THIS WEEKEND 9,10 & 11 MAY

 

11.05.2008

Cameroun 26, Nigeria 6 in Younde (WCQ Africa; North Pre qualifier)

Cameroun won by 20 points. I predicted Cameroun by 30.

 

Reviews

 

Previews

 

Previous Encounter

16.04.2005 Cameroun 18-8 in Lagos (WCQ Africa Rnd 1A, North)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table – Cameroun 12th, Nigeria 18th

 

Teams

 

10.05.2008

Spain 21, Portugal 17 in Madrid (ENC 1)

Spain won by 4 points. I predicted Spain by 8.

 

Reviews

The final table for ENC 1 indicates a disappointing season for Portugal, the Rugby World Cup apart. For 2008-10 Championship the Czech Republic drops to Division 2A whilst Germany joins the top European Division for the first time.

http://www.planet-rugby.com/Story/0,18259,3551_3552399,00.html

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP 2006-2008 Updated 11.05.2008

Points: Win = 3, Draw = 2, Loss = 1, Loss by default = 0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP, EUROPEAN NATIONS CUP DIVISION 1

SEEDINGS: ROMANIA, PORTUGAL, GEORGIA, RUSSIA, SPAIN, CZECH REPUBLIC

03.02.2007

GEORGIA

20

ROMANIA

17

BUCHAREST

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

03.02.2007

PORTUGAL

21

SPAIN

18

LISBON

GEORGIA

10

9

0

1

291

114

+180

28

10.02.2007

RUSSIA

39

SPAIN

14

MADRID

RUSSIA

10

8

0

2

312

143

+156

26

10.03.2007

ROMANIA

50

SPAIN

14

BUCHAREST

ROMANIA

10

6

0

4

277

142

+135

21

17.03.2007

ROMANIA

46

CZECH REPUBLIC

13

PRAGUE

SPAIN

10

5

0

5

333

240

+93

18

17.03.2007

SPAIN

31

GEORGIA

17

MADRID

PORTUGAL

10

3

0

7

173

198

-25

16

24.03.2007

GEORGIA

31

RUSSIA

12

TBLISSI

CZECH REPUBLIC

10

0

0

10

59

506

-450

10

07.04.2007

GEORGIA

98

CZECH REPUBLIC

3

TBLISSI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21.04.2007

RUSSIA

62

CZECH REPUBLIC

6

KRASNODAR

The European Nations Cup is now played for bi-annually.
The points for the first year's competition will carry over to the next season.
Last placed team will be relegated to Division 2, Pool A. in 2008.

05.05.2007

SPAIN

42

CZECH REPUBLIC

15

PRAGUE

12.05.2007

RUSSIA

21

PORTUGAL

13

LISBON

19.05.2007

PORTUGAL

23

CZECH REPUBLIC

3

PRAGUE

03.11.2007

SPAIN

46

CZECH REPUBLIC

0

MADRID

04.11.2007

RUSSIA

22

ROMANIA

12

BUCHAREST

01.12.2007

ROMANIA

23

PORTUGAL

8

LISBON

02.02.2008

GEORGIA

31

PORTUGAL

3

TBLISSI

09.02.2008

GEORGIA

22

ROMANIA

7

TBLISSI

16.02.2008

PORTUGAL

42

CZECH REPUBLIC

6

LISBON

23.02.2008

GEORGIA

11

PORTUGAL

6

LISBON

23.02.2008

ROMANIA

17

SPAIN

11

MADRID

01.03.2008

RUSSIA

41

PORTUGAL

26

KRASNODAR

08.03.2008

ROMANIA

21

PORTUGAL

14

BUCHAREST

08.03.2008

RUSSIA

42

SPAIN

16

KRASNODAR

15.03.2008

RUSSIA

12

ROMANIA

8

KRASNODAR

22.03.2008

ROMANIA

76

CZECH REPUBLIC

7

BUCHAREST

29.03.2008

GEORGIA

22

CZECH REPUBLIC

3

PRAGUE

12.04.2008

GEORGIA

18

RUSSIA

12

KRASNODAR

19.04.2008

RUSSIA

49

CZECH REPUBLIC

3

PRAGUE

26.04.2008

GEORGIA

22

SPAIN

20

TBLISSI

10.05.2008

SPAIN

21

PORTUGAL

17

MADRID

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

This is the final match for ENC 1 2006-08. The trophy has already been won by Georgia. Nothing hinges on this game except local pride.

