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

More Argentine Props arrive in Europe
The above title belongs in the under list. Indeed, the loss of players to Europe is no longer in the interest of Argentine rugby. This is, however, not always the case. When it is players outside of international contention it is a gain. This past week Felipe Arregui and Benjamin Espinal both signed contracts to play abroad, Arregui debuted for Edinburgh on Saturday while Espinal is on his way to Stade Français. Arregui will be home in time to play his second season of Super Rugby in February. Both he and Espinal are uncapped.

Connor Braid
The talented 26-year-old is set for Canada comeback. Having not played for Canada since colliding with Gonzalo García at last year’s World Cup, Braid is now ready to return. The severity of the injury left him badly concussed and with a broken jaw, and reportedly had him contemplating retirement. In the Spring he returned to club rugby for James Bay and is now expected to be named in Canada’s squad for November this week. With flyhalf being a problem for the Canadians, Braid’s availability is very much welcomed.

Uruguay 2017
2016 has been a big year for Uruguay but it is to be eclipsed by 2017. Next year will see improvements to the club system with the national competition increasing to 12 teams. Los Teritos will be the home side in the Junior World Trophy while Los Teros will be busy with test matches in February, March, May, June, October and November. It is a dream calendar for a union who struggled as recently as 2014 to secure a solid program.

Marcel Brache
The USA eligible Marcel Brache is now an Australian champion. Having started on the right wing this past weekend he helped the Perth Spirit to the National Rugby Championship Grand Final title. The Spirit defeated the NSW Country Eagles at Tamworth Rugby Park. Brache was born in Los Angeles, California but moved to South Africa as a 4-year-old. He has previously turned down calls to play for the Eagles but may be a surprise inclusion for November. John Mitchell is to name his roster this week.

Americas Saracens
After two weeks of the Champions Cup Saracens are the team to beat. The London-based side has beaten Toulon and the Scarlets with Americas players scoring tries in both games. On Saturday Marcelo Bosch and Chris Wyles both scored in the second half. Also playing was Juan Figallo who had a superb match at tighthead prop. None of the trio will play international rugby in November. The Argentine duo are unavailable under UAR policy while Wyles has retired. Brache would be a solid option from an Eagles perspective.

The Eagles Wingers Shine
Wyles was not alone in scoring in Europe this weekend. His World Cup teammates Blaine Scully and Taku Ngwenya both also crossed. Scully scored for the Cardiff Blues who enjoyed a good win against French side Pau. Ngwenya, meanwhile, scored on his debut for Brive. The Top 14 side enjoyed a win away to Worcester. Both players still have plenty to offer the USA and should play a part in the Eagles squad this November.

UNDER

Uruguay Legend to face Wallabies in November but not for his Country
Rodrigo Capó Ortega missed Rugby World Cup 2015 for family reasons. With his wife in the latter stages of pregnancy he made the decision to remain with her in Castres, France. This saw Uruguay without their biggest name and arguably their best player. His size, experience, and ability would certainly have aided Uruguay’s performances. He is now confirmed as playing international rugby in November but not for his country. Instead he will play for the French Barbarians. Uruguay will be without him vs Germany, Romania, and Spain.

Juan Cruz Guillemaín
The Argentine lock is fully fit but will not tour Japan and the UK next month. Guillemaín failed to impress in the Americas Pacific Challenge and was left out of the four-match tour, a shocking occurrence considering Tomás Lavanini’s absence through injury. Daniel Hourcade has instead opted for teenager Marcos Kremer with flanker Javier Ortega Desio acting as cover. Matías Alemanno and Guido Petti will be asked to play the bulk of the time with Manuel Carizza and Mariano Galarza still out in the cold and youngster Ignacio Larrague also left at home.

Diego Domínguez
In no small part is the bitter rivalry between Argentina and Italy on the rugby field related to Diego Domínguez. The all-time record point scorer for the Italians is from Argentina and was a Pumas before playing for the Central Europeans. He is now a coach at none other than Toulon. His time has not been memorable thus far and rumors from France indicate he will soon be let go. Former Bath Head Coach Mike Ford is now at Toulon too and, according to reports, set to replace Domínguez.

Brett Gosper and World Records
Following New Zealand’s win over Australia social media was awash with inaccurate comments. The error was common with New Zealand deemed to have set a new World Record. The All Blacks 18-match winning streak is the largest by any Tier 1 side in history. It is not, however, a World Record. Cyprus is the owner of that accolade, for now. Cyprus won 24  consecutively between 2008 and 2014. World Rugby CEO Brett Gosper was among those congratulating the All Blacks for a World Record incorrectly. In order for New Zealand to actually break the World Record they must win their next seven matches. In other words win over Ireland in Chicago and Dublin, Italy in Rome, France in Paris and a clean sweep over the British & Irish Lions at home in June 2017.