WORLD CUP QUALIFYING TEST RUGBY: ASIA

21.04.2012
Chinese Taipei v Singapore in Manilla (WCQ Asia Nations Division 1)

Venue: Rizal Memorial Stadium

Referee:

Preview
This match is a sudden death playoff. Whoever loses drops to Division 2 and any Rugby World Cup qualifying hopes will go out the window.

Chinese Taipei were once an Asian rugby force who threatened Japan and Korea as the giants of Asian rugby. That was back in the eighties. Today rugby on the island of Taiwan is struggling to keep a place at the level below the elite of Asian test rugby. A loss tomorrow will see the Chinese back in Division 2.

Singapore had a season in the elite level of Asian rugby two years ago but they to could well be dropped to Division 2 if they lose tomorrow.

Last Five Encounters
13.11.2008 Singapore 23-22 in Tainan (Asia Nations Division 1)
14.06.2006 Singapore 34-22 in Singapore (Asia Tournament, Division 3)
06.12.2003 Chinese Taipei 19-6 in Tainan (Asia Tournament, Pool B)
29.04.2000 Singapore 22-18 in Singapore (SC Tri-Nations)
05.06.1999 Chinese Taipei 20-11 in Singapore (SC Tri Nations)

This Tournament
Chinese Taipei
v Sri Lanka L 8-36
v Philippines L 12-34

Singapore
v Philippines L 20-37
v Sri Lanka L 10-35

GWC Rugby Rankings
Asia Table-Singapore 8th, Chinese Taipei 10th

IRB Ranking Points
Singapore 43.77, Chinese Taipei 42.64

Prediction: Singapore by 5 points

Teams as yet unavailable

Chinese Taipei

Singapore