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

Chile and Brazil 7s
A memorable first day in the Chilean city of Viña del Mar saw both Chile and Brazil qualifying for the 2016 Hong Kong Sevens. Their performances on the second day were also of note with wins coming in the Quarter Finals stage of the overall international section. Chile downed Canada 14-12 while Brazil shocked the USA Falcons 33-7. Brazil then reached the final by defeating South Africa 21-12.

Argentina 7s
The tournament in Viña del Mar was ultimately won by the regional super power, Los Pumas 7’s. Argentina rebounded from losing to South Africa on the opening day to go undefeated on Sunday. Wins against Uruguay and Chile got Los Pumas 7’s into the final where they faced Brazil. While Chile, Uruguay and Brazil were fielding their top sides Argentina was experimenting with Lucas Borges handling a side featuring a number of debutants. They came through the test with flying colors.

Juan Imhoff
A try-scoring double from the Argentine left winger, including the team’s opening try, helped Racing 92 secure a home Quarter Final in the European Champions Cup. The 64-14 win was the biggest of the Champions Cup this season season so far and was against none other than the leaders of the Guinness Pro 12. DTH van der Merwe crossed for the losing visitors from west Wales.

Mario Sagario
Having recently agreed to terms to remain at Munster until the end of the season, Mario Sagario is Sagario is certain to get increased opportunities. The Uruguayan tighthead prop started against Stade Français in the team’s impressive home win over Stade Français. He was joined by a neighbor from across the Rio de la Plata, Lucas González Amorosino in the second half.

Tiedemann, Assi, and Orlandi
Canadian Andrew Tiedemann and Argentine props Leandro Mario Assi and Juan Pablo Orlandi made their respective debuts for Bourgoin, Provence, and Pau this weekend. The results were mixed with  Bourgoin losing 19-10 and Pau 27-3 against the Sale Sharks. Provence, though, did very well to knock over the 2009 Top 14 champions Perpignan.

Dave Hodges, DTH van der Merwe, and Felipe Contepomi
Eagles and Pumas greats Dave Hodges and Felipe Contepomi were joined by Canadian flyer DTH van der Merwe in Americas Rugby News’ list this past week.  The trio made up our top 3 of the Americas Greatest 25 from Pro 12 history. They were joined by players to have performed well in the Celtic-Italian league across virtually ever position and for a wide range of teams. In order to see the complete list click here.

UNDER

Canada, Uruguay, and USA Sevens
None of the Rugby World Cup 2015 participants were impressive this past weekend in Viña del Mar. The Maple Leafs lost against Argentina, South Africa, the USA and Chile thereby only defeating Uruguay. Los Teros 7’s only win of the weekend was against Peru while the USA Falcons lost against Argentina, South Africa and Brazil. Like both the Maple Leafs and Falcons, Los Pumas 7’s were developmental yet stepped up unlike the North Americans.

Newcastle Falcons
If being bottom of the Aviva Premiership were not enough the Newcastle Falcons may now have it a new low. The northern most English premiership side should not blame the close for losing this weekend. The Falcons trip to Siberia was an embarrassment as a team featuring many regulars lost to Enisei-STM. Among those involved were Argentine backs Belisario Agulla and Juan Pablo Socino. Meanwhile, other low Premiership sides the Worcester Warriors and London Irish both lost home games they were expected to win.

Toulouse and snow
The cold was also a factor in Toulouse going down to the bottom of the Top 14 Oyonnax on Saturday. Despite giving preference to the Top 14 this was a match that Toulouse ought to never have lost. Instead Oyonnax completed a bonus point victory to hand Toulouse total humiliation. Patricio Albacete came on when his team was already more than beaten.

Ulster
Having made a miraculous comeback against Oyonnax last weekend Ulster were handed a get out of jail card. Saracens, though, showed no mercy in crushing the Northern Irish province 33-17. Marcelo Bosch, Juan Figallo and Chris Wyles were all involved in the shutout performance by the London based side. In failing to gain any competition points Ulster have 13 points and require the maximum five in Belfast vs Oyonnax next weekend. If not then no Irish side, and possibly no Pro 12 side, will play in the Champions Cup Quarter Finals.