 

Last Five Encounters

03.02.2007 Portugal 21-18 in Lisbon (ENC 1)

21.03.2004 Portugal 35-19 in Ibiza (ENC 1)

22.03.2003 Portugal 40-38 in Lisbon (ENC 1)

02.06.2002 Spain 34-21 in Madrid (WCQ Europe R3, Pool B)

03.03.2002 Portugal 13-10 in Lisbon (ENC 1)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Spain 10th, Portugal 11th

 

Teams

 

Spain Squad

Rafael Álvarez (Saint Jean de Luz Olympique, France)

César Bernaconi (FC. Barcelona)

Chema Bohórquez (Cajasol Ciencias)

Rafael Camacho (Helvetia Rugby)

Juan Cano (Complutense Cisneros)

Javier Canosa (Pozuelo Boadilla CRC)

Iván Criado, Capt. (Cetransa El Salvador)

Andrew Ebbet (Jeep Alcobendas)

Pablo Feijóo (Leicester Tigers, England)

Leandro Fernández-Aramburu (Helvetia Rugby)

Juan González (Pozuelo Boadilla CRC)

Juan González Marruecos (Cajasol Ciencias)

Matthieu Gratton (S.C Graulethois)

David Hernández (Getxo Artea)

Ion Insausti (Cetransa El Salvador)

Víctor Marlet (U.E. Santboiana)

Manuel Mazo (Cajasol Ciencias)

Jesús Moreno (Aviron Bayonnais, France)

David Mota (C.R. Liceo Francés)

Jaime Nava (Jeep Alcobendas)

Javier Salazar (Pozuelo Boadilla CRC)

César Sempere (Pozuelo Boadilla CRC)

Manu Serrano (Cetransa El Salvador)

Sergio Souto (Cetransa El Salvador)

Coach: Ged Glynn

http://www.ferugby.com/

 

Portugal Squad

Antonio Aguilar (Tarbes Pyrénées Rugby, France)

Rodrigo Aguiar (AEIS Agronomia)

Pedro Cabral (CD Univ.Lisbon)

João Correia (GD Direito)

Sebastião Cunha(CS Belenenses)

Bernardo Duarte (AEIS Agronomia)

Antonio Duarte (AEIS Agronomia)

Gustavo Duarte (AEIS Agronomia)

Aderito Esteves (GD Direito)

Diogo Fialho (CD Univ.Lisbon)

Gonçalo Foro (CD Univ.Lisbon)

Tiago Girão (CRC Madrid)

Valter Jorge (CS Belenenses)

Lourenço Kadosh (AEIS Agronomia)

Pedro Leal (GD Direito)

Diogo Mateus (CS Belenenses)

David Mateus (CS Belenenses)

Juan Murré (Livorno Rugby, Italy)

Duarte C.Pinto (Blagnac, France)

Jose Pinto (Benetton R.Treviso, Italy)

Pedro Silva (CS Belenenses)

Cristian Spachuk (Blagnac, France)

Gonçalo Uva (Montpellier R. Club, France)

João Uva (CS Belenenses)

Vasco Uva (Montpellier R. Club, France)

http://www.fpr.pt/noticias/noticia.asp? ... 6914&id2=1

 

Japan 82, Kazakhstan 6 in Almaty (Asia 5 Nations)

Japan won by 76 points. I predicted Japan by 42.

 

Reviews

Japan again wins by a huge score against an Asian opponent. The result begs the question ‘is the gap between Japan and the rest of Asia widening?’

