INTERNATIONAL RUGBYNEWS
When selecting a news review for a match, I
prefer a report that includes full details of the teams. This will explain
delays in posting some match reviews.
Some news items linked here, or in the archives, may no longer be active.
If you have an item of news that you think is
suitable to this site then please
email to gary@rugbyinternational.net and you will be
fully acknowledged
LATEST NEWS for MAY 2003
UPDATED 31.05.2003
LATEST RESULTS
25.05.2003
Russia
43, Japan 34 in Tokyo (Superpowers Cup)
24.05.2003
Ukraine
37, Sweden 0 in Kiev (FIRA-AER Division 2, Pool A)
Moldova
17, Serbia-Montenegro 17 in Chisinau (FIRA-AER Div. 3, Pool A)
Lithuania 60,
Luxembourg 6 in Jurbarkas (FIRA-A ER
Division 3, Pool B)
Kenya
32, Zimbabwe 24 in Nairobi (Friendly)
17.05.2003
United
States 69, Japan 27 in San Francisco (Super Powers Cup)
10.05.2003
Poland
13, Netherlands 13 in Gdansk (FIRA-AER Division 2, Pool A)
Slovenia
23, Switzerland 23 in Ljubljana (FIRA-AER Division 2, Pool B)
Moldova
47, Hungary 11 in Chisinau (FIRA-AER Division 3, Pool A)
Luxembourg
24, Austria 14 in Cessange (FIRA-AER Division 3, Pool B)
Zambia
17, Zimbabwe 8 in Luanshya (Friendly)
Go to fixtures/results for a
complete listing
COMING UP
Asian Tournament (Pool 2?) Thanks to 'Klitch', FIRA-AER forum
21.06.2002
Malaysia v Taiwan (Kuala Lumpur)
Singapore v India (Singapore)
24.06.2002
Malaysia v India (Singapore)
28.06.2002
Malaysia v Singapore (Singapore)
India v Taiwain (Calcutta)
05.07.2002
Taiwan v Singapore (Taipei)
Other Fixtures
05.06.2003
Zimbabwe v Uganda in
Kampala (CAR)-New fixture
14.06.2003
Austria v Bosnia in
Vienna (FIRA-AER Division 3, Pool B)-New date
Uganda v Kenya in
Kampala (Friendly)-New Fixture
05.07.2003
Kenya v Namibia in
Nairobi (CAR)-New fixture
Go to fixtures/results for all the games
coming up.
31.05.2003
FIJIANS SELECTED
Thirty players have
been selected for Fiji's matches in Australia and against Samoa and Tonga.
Fiji Team
Forwards:
Richard Nyholt, Isaia Rasila, Greg Smith, Joe
Veitayaki, Naca Seru, Simon Raiwalui, Api Naevo, Emori Katalau, Kele Leawere,
Sisa Koyamaibole, Alivereti Mocelutu, Kitione Salawa, Koli Sewabu, Setareki
Tawake, Alivereti Doviverata
Reserves: Paula Biu, Jo Bale
Backs:
Sami Rabaka,
Mosese Rauluni, Waisale Serevi, Joseph Narruhn, Nicky Little, Saimoni Rokini,
Seru Rabeni, Epeli Ruivadra, Viliame Satala, Aisea Tuilevu, Sekove Leawere,
Vilimoni Delasau, Isaac Mow, Alfred Uluinayau, Atonio Nariva.
Article here at www.teivovo.com
MANU SAMOA TEAM FOR BUILD UP
The Manu Samoa team
selected for matches in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Namibia is..
Full-back :
Tanner Vili
Wing :
Lome
Fa'atau , Afato So'oalo , George Harder , Ron Fanuatanu
Mid-field:
Fereti Tuilagi , Brian Lima , Elvis Sevealii , Dale Rasmussen
First Five:
Earl Va'a
Half Backs
Steven
So'oialo , Denning Tyrell
Loose Forwards:
Semo Sititi , Kitiona Viliamu , Maurie Fa’asavalu , Ponali Tapelu , Pama Petia , Des Tuiavii
Locks:
Leo
Lafaialii , Opeta Palepoi , Cameron Jowlett
Props:
Kas Lealamanua , Mark Luafalealo , Tamato Leupolu, Fosi Pala'amo
Hookers:
Jonathan
Meredith , Mahonri Schwalger
More details here at www.manusamoa.com.ws
GUSCOTT TO HELP IN UGANDA
Former England and
Lions centre Jeremy Guscott will help coach the Ugandan team in its forthcoming
CAR rugby matches.
