UAE face Belgium in Emirates Airline Cup of Nations opener

The Sevens once again breathes life into rugby this Saturday, December 8, with the kick-off of the 2012 edition of the Emirates Airline Cup of Nations XV’s Rugby tournament.
 
Zimbabwe and Belgium join hosts UAE and defending champions, Hong Kong for the tournament’s second year and while Hong Kong will be a force to be reckoned with in their bid to retain the Cup, the hosts and visiting Unions have vowed not to sit back and wait for the Champions to walk away with the title.

UAE will be out to make an impression since being award full membership status by the International Rugby Board on the eve of the Dubai Rugby Sevens.

“We have a fantastic pool of players in Zimbabwe and this is evidenced by the Sables (National XV’s side) and Cheetahs (National 7’s side) both being Champions of Africa,” Bongai Zamchiya Chairman of the Zimbabwe Sables said.

“We are building towards a RWC 2015 qualification programme and it is critical that we have a pool of key players. Participating in the Cup of Nations will allow our coaches to assess some new caps and allow our players to test themselves at a higher level,” added Zamchiya.

Jan Coupé, President Belgium Rugby Union said: “Our Union sees that competing in the Cup of Nations is part of a sustained and increased investment in our National team - The Black Devils. Our Men’s National team had a challenging 2011/12 season and we hope that we will enjoy an upturn in fortunes with this winter tour.”

Competition is expected to be fierce with the three visiting-countries so closely ranked (Belgium 23rd, Hong Kong 28th and Zimbabwe 30th) and while the bar may be set high all teams will be looking at this XV’s tournament to lift their playing standards to a more competitive level.  

Entry to watch all the Cup of Nations games, at The Sevens, is free.

Saturday’s schedule of play:

4:00pm UAE v Belgium – Pitch 2
6:00pm Hong Kong v Zimbabwe – Pitch 2
 

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