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jz6e0XqzQk-cEbO4UdV28mhLvBrg

 

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 11.05.2008

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

3

3

0

0

235

29

+206

0

3

18

03.05.2008

JAPAN

114

ARABIAN GULF

6

OSAKA

HONG KONG

2

2

0

0

43

29

+14

0

0

10

03.05.2008

HONG KONG

23

KAZAKHSTAN

17

HONG KONG

KOREA

2

1

0

1

60

59

+1

0

1

7

09.05.2008

KOREA

43

ARABIAN GULF

20

DOHA

KAZAKHSTAN

2

0

0

2

23

105

-62

1

0

3

10.05.2008

JAPAN

82

KAZAKHSTAN

6

ALMATY

ARABIAN GULF

3

0

0

3

38

177

-143

0

0

3

17.05.2008

KAZAKHSTAN

 

JAPAN

 

INCHEON

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.05.2008

HONG KONG

 

JAPAN

 

NIIGATA

 

24.05.2008

KOREA

 

HONG KONG

 

HONG KONG

24.05.2008

ARABIAN GULF

 

KAZAKHSTAN

 

ALMATY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

See Asia 5 Nations table above.

The Kazakhs will find Japan a handful even on their home turf. Providing Japan travels well they should win this game comfortably. Ryu Holani is a new cap at No.8 whilst coach John Kirwan has made a number of changes to the line up that demolished Arabian Gulf last weekend.

 

Previous Encounter

10.12.1998 Japan XV 118-3 in Bangkok (Asian Games)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Asia Table-Japan 1st, Kazakhstan 4th

 

Teams

 

Japan

1 Yuta Inose (NEC) age 26, 1 test

2 Yusuke Aoki (Suntory) 24, 3

3 Tomakazu Soma, Capt. (Sanyo) 30,18

4 Taira Sato (NEC) 26, 1

5 Tomoaki Taniguichi (Toyota) 25, 4

6 Koji Shinozuka (Suntory) 24, 2

7 Yoshitaka Nakayama (Toyota) 25, 2

8 Ryu Holani (Sanyo) 26, -

9 Tomoki Yashida (Toshiba) 26, 9

10 James Arlidge (JRFU) 28, 3

11 Hirotoki Onozawa (Suntory) 30, 41

12 Ryan Nicholas (Suntory) 28, 1

13 Yuta Imamura (Kobe Steel) 23, 16

14 Hiroki Yoshida (Toshiba) 26, 2

15 Bryce Robins (NEC) 27, 12

Replacements

16 Tatsukichi Nishiura (Coca Cola) 32, 12

17 Taku Inokuchi (Toshiba) 25, 4

18 Toshizumi Kitagawa (Toyota) 27, 8

19 Takuro Miuchi (NEC) 32, 42

20 Takashi Sato (Yamaha) 26, 1

21 Shaun Webb (World) 26, 1

22 Atsushi Moriya (Honda) 26, 6

Coach: John Kirwan

http://www.rugbyjapan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=348&Itemid=26

 

Poland 29, Malta 16 in Marsa (ENC 2B)

Poland won by 13 points. I predicted Poland by 4.

 

Reviews

Poland has taken the Division 2B title and will move to Division 2A for 2008-10 replacing Netherlands. There will be a real battle next weekend when Malta travels to Andorra. These two teams will fight out as to which will be relegated to Division 3A. Andorra needs to defeat Malta by 8 points or more to avoid relegation.

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 2B Updated 27.04.2008

SEEDINGS: LATVIA, POLAND, CROATIA, MALTA, ANDORRA

07.10.2006

POLAND

54

ANDORRA

8

CRACOVIE

 

P

W

D

L

PF

PA

 

PT

28.10.2006

LATVIA

27

MALTA

16

RIGA

POLAND

8

7

0

1

266

70

+194

22

28.10.2006

POLAND

12

CROATIA

11

MAKARSKA

LATVIA

8

5

0

3

150

165

-15

18

04.11.2006

CROATIA

40

MALTA

18

MARSA

CROATIA

8

4

0

4

133

134

-1

16

04.11.2006

LATVIA

34

ANDORRA

21

ANDORRA LA VELA

MALTA

7

2

0

5

109

193

-84

11

31.03.2007

LATVIA

27

CROATIA

7

MAKARSKA

ANDORRA

7

1

0

6

101

200

-99

9

07.04.2007

ANDORRA

24

CROATIA

13

ANDORRA LA VELA

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.2A. Last placed team will be relegated to Division 3A in 2008.

