Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Two North American props battled it out on Wednesday in Week 8 of the Mitre 10 Cup. US Eagles rep Chris Baumann and Canadian international Jake Ilnicki were at tighthead for Wellington and Manawatu respectively as the Turbos took the spoils at home 50-28. Baumann suffered a head knock during the match and won’t play in the match against Taranaki on Sunday as he follows concussion recovery protocols. For Ilnicki his first chance to wear the no3 shirt was a memorable one, and he could appear again on Sunday as the Turbos travel to Rotorua to face Bay of Plenty.
Canadian-born second row Josh Larsen is a reserve for Northland as they head to Invercargill to play Bill Fukofuka and Southland on Saturday. Toni Pulu will dress for Counties Manukau against Otago, and Tony Lamborn continues at openside for Hawke’s Bay in Waikato.
The National Rugby Championship arrives at Round 7, the final weel of the regular season. US Eagles target Marcel Brache starts on the wing for Perth Spirit in the away fixture against UC Vikings, who are missing Les Leulua’iali’i-Makin. James Hilterbrand gets his first start of the season for Sydney Rays who play Melbourne Rising on Sunday.
