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On Saturday Facundo Isa had an amazing match for Toulon against Castres. The Argentine forward was among the try scorers at the Stade Mayol in Toulon’s 59-13 home victory.
Isa played that match in his regular club position of flanker. He has held down the 7 shirt all season for Toulon. He also featured regularly for Lyon last season at flanker. For Argentina he is considered a no 8 though a move would not be out of the question.
The Santiago del Estero forward made his presence felt against Castres. His thunderous tackling, strong ball-carrying and competitiveness at the breakdown saw him being a stand-out performer. He was replaced in the 58th minute by Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe. Corcho’s appearance was his final one at the Stade Mayol. He joined the club a decade ago from the Sale Sharks.
Argentina has blocked European-based players from playing for Los Pumas since RWC 2015. This very ruling has come under heavy attack and is to no longer be used. A changed policy is currently being finalized by the UAR with changes to be effective immediately.
With the changes Isa and others abroad will again be eligible for Los Pumas. A possible place for the June Internationals against Wales and Scotland exists for Isa, though Toulon’s season looms as the final factor to determine his involvement. Players in the Top 14 Semi Finals are likely to be given rest time in June.
Castres’ Benjamín Urdapilleta is another name which may be among those read out by Daniel Hourcade in 2018. He landed an early drop-goal and a penalty for Castres agains Toulon. Both he and Clermont’s Patricio Fernández are fly half options for Argentina. Nicolás Sánchez is currently the only specialist in the position on the Jaguares roster.