05.05.2007

POLAND

33

LATVIA

9

RIGA

12.05.2007

MALTA

31

ANDORRA

24

MARSA

19.05.2007

POLAND

36

MALTA

3

SIEDLCE

29.09.2007

POLAND

33

ANDORRA

5

ANDORRA LA VELA

27.10.2007

CROATIA

15

POLAND

14

GDYNIA

10.11.2007

CROATIA

24

MALTA

9

MAKARSKA

17.11.2007

MALTA

16

LATVIA

13

MARSA

24.11.2007

LATVIA

20

ANDORRA

9

RIGA

19.04.2008

CROATIA

15

ANDORRA

10

SPLIT

26.04.2008

POLAND

55

LATVIA

0

KOSZALIN

10.05.2008

POLAND

29

MALTA

16

MARSA

10.05.2008

LATVIA

20

CROATIA

8

RIGA

17.05.2008

MALTA

 

ANDORRA

 

ANDORRA LA VELA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

Poland has already won its way into Division 2A for 2008-10. Malta has a good record on their home turf. The Poles should win this game but may well have to fight hard for the win.

 

Previous Encounters

19.05.2007 Poland 36-3 in Siedlce (ENC 2B)

06.11.2004 Poland 38-13 in Marsa (WCQ Europe, R2, Pool B)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Poland 18th, Malta 19th

 

Prediction: Poland by 4 v Malta

 

Teams

 

Malta Squad

James Bartolo (Edinburgh Academicals RFC, Scotland)

Michael Bonavia (Kavallieri RFC)

Ian Borda (Kavallieri RFC)

David Borg (Kavallieri RFC)

Dominic Busuttil (Beddau RFC, Wales)

Paul Calgaro (Queanbeyan Whites RFU, Australia) New Cap

Clayton Cassar (Overseas RUFC) New cap

Harry Collins (Hartpury College RFC, England)

Lee Culnane (Tuggeranong Vikings RLFC, Australia)

James Finlason (Hove RFC, England)

Andrew Galea (Qormi Sharks RFC) New Cap

James Hollister (Barry RFC, Wales) New Cap

Matthew Jarrett (Haywards Heath RFC, England) New cap

Steven Kempster (Tring RFC, England)

Guy Kennedy (Queanbeyan Whites RFU, Australia)

Michael McArdle (Ealing Trailfinders RFC, England)

Paul Marzella (Burleigh Bears RLFC, Australia)

Kyle Mason (Plymouth Albion RFC, England)

Matthew Mirabelli (Stompers RFC)

Daryl Psaila (Kavallieri RFC)

Dominic St George (Kew Occasionals RFC, England)

Oliver Sacco (Clifton RFC, England)

Rohan Spiteri (Goulburn Bulldogs RLFC, Australia)

Luke Vella (Emu Plains RLFC, Australia) New cap

Nicholas Warren (Cirencester RFC, England)

Thomas Watts (Old Coventrians RFC, England)

 

Changes from previous team- “Jamie Caruana and Ryan Borg who are unavailable, Thomas Webb and Leo Mifsud who are injured and Michael Whitney, Saviour Zarb and Malcolm Attard not selected." http://www.maltasport.com/modules/smart ... temid=2184 and thanks to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2721

 

Poland Squad

Robert Andrzejczuk (Arka Gdynia)

Dawid Banaszek (Bourgoin, France)

Aleksander Bartoszewicz (Folc AZS Warszawa)

Kamil Bobryk (Budowlani Łódź)

