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

Martinique
Test rugby continued this past weekend in the Caribbean. In what was their first test match in a long time Martinique were 43-19 winners over Barbados on Saturday. The result sees Martinique rising in the Americas Rankings and looking solid for this coming weekend’s RAN South Cup fixture against Curaçao.

Women’s Sevens Series
World Rugby confirmed the 2019-2020 HSBC Sevens Series lineup this past week and while the departure from Las Vegas was expected, the biggest news was the expansion of the women’s circuit. Next season will see a record eight stops for the women with six events hosting both men’s and women’s tournament. This is a significant step in the right direction for the women’s game and a day when both schedules are identical is now within reach.

Eagles vs Barbarians
Women’s rugby in the US got a double-shot in the arm this week with the additional news that the Barbarians will be arriving in April. The famed invitational side will make history against the Eagles, playing their first ever test match as part of a unique double-header at Infinity Park ahead of Glendale’s MLR game against New York.

New England Free Jacks
The Free Jacks didn’t get the result on the field they wanted against Connacht on Saturday, but they got nothing but positive results off it. An impressive crowd turned up at Union Point Sports Complex to watch the first match of the Cara Cup. It was a sight that rivaled some and easily surpassed other crowds we have seen in regular MLR games this season. If they can build on that level of support moving forward, professional rugby will have a bright future in Boston.

Rugby United New York vs Toronto Arrows
A last-gasp try from John Quill saw Rugby United New York finishing as 24-21 winners over the Toronto Arrows on Friday. It was a full-on battle from start to finish as New York celebrated its historic first Major League Rugby home game at Coney Island’s MCU Park. With a roller coaster in the backdrop and a baseball diamond on the pitch, it was certainly a night to remember and one that will stand out as the Americas continue to forge their own path in professional rugby.

Seattle Seawolves
The Seawolves survived an early scare from a fired up Austin Elite to leave Dell Diamond with a 29-17 away victory. In doing so they grabbed a vital bonus point win to keep them in the hunt for a Semi Final spot. It’s now twice in a row Seattle have started slowly, something that may see coach Richie Walker look to freshen up the starting roster.

NOLA Gold
NOLA also had a slow-ish start but shifted gears at the 20 minute mark and never let up. The 49-11 win sees the Gold again underlining their title aspirations. Tristan Blewett was the star with a hat-trick before coming off early in the second half. Back on top of the MLR table, another five points at home against the winless Austin Elite is their next target.

Glendale Raptors vs San Diego Legion
It was a cracking game of rugby at Infinity Park to end the weekend on Saturday night, arguably the best game of the MLR season. Big hits, blown calls, individual magic, and a dramatic ending that saw Joe Pietersen’s sideline conversion saving a 28-all for the Legion against the Raptors.

Benjamín Urdapilleta
On Saturday Joaquín Díaz Bonilla did not have a good match for Los Jaguares. Aged 30 the starting 10 is no spring chicken and may soon be overtaken. Meanwhile in Europe, Benjamín Urdapilleta made a massive statement for Castres. He scored 21 points against Perpignan to further press his claim for a place in Argentina’s RWC 2019 squad.

 

UNDER

Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago
Rugby Americas North confirmed the 2019 fixtures for international competition. The announcement noted that the Bahamas and Trinidad & Tobago have both pulled out of competing in the RAN Championship this year. Unfortunately this means reduced fixtures for Bermud, and Jamaica in the north group, and Guyana and Guadeloupe in the south.

Cayman Islands, Mexico
The disappointing news from RAN was not limited to the Bahamas and Trinidad & Tobago. Instead it also includes the top two Caribbean regional teams, the Cayman Islands and Mexico. With them competing in the Americas Rugby Challenge this year they miss out on playing in the RAN Championship. A travesty for rugby in the region.

Jaguares
Leading 5-0 early Los Jaguares started well against the Stormers. However any hopes of a win in Cape Town were quickly crushed as the home side went on to win 35-8. It sees the Argentine side returning home with two losses from their two-match tour and no competition points. Heavy criticism has been directed at Joaquín Díaz Bonilla and Bautista Ezcurra for sub-par performances.

Baseball Venues for Rugby
Professional rugby came to New York on Friday and though it was a wonderful occasion, it has to be said the field left a lot to be desired with the infield diamond visually distracting from the contest. The lack of rugby venues in the USA is a challenge but using baseball parks as alternatives has not been ideal. Field size, spectator seating, problematic outfield walls… we look forward to the day when such places are no longer required and the likes of Infinity Park and the incoming AVEVA Stadium are the norm.

Jaguares Injury Crisis
Gonzalo Quesada’s players are dropping like flies. Ten players are now injured – Gonzalo Bertranou, Martín Landajo, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Matías Orlando, Agustín Creevy, Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Tomás Lavanini, Marcos Kremer, Emiliano Boffelli, and Bautista Delguy. Of but Landajo are first choice Jaguares.

Andrés Vilaseca
World Rugby suspended Uruguays inside center after his red card against Brazil for a reckless high challenge on Lorenzo Massari. The one-game sentence has now been served as he was forced to sit on the sidelines as Austin played Seattle on Saturday.

Eduardo Bello
Zebre have lost Argentine tight head prop Eduardo Bello for the remainder of the season. Surgery on his knee sees him out until June. With 29 appearances for Zebre, Bello is a leading player for the team. He joined the Italians from Argentina following impressive form for the Argentina XV and missing out on a contract with Los Jaguares.

Josua Vici
An ugly fracas marred the end of NOLA’s win over Houston on Saturday. The incident was sparked by a completely uncalled for elbow from Vici on Gold scrumhalf Holden Yungert after the whistle had blown. Vici was sent from the field along with teammate Osea Kolinisau. While the latter’s alleged actions were not clear on the video and clearly reactionary, the same cannot be said for Vici. Unquestionably one of the most exciting players in MLR, Vici’s poor disciplinary record is fast marking him as a liability on the field.