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The introduction of the Americas Rugby Championship has given Brazil a major boost not just in terms of competition standards but perhaps more importantly in sheer volume of test matches. Previously they would go no higher than six tests in a calendar year – in 2016 they had a record 12. The increase in time spent together gives head coach Rodolfo Ambrosio twice as much time to work with the players and build a core group to select around, something that has been a significant impediment in recent years with minimal consistency from year to year. Last year was a big step forward for Brazilian rugby, and the 2017 ARC gives them a platform to show their improvement.
2016 ARC
The historic win over the Eagles was of course the highlight of the calendar year for Brazilian rugby, and arguably the tournament as a whole. It was two losing bonus points, however, that lifted Os Tupis above Los Cóndores on the final table and thus avoiding last place. That in itself was a noteworthy accomplishment. Had Brazil upset both Chile and Uruguay in the opening rounds it would have been extraordinary, but as it was their performance overall was commendable.
POST-ARC 2016
Their fortunes were much the same during the South American ‘A’ Championship. A draw against Chile and a reasonable win over Paraguay were satisfactory but not enough to see them through to the Sudamérica Rugby Cup. A one-off test match against Kenya in June gave them an opportunity to get a respectable win but they instead fell by a single point, a disappointing result. The end-of-year tour to Europe saw them comfortably beaten by Germany and narrowly so by Portugal. They did show improvement during their time together, and much of the same squad will be involved in the ARC.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
One of only two players based outside of Brazil, Luiz ‘Monstro’ Vieira is certain to feature in the second row. While the 22-year-old is not exactly the physical behemoth his name suggests, he is strong and aggressive with good athleticism making up for his relatively ordinary lineout height.
First capped as a 21-year-old in 2011, Matheus Daniel missed last year’s ARC – and the Olympics – with injury but returned to the Tupis in November. The speedy openside flanker has captained his country in two test matches and brings a different dimension as a link man on attack.
With David Harvey now retired, Brazil have moved to replace their Australian flyhalf with a New Zealander. Josh Reeves is married to a Brazilian and has now resided in country long enough to play for his adopted nation. Whether he is given the keys to the critical no10 shirt straight away is yet to be seen, but he brings experience and game management skills that will prove very useful.
The first year of international rugby for Daniel Sancery could hardly have gone any better. A sensational 2016 tournament and selection as our Rookie of the Year, the fullback was the best counter-attacker on show last season and will be keen to lift his form with a Super Rugby contract his ultimate goal.
VERDICT
Os Tupis face a daunting schedule with three road games this year, and will be hard-pressed to repeat their heroics against the Eagles in the United States. Getting off to a good start against Chile in their opening match will be critical, with an eye to an upset over Canada in São Paulo in their final match. A win over Los Cóndores and competitive matches against the rest should be considered a successful competition for 2017.