Maciej Brażuk (Lechia Gdańsk)

Jurij Buhało (Posnania Poznań)

Kamil Dudkowski (Posnania Poznań)

Krzysztof Hotowski (Budowlani Łódź)

Michał Krużycki (Bourgoin, France)

Kacper Ławski (Budowlani Łódź)

Yann Lewandowski (Cahors, France)

Marcin Malochwy (Ogniwo Sopot)

Cyril Monarcha (Perigueux, France)

Marek Mirosz (Budowlani Łódź)

Maciej Miśkiewicz (Folc AZS Warszawa)

Paweł Nowak (Arka Gdynia)

Konrad Pisarek (Skra Warszawa).

Daniel Podolski (Ogniwo Sopot)

Dawid Popławski (Albi, France & Orkan Sochaczew)

Tomasz Stępień (Budowlani Łódź)

Łukasz Szostek (Arka Gdynia)

Marcin Wilczuk (Old Belvedere RFC, Ireland)

Jacek Wojaczek (Arka Gdynia)

Łukasz Żórawski (Budowlani Łódź)

http://www.pzrugby.pl/seniorzy.reprezentacja.html

 

Latvia 20, Croatia 8 in Riga (ENC 2B)

Latvia won by 12 points. I predicted Croatia by 15.

 

Reviews

 

Previews

See Table above. Not a lot resting on this game as both teams will play in 2B again next season. Latvia’s form has taken a sudden dive over the last 6 months.

 

Previous Encounters

31.03.2007 Latvia 27-7 in Makarska (ENC 2B)

17.05.1997 Croatia 43-23 in Makarska (WCQ Europe, Pool 1, RA)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Croatia 17th, Latvia 21st

 

Teams

 

Croatia squad:

Vedran Antić, (RK Nada)

Ante Blaževič Bandov (RK Nada)

Mate Borozan (RK Nada)

Tonći Buzov (RK Nada)

Goran Čulić (RK Nada)

Josip Dedić (RK Makarska Rivijera)

Večeslav Holjevac (RK Zagreb)

Nik Jurišić (RK Mladost)

Igor Letica (RK Makarska Rivijera)

Ante Macan (RK Nada)

Darko Muslim (RK Nada)

Ante Olujić (RK Nada)

Miroslav Pregun (RK Makarska Rivijera)

Ivan Rešetar (RK Nada)

Ivici Rubelj (RK Nada)

Saša Sekovanec (RK Nada)

Saša Sljepčević (RK Nada)

Marin Tvrdić (RK Nada)

Vinko Udovičić (RK Zagreb)

Filip Ujaković (RK Zagreb)

Vlado Ursić (RK Nada)

Tvrtko Zelić (RK Zagreb)

 

http://nada-rugby.hr/content/view/638/2/

 

Armenia 25, Serbia 0 in Yerevan (ENC 3A)

Armenia won by 25 points. I predicted Armenia by 24 points.

 

Reviews

Serbia only needs to front up in Belgrade at home against Armenia to stay in Division 3A forcing Denmark down to Division 3B for 2008-10.

 

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 3A            Updated 11.05.2008

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

7

5

0

2

121

96

+25

17

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

DENMARK

8

1

1

5

112

168

-56

11

31.03.2007

DENMARK

24

SWITZERLAND

22

BALE

SERBIA

7

1

1

5

80

160

-80

10

07.04.2007

ARMENIA

11

DENMARK

3

ODENSE

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

 

ARMENIA

 

BELGRADE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

Serbia only has to front up in their last two games to ensure Denmark is relegated to 3B for next season. The two points for playing will take them level on 11 points with Denmark. However Serbia has a better aggregate in their games with Denmark and so the Danes will surely drop. Two wins will not be enough to take the title from Sweden. The Swedes are already destined for 2B.

