India will have to rough it out in Asian Five rugby

India have their task cut out when they open against favourites China in the HSBC Asian Five Nations 2010 Division II rugby that kicks off at the Delhi University Rugby Stadium here Wednesday.

Apart from India and China, the Philippines and top seeds Thailand will compete for a place in Division I in the 15-a-side clash.

India captain Nasser Hussain admits it is going to be tough for the hosts but takes confidence from their rigorous training in New Zealand.

"We were in New Zealand for four weeks and before that we had trained in South Africa. We had an ex-All Blacks coach helping us. We trained at New Zealand Rugby Academy and we were exposed to their training and schedules. And it has helped us immensely," Hussain said at a press meet, where the trophy designed by the Whorra brothers from New Delhi, was unveiled.

"We will stick to our strengths. We have a strong bench of forwards and we hope our backs too will rise to the occasion. China looks a team of strong boys. But it depends on what position you play. We hope we are able to put our best foot forward and make it to the finals.

"We have been practising at the venue for the past few days, so that should help us," he said.

The Chinese, with most of their players coming from the People's Liberation Army team based in Guangzhou, have managed to create an awe but their captain Ma Bing insists it is India they are most wary of.

"India have improved a lot and their performance shows that. Also, they are playing at home. We cannot underestimate them and will give our best," Bing told IANS.

Newly-promoted Philippines, with most of their players based in Australia, have made rapid progress, having won the Asian Five Division III at home last year and they take on Thailand in the first semi-finals Wednesday. Thailand's division I loss to Sri Lanka saw them slipping to division II and the team will be eager to make amends.

The second semi-final will be between India and China. The winners will play the final Saturday while the losers will square up to escape being relegated to division III.

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