda is the African champion after their successful season in 2007. Playing at home they have an advantage. In 2007 Kenya regained the Elgin cup with a single point aggregate advantage when they won 35-15 in Nairobi after losing 10-29 in Kampala. Their third match last year against Uganda saw Kenya defeated 12-24 in Madagascar.

 

The Elgin cup rivalry between Uganda and Kenya started in 2006 with Uganda taking the series 7-7 and 22-20.

http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=5&newsid=123860

http://www.nationmedia.com/dailynation/nmgcontententry.asp?category_id=5&newsid=123717

http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/sports/Uganda_Kenya_in_Elgon_Cup_clash.shtml

 

Last Five Encounters

26.08.2007 Uganda 24-12 in Antananaviro (CAR Africa Cup Semi-final)

11.08.2007 Kenya 35-15 in Nairobi (Elgin Cup, 2nd leg)

26.05.2007 Uganda 29-10 in Kampala (Elgin Cup, 1st leg)

12.08.2006 Uganda 22-20 in Nairobi (Elgin Cup 2nd leg)

13.05.2006 Drawn 7-7 in Kampala (Elgin Cup, 1st leg)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Uganda 3rd, Kenya 5th

 

Teams

Kenya Squad

Daniel Kiptoo (Kenya Harlequins)

Vincent Ong’era (Kenya Harlequins)

Joel Ng’ang’a (Kenya Harlequins)

George Odipo (Kenya Harlequins)

Lewis Olaka (Kenya Harlequins)

David Gitau (Kenya Harlequins)

Victor Sudi (Kenya Harlequins)

Cyprian Shimenga (Nakuru)

Vincent Mose (Nakuru)

Dan Weku (French Club),

Derrick Wamalwa (French Club)

Jotham Yahuma (Kenya Commercial Bank)

Andrew Amonde (Kenya Commercial Bank)

Anthony Ogot (Kenya Commercial Bank)

Paul Murunga (Kenya Commercial Bank)

Frank Ndong (Impala)

Anthony Shihemi (Impala)

Paul Oimbo (Impala)

Innocent Simiyu, Capt.(Impala)

Moses Kola (Impala)

Jay Williams (Nondescripts)

Paul Oketch (Mwamba).

Head Coach: Michael Otieno

http://www.kenyarfu.com/elgon%20cup.html

 

Uganda Squad

Ronald Adigas, Solomon Mawanda, Kenneth Mutabaruka, Victor Wadia, Moses Soita (V. Cpt), Mathias Ochwo, Robert Sseguya, Adrian Bukenya, Eric Butime, Edmond Tumusiime, Joel Kimuli, Tony Lugya, Brian Jjemba, Felix Lubega, Allan Musoke, Alex Mubiru, Bobby Bibagamba, Philip Karunuma, Drake Muyondi, Anthony Kinene, Dennis Etuket, Bishop Onen, Steve Ogwete, and John Musoke (Capt.).

Coach: Yayira Kasasa

 

http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/sports/Musoke_replaces_Bukenya_as_Rugby_Cranes_skipper.shtml

 

Bulgaria 16, Austria 0 in Sofia (ENC 3B)

Reviews

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 3B  Updated 25.05.2008

SEEDINGS; AUSTRIA, HUNGARY, LITHUANIA, NORWAY, BULGARIA

07.10.2006

HUNGARY

13

NORWAY

8

STAVANGER

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

28.10.2006

HUNGARY

42

BULGARIA

3

KECSKEMET

LITHUANIA

7

7

0

0

265

47

+218

21

28.10.2006

LITHUANIA

37

NORWAY

15

VILNIUS

HUNGARY

7

5

0

2

138

94

+44

17

18.11.2006

LITHUANIA

40

BULGARIA

10

SOFIA

NORWAY

7

2

1

4

103

112

-9

12

21.04.2007

HUNGARY

27

AUSTRIA

5

DUNAUJVAROS

BULGARIA

8

2

0

6

87

239

-152

11

05.05.2007

AUSTRIA

7

BULGARIA

3

VIENNA

AUSTRIA

7

1

1

5

23

146

-123

10

19.05.2007

LITHUANIA

27

AUSTRIA

0

VIENNA

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
Points for the first year of competition carries over to the next season.
Winner promoted to Div.3A. Last placed team will be relegated to Division 3C in 2008.

