Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
We are into the final found of the June internationals and of course the first round of the Americas 1 World Cup Qualifying series which means that reputations are on the line… but has the fat lady already sung in this competition?
Rugby United clairvoyant Dan Mason had another storming round last week with only one mistake – like the rest of us he could not foresee the Cayman Islands upset of Mexico. Victor Ramalho now looks the only one who can catch him… but will need a couple upsets this week to do so! Last week’s only perfect pick went to Curtis Reed, who chose England at 10 points above a disappointing Argentina.
It’s into the fire we go with a somewhat truncated lineup this weekend as others are out on assignment, but Ignacio Chans of El Observador returns to give us a little more South American flavor. Below are the standings as is:
Dan Mason, Rugby United (11-2)
Victor Ramalho, Portal do Rugby (9-4)
Bryan Ray, Americas Rugby News (8-5)
Paul Tait, Americas Rugby News (8-5)
Junoir Blaber, Rugby Wrap Up (7-6)
Doug Coil, DJ Coil Rugby (7-6)
Jake Frechette, Rugby Today (4-3)
Curtis Reed, This Is American Rugby (5-5)
Derek Sagehorn, This Is America Rugby (5-5)
Ted Hardy, Americas Rugby News (5-2)
Patrick Johnston, The Province (3-1)
…Round 3! Fight!
| June 24, 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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| Ignacio Chans El Observador |
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| Jake Frechette Rugby Today |
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| Junoir Blaber Rugby Wrap Up |
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| Paul Tait Americas Rugby News |
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| Victor Ramalho Portal do Rugby |
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ROMANIA (16) vs BRAZIL (29) – Match Preview
Saturday, June 24, 19:00 Romania, Stadionul Arcul de Triumf, Bucharest
Romania are heavy favorites at home but can Brazil get a shock result?
BR: I’ve been impressed with Brazil’s progress and they are finally into the Top 30 but Romania in Bucharest is a step above their level at the moment. Brazil’s weakness is in the forwards where the size of the Romania second and back rows will deprive the Brazilian backs of clean possession.
DM: Good on Romania for giving Brazil an opportunity. That said, Romania will take advantage of any letdowns in play. Brazil hasn’t played a full 80 well in quite a while and that will hurt them on Saturday.
IC: Brazil enters with confidence having beaten Portugal, but Romania today is of a far superior level. Os Tupis ought not have an objective of searching for a result, but rather to learn from the exposure to such a high level of competition.
PT: The strongest Brazilian side in history meets perhaps the best Romanian team of the professional era. Romania were close in Japan and deserved winners in Canada. A big score is very likely.
VR: If the Oaks are not already taking the Tupis seriously, they should do it right now. Brazil has a very capable backline that will deliver trouble to the Romanians. Romania is the favorite? Of course! But my vote is for Brazil!
ARGENTINA (9) vs GEORGIA (12) – Match Preview
Saturday, June 24, 16:15 Argentina, Estadio 23 de Agosto, Jujuy
A good contest and a chance for Argentina to get back in the win column.
BR: I’m very disappointed that Los Pumas couldn’t get even a single win over a weakened England side. They do not look confident and are running short on energy thanks to their rotten Super Rugby selection policy. Georgia have the ability to frustrate and slow the game down. I’m taking the Lelos to do just enough to earn a historic Americas Triple Crown.
DM: Georgia will battle but Argentina has a little too much class in the finishing department.
IC: Argentine rugby is going through on of its darkest moments since the start of PladAR in 2008. Georgia arrives with two victories, albeit unconvincing ones. Can the Argentine scrum deliver against the Georgians? It is likely to be a close match in which Los Pumas open up late, taking advantage of the Eastern Europeans’ falling fitness.
PT: The corresponding fixture in 2013 was 29-18 to Argentina. This was a Pumas side with few professionals. This weekend is different and Georgia are much improved. Los Pumas, though, have no choice but to play like they did in Gloucester at the World Cup, winning 54-9.
VR: Los Pumas are also the favorites, but they are not in a good place at the moment. Los Jaguares have failed a couple of times when favorites in the current Super Rugby season. Georgia is rising and needs a series result against a Tier 1 nation. This is their time to cause a huge upset.
CANADA (23) vs USA (17) – Match Preview
Saturday, June 24, 15:00 Eastern, Tim Hortons Field, Hamilton
As expected the Eagles are favorites, but Canada aren’t completely out of the fight…
BR: I’m going ‘against the grain’ though I am, admittedly, not ultra-confident. I must back my countrymen to get it done, however. Ray Barkwill has a stormer and Taylor Paris scores a miraculous try to keep our heads above water… for now.
DM: This one could really go either way… Nate Brakeley being out is a big deal as is DTH van der Merwe being in with Taylor Paris.
IC: The lowest point for Canadian rugby and the USA with mixed results. It ought to be an even contest, in which the Eagles come out on top in the end.
PT: The Eagles to extend their winning streak over Canada to six games. Oddly the last Canadian win was the corresponding fixture in Toronto in 2013. Factor in Canada’s injured players and the Eagles will need a bad day not to win.
VR: I am really worried about the Canucks. The Canadian team is the worst I’ve ever seen and the situation doesn’t look to be changing. USA will be dominant even playing in Ontario.
