Iran upset higher-ranked Guam 44-11 in the opening semi final
of the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Division 3 tournament in Jakarta to set
up a final against Pakistan.
In the second semi final top seeds Pakistan had to fend off a
fierce challenge from a vastly improved Indonesia side before
winning through 13-11.
The results set up an enticing Pakistan v Iran final on
Saturday with the winner set for promotion to Division 2.
Guam will face Indonesia in the 3rd/4th place play-off with both
teams desperate to avoid relegation.
Iran 44-11 Guam
Although they entered the tournament as number two seeds
behind Pakistan, Guam conceded significant advantages in size to
their Iranian opposition at the UPH Stadium in Jakarta.
Iran took its opportunities around the fringes well
throughout the match and enjoyed the upper hand at lineout and
scrum time to lead 26-5 at half time through tries from lock Shahab
Balali, wing Ramin Aajaij, Hassan Faradjolla and Iraj Rostami.
In the second half Rostami scored again and there was a further
score for Ali Reza Bostani.
Farjam Atshan contributed 11 points with the boot and Amin
Hossein Zadeh landed a late drop goal.
Indonesia 11-13 Pakistan
The second semi featured top seeds Pakistan, relegated as the
bottom side in last year's Division 2 competition, and the
hometown heroes Indonesia.
The match was a nail-biter with both teams managing only a
penalty in a very physical first half.
Under new coach Duncan Hall the Indonesia Rhinos put up a
tremendous fight throughout with captain and vice captain Kirk
Arundale and Grant Olsen omnipresent in defence. Pakistan were
unlucky at times as key dropped balls plagued both teams in the
first half.
In the second half the game began to open up. Indonesia led
after Kirk Arundale's penalty but towering Pakistan captain
Sahir Alsam picked up from the base of a ruck to give Pakistan the
lead, 10-6 with the conversion, and full back Manan Naseem added a
penalty to extend the lead to 13-6.
Indonesia prop Niko Joku drove over for a late unconverted try to ensure a dramatic finish but Pakistan held on for the slender win.
