Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
It’s hard to believe but we’re already in June and a full slate of test matches are upon us! It seems only yesterday we were gliding through the Americas Rugby Championship. Of course since then we’ve seen the South American Championship come and go and also the end of the European domestic season. Fasten your seat belts, these next four weeks are going to be a blur!
This week we’ve got four big ‘main card’ events with Argentina, Brazil, Canada, and the USA all hosting. On the ‘undercard’ there are two matches of note in the World Rugby Nations Cup being played in Montevideo and also a Rugby Americas North clash between Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago.
No need to run down the roster this time, it’s the usual suspects, 11 select pundits from across the Americas. Want in on the action? Have your say below in the comments section!
| June 10, 2017 |
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| Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News |
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| Curtis Reed This Is American Rugby |
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| Dan Mason Rugby United |
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| Derek Sagehorn This Is American Rugby |
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| Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby |
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| Jake Frechette Rugby Today |
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| Junoir Blaber Rugby Wrap Up |
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| Patrick Johnston The Province |
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| Paul Tait Americas Rugby News |
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| Ted Hardy Americas Rugby News |
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| Victor Ramalho Portal do Rugby |
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BRAZIL (31) vs PORTUGAL (25) – Match Preview
Saturday, Jun 10, 13:00 Brasilia, Estádio do Pacaembu, São Paulo
Despite being underdogs in the rankings, Brazil are favorites at home.
BR: In different circumstances Portugal might have the edge but they are a team very much in a rebuilding stage while Brazil are starting to put together a respectable side. At home in São Paulo they are a different animal and should have the measure of the Lobos.
DS: Brazil tries to build on their ARC success but falls short.
PT: Portugal are not in a good place right now but do not underestimate their abilities. The improving Brazil, though, are at home.
VR: Step by step Brazil are breaking taboos. Portugal is traveling without a good preparation and without some key players, while the Tupis have the ambition and Fortress Pacaembu, where they haven’t lost since 2015.
ARGENTINA (9) vs ENGLAND (2) – Match Preview
Saturday, Jun 10, 16:15 Argentina, Estadio Bicentenario, San Juan
A virtual toss-up with Argentina slightly favored at home.
BR: A loss to a severely under-strength England side would be dreadful for Argentina. There is simply too much experience for them to let this opportunity slip. The Jaguares are in poor form and that will carry over somewhat but the Pumas will do just enough to get the result.
DS: The Pumas pull out all the stops and beat the visitors in the final minute.
PT: Los Pumas simply must win. The Jaguares have been a flop but England has a lightweight team. Argentina to run away in the second half.
VR: The Barbarians match showed that Eddie Jones has a very strong ‘A’ side and the Jaguares are not good at the moment.
USA (17) vs IRELAND (4) – Match Preview
Saturday, Jun 10, 16:00 Eastern, Red Bull Arena, Harrison
Ireland are overwhelming favorites but there’s always one…
BR: Some interesting calls from John Mitchell and a lineup that looks more suited for an ARC match than a first grade international. Ireland are short-staffed but have plenty enough class available to sweep the Eagles aside.
DC: The hot ticket! Ireland struggle in the hot weather on Saturday and the USA grabs the upset for their first Tier 1 win.
DS: The Americans hang tough for first 50 but fade as the Irish youth flexes.
PT: John Mitchell’s lineup is puzzling and inexperienced. Ireland ought to win by a similar or larger margin to that against Canada last November.
VR: Even without the Lions players Ireland has a pool players with great quality. It is too much for the USA.
CANADA (23) vs GEORGIA (12) – Match Preview
Saturday, Jun 10, 15:00 Mountain, Calgary Rugby Park, Calgary
The Lelos are virtually unanimous favorites with their scrum a major worry for Canada.
BR: Georgia have picked a proper test side and Canada are treating this like a trial match. I understand the reason but can’t help but feel disappointed. Anything but a dominant win for the visitors will be an accomplishment.
DS: Georgia drives the Canada pack up and down the park like a German tourist in Whistler.
PT: Georgia have the size to win up front. Great goal-kicking and an ever-improving backline will complicate matters for Canada.
VR: The powerful Georgian pack will dominate Canada. It will be a good match, but the Lelos are better now.
| June 10, 2017 |
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| Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News |
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| Dan Mason Rugby United |
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| Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby |
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| Paul Tait Americas Rugby News |
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| Ted Hardy Americas Rugby News |
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| Victor Ramalho Portal do Rugby |
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ARGENTINA XV (9) vs RUSSIA (20) – Match Preview
Saturday, Jun 10, 13:15 Uruguay, Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo
Even the second string Argentines are clear favorites over Russia.
BR: Russia desperately need to find some new stars.
PT: Felipe Contepomi’s side has players pushing for Super Rugby opportunities. The team has the means to win cleanly.
VR: The Siberian Russia (full of Enisei players) is improving, but Argentina XV is too strong.
URUGUAY (21) vs EMERGING ITALY (15) – Match Preview
Saturday, Jun 10, 15:30 Uruguay, Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo
The home side are narrow favorites in what should be a very competitive match.
BR: There are some real talents in the Eccellenza and they will trouble the Teros at times but the Uruguayan pack should have the edge at the set piece.
PT: Emerging Italy won 26-24 a year ago. This time around Uruguay are stronger and at home. Los Teros to sneak it.
VR: The Eccellenza Selects have ambition. These players know that a strong Nations Cup can drive them to the Pro 12 at a time where Conor O’Shea is looking for new talent.
GUYANA (54) vs TRINIDAD & TOBAGO (52)
Saturday, Jun 10, 15:00 Guyana, Providence Stadium, Georgetown
Guyana are unanimous favorites at home in Georgetown.
BR: I’m a big fan of Trinidad & Tobago but Guyana are the better side at the moment.
PT: A year ago Guyana defeated Trinidad & Tobago 23-18 on the road. At home this weekend the Green Machine ought to capitalize.
VR: These matches are always close , but home soil makes the difference.
