This past weekend featured a mix of games featuring one test match between Uruguay and Spain, an international warm-up for Argentina opposite an Australia XV, an MLR development match, and several professional club matches in France.
Los Teros did not play particularly well leaving Argentina lock Rodrigo Fernández Criado as the only international nomination. A trio of players in France caught our eye. Benjamín Urdapilleta kicked 13 points as Castres upset Racing 92, Axel Müller was Brive’s best in a losing cause against Clermont, and a brief but notable mention for Will Percillier who scored a try just seconds after entering the game for Stade Français in his Top 14 debut against Toulouse.
Our winner in fact was playing in New Zealand. Canadian international Cindy Nelles was a physical force for Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup Final. The 27-year-old lock saved her best effort for last, crashing through two defenders to score on full-time and deny Waikato a famous victory. Nelles looks well-positioned to end a two-year absence from test rugby in time for Rugby World Cup 2021.