Article here at www.planet-rugby.com
Uganda's matches
ahead are..
05.06.2003 v Zimbabwe
in Kampala (Friendly)
14.06.2003 v Kenya in
Kampala (CAR)
ISRAEL IN SPAIN
Israel, along with
Norway, Bulgaria and Finland will contest a revised knock-out FIRA-AER Division
3, Pool C competition in the Spanish Balearic Isles.
The Israel squad is..
Full Back:
Pablo
Cabral ( Beersheva RFC).
Wings:
Yossef
Kedem (ASA Tel Aviv RFC)-New Cap
Aviv
Cogoluegnes (Raanana RFC)
Centres:
Yuval
Alterlevy (Yizreel RFC)- New Cap
Alex
Brodsky (ASA Tel Aviv RFC)
Gal
Aptroot (ASA Tel Aviv )-New Cap
Ilan
Sadur (Yizreel RFC)
Fly-halves:
Daniel
Fridrich (Haifa RFC)
Ariel
Cabral (Beersheva RFC)
Scrum-halves:
Terry
Kantor (Raanana RFC) (Vice-captain)
Stav
Gurtovoy (ASA Tel Aviv RFC)
8th Man:
Alon
Geller ( Raanana RFC)-New Cap
Flanks:
Raanan
Penn (Yizreel RFC)
Alexander
Tkachenko (ASA Tel Aviv RFC)
Ram
Cohen (Raanana RFC)
Ryan
Kotton (ASA Tel Aviv RFC)-New Cap
Ilya
Balkin (Ashkelon RFC)
Locks:
Shai
Dekel (Yizreel RFC)
Yonatan
Kaplan (Yizreel RFC)
Alexander
Veclov (Ashkelon RFC)
Props:
Oren
Alt (ASA Tel Aviv RFC) (Captain)
Miron
Shtiglitz (ASA Tel Aviv RFC)
Matan
Brosh (Yizreel RFC)
Hooker:
Dmitry
Grach (ASA Tel Aviv RFC)-New Cap
Special thanks to Cyril
Morris Executive Administrator, Israel Rugby Union.
Cyril has also sent
the Israel club points table to date.
Team
Played Won Lost Points
Yizreel
9 9 0 18
ASA
Tel Aviv 8 6 2 12
Beersheva
8 5 3 10
Raanana
9 5 4 10
Ashkelon
8 3 5 6
Haifa
8 1 7 2
Galil
Elyon 8 0 0 0
"In
the play-offs among the first four teams, Yizreel beat Raanana and ASA Tel Aviv
beat Beersheva, and Yizreel ended the season unbeaten by defeating Tel aviv in
the final match".
"We
have concentrated to a large extent on Youth Development and our Under 18 side
took part in a FIRA-AER Tournament in Croatia at the beginning of May. Three
teams competed: Croatia, Bosnia Herzegovina and Israel. Israel beat Bosnia
Herzegovina 62-0 and lost to Croatia 5 - 24", he adds.
The draw for the
tournament is..
05.06.2003
Bulgaria v Finland
Israel v Norway
07.06.2003
Winner Bulgaria/Finland
v Winner Israel/Norway
Loser
Bulgaria/Finland v Loser Israel/Norway
27.05.2003
AGE HATH NO BARRIER!
Some of you former
rugby players (even those who have never played!) who are feeling the creeks
and groans of advancing age, check this out!
Article here at www.nzrugbynet.co.nz
26.05.2003
WEEKEND ROUNDUP 24/25 May 2003
RUSSIA 43, JAPAN 34 IN
TOKYO (SUPERPOWERS CUP)
I
predicted Russia to win by 10 points-Close enough!
Russia
began its Superpower Cup campaign with a comfortable win over Japan in Tokyo.
Japan scored 2 late tries to bring the scores closer. This was Japan's second
loss in a row in the series.
Report
here at www.planet-rugby.com
UKRAINE 37, SWEDEN 0
IN KIEV (FIRA-AER DIVISION 2, POOL A)
I
predicted Ukraine by 30 points-Which wasn't far off the mark.
Ukraine
won this easily, leading 22-0 at halftime before 4,000 spectators
Thanks
to 'Klitch' on the FIRA-AER forum.
