Up and Under

Up and Under is a weekly exclusive on Americas Rugby News. It takes a dive into the best and worst involving Americas Rugby from the past week.

 

UP

Uruguay Take Bragging Rights Against Namibia to the World Cup
Uruguay will take an upper hand to the World Cup against Namibia. Los Teros were 26-18 winners over the African country on Saturday in Montevideo. The result gives Uruguay confidence ahead of the repeat fixture at the World Cup. Having beaten Chile a week earlier, Los Teros are 2-0 in their warm-up games. They finish their matches against the Argentina XV this coming Saturday.

USA Record Impressive Win Over Romania
The USA got their European tour off to an impressive start with a resounding 31-17 victory over Romania in Bucharest on Saturday. In their first match with Scott Lawrence in charge the Eagles ran out to a stunning 31-nil lead before slipping away in the final quarter. Portugal is the next opponent for the Eagles, who take on Os Lobos in Algarve next Saturday.

Argentina XV Claim Second World Cup Scalp
The Argentina XV are 2-0 in the Rugby World Cup warm-up’s. As the national next-of-XV, the Argentina XV is not a World Cup competitor. Some players involved may yet make Argentina’s roster. The team defeated Namibia first up and then Chile on Saturday. Facundo Bosch scored a double while Bautista Delguy looked very good at fullback and Rodrigo Isgró again showed his qualities.

Brazil Line-up Test Matches
Brazil’s fixtures for 2023 are coming together. Os Tupis’ fixtures will come in two varieties. First, Brazil will compete in the 2023 South American 4 Nations in Paraguay in August. Second, Brazil will compete in a special competition in Spain in November. They will see matches against Colombia, Chile XV, Paraguay, Canada, USA and Spain.

Evident Room for 24-teams at World Cup
Which countries not involved in Rugby World Cup 2023 would fill the four spots? Americas Rugby News contends that they would come from the six possibilities. The USA, Spain and Canada are the notable missing teams from RWC 2023. There are reasons why expansion is yet to happen. The voting power on the World Rugby council and all British senior command of Beaumont, Jeffreys and Gilpin do not facilitate innovations.

Agustín Creevy Reaches the 100 Mark
The long wait is over; Argentina is finally has a player with 100 test caps. Agustín Creevy is the first Puma in history to reach the milestone. At the age of 38, Creevy played his 100th test match on Saturday.  In a test career of two full decades, Creevy has experienced highs and lows. He debuted as a flanker against Japan in April 2005. 6678 days later he becomes the first Puma to complete 100 test caps. The ever-determined Creevy converted from flanker to hooker in 2009.

Milestone also reached by Santiago Cordero 
Santiago Cordero played his 50th test match on Saturday. While the match did not go so well for Los Pumas, the accomplishment is huge. He became the 44th Puma to reach 50 test caps. Cordero is the 805th Puma. The winger from Regatas Bella Vista had the honor of running out his team in his home city of Buenos Aires.

 

UNDER

Sluggish second-half costs Argentina against South Africa
Argentina were ahead at half-time but did not score again. South Africa took control even with a man down and ultimately won comfortably. Argentina’s second half was full of errors; yet, there was a lot more wrong about the performance. South Africa was too good in the scrum, air and at the ruck. Whether or not players were holding back to avoid injuries is debatable.

Woeful Back-Three Defense from Uruguay
Uruguay conceded tries against Namibia through weak defense. Bautista Basso’s efforts to prevent the first try were that of a school boy error. Veteran Rodrigo Silva was also below the required level. In general play he also did not adequately cover Namibian kicks during the match. With competition for places being hotter than ever all players simply must deliver or someone else will be selected instead.

Chile Fade in Second Half
Chile started well against the Argentina XV in Antofagasta. They were 6-0 up early and then 13-7. Domingo Saavedra’s try was one that would win over neutrals at a World Cup. Ultimately, the Argentina XV was too strong and won by 27 points. While the margin is significant it is nothing near the difference between the teams during the RWC 2015-2019 cycle.

Early Double Blow for Los Pumas
An early set-back in Buenos Aires on Saturday meant Matías Moroni replaced Santiago Chocobares in the second minute. Chocobares was knocked-out upon tackling Manie Libbok following a high ball. Late in the half Guido Petti was also on early with Pedro Rubiolo also unable to return after a knock.

Atlanta Loses MLR Franchise
Major League Rugby’s franchise in Atlanta is no more. The team known as Rugby ATL has been purchased by new owners and will be relocated for the 2024 season. No confirmation of the team’s new home has been made but sources have indicated to Americas Rugby News that LA is the likely destination.

Danny Barrett Calls it a day
Long-time USA star Danny Barrett has confirmed his retirement from rugby. The 33-year-old most recently turned out for the Houston SaberCats in Major League Rugby. Barrett was a 1st team Collegiate All-American in both 7s and 15s with the Cal Golden Bears before making the jump to full international honors in 2014. He played at the 2015 World Cup and at the 2016 and 2021 Olympic Games.

Why Wait So Long for World Cup Expansion?
World Rugby is moving towards expanding the Men’s Rugby World Cup. It is not for RWC 2023 nor 2027 but for RWC 2031. The USA will not play in RWC 2023 but were impressive winners over a team that will. If North America’s champion qualified directly like they do from Africa, Europe and Oceania then the participants would be different for this year’s World Cup. Expansion to 24 teams is a no-brainer.