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

Canada return home with resounding victory
Canada celebrated their return home with a well-earned 34-24 win over Italy at Starlight Stadium on Sunday. It was the first test on home soil for the national senior women’s side since July 2015. A strong display from the forwards set the platform for the five-tries-to-four victory over the Azzurre. After a bit of a break, the team will take on Wales in Halifax at the end of August before final departure to New Zealand for the World Cup.

Eagles opponents for last-gasp Repechage revealed
The USA are headed back to the Repechage for the first time since the 2003 qualifiers. On that occasion the format was different with two teams advancing. This time it’s a round-robin with only one team getting a ticket to France 2023. Lining up to face the USA are Kenya, Portugal, and Hong Kong. Realistically it’s the Lobos from Europe who are the greatest challenge. Matches will be played between between November 6 and 18 at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

Los Teros to face three RWC teams in November
Uruguay will play against three World Cup-qualified teams on their end-of-year tour. Georgia, Romania, and Tonga will be their opponents, with the latter securing their place in the tournament after defeating Hong Kong in Australia. The Georgia and Romania tests will be on their home ground while the Tonga test will be in a neutral venue. None of the three will be an opponent for Los Teros at Rugby World Cup 2023 but it’s a good level of opposition to prepare for next year.

As Yaras are back on the Sevens Circuit
Brazil have regained core status on the World Sevens Series. As Yaras were initially relegated after finishing 11th at the conclusion of the 2021-2022 season. However, Russia have now been formally dropped from the circuit which sees the South Americans thrown a lifeline. The 2022-2023 Series will see the women’s circuit increase from six to seven tournaments, starting in Dubai in early December.

Mensa, Medrano, and Oviedo called to Pumas squad
Inside center Lucas Mensa, tighthead prop Santiago Medrano, and No8 Joaquín Oviedo have been called up to the Pumas squad for the start of the Rugby Championship. The trio impressed in recent Argentina XV matches against Georgia and Portugal. Notably rested for the tests against Australia are second row Guido Petti and winger Bautista Delguy. Meanwhile the Wallabies will be without star center Samu Kerevi, who will instead compete in the Commonwealth Games.

Utah hire former All Black as new Head Coach
Greg Cooper is the new Head Coach of the Utah Warriors. The 57-year-old New Zealander fills a role left vacant after the departure of Shawn Pittman halfway through the 2022 campaign. Assistant coach duo Shaun Davies and Robbie Abel saw out the rest of the season. Cooper was a standout fullback with Otago and won 7 caps for the All Blacks. His coaching resume is also strong with four years in charge of the Highlanders, two in the French Top 14, and a decade in Japan.

UNDER

Listless venue for last-gasp Repechage
While Dubai might accomplish the ‘neutral’ aspect of November’s Repechage tournament, it does little to add spark to what should be an exciting event in the build up to France 2023. Surely holding the event in Paris itself would have attracted more attention. It’s closer to Portugal than others, yes, but far enough away and in the capital of the host country for next year’s World Cup. Another preferable alternative might have been London.

No Americas referees for The Rugby Championship
Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa will each have match officials for The Rugby Championship. So too will several European countries. Once again, however, there is not a single assignment for an Americas referee, not even as an assistant. Given the rise of South American rugby and the awarding of a Rugby World Cup to the USA, surely it’s time to start promoting match officials from the region. They are just as important for raising standards as coaches and players are.

Qualification cycle highlights imbalance in World Cup process
South America will have three teams in a World Cup for the first time. North America meanwhile are staring at the abyss, should the Eagles fail to advance through the Repechage. Kenya will compete in the round-robin despite their comparatively lowly 33rd ranking. Tonga were given a walk-in against Hong Kong, whose No22 ranking hides their standing which is in truth much lower. Two things have become abundantly clear during this World Cup cycle – it’s long past due to expand to 24 teams and the qualification process needs a reboot.