MOLDOVA 17,
SERBIA-MONTENEGRO 17 IN CHISINAU (FIRA-AER DIV. 3, POOL A)
I
predicted Moldova by 25 points-I was wrong!
According
to 'Milanko' on the FIRA-AER forum Moldova led 17-14 at halftime. Sounds like a
grand effort by Serbia-Montenegro to get a result like that away from home.
LITHUANIA 60,
LUXEMBOURG 6 IN JURBARKAS (FIRA-A ER
DIVISION 3, POOL B)
I
Predicted Lithuania by 25 points-Well underestimated.
Lithuania recorded
its biggest every international rugby win defeating Luxembourg 60-6 in
Jurbarkas, a town 100km from Vilnius. The Luxembourg was at a disadvantage from
the start when they turned up with only 17 players.
Gediminas Liutkus was
the local hero with a haul of 30 points; 4 tries and 5 conversions.
Special thanks to
Alfredas and the Lithuanian rugby site here at www.kaunas.lt
KENYA 32, ZIMBABWE 24
IN NAIROBI (FRIENDLY)
I
predicted Kenya by 10 points-Close enough
Review
of the match here at www.nationaudio.com
THIS WEEKENDS
MATCHES-24/25 May 2003
Ukraine v Sweden in Kiev (FIRA-AER Division 2, Pool A)
Sweden,
yet to win a game in this competition this year, will struggle against the
Ukraine away. They need a win to help drag them off the bottom of the table.
Ukraine is unbeaten and holds second place behind Germany with a game in hand.
A win here would place it as joint leader, or leader, depending upon the size
of the victory.
Ukraine
by 30 points
Previous Encounters
This
is the first test between these two nations.
Teams
Sweden Squad
Proos
Nicklas
Jansson Anders
Mabon Jr Hunter
O´Gallagher Ray
Sjögren Björn
Lundell Cristoffer
Wallster Robin
Njuru Kanogo
van Dahn Ola
Eriksson Mattias
Frank Johan
Jartèn Adam
Nilsson Henrik
Bringzén Niklas
Marcher Roger
Persson Andreas
Saunders Andrew
Kvissberg Johan
Lag Daniel
Eriksson Hannes
Latéle Alan
General Manager: Lindfors Jim
National Coach: Dinwoodie Guy
Fysio: Abbott Allan
Team Manager: Ståhl Tapani
Thanks to Torbjörn
Johansson, Secretary general Swedish Rugby Federation.
Ukraine team not available
Moldova v
Serbia-Montenegro in Chisinau (FIRA-AER Division 3, Pool A)
Both these teams have
a game in hand compared to the leaders in this competition. They have an
inconsistent record this season, struggling at the bottom of the table.
Moldova's crushing victory over Hungary at home on the 10th May
means it is a formidable opponent at home. Hungary crushed S-M. in Budapest in
April.
Moldova by 25 points.
Teams not available
Previous Encounters
20.10.2001 Moldova in
Chisinau 36-16 (FIRA Div. B, Pool A)
03.04.2000 Yugoslavia
in Belgrade 17-3 (FIRA Div. D2)
Lithuania v Luxembourg in Jurbarkas (FIRA-A ER
Division 3, Pool B)
Both
these teams have lost a game in this competition, each to Malta in Malta, the
leader of the pool. Lithuania, at home here, and with a game in hand, looks set
to take second spot against a Luxembourg team that has improved considerably
over the last season. However they will find the Lithuanians determined in
their effort to keep up with the leader Malta.
Teams not available
Lithuania
by 25 points.
Previous Encounters
04.05.2002
Lithuania 26-7 in Luxembourg (FIRA-AER Div. B, Pool B)
13.05.2000
Luxembourg 40-6 in Luxembourg (FIRA Pool A)
05.10.1996
Lithuania 26-3 in Jonava (WCQ Euro. Pool 3, Rnd A)
Match
preview here in Lithuanian at www.kaunas.lt/regbis/
Kenya v Zimbabwe in Nairobi (Friendly)
This will be an interesting
match. Zimbabwe plunged to previously unknown depths last weekend with their
8-17 loss to neighbours Zambia. With several changes made to the team,
including the inclusion of South African-based flyhalf Ryan Dube and lock
Takunda Bimha, Zimbabwe will be out to regain lost pride. Injuries though have
meant a few defections from last weekend's team. Kenya caused a huge surprise
last year when they won this match, also here in Nairobi, 19-12. Uganda then
defeated Kenya 31-22 to knock them out of last years' CAR tournament
dramatically changing the pecking order in Central African rugby.
