Top 14 – Week 18 Preview

This weekend marks week 18 of the Top 14 season. In the latest round of the French championship there are to be a range of Americas’ players involved. The following preview documents their involvement.

First up will be Racing 92 at home against La Rochelle. The outstanding Juan Imhoff will play on the left wing for the home side. His form this season has been extraordinary making his place in Argentina’s RWC 2019 roster a certainty.

Another Pumas hopeful for RWC 2019 is Mariano Galarza. He will play from the bench for Bordeaux who are away to Montpellier. Galarza played for Los Pumas against France in November 2018. Starting the match in the second-row will be Greg Peterson. The Eagles forward’s place in the USA squad for Japan 2019 is assured.

A lower table fixture sees Pau and Agen both looking for desperately needed competition points. Both teams are to have Americas’ players involved. On the bench for Pau will be Ignacio Calles while fellow Argentine front-rower Facundo Bosch will start at hooker for Agen. Also involved for the visitors will be Andrés Zafra with the Colombian featuring from the bench.

Bosch is another well positioned for selection for RWC 2019. Also pushing for an opportunity is Francisco Gómez Kodela. He will be starting at home for Lyon against Castres who have Taylor Paris starting on the right wing. In addition to the Canadian RWC hopeful Benjamín Urdapilleta will also feature for Castres, doing so as a replacement fly half.

Week 18 will also feature two Sunday matches. Perpignan host Toulon while Stade Français will receive Toulouse. Line-up’s for both fixtures will be named on Saturday afternoon.

About Americas Rugby News

Formally created in June 2015, this website's goal is to increase media exposure of the Tier 2 rugby nations, and create a hub with a focus on the stories of rugby in the Americas - North, Central and South.

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