 

Previous Encounters

None

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Armenia 25th, Serbia 28th

 

Teams

 

Norway 44, Bulgaria 21 in Stavanger (ENC 3B)

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

 

Reviews

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 3B  Updated 03.05.2008

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

6

6

0

0

252

35

+217

18

28.10.2006

LITHUANIA

37

NORWAY

15

VILNIUS

HUNGARY

6

5

0

1

126

61

+39

16

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

AUSTRIA

6

1

1

4

23

130

-107

9

05.05.2007

AUSTRIA

7

BULGARIA

3

VIENNA

BULGARIA

7

1

0

6

71

239

-168

8

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

HUNGARY

 

LITHUANIA

 

KECSKEMET

24.05.2008

BULGARIA

 

AUSTRIA

 

SOFIA

07.06.2008

NORWAY

 

LITHUANIA

 

TONSBERG

08.06.2008

AUSTRIA

 

HUNGARY

 

VIENNA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

There is going to be a struggle between 3 teams to decide who drops out of 3B down to 3C for next season.  Norway were defeated by the Bulgarians away and will be looking for a turnaround home win to help keep them in 3B next season.

 

Previous Encounters

19.05.2007 Bulgaria 25-10 in Sofia (ENC 3B)

26.10.2002 Bulgaria 21-12 in Sofia (ENC 3C)

04.05.2002 Bulgaria 11-3 in Sofia (FIRA B, Pool C)

24.05.1997 Norway 22-7 in Oslo (WCQ Europe Pool 2, Round A)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe table-Norway 30th, Bulgaria 32nd.

 

Teams

 

Bosnia & Herzegovina 22, Slovenia 17 in Zenica (ENC 3C)

Bosnia & Herzegovina won by 5 points. I predicted Slovenia by 16.

 

Reviews

FIRA-AER CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION 3C                  Updated 11.05.2008

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

7

4

0

3

119

88

+31

15

21.04.2007

LUXEMBOURG

17

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

12

ZENICA

ISRAEL

7

2

0

5

119

149

-30

11

28.04.2007

ISRAEL

34

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

13

NETANYA

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

7

2

0

5

84

208

-119

11

05.05.2007

SLOVENIA

25

LUXEMBOURG

16

LJUBLIANA

FINLAND

5

2

0

3

59

96

-37

9

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

 

BOSNIA & HERTZEGOVINA

 

HELSINKI

24.05.2008

FINLAND

 

LUXEMBOURG

 

HELSINKI

31.05.2008

ISRAEL

 

FINLAND

 

NETANYA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Previews

No matter what happens in this game Slovenia will play in Division 3B for 2008-10. They should remain undefeated even playing away against their Balkan cousins.

 

Previous Encounters

20.05.2007 Slovenia 77-5 in Ljubliana (ENC 3C)

24.04.1999 Slovenia 15-11 in Vogosca (FIRA B)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe table-Slovenia 33rd, Bosnia & Herzegovina 37th

 

Teams

 

Bosnia Herzegovina Squad

Semir Ajanovic (RC Celik)

Smriko Anes (RC Celik)

Adis Basic (RC Celik)

Deljkic Benjamin (RC Celik)

Armin Durakovic (RC Celik)

Damir Dzanic (RC Celik)

Sejad Kadic (RC Nyon,Switzerland)

Albin Kapic (RC Celik)

Adis Karabegovic (RC Celik)

Beso Latif (RC Celik)

Edin Muratovic (RC Celik)

Ermin Musinovic (RC Celik)

Semir Pasic (RC Celik)

Damir Razic (RC Celik)

Nermin Selimbegovic (RC Celik)

Adis Selimspahic (RC Celik)

Sabahudin Subasic (RC Celik)

Senad Tabakovic (RC Celik)

Sedad Tufekcic (RC Celik)

Kenan Uzunovic (RC Celik)

Mensur Uzunovic (RC Celik)

Zeljko Vidovic ( RC Danube, Austria)

Armin Zadic (RC Celik)

Kokic Vahdet (RC Celik)

 

http://rugbylife.blogger.ba

 

Rwanda 7, Burundi 5 in Bujumbura (CAR Castel Beer Cup, South, Pool A)

Rwanda won by 2 points. I predicted Rwanda by 10.

