Up and Under

Up and Under is a weekly exclusive on Americas Rugby News which reviews the best and worst from games involving the Americas teams over the previous week.

 

UP

Mexico U19’s
Mexico’s Men’s U19’s were crowned Rugby Americas North U19’s champions for 2018. They defeated all comers, including the now former title holders the USA South to claim their crown. Mexico’s victory over the USA South Panthers was by a convincing 45-15. In earlier matches Mexico defeated Jamaica 65-06 and the Cayman Islands 49-17. Jamaica downed the Cayman Islands 35-15 to claim Bronze.

USA South Women
The USA South won the annual Women’s 10’s this past week in Mexico City. They did so by winning all of their matches, beginning with a 48-0 victory over the Bahamas. It was followed by a 26-14 win over hosts Mexico to close out Day One. On Day Two the USA South impressed against Jamaica, winning 45-05. They then won the title against the same opposition, claiming a 19-12 victory in the final fixture. Mexico won Bronze thanks to defeating the Bahamas 26-0.

Brazil To Tour Georgia
Brazil did not feature in the June Internationals but has secured a home November International against the Maori All Blacks. An additional will be added. Before then Brazil is to tour Georgia, playing matches on July 28 and August 03 against Top 14 club Racing 92 and the Georgia XV respectively. It is a ground-breaking tour and opportunity for Os Tupis, and firmly underlines the tremendous work being done by the CBRu.

Samoa Avoided
Canadians the world over thanked Samoa on Saturday. After defeating Germany in Heidelberg it means Samoa have qualified for RWC 2019. It also means Germany join Canada and Hong Kong in the Repechage. With those three and Africa 2 set to compete for the final RWC qualifying position Saturday’s result was precisely what Canada required. Facing Samoa in the Repechage would have been a massive task. What Canada has instead been handed is an easier path. More on that in Under.

 

UNDER

Jaguares
Back-to-back losses over the Bulls and Sharks in South Africa sees the Argentine side missing out on a home Quarter Final. Instead of playing in Buenos Aires Mario Ledesma’s team will remain in South Africa to face the Lions in Johannesburg. While it is a team that Los Jaguares have wins over achieving victory at Ellis Park looms as one of the toughest asks in Super Rugby.

Canada’s Dangerous and very real Banana Peels
Avoiding Samoa in the Repechage is mission accomplished, for now, but both Hong Kong and Germany are teams that merit the utmost respect. Both countries have performed well this past month in RWC qualifiers. Germany was very close to upsetting Samoa on Saturday. In 2016 the Germans defeated Uruguay. Hong Kong defeated Chile and Kenya at last year’s Cup of Nations and fell 16-13 against Russia. The Russians went on to defeat Canada last month in Ottawa.

Blaine Scully
USA Eagles captain Blaine Scully has undergone ankle surgery. His recovery from the operation is set to se him missing the start of the 2018-2019 club season with the Cardiff Blues. Last season Scully made 15 appearances for the Welsh region, including scoring a try in the European Challenge Cup Final in Bilbao, Spain. For the upcoming season Scully is to be one of two Eagles in the Welsh capital. This past week saw the arrival of Samu Manoa. The USA enforcer makes his return to the UK after playing in France. Both Scully and Manoa have led their country and both are from Northern California.

Marcelo Bosch
Marcelo Bosch is sidelined following surgery. The Saracens outside center will miss the start of the English Premiership season after undergoing surgery on both of his shoulders. The 34-year-old Argentine mid-fielder is now out of rugby until late October. This date means the potential of a return to international duty in 2018 is out of the question. Bosch fell victim to Argentina’s selection policy of blocking European-Based players from Los Pumas in 2016 to present. If he were fit then his name would be one of the first Europeans to be considered for the Rugby Championship.

Javier Díaz
Los Jaguares’ loss against the Sharks saw Javier Díaz’ season ended. Having started at loosehead prop the Tucumán front-rower was forced off injured in the 50th minute. The match was his first start of the season. Mario Ledesma saw him performing well and he would debut for Argentina in the June Internationals. Now, though, he is out with ligament damage to his knee and further rugby in 2018 appears unlikely. His absence adds to the need for European-Based players for the Rugby Championship.