Up and Under

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

UP

Los Jaguares Membership
Argentina’s Super Rugby franchise began training last week with 35 players beginning preparations in Buenos Aires. Early indications are that it is a happy camp and off the field the signs are that the team will be a success. The Jaguars membership packages have been in hot demand with the Premier category of season tickets having sold out. Both Silver and Bronze category tickets remain on sale but indications are that fans had better not leave it too late.

South American teams in American Sevens
Positive results came for South American nations Brazil, Chile and Uruguay in the American Sevens this weekend in Argentina. All three achieved victories over one or both of Canada and the USA, with Chile beating the USA in the Plate Final. The North Americans sent developmental sides and they will compete again next weekend in Viña del Mar, Chile. Also competing in Mar del Plata was Paraguay as were Argentina who defeated South Africa in the final.

USA’s New Sherriff in Town
Many U.S. rugby supporters are tired of hearing about the Eagles being termed the Sleeping Giant of global rugby but this past week saw the appointment of John Mitchell as new Head Coach of the Eagles. It was a fundamental change of philosophy as the local boy, Mike Tolkin was shown the door in favor of a proven coach whose experience comes from far away in Australia, England, New Zealand and South Africa. In appointing the 2003 Rugby World Cup third placed team’s coach to the helm of the Eagles USA Rugby has made it clear that new heights are being targeted.

Andrés Zafra
Colombian Andrés Zafra made headlines this past week when it was revealed he is to play rugby in France. It may not sound like much but it truly is a breakthrough. Not only does Zafra become the first Colombian to play in the country but he is just 19 years old and was scouted by a Frenchman who recognized his talents. Zafra is to play in the Fédérale 3.

Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe
Reigning European Champions Toulon got the job done but were anything other than playing to their potential. The 12-9 win sees the club sitting in second position and with the Wasps at home next up improvement is needed but in all likelihood Toulon will, with the win, move into top spot. Captaining the side on Sunday against Bath was Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe who had an exceptional match, being heavily involved at the breakdown where he won multiple turnovers.

Manuel Carizza
Also performing well in the European Rugby Champions Cup this weekend was Manuel Carizza who scored for Racing 92 in the team’s 34-10 win over the Glasgow Warriors. Racing 92 are now sitting comfortably and are odds on favorites to seal a home Quarter Final. Carriza was joined by Juan Imhoff in the starting lineup.

UNDER

Canadian Injuries
It was not a good week for Canadian rugby supporters as the two men to have captained the Canucks at Rugby World Cup 2015 were confirmed out of rugby for extended periods. First veteran Jamie Cudmore was confirmed to be on the sidelines for 3-4 months and then regular captain Tyler Ardron was added to the injured list. Ardron is expected back earlier but should be out for 6-8 weeks.

Crowley Yo-Yo
With or without Ardron and Cudmore neither player was ever going to captain Canada in the Americas Rugby Championship. Exactly who will do so remains far from clear following the standing down this past week of Kieran Crowley as Head Coach. Having signed an extension until mid 2017, Crowley parted ways with Canada to coach in Italy. Francois Ratier has replaced him as interim coach on short notice one month out from facing Uruguay.

Newcastle Falcons 
Sunday’s Aviva Premiership basement battle in Reading saw London Irish completing a 20-15 home victory over the Newcastle Falcons. The win was the second of the season for London Irish. Juan Pablo Socino, Belisario Agulla and Todd Clever were all involved for the Falcons who are now back in the relegation zone, sitting bottom of the table. Jebb Sinclair and Ciaran Hearn started for the victorious Exiles.

Pro 12 in Europe
Played this weekend in France the rescheduled European Rugby Champions Cup fixtures saw Top 14 clubs winning four of the five matches. Toulon sneaked home over English city-side Bath while Pro 12 sides Glasgow and Munster were outclassed by Racing 92 and Stade Français. The only blip was Ulster defeating Oyonnax 24-23 in a remarkable turnaround after Oyonnax held a 23-0 lead at the interval. All pools are led by Premiership and Top 14 clubs with only Ulster and the Ospreys appearing a chance for the final 8.

Lyon
The home city of the 2016 Champions Cup final, Lyon is desiring a return to the Top 14 next season. The top of the second division side, Lyon OU lost against Perpignan on Sunday. Having been in a position to win Lyon slipped up, enabling Perpignan to rise back into the Semi Finals zone. Lyon is set to sign former Puma Francisco Gomez Kodela for next season pending the clubs rise to the Top 14. Another former Top 14 side, Mont de Marsan, sneaked in a home win with Teros scrumhalf Agustín Ormaechea delivering an outstanding performance.