 

Reviews

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=13529&article=6290

 

Previews

 

Previous Encounter

17.08.2006 Burundi 9-6 in Arusha (CAR Castel Cup, Div.2, South A)

06.08.2005 Rwanda 16-5 in Dar Es Salaam (CAR Div.2)

03.07.2004 Rwanda 18-15 in Kigali (CAR Div.2 Qualifying Tournament)

13.09.2003 Rwanda 18-5 in Lusaka (CAR Div.2, South)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings: Africa Table-Rwanda 21st, Burundi Does not register

 

Teams

 

Rwanda Silverbacks

Innocent Ahorukomeye

Benjamin Makombe Akami

Lucien Bikamba

Janvier Bunani

Marcel Koko Cambara

Juvénal Gatabazi

Seleman Kabura

Vincent Kamali

Didier Kamanzi

Eric Mbarushimana

Julien Muba

Jimmy Mugabo

Jean-Baptiste Mukiza

Aimé Ndahirwa

Emmanuel Nemeye

Bernabé Ngizwenayo

Abdoul Ngongo

Olivier Nikwigize

Félix Nsengiyumva

Joël Shimo

Jean Léonard Twizeyimana

Olivier Uwamahoro

Coach: Gerard Nsenga

 

http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?issue=13524&article=6160

Thanks also to ‘Quentin’ http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2715

 

09.05.2008

Korea 43, Arabian Gulf 20 in Doha (Asia 5 Nations)

Korea won by 23 points. I predicted Korea by 18.

 

Reviews

http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=217566&version=1&template_id=49&parent_id=29

 

Previews

The Arabian Gulf team will still be reeling from their thrashing by Japan last weekend. Korea may not travel well but should easily account for this team.

 

“The Arabian Gulf Men’s rugby team flies to Doha this afternoon intent on restoring some credibility after their cricket score loss to world number sixteen Japan in Osaka last Saturday.

 

In an attempt to sort out some problem areas the immensely strong Mike Riley (Dubai Exiles) returns to the front row which should add some much needed stability to the engine room while Ayman Razek who did not see action in Japan due to a slight knee strain will likely start in his favoured wing position adding more zip and composure to the backline. Last weeks debutant Manu Barry rotates out of the squad as does Dubai Hurricanes winger Graham Brown with Gulf Sevens representative Wayne Esselmont getting his chance to impress after being a patient squad member for the last three months. A player who looks set to get his first run-on start is Jonathon Brookes. The hulking Dubai Exiles second rower will bring additional strength to the pack and his physicality will be a boost to a team looking to get back on track after underperforming last week.

 

The match will be played at the impressive Al Arabi Stadium in Doha which was host to the rugby sevens section of the Asian Games. Kick off is scheduled for 7:00pm Friday.” http://www.agrfu.com/

 

Previous Encounter

05.05.2004 Korea 20-5 in Al Ain (WCQ Asia R4, Div.1)

 

GWC Rugby Rankings-Asia Table-Korea 3rd, Arabian Gulf 5th

 

Teams

 

Arabian Gulf Squad:

Michael Riley (Dubai Exiles)

Fain Ferguson (Dubai Dragons)

Michael McKnight (Doha RFC)

Mark Gathercole (Dubai Exiles)

Vivian Albertyn (Dubai Dragons)

Diarmuid O’Malley - Captain (Dubai Dragons)

Steven Huber (Dubai Hurricanes)

Rory Power (Bahrain RFC)

Karl Sutcliffe (Muscat RFC)

Edward Nicholas (Dubai Exiles)

David 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)

Jaco De Jager (Doha RFC)

Wayne Esselmont (Dubai Exiles)

Jonathon Brookes (Dubai Exiles)

Mark Simon (Abu Dhabi RUFC)

Coach: Wayne Marsters

 

Unavailable: Marcus Smith

http://www.agrfu.com/