Up and Under

Up and Under is a weekly exclusive on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week.

 

UP

USA
The USA continued their strong run against Canada as they added to their undefeated streak against their northern neighbors. The 20-15 win was far from perfect though it was by three tries to two and it increased the Eagles’ unbeaten run against Canada to 12 matches.

Argentina
It was a training run though Los Pumas got out of it what they required – a win. With it officially the losing streak has ended and they can prepare for the vital RWC fixture against France in twelve days time. Post match Mario Ledesma noted that there are tough choices to make in key positions.

Argentina XV
A 36-24 win over the RWC bound Uruguayans was a positive outcome for the Argentina XV. With the side continuing none of the players that will play for Los Pumas at the World Cup the result is encouraging for the next RWC cycle. There were strong performances from uncapped players, including many yet to have a taste of Super Rugby.

Blaine Scully
Captain America, Blaine Scully had a double celebration on Saturday. He earned his 50th cap and did so in a winning effort. Scully has been a consistent performer for the Americans over a long period. RWC 2019 will be his third World Cup and will see him as skipper of a team in an indisputable stronger standing than from the prior two tournaments.

Mateo Carreras
Argentina’s preparations for RWC 2019 were complicated. Daniel Hourcade had been in Japan inspecting the match and training venues months before he was replaced by Mario Ledesma. Meanwhile many of Hourcade’s usual players are missing from the RWC 2019 roster. The RWC 2023 roster has a massive headstart and the signing of Mateo Carreras to Los Jaguares this past week is a case in point.

 

UNDER

Canada
It takes two teams for a rugby match and usually the better of them will be the winner. In Vancouver on Saturday this did not transpire. The Canadians were better than the Eagles in the first half yet fell to a defeat. The 20-15 loss came despite the home side having held a 12-0 lead.

Uruguay
Los Teros’ RWC warm-up series concluded with a home defeat against the Argentina XV. Such a result was clearly not what the team was seeking though there was a real fear than it had cost Juan Manuel Cat a place in the tournament. He left the field early though injury but will be fine to travel to Japan on Wednesday.

FloRugby
Coverage of Canada vs USA on Saturday was not well-received by USA viewers. The broadcaster for the match was FloRugby, a subscription service that has been heavily criticized for poor quality. The stream continually fell leaving fans frustrated and unable to adequately watch the match.

Theo Sauder
Canada’s RWC 2019 roster came with the noteworthy exclusion of Theo Sauder. He had held down a starting position for Canada in November’s RWC 2019 repechage qualifying series. The choice would appear to be motivated by position selections with Patrick Parfrey to be playing fullback and former Ulster fullback Peter Nelson set to continue at flyhalf.

Kali Tawake
The first casualty of RWC 2019 came this past week with Fijian prop Kali Tawake ruled out of the tournament. He was injured playing against Tonga in a warm-up and will not recover in time for the competition. His place has gone to Lee-Roy Atalifo.

Juan Imhoff
The World Cup complicates the early season of the Top 14. One club to not have adjusted well thus far is Racing 92. The team lost on Sunday 20-17 against Toulouse and were not helped by disciplinary concerns. Both wingers were yellow carded included former Puma Juan Imhoff. It was not an altogether bad day at the office for Imhoff though as he scored a try.