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

Argentina 7’s
A spectacular second half performance saw Los Pumas 7’s downing Fiji to win the Punta del Este 7’s on Saturday. It completed a perfect tournament in which Los Pumas 7’s won all of their matches. More importantly it gave Argentina the South American 7’s title. The roster was largely developmental, an encouraging way to start 2017.

Colombia 7’s
Progress is being made in Colombia. Los Tucanes 7’s left their mark in Punta del Este. Colombia claimed the scalps of the Canada Maple Leafs and Brazil. In doing so Colombia finished above both sides to claim 6th spot. Considering Fiji’s involvement finishing 6th is nothing short of remarkable. Colombia is 8th in the Americas at senior level and does not play in the Americas Rugby Championship.

Chile 7’s
Another side to overachieve in Punts del Este is Chile. Los Cóndores 7’s finished as the third best side in the tournament. Claiming third came with a win over the USA Falcons in the Plate Final. A 29-0 loss against Argentina was forgotten as Chile also recorded wins over Uruguay, Colombia and the Canada Maple Leafs. This coming weekend Los Cóndores 7’s will be at home, hosting the Vína del Mar 7’s.

Titi Lamositele
USA prop Titi Lamositele scored a crucial try this weekend. In what was the only Saracens score, the Eagle saw his club avoiding defeat. Lamositele had a fine match, coming on early to play well around the park and at scrum time. Chris Wyles was also strong, arguably Saracens’ best player. Juan Figallo joined Lamositele in the front-row.

Blaine Scully
Winger Blaine Scully was another Eagle try-scorer this weekend. The Californian scored a first half try for the Cardiff Blues against the Glasgow Warriors. It was one of two tries for the Welsh region who came up short against the Scots. Scully’s try came on the same day as he lost his Grandmother. His effort and determination were thereby extremely noteworthy.

UNDER

Brazil 7’s
The worst team at the Punta del Este 7’s was Brazil. The host nation of the 2016 Olympic Games had a disappointing campaign in Uruguay. Three losses from as many matches on day two ensured Brazil finished in bottom position. These losses were against the Canada Maple Leafs, Colombia and Fiji. On the opening day Brazil was also winless.

Canada Maple Leafs
Canada’s developmental 7’s side did not come away with positive results in Punta del Este. Their campaign opened with a 19-17 loss against Chile. Also on day one Fiji would hammer the Canadians 50-0 while Colombia completed a massive upset, winning 19-12. Losses to Argentina and Uruguay followed on day two. A solitary win over Brazil saw the Maple Leafs finishing 7th.

USA Falcons
The USA Falcons were far better than the Canada Maple Leafs on day one. Victories over Uruguay and Brazil set up a group decider against Argentina. Los Pumas 7’s dominated the fixture. On day two the USA Falcons were challenged by Colombia before falling to both Fiji and Chile. Consequently the North Americans missed out on a podium finish.

Juan Imhoff
Saturday’s rare start at fullback for Juan Imhoff will not be remembered for positive reasons. Racing 92’s non-interest in the Champions Cup saw the Parisians fielding a makeshift lineup. The team was far from resembling Racing’s finest. With the focus now entirely being on the Top 14, Munster was able to stroll to an away win. The 32-7 triumph is a fitting dedication to the late Anthony Foley.

Gonzalo Quesada
The outgoing Stade Français Head Coach saw his team losing on Sunday. Stade Français blew a 15-6 lead to fall 18-15 against Toulouse. The result sees Stade Français remaining in 10th. A win would have made put the Parisians into 7th position. The law of the land in France means that it is imperative that such home fixtures are victories.