Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Crunch time is rapidly approaching in France. Week 19 of the Top 14 will further enforce this as teams compete for places in the play-off’s, spots in next season’s Champions Cup and even their own survival. The following is a preview detailing the involvement from the Americas this weekend.
Opening week 19 will be a Saturday fixture with Lyon at home against Toulon. Starting for the hosts on the left wing will be Delon Armitage. The former English international is from Trinidad & Tobago. Named on the bench this week is former Puma Francisco Gomez Kodela. Toulon’s starting flankers are to be Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe and Facundo Isa.
In suburban Paris Racing 92 are looking for maximum points against Brive. Juan Imhoff will start for the home side playing on the right wing. Observers agree in desiring that he and Isa can return to Los Pumas this year.
A south-western battle sees the in-form Castres having home advantage against Pau. Captaining the Tarn club will be Rodrigo Capó Ortega from the second-row. Also starting is Benjamín Urdapilleta who will play fly half. Involved for Pau will be Steffon Armitage in the back-row.
Agen’s amazing away win over Stade Français last weekend has people talking. Could they go on to avoid relegation? They play at home on Saturday against Top 14 leaders Montpellier. Involved this weekend as replacements will be Argentine hooker Facundo Bosch and USA eligible prop Dave Ryan.
Week 19 of there Top will conclude on Sunday. The two matches see Oyonnax and Clermont at home against Stade Français and La Rochelle respectively. The match day rosters for both games will be announced on Saturday afternoon.
