Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Brazilian rugby is on a steady incline and if Rodolfo Ambrosio’s latest selection is any indication their best days are very much still to come. The former Italy international – originally from Córdoba – has opted for a changing of the guard to begin a new World Cup qualification cycle. Three esteemed regulars will not be playing. João Luiz da Ros, Lucas Duque, and incumbent captain Nick Smith are out, da Ros seemingly ending his test career to move into the role of video analyst.
Taking over from Smith as captain is Yan Rosetti, 24, who plays his club rugby for CUBA in Argentina. He also succeeds all-time most capped player, Daniel Danielewicz, as first choice hooker. ‘Nativo’ called it quits at the end of the South American Championship with Rosetti earmarked for both roles since the 2016 Americas Rugby Championship.
Ambrosio will be looking at new players, among them English-born scrumhalf Will Broderick and Argentine flanker Angelo Marcucci. Perhaps most importantly he will be looking for players who can perform far away from home. Those who can’t may soon find themselves on the outside looking in.
2017 FORM
It’s been a mixed year for the Tupis, who have proved to be a formidable opponent at home but on the road are decidedly less convincing. An opening win over Chile was a good start to the ARC but then they fell heavily to the USA and were pulverised in Ushuaia. An historic win over Canada in São Paulo put that result immediately behind them.
Higher hopes were dashed when they flopped against Chile in their World Cup Qualifier. The effort improved against Uruguay and Paraguay and then a stunning come-from-behind win against Portugal rescued an otherwise unimpressive performance at Pacaembu.
Romania proved a step too far with the power of their forwards too much for the Tupis to withstand. It’s a difficult problem to fix for Ambrosio with second and back row forwards of genuine international size and ability hard to come by in Brazilian rugby.
HOW THEY MATCH UP
It’s a challenging tour for Brazil, the toughest they have ever undertaken having only been included in the November test schedule for the first time last year. The Tupis are currently 29th on the World Rugby Rankings, up seven spots from this time last year yet all three opponents are ranked higher.
Germany (23) have been a frequent opponent with four tests played over the past two years, all won by the Europeans. Belgium (26) and Spain (19) will be first-time opponents. All three sides compete in the Rugby Europe Championship and will be a major challenge for Brazil.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
A player of great promise, 20-year-old tighthead prop Matheus Rocha earned his first test start in the Portugal test after impressing as a replacement during the Americas Rugby Championship. He has surprising athleticism and enormous strength to go with a large frame.
André Arruda is effectively taking the place of No 8 Smith as the primary ball carrier in the forwards and a consistent lineout target. He’s bulked up over the past 18 months and is now more powerful in contact to compliment his ability to link with the backs.
If one were asked to pick the best player in the team, Daniel Sancery would be an obvious answer. His twin brother Felipe is no slouch in the midfield but Daniel has a little more star quality about him. Vision, acceleration, and footballing skills. Sancery has the potential to be Brazil’s first ever Super Rugby player.
WHO THEY ARE MISSING
He might not be first choice at the moment but Wilton Rebolo offers something a little different to the other props. The 22-year-old has a classic square physique and can gut it out on either side of the scrum. Brazil will miss his competitiveness and hard running style.
What the team is dearly lacking are big, mean-looking back five forwards. Luiz Vieira is a very abrasive second row built more like a blindside flanker, athletic and fearless. He is also an effective lineout jumper. The 23-year-old plays professionally for Tyrosse in France and makes a noticeable impact when present.
VERDICT
The match to target from a winning perspective is clearly the Belgium test, though even they will be difficult if they have access to their France-based professionals. Germany are a clear step ahead though Brazil’s São José backline will cause both sides headaches. Spain are previous World Cup attendees and another notch up the ladder. Overall the tour will be a great learning experience for the new-look Tupis but not one they can be expected to come away victorious from.
