Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
There are no Six Nations matches this weekend in Europe. There is, however, a complete round of play in France. Week 18 of the Top 14 will see representation from the Americas.
First up the surprise package of the season, La Rochelle have home advantage. The club currently lead the competition. Their opposition are off the pace. Stade Français are 11th and need to win on the road without their French internationals. Argentine-Italian Sergio Parisse is also out due to test duty. Another Italian qualified Argentine player, Leandro Cedaro will feature. The second-rower has been named as a La Rochelle replacement.
Encouraging progress for Pau this season has seen the club enter the play-off’s picture. Currently in 6th position Pau can now target a home win over the 13th placed Grenoble. Canadian Matt Tierney is missing, he will start for his country against the USA on Saturday. Trinidad & Tobago’s Steffon Armitage will play back-row for Pau.
One club missing a host of players is Clermont. The Central-French side will, nevertheless, have home advantage. Their visitors could not have a better opportunity at beating them. Strugglers, Bayonne are taking Ramón Ayarza, Pablo Huete and Martín Bustos Moyano with them. Ayarza will feature from the bench while Huete will play second-row and Bustos Moyano fullback.
Reigning champions Racing 92 continue to suffer from off-field problems. This week star fly half Dan Carter was charged with drink-driving. He will not face Brive though other big names have been selected. Juan Imhoff will play left wing and fellow former-Puma Manuel Carizza is to feature from the bench. USA flier Taku Ngwenya will play opposite Imhoff.
Saturday’s fifth and final game sees Toulon at home. The 5th placed side host the 12th placed Lyon. Disruptions will be felt but Toulon has still been able to name an impressive side. Veteran Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe will play as a replacement flanker. Starting at fullback for Lyon will be Delon Armitage.
Week 18 will be concluded on Sunday. Bordeaux and Montpellier will have home advantage against Castres and Toulouse respectively. Rosters for both matches will be announced on Saturday.