Kenya
by 10 points.
Previous Five Encounters
28.09.2002
Kenya 19-12 in Nairobi (Friendly)
03.07.1993
Zimbabwe 42-7 in Nairobi (WCQ Africa)
13.08.1989
Zimbabwe 56-9
07.08.1987
Zimbabwe 44-12 in Nairobi (CAR)
01.05.1985
Zimbabwe 15-12 in Harare
Teams
Zimbabwe Squad
Shingi
Chirimuuta; Daniel Macheke; Norman Mutiba; Zacks Tondoro; Arthur Mathe; Takunda
Bimha; Rueben Kumpasa; Slethelokuhle Ndlovu; Honour Changwesha; Daniel Hondo;
John Ewing; Ryan Dube; Victor Zambawo; Victor Olonga (captain); Garry Hewitt;
Jeff Musekiwa; Rodney Cloete; Rockface Gurumani; Prayer Chitenderu; Alfred
Sairai
Kenya Squad
Hookers
- Frank Ndong (Impala), Evans Maiyo (Machine);
Props
- Derrick Wamalwa, Arthur Shikwe (KCB), Ken Gaitho (Mwamba), Joel Nganga
(Quins);
Second-rows- Edward Kinyany, Felix Ochieng,
Geofrey Amuhaya (Quins), Steve Obondy (Impala);
Back-rows
- Peter Waswa (Mwamba), Roger Akena (Quins), Ben Ayimba, Frank Oyalo (Nondies),
Enos Otieno (Nakuru),
Scrum-halves:
Moses Kola (Impala), Peter Mutai (Blak Blad),
Fly-halves:
Sammy Kakhame (Quins), Charles Mbogo (KCB),
Centres:
Curtis Olago (Impala), Tito Oduk (Quins), Philip Mwenesi (Impala),
Wingers:
Victor Sudi (Impala), Collins "Zeddy" Akwani (Nondies),
Full-Backs:
Oscar Osir (Impala), Sean Omondi (Machine).
Match
Preview here(for Zimbabwe) at www.allafrica.com and here
(for Kenya) at www.allafrica.com
Japan v Russia in Tokyo (Superpowers Cup)
Last
year Japan pounced on an over-confident and under-prepared Russian side in
Tokyo in a friendly. This weekend they clash in the second Super Powers Cup
tournament match. Last weekend Japan tumbled to the USA in the opener 69-27.
Russia will need to do well here to help bury some of the controversy over
their South African-players, a situation that cost them a possible entry into
this years' 2003 Rugby World Cup. They won't make the same mistake as last year
and I would expect them to be much stronger.
Russia
by 10 points.
Previous Encounter
19.05.2002
Japan 59-19 in Tokyo (Friendly)
Teams
Russian Squad
Hookers: Vladislav Korshunov(
VVA-Podmoskovye), Igor Nikolaychuk (Krasny Yar)
Props: Alexey Travkin
(VVA-Podmoskovye), Alexander Chrokine (VVA-Podmoskovye), Sergey Popov (Slava),
Oleg Shukaylov (Krasny Yar).
Locks: Serguei Sergueev (Montauban,
France), Valeriy Fedchenko (Krasny Yar).
Flankers: Alexey Rechnev (Enisey-STM),
Viatcheslav Grachev (Montauban, France), Serguei Vassiliev (Krasny Yar), Alexei
Sarytchev (Krasny Yar) -also No.8
Number 8: Vyacheslav Zykov (Enisey-STM)
Scrum halves: Andre Bykanov (Slava),
Victor Motorin (VVA-Podmoskovye)
Fly-half: Konstantin Rachkov
(Montauban, France)
Centres : Vitaly Zeer (Enisey-STM),
Denis Akulov (Enisey-STM), Alexey Korobeynikov (Enisey-STM), Iaroslav Retchnev
(Enisey-STM), also wing & fullback.
Winger: Vladimir Simonov (Krasny Yar),
also fullback.
Fullback: Igor Klyuchnikov (VVA-Podmoskovye)
Thanks
to www.rugby-japan.or which will also give you the Japan squad but
you will need a decoder.
