Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The play-off’s in France’s Top 14 will begin this weekend. On Friday and Saturday the Top 14 Barrage fixture will see four clubs fighting for the two remaining places in the Semi Finals.
In the opening match Toulon are at home against Lyon on Friday. The Mediterranean club enters as favorites and also with Argentine and USA players involved. Former Pumas captain Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe starts at flanker. He does so after recovering from an injury which threatened to end his career. With retirement looming, Corcho has returned to fitness in time.
Not involved is Facundo Isa who is out through injury though may be cleared for the Semi Finals should Toulon advance. Named as Toulon’s replacement back-rower is Samu Manoa. The Californian enforcer will feature next month for the USA as the Eagles take on Canada, Russia and Scotland.
Involved for Lyon will be Francisco Gómez Kodela. A Puma from 2008-2013, Gómez Kodela has been among the leading tightheads in France both this season and last. A potential return to Los Pumas now exists given Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro is the only fit capped tighthead at Los Jaguares.
On Saturday Toulouse host Castres in one of the classic derbies. Involved are to be two players for the visitors from Tarn. Former Puma Benjamín Urdapilleta will start at fly half while Uruguayan Rodrigo Capó Ortega will feature from the bench.
The winner of the first barrage play-off will advance to face Montpellier in the Semi Finals. The winner of the second will take-on Racing 92. This season’s Top 14 Semi Finals are to take place in Lyon on May 25 and 26.
