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Week 3 of the Celtic-Italian-South African League takes places this weekend. A full round of seven matches will see matches played in Ireland, Italy, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales from Friday to Sunday. The following preview details the involvement of players from the Americas.
There are to be two Friday fixtures. In southern Ireland Munster play host to the Ospreys. The Welsh region have named Argentine Guido Volpi on the bench. Game time for the flanker will see him making his Pro 14 debut. Former USA age-grade representative Hanni Dirksen will also feature as a replacement.
Also making his Pro 14 debut will be Juan Pablo Socino. The RWC 2015 Puma joined Edinburgh this season from the Newcastle Falcons. He will feature from the bench for Edinburgh who play host to Connacht.
On Saturday Toronto’s Robert Barbieri will captain Benetton Treviso from no 8. The Italian international will be looking to take the team to 3-0 this season, something never before achieved. Not involved are Argentine players Tomás Baravalle (hooker), and Ignacio Brex (center). Both are injured. Benneton Treviso will be up against 2017 champions the Scarlets.
In Bloemfontein, South Africa the Cheetahs will play host to the Glasgow Warriors. The Scottish side have again named Canadian speedster DTH van der Merwe and Tennessee’s Tommy Seymour as the starting wingers. Seymour is capped by Scotland. They are to play their 104th and 117th matches for Glasgow respectively.
In northern Italy Zebre will play host to the Cardiff Blues. USA captain Blaine Scully and veteran forward Samu Manoa are not yet match fit. Meanwhile Zebre are still without Eduardo Bello who is also not ready to play Pro 14 rugby this season.