Austria v Bosnia in Vienna (FIRA-AER Division 3, Pool B)
These
two teams look destined to fight over the wooden spoon next season in this Pool
unless they improve dramatically. This will be a very close match with only the
home game being an advantage to the Austrians.
Austria
by 5 points.
Previous Encounter
17.10.1998
Austria 26-19 in Vienna (FIRA Pool B)
Teams not available
FIJIAN TRIALISTS SELECTED
Fiji
coach Mac McCallion has announced his squads for trials to select the thirty
players who will make up Fiji's team at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.
Squad
Forwards: Paula Biu (Nadroga), Rasolosolo Bogisa (Nadi), Jo Veitayaki
(NZ), Naca Seru (Suva), Jo Bale (Suva), Aminiasi Rainaima (Australia), Bill
Gadolo (Suva), Jason Hammond (NZ), Pita Suguturaga (Naitasiri), Isaia Rasila
(Nadroga), Greg Smith (Chiefs, NZ), Levi Bilivalu (Australia), Kele Leawere
(East Coast, NZ), Apisai Naiweilulu (Nadi), Senirusi Seruvakula (Naitasiri),
Api Naevo (Auckland, NZ), Ifereimi Rawaqa (Lautoka), Alifereti Doviverata
(Yamaha, Japan), Koli Sewabu (Yamaha, Japan), Waisake Tuisese (Naitasiri),
Koresi Ledua (Suva), Netava Tagi (Australia), Seta Tawaka (Hino, Japan), Tomasi
Naivisolo (Australia), Kini Salabogi (Nadroga), Simon Raiwalui (Newport,
Wales), Emori Katalau (Narberth, Wales), Sisa Koyamaibole (Nadroga), Kitione
Salawa (Nadi), Noa Soqeta (Nadroga).
Backs: Sami Rabaka (Nadi), Saiasi Fuli (Suva), Mosese Rauluni
(Australia), Joseph Narruhn (Hino, Japan), Seremaia Bai (Otago, New Zealand),
Epeli Ruivadra (Tailevu), Lloyd Hazelman (Nadi), Pita Bolea (NTTdotcom, Japan),
Waisale Serevi (Stade Montois, France), Warren Hughes (Suva), Viliame Satala
(Harlequins, UK), Seru Rabeni (Otago, NZ), Aseri Latianara (Nadi), Isoa Neivua
(Nadroga), Fero Lasagavibau (Northland, NZ), Sekove Leawere (Navosa), Vilimoni
Delasau (Yamaha, Japan), Isaac Mow (Suva), Norman Ligairi (Yamaha, Japan), Peni
Naulivou (Naitasiri), Atonio Nariva (Namosi).
Article here at www.planet-rugby.com
and thanks also to www.teivovo.com
ARABIAN GULF CLUB FINALS
News from this part
of the world here at www.planet-rugby.com
21.05.2003
ENGLAND COUNTIES ON TOUR AGAIN
The
England Counties will follow up their successful tour of Chile last year with a
short tour of Romania and France in June. They will face the full Romanian team
in Bucharest on 14 June.
Report
here at www.rfu.com
Thanks
to Klitch
19.05.2003
UNITED STATES 69,
JAPAN 27
USA TOO GOOD FOR JAPAN
In
the opening match of the Superpowers' series the United States proved too
powerful for the Japanese rugby team.
Match
report here at www.usa-eagles.org
ZAMBIA SET FOR THE HIGH ROAD
Zambia's
recent rugby successes has lead to a reciprocal arrangement with the Scotland
RFU whereby Zambian players will be hosted by clubs in Scotland, a Scottish
team will participate in Zambian 7's tournaments and the Zambian national team
will play in Scotland.
Report
here at www.allafrica.com
RUGBY HISTORY IN FIJI
The 1926 Auckland
University rugby team was an early visitor to the Fijian Islands. I found this
article enthralling. Congratulations to Teivovo.com for putting together a
great historical article. Makes me wonder what else is out there in the history
of this fine game!
Article is at www.teivovo.com
Fiji's rugby schedule
leading up to the 2003 Rugby world cup looks interesting. Here at www.teivovo.com
16.05.2003
USA TAKES ON JAPAN
The
opening match of the newly created Super Powers cup sees the United States face
Japan in San Francisco. Recent attention has focused on the postponement of
China's matches in this series due to the out break of the SARS virus. These
teams last met in 2000, the last time the Pacific Rim tournament was played.
