Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Americas will have a contingent of players in action this weekend in Week 14 of the Top 14. The four countries from the continental region involved in Rugby World Cup 2015 are to have capped or eligible players involved in France’s elite competition this weekend.
The round got underway this evening with Brive hosting and defeating La Rochelle. The 28-6 win means Brive’s strong showing this season continues to push the team towards an unlikely place in the barrage play-offs.
In the first of five matches on Saturday the under-fire Clermont Auvergne play host to Montpellier. Out of action is Jamie Cudmore who is to be punished for publicly criticizing the club’s officials for losing against Bordeaux last weekend. The shocking decision to turn down a penalty meant Clermont missed out on a place in the European Champions Cup Quarter Finals. Clermont’s new Canadian forward, Doug Wooldridge will feature from the bench.
The in-form Racing 92 play host to the bottom of the table Oyonnax in an ideal fixture to obtain the maximum five competition points. Pumas Manuel Carizza and Juan Imhoff are to both start with Carizza playing second-row and Imhoff left wing.
Rodrigo Capó Ortega will lead Castres at home who face Bordeaux on Saturday. The Uruguayan second-rower will be joined by Argentine Benjamin Urdapilleta who is to start at fly half. Also starting will be the Lyon-bound Francisco Gómez Kodela who will play tighthead prop for the visitors.
The U.S. eligible Dave Ryan will start at tighthead prop for Agen who host Grenoble in a vital fixture. All points on offer are of significant importance to the club as it faces an uphill battle to save itself from relegation.
Having been embarrassed in Europe, Toulouse are now firmly focused on the Top 14. Veteran second-rower Patricio Albacete will wear the number five shirt for Toulouse while World Cup 2015 Puma Juan Pablo Orlandi will feature from the bench for Pau.
Stade Français will host Toulon in the final match this round. It is to be the only Sunday game and also a match-up between two of France’s three European Rugby Championship Quarter Finalists. The teams are due to be named on Saturday afternoon.
