Up and Under

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

 

UP

Argentina XV earn tremendous upset over Georgia
Capping off the weekend, Argentina’s second senior side recovered from an 11-point first half deficit to upset Georgia’s test side 30-24 at Kutaisi on Sunday. It was an exciting contest in which the difference was the accurate set piece and driving maul of the visitors. Lucas Mensa also impressed in the midfield for the Argentines and it would not be surprising to see him called up to Los Pumas soon.

Los Pumas impress with first test win over Scotland
Argentina completed an impressive win in the series opener against Scotland on Saturday. The 26-18 win puts Los Pumas 1-0 up in what was the first test match since Michael Cheka replaced Mario Ledesma as head coach. Gonzalo Bertranou stepped in at scrumhalf when Tomas Cubelli was lost before kickoff and produced a fine try-scoring performance.

Eagles hang on to beat French Barbarians in Houston heat
The USA held on to defeat the French Barbarians 26-21 at AVEVA Stadium on Friday night. Hot and humid conditions in Houston saw both teams struggling with fatigue, and a series of late penalties dragged the game into the 87th minute as the Eagles successfully defended their line. Next up is the all-important World Cup Qualifier against Chile in Santiago.

Coats stars as Canada crush Belgium in Halifax
Canada secured a one-sided 45-0 victory over Belgium at Wanderers Ground in Halifax on Saturday afternoon. The visitors held their own to start the game but faded badly to concede 35 points in the second half. Cooper Coats led the way for the Canadians, scoring one try and two conversions along with several strong runs in front of over 4,000 home town fans.

Argentina defeat Australia in u20 competition
Argentina defeated Australia 24-21 on Friday in the u20 Rugby Championship in Australia. Los Pumitas won with a penalty in the final minute. Replacement flyhalf Agustín Sascaro was the hero with a 79th minute penalty goal to secure a famous victory.

Los Teros bolstered by overseas contingent
Uruguay have a bolstered their roster for the upcoming home internationals against Romania. Six professionals have joined the side after missing the tour to Japan. Back in the mix are front rowers Mateo Sanguinetti and Germán Kessler, second row Ignacio Dotti, halfbacks Agustín Ormaechea and Felipe Berchesi, and outside back Gastón Mieres.

Eagles trio in Premier 15s Team of the Season
Three USA internationals have been named in the official Premier 15s Team of the Season. Exeter Chiefs duo Hope Rogers and Kate Zackary were selected at loosehead prop and No8 respectively, with Saracens inside center Alev Kelter also getting the nod. Last season there was just one North American player in Canadian international Sophie de Goede.

MLR Prospects on display at Collegiate Rugby Shield
The inaugural Collegiate Rugby Shield took place in Utah on Saturday. 50 Major League Rugby hopefuls took part with the match broadcast on national television. It wasn’t perfect, but the concept is a good one and worth pursuing. Next year we’d like to see it played as a curtain-raiser for the MLR Final.

 

UNDER

Spain disqualified from Rugby World Cup 2023
World Rugby have not changed their minds. Spain have been disqualified from competing at Rugby World Cup 2023. The decision follows an appeal which Spain contested the decision. It means that the April 28 decision to disqualify Los Leones is upheld. It’s a terrible blow to the players who had done everything right, only to see their administration fail them once again.

Leones administration can’t get much right
Turnover at the FER can’t come soon enough as it emerged that seven players named by Santiago Santos to travel to Canada did not have the required second dose of vaccine to enter the country. An emergency vaccination session was arranged but those players have not been cleared to play and Los Leones have been forced into late changes to the traveling squad.

All Blacks XV headed to Canada in October
Rugby Canada will no doubt celebrate having the world’s best brand to sell the match, but with the All Blacks XV arriving in October the Canadians will not have access to their best overseas players. It should be noted this is New Zealand’s second senior side, not the likes of Brodie Retallick and Beauden Barrett. Such games should be contested by the absolute top players at Canada’s disposal or it is a disservice to both fans and players.

Two of MLR’s best will not be back in 2023
Ryan Louwrens and Beaudein Waaka will not be in Major League Rugby next season. The Austin scrumhalf and New England flyhalf were arguably the best at their positions during the 2022 campaign but have now signed contracts with overseas clubs. Louwrens is returning to Super Rugby with the Melbourne Rebels while Waaka is cashing in on his success with a lucrative move to Japan with the Kobelco Steelers.

It’s high time for Flo to Go
Once again Eagles fans were left frustrated with many unable to watch Friday’s game against the French Barbarians. That was due to USAR’s exclusive contract with FloRugby that continues to shut the door on the American public. Those that did have access complained about the poor broadcasting quality. If World Rugby is serious about expanding rugby’s reach in the USA ahead of RWC’s 2031 and 2033, they must step in and buy out the remaining time on the FloRugby contract or risk throwing away two more years of potential exposure.