The United States is fresh from its recent 2-0 drubbing of Spain to reach the
finals of the 2003 Rugby World Cup. Japan played its last official test last
October when it lost to Korea 20-22 in the final of the Asia Championship.
Although the loss was a surprise it was not Japan's strongest possible lineup.
Japan's recent tour of Australia confirmed the difficulty it still has against
stronger forward packs. For this reason I think the more experienced and harder
USA team will prevail.
USA
by 20 points
Teams
United
States
Link
Wilfley; David Fee, Philip Eloff, Kain Cross, Riaan Van Zyl; Mike Hercus, Kevin
Dalzell; Mike MacDonald, Kirk Khasigian, Dan Dorsey, Dave Hodges (captain),
Luke Gross, Kort Schubert, Conrad Hodgson, Dan Lyle.
Reserves: Mark Griffin, Jacob Waasdorp, Shaun Paga, Fifita Mo’unga; Kimball
Kjar, Cayo Nicolau, Mose Timoteo.
Japan
Squad
here at www.rugby-japan.or.jp but you
will need a decoder.
Previous encounters
27.05.2002 United
States 36-21 in Osaka (Pacific Rim)
12.06.1999 Japan
47-31 in Honolulu (Pacific Rim)
13.06.1998 Japan
25-21 in San Francisco (Pacific Rim)
10.05.1998 United
States 38-27 in Tokyo (Pacific Rim)
07.06.1998 United
States 51-29 in San Francisco (Pacific Rim)
Japan's matches in
Australia were…
March
28. Queensland Reds A 19 Japan 44 (Townsville)
April
2. Queensland Reds A 52 Japan 22
(Brisbane)
April
6. Brumby Runners 89 Japan 22
(Canberra)
April
13. Sydney 80 Japan 47 (Gosford)
Match previews here
at www.usa-eagles.org
and at www.planet-rugby.com
SCOTLAND TOUR SQUAD NAMED
Scotland has named
its 26 man squad that will make a two match, two test tour of South Africa
after a game against the Barbarians RFC. The only experienced players unable to
make the tour are Lions prop Tom Smith, and second rower Stuart Grimes.
The squad
Gordon
Bulloch (Glasgow), Andrew Dall (Edinburgh), Bruce Douglas (Borders), Iain
Fullarton (Sharks), Nathan Hines (Edinburgh), Gavin Kerr (Leeds Tykes), Martin
Leslie (Edinburgh), Gordon McIlwham (Bordeaux Begles), Andrew Mower (Newcastle
Falcons), Scott Murray (Edinburgh ), Jon Petrie (Glasgow), Rob Russell
(Saracens), Simon Taylor (Edinburgh), Jason White (Sharks),Mike Blair
(Edinburgh), Andy Craig (Orrell), Andrew Henderson (Glasgow ), Brendan Laney
(Edinburgh ), Kenny Logan (London Wasps), James McLaren (Bordeaux Begles),
Glenn Metcalfe (Glasgow ), Chris Paterson (Edinburgh ), Bryan Redpath (Sharks,
captain), Gordon Ross (Leeds Tykes), Gregor Townsend ( Borders), Simon Webster
(Edinburgh).
Match
reports here at www.planet-rugby.com and at www.sru.org.uk
13.05.2003
MY APOLOGIES!
I did not read the
FIRA-AER competition rules carefully at the beginning of the season. This
competition covers TWO seasons and will conclude with a second round for ALL
divisions in 2003-04. More humble pie!!
12.05.2003
WEEKEND REVIEW
MAJOR UPSET
Zambia 17, Zimbabwe 8
Zambia
caused the major upset of the year defeating their northern neighbours Zimbabwe
in Luanshya. Zimbabwe started strongly with an early try but the rest of the
game belonged to a much improved Zambia. Zimbabwe now have major problems in
building their team towards the CAR tournament.
I
predicted a walk-over by the Zimbabweans. I'm eating humble pie!
Report
here at www.sundaymail.co.zw
HUNGARIANS CRASH AWAY
Moldova 47, Hungary 11
Only
the result so far but this would be a big upset in the FIRA-AER Division 3 Pool
A match. One can only assume that with much less to play for than the
Moldovans, who face relegation, the Hungarians were very successfully ambushed!