19.05.2007

BULGARIA

25

NORWAY

10

SOFIA

02.06.2007

LITHUANIA

36

HUNGARY

7

VILNIUS

09.06.2007

NORWAY

22

AUSTRIA

8

OSLO

27.10.2007

HUNGARY

5

NORWAY

3

SZEKESFEHERVAR

27.10.2007

LITHUANIA

64

BULGARIA

3

VILNIUS

17.11.2007

HUNGARY

32

BULGARIA

6

ETREPOLE

26.04.2008

AUSTRIA

3

NORWAY

3

VIENNA

03.05.2008

LITHUANIA

48

AUSTRIA

0

VILNIUS

10.05.2008

NORWAY

44

BULGARIA

21

STAVANGER

17.05.2007

LITHUANIA

13

HUNGARY

12

KECSKEMET

24.05.2008

BULGARIA

16

AUSTRIA

0

SOFIA

07.06.2008

NORWAY

 

LITHUANIA

 

TONSBERG

08.06.2008

AUSTRIA

 

HUNGARY

 

VIENNA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Referee

Pavel Guguev (Ukraine)

 

Finland 11, Luxembourg 10 in Helsinki (ENC 3C)

Finland won by 1 point.

 

Reviews

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 3C                  Updated 25.05.2008

SEEDINGS: LUXEMBOURG, SLOVENIA, ISRAEL, FINLAND, BOSNIA

30.09.2006

LUXEMBOURG

16

FINLAND

9

CESSANGE

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

07.10.2006

FINLAND

14

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

7

ZENICA

SLOVENIA

8

7

0

1

222

65

+155

22

28.10.2006

SLOVENIA

28

ISRAEL

5

NETANYA

LUXEMBOURG

8

4

0

4

129

99

+30

16

21.04.2007

LUXEMBOURG

17

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

12

ZENICA

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

8

2

1

5

87

211

-119

13

28.04.2007

ISRAEL

34

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

13

NETANYA

FINLAND

7

3

1

3

73

109

-36

14

05.05.2007

SLOVENIA

25

LUXEMBOURG

16

LJUBLIANA

ISRAEL

7

2

0

5

119

149

-30

11

19.05.2007

SLOVENIA

77

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

5

LJUBLIANA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19.05.2007

LUXEMBOURG

25

ISRAEL

16

CESSANGE

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
Points for the first year of competition carries over to the next season.
Winner promoted to Div.3B. 

26.05.2007

SLOVENIA

21

FINLAND

6

HELSINKI

02.06.2007

FINLAND

27

ISRAEL

20

HELSINKI

27.10.2007

LUXEMBOURG

30

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

3

CESSANGE

27.10.2007

SLOVENIA

32

FINLAND

3

LJUBLIANA

19.04.2008

SLOVENIA

10

LUXEMBOURG

3

CESSANGE

20.04.2008

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

27

ISRAEL

19

ZENICA

26.04.2008

SLOVENIA

17

ISRAEL

5

LJUBLIANA

03.05.2008

ISRAEL

20

LUXEMBOURG

12

NETANYA

10.05.2008

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

22

SLOVENIA

17

ZENICA

17.05.2008

FINLAND

3

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

3

HELSINKI

24.05.2008

FINLAND

11

LUXEMBOURG

10

HELSINKI

31.05.2008

ISRAEL

 

FINLAND

 

NETANYA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teams

 

Luxembourg

1. Steven Speciale (Walferdange DR)

2. Christophe Hoffmann (RC de Luxembourg)

3. Zelito Neves Dos Santos, Capt. (Walferdange DR)

4. Stuart Kelly (RC de Luxembourg)

5. Julian Da Col (RC de Luxembourg)

6. Euan Rogers (CSCE)

7. Samman Rezapour (?)

8. William Lafaysse (?)

9. Nicholas Geoffreys (RC de Luxembourg)

10. Anthony Whiteman (RC de Luxembourg)

11. Timmermans (CSCE)-new cap

12. Nigel Sharplin (RC de Luxembourg)

13. Stephan Clarke (RC de Luxembourg)

14. Guido Chimieti (RC de Luxembourg)

15. Jonathan Harris (RC de Luxembourg)

Replacements

16. Paul Sullivan (RC de Luxembourg)

17. Parsons (?)

18. Jon Flynn (RC de Luxembourg)

19. Ian Doherty (RC de Luxembourg)

20. Stephan Lowe (RC de Luxembourg)

21. Evrard (CSCE) new cap

22. Fuhs (CSCE) new cap

Coach: Mart Davis