Friday, June 5, 2009

International Rugby: India and Pakistan

06.06.2009
India v Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur (Asia Nations Div.2; 3rd-4th)

Preview
The rivalry in everyway is always close between these two Asian Nations. Whether its in cricket or in politics the competition is fierce. Now rugby union has joined these two teams in a struggle which will decide who stays in Division 2, and who is relegated to Division 3 for 2010.

Last year India won 92-0 against a struggling Pakistani side. Pakistan lost the first match of this year's tournament 19-24 to a tired Chinese side in sweltering heat. That result would have been a confidence boost to the Pakistanis who would love to take a match back from their sub-continental rivals.

Previous Encounters
14.06.2008 India 92-0 in Bangkok (Asia Nations Div.2, 3rd-4th)
04.11.2007 India 19-0 in Colombo (Asiad Shield)
30.10.2004 India 56-3 in Hong Kong (19th Asia Champ., Playoff)
31.10.2003 India 52-15 in Kandy (Friendly)

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

Prediction: India has a clear history in these encounters but I expect the Pakistanis to be far more competitive than last year.
India to win by 14 points.

Teams
Not yet available

For a list of all international test rugby played by these two nations go to www.rugbyinternational.net

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