I
predicted a 15 point win to the Hungarians. I crash again!
POLES AND DUTCH IN DRAW
Poland 13, Netherlands
13
With
what would appear a much under strength team, the Polish rugby team did well to
hold the more experienced Dutch side to a 13 all draw in Gdansk.
I
got closer with this one, predicting a 5-point win to the Dutch.
YET ANOTHER DRAW
Switzerland 23,
Slovenia 23
This
match produced the fourth draw in FIRA-AER Division 2, Pool B. The draw was
enough for Switzerland to take out this pool and thus win promotion to Pool A
I
predicted Switzerland by 5 points.
LUXEMBOURG TOO GOOD
Luxembourg 25, Austria
14
In
a match that would not affect the FIRA-AER Division 3, Pool B outcome,
Luxembourg defeated Austria at home.
I
predicted Luxembourg to win by 20 points.
10.05.2003
ALL CHINESE GAMES POSTPONED
Conforming
an earlier report, the IRB announce that China has postponed its Super Power
clashes against Russia, United States and Japan. All other Super Power games
are scheduled to continue.
Report
here at www.irb.com
Thanks
to 'Klitch' for this news
ST VINCENT & GRENADINES ARE
IN
The
tiny Caribbean nation of St. Vincent & Grenadines has become the 95th
member of the IRB.
Article
here at www.irb.com
Thanks
again to 'Klitch'.
RUGBY IN TANZANIA
An
article on the development of rugby in this large but poor African nation.
Here
at www.irb.com
09.05.2003
THIS WEEKEND 10/11
May 2003
Poland v Netherlands
This
match has no bearing on the outcome either way in FIRA-AER Division 2, Pool A.
Neither can win this pool and they are only in danger of relegation if Sweden
defeats Ukraine on the 24th of May, which appears unlikely. So it's
down to pride. The Netherlands broke a long loss sequence against Sweden last
weekend whilst Poland will be tough at home. These teams have not met since the
mid-nineties when they were both an equal competitive footing. The Netherlands
surged ahead leading up to the beginning of the European Nations Cup in 2000.
Since then the Netherlands began a slide that ended in their relegation last
season. I'll go for the Netherlands to begin the long, hard trek back up to the
Nations Cup division.
Netherlands
by 5 points.
Previous Results
23.04.1995
Poland 28-12 in
Ameresfoort (FIRA Group A1)
30.04.1994
Poland 13-10 in
Lublin (FIRA Group B1)
02.05.1993
Poland 7-0 in Naarden
(FIRA Group B1)
14.05.1992
Poland 17-12 in Amstelveen
(FIRA Group B1)
14.10.1991
Poland 24-9 in Sopot
(FIRA Group B1)
Teams
Netherlands
01
Allard Jonkers (RC Hilversum)
02
Christian Moeliker (Haagsche RC)
03 Bas den Uyl (Amsterdamse AC)
04
Dirk Willems (Oisterwijk Oysters)
05
Theo Vos (Haagsche RC)
06
Remco Donkers (Eemland Amersfoort)
07
Barro Kessler (Haagsche RC)
08
Tim Schumacher (Utrechtse SRS)
09
Clint Hill (Haagsche RC)
10
Tim Bartels (Castricumse RC)
11
Wilnus Versteijnen (DIOK Leiden)
12
Mark Springer (Amsterdamse AC)
13
Silvester Ramaker (RC Delft)
14
Christian Verhoef (Groninger SRC)
15
Sander van der Loos (Haagsche RC )
16
Rigo Hoencamp (Haagsche RC)
17
Stefan Neher (Rotterdamse RC)
18
Jop Wolff (Delftse SR-C)
19
Jerker Grader (RC `t Gooi Naarden)
20
Johann du Plessis (RC Hilversum)
21
Gerard Viguurs (Waihoe RFC NZ)
22
Sebastiaan van den Deijssel (RC Hilversum
Thanks to Piet van den Deijssel ,Teammanager
Poland
Not available
Slovenia v Switzerland
The FIRA-AER Division
2, Pool B is still wide open. This has been one of the closest tussles of the
competition with three draws and many close results. If Switzerland wins it
will leap-frog Denmark and Croatia to take out this pool. Switzerland dipped a
little with their close 9-6 win over unfancied Belgium but still appears the
strongest team and would deserve the title. Slovenia are tough at home but I
tip Switzerland to just squeeze in.
