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The Aviva Premiership is also geared up for a big weekend, and there are nearly a dozen Americas players on show over the course of Saturday and Sunday.
London Irish gets things underway on Saturday against Northampton at the Madejski Stadium, and two Canadians have been named on the Exiles roster. Ciaran Hearn gets his second start in the no13 jersey, this time opposite Samoan star George Pisi, while fellow countryman Jebb Sinclair covers the second and back row from the bench.
Leicester kicks off against Newcastle shortly after without Marcos Ayerza. Samoan heavyweight Logovi’i Mulipola is named at loosehead in his place, though Argentina native Matías Agüero is on the bench as cover. Falcons have retained Belisario Agulla at outside centre after his strong game a week ago, with Juan Pablo Socino again named as a reserve. He is joined this week by American back row Todd Clever.
Saracens are on the road at Wasps on Sunday, and will feature only Chris Wyles on their run-on side. The US Eagles skipper continues on the left wing, while Pumas stars Juan Figallo and Marcelo Bosch should come on as substitutes.
Another Agulla, Horacio, will start at no11 for Bath against Worcester Warriors. The elder brother makes only his second appearance of the season, having last played a month ago against Leicester.
Towering second row Mariano Galarza rounds out the weekend on the big ticket at Twickenham where his Gloucester side take on Harlequins. The Argentine lineout specialist will partner All Black veteran Jeremy Thrush in the second row in what could prove to be a very effective long-term partnership.
