Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The penultimate round of the Top 14 will be played this weekend in France. Featuring in week 25 are a number of players from the Americas. For some it is an opportunity to push towards a potential spot in the 2018 Final while for others their clubs need to avoid relegation. Below is a preview detailing the involvement of Americas players.
Kicking-off Week 25 will be Toulon vs Castres. The match will mark the final ever time in which Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe plays at the Stade Mayol. He has made a rapid comeback to be fit for the match and will play from the bench. Facundo Isa starts at flanker.
Castres are going into the game with two South Americans of their own. Benjamín Urdapilleta starts at fly half while Rodrigo Capó Ortega will cover second-row from the bench. The latter made his test come back earlier this year. Perhaps Urdapilleta may return for Los Pumas in 2018 too?
Agen are at home to Clermont in game two of the round. Featuring for Agen from the bench will be the USA eligible Dave Ryan. Clermont have named a highly dangerous side. It includes Patricio Fernández preferred to Camille Lopez at fly half. Fernández’ place in a Pumas shirt is seemingly inevitable.
Leaders Montpellier host Pau and enter the match as favorites to march on towards a potential spot in the final. Looking to help Pau score an upset win will be Ignacio Callas. The Argentine front-rower will feature as a replacement.
Olympian Axel Muller will feature for Oyonnax against Lyon. He is to do so as a replacement back. On the opposing team former Puma Francisco Gomez Kodela will start at tighthead while Trinidad & Tobago born Delon Armitage will play fullback.
A full house awaits Stade Français for their home match in Paris against bottom of the table Brive. It is a must-win for both teams. Starting for the home side at no 8 will be Sergio Parisse while Ramiro Herrera will cover tighthead as a replacement.
Week 26 will continue on Sunday. Bordeaux and Toulouse are to have home advantage against Racing 92 and La Rochelle respectively. Line-up’s for both matches are due to be announced on Saturday afternoon.