Switzerland by 5
points.
Interestingly enough
these close neighbours have never met before.
Teams not available
Moldova v Hungary
Hungary has little to
play for as they cannot overtake Latvia on the points table in FIRA-AER
Division 3, Pool A. Moldova has struggled in its only game to date but will be
fighting to avoid relegation. They will be playing at home but the Hungarians
will be too strong.
Hungary by 15 points
Previous result
23.03.1995 Moldova 17-14 in Sofia (Part of a friendly tournament)
Teams not available
Luxembourg v Austria
Luxembourg only has
pride to play for. This team has been gradually improving over the last two
season but cannot overhaul the Maltese who have already taken out FIRA-AER
Division 3, Pool B. Austria, who I originally gave top seeding to, has failed
to impress and needs to win to steer clear of relegation. They crushed
Luxembourg in 2001 77-0 at home in a match that doubled as a World Cup
qualifier. Times have changed as has the standard of both teams. Luxembourg has
the big advantage at this level of the home game and should win comfortably.
Luxembourg by 20
points.
Previous Results
12.05.2001 Austria 77-0 in Vienna (FIRA Pool 2, WCQ Euro. Round 1)
Teams not available
Zambia v Zimbabwe
Not
much is known about this friendly, but both teams will use this as a warm up
for the CAR tournament games ahead. Last year Zimbabwe did not award 'caps' for
this match, using home based development players who walked all over the
visitors. This year Zimbabwe will travel to Zambia. What sort of team they will
take is not known. Whatever the case, the Zambians will be in for a tough time.
Zimbabwe
by 80 points
Zimbabwe
XV by 40 points.
Previous Results
20.04.2002
Zimbabwe XV 84-10 in Harare (Friendly)
03.04.1982
Zimbabwe 54-4
RECENT UPDATES
Considerable
work has gone in recently to the Chile list of international rugby results
thanks to Pierre-Emmanuel Mazlenaz. Unfortunately we can't load that update to
the country file but the changes have been recorded under the link 'Recent
Updates' then got to '2003'.
Argentina,
Argentina XV, Paraguay and Uruguay have been upgraded as a result.
Changes
have also been made to the country lists of Arabian Gulf, Belgium, Croatia,
Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Moldova, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine
and the United States.
In
addition, Yugoslavia has become Serbia-Montenegro.
ASIA TOURNAMENT NEWS
I
quote from my friend 'Seahorse' from the FIRA-AER forum at www.fira-aer-rugby.com
'
Hong Kong's games against Japan, Sri Lanka and Arabian Gulf have all been
postponed due to the SARS virus. Hong Kong hope to play these matches in the
3rd quarter of this year.
I suspect that most of the ARU games will be postponed (not that I have any
dates). Singapore have cancelled all sporting events, while China and Chinese
Taipei are both seeing a number of events being cancelled.'
04.05.2003
IMPROVEMENTS TO THIS SITE
Some
changes have been made to the format of this site. A new link 'Tournaments' now
holds the FIRA-AER tournaments for the last 3 seasons, including the latest
'FIRA-AER 2002-03'. These arrive as a 'pop-up'.
'Recent
Updates' lists all additions and alterations to the data base. This has been
adjusted to show a year-by-year listing. So 2002 and 2003 appear as pop-ups.
FIRST ANNUAL RUGBY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
This most prestigious
event was held in Gisborne, New Zealand, over Easter. The venue was the
kitchen/dining room of the Sycamore Lodge, (basic backpackers!, free plug), on
the main road out of Gisborne. We were most disappointed you all didn't turn up
but still my brother John and I managed all the same. Germany was represented
by two young fraulines who had no idea what rugby was and equally showed no
interest in us two old farts anyway!
Some major decisions
were made. The improvements made to the web site (see above) were decided upon
and actioned. The data base is to be drastically revised and the general
appearance of the site upgraded. Eventually we intend to go commercial. When
the above will happen was not decided. We both hold down full time (and
demanding) jobs and have but a small amount of time we can put towards this
venture. Basically it is still a hobby and a part-time one at that. Bit it is
fun even if the technology of running a web site drives me (and thus I drive my
brother) nuts.
The venue for next
years' conference was not decided. How about somebody makes us an offer we
can't refuse!