Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
With much of the Americas focus on the match in Philadelphia on Saturday the French Top 14 will take a back seat, but there are still a dozen-odd players of note to look forward to over the course of the weekend. Entering Week 4 the contenders are starting to make their move with the rest of the pack need to make a statement or risk being left in the dust.
Five matches take place on Saturday, four of which will have players of interest. Francisco Gómez Kodela starts at tighthead prop for Lyon against Bordeaux, and Pato Fernández will be a reserve for Clermont Auvergne when they host Brive at Marcel Michelin. Clermont have had a poor start to the season and will look for the young Argentine flyhalf to provide an impact in the second half.
Castres have been unconvincing with only one victory from three and they will view their match against Pau as a must-win situation. Benjamín Urdapilleta will pull the strings at No 10 with Canadian flyer Taylor Paris returning on the left wing after missing the last two outings.
Paris’ former club Agen will have three Argentines in their lineup as they host La Rochelle. Facundo Bosch is at hooker with Italian cap Leandro Cedaro at lock and Ignacio Mieres on the bench. US-eligible Dave Ryan will start beside Bosch at tighthead prop.
Sunday’s lineups are yet to be named, a frustrating practice that the governing body should review. Racing 92 will host Oyonnax with Juan Imhoff and Manuel Carizza possibles to take part. Toulon have at least named a squad for their trip to Montpellier, with Samu Manoa, Facundo Isa, and Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe all set to be in the match day 23.
