Up and Under

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

UP

USA face final challenge to qualify for World Cup
The USA rolled past Hong Kong in Dubai on Saturday by a final score of 49-7. With Portugal thrashing Kenya 85-nil in the other World Cup Qualifying match, the Eagles and Lobos are now set to collide on Friday with the final spot at France 2023 on the line. Portugal has only been to the World Cup once – in 2007 – while the USA has only failed to qualify once before – in 1995.

Canada beat Netherlands in first ever meeting between the sides
Canada opened their two-match tour of Amsterdam with a 37-25 win over the Netherlands. It was a competitive match that was tied at halftime, but the cohesion of the Canadian pack proved the difference as they wore down their opposites in the second half. Callum Botchar, Matt Klimchuk, Josiah Morra, and Conor Young made their test debuts for Canada.

Baltazar Amaya Magic hands Uruguay win over Romania
Two second half tries from Baltazar Amaya helped Uruguay down Romania 21-16 win in Bucharest on Sunday. The late call-up to the roster for Uruguay’s European tour touched down with time up to seal a win after Romania had appeared to have already won the match. The win was Uruguay’s second of the year over the Eastern Europeans.

Colombia remain unbeaten against Brazil
Las Tucanes defeated As Yaras on Saturday. Colombia’s 25-17 win over Brazil was the third test match between the teams. Unlike the first and second matches, the third was played in Brazil. The match was the first ever home test match for Brazil’s Women’s team. The rivalry is certain to continue and to blossom in the coming years.

From Colombian SLAR to Pumas debut
Eliseo Morales made his test debut on Saturday. The 24-year-old had a solid Super Liga Americana de Rugby (SLAR) campaign this year. He did so not for Los Jaguares XV but for Los Cafeteros Pro. Michael Cheika named him on the wider roster before he was in the 23 for England and Wales. He was up to the challenge on debut. Argentina’s scrum-half stocks are healthy.

History made by four Pumas
For the first time in history there are Argentine players who have wins against every Tier 1 Opponent. Rugby’s Tier 1 refers to the four teams that compete in the Rugby Championship (Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa), and the six members of the Six Nations (England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales). Argentina’s November 2022 win over England saw Tomás Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Julián Montoya and Matías Moroni adding the final opponent to their victory list. All happen to be former Jaguares players and also current or former Leicester Tigers.

Chicago likely to be competitive in Major League Rugby
Major League Rugby’s expansion / dispersal draft had the purpose of redistributing players from Austin and LA, while also giving incoming team Chicago a chance to fill out its roster. The new kids on the block now have the chance to negotiate with a number of high profile players, including Eagles center Bryce Campbell and former Canada winger DTH van der Merwe.

North Americans sign Top 14 contracts
A pair of North American internationals signed new contracts with Montpellier this past week. Uncapped Canadian lock Tyler Duguid signed his first senior deal with the Top 14 club. The 22-year-old is currently part of the club’s senior academy and will graduate to a full-time professional contract next season. USA prop Titi Lamositele has also extended his stay in France, though his Eagles future remains cloudy. Both players have committed until at least the end of the 2024-25 season.

UNDER

Canada buried by Blue Wave in Bronze Final
France celebrated victory in the Bronze Final at the World Cup as they put Canada to the sword by a final score of 36-0. As the Maple Leafs struggled to find inspiration and committed a litany of errors, Les Bleues crashed into their opponents in waves and dominated both sides of the ball from start to finish.

Chile outmuscled by Tonga
Tonga defeated Chile 39-10 in Bucharest on Saturday. The physicality of the Ikale Tahi proved too much for Los Cóndores, who struggled to find gaps in a staunch Tongan defense. Eventually the Cóndores would drive over a maul with Diego Escobar at the back. Videla put them into double digits with the conversion.

Argentina not good enough in Cardiff
Argentina were below their best against Wales on Saturday. In a match with neither team playing particularly well, the home side were 20-13 winners. The seven point difference can be attributed to a charge-down try to Tomos Williams. Argentina’s forwards were beaten too often at the breakdown. Agustín Creevy had an off game as did Gonzalo Bertranou, Juan Cruz Mallía, and Santiago Carreras. A rethinking will be required for Scotland this coming Saturday.

Pumas a prop down for final test match of 2022
Francisco Gómez Kodela will not play for Argentina against Scotland on Saturday. He has returned to Lyon. No replacement player was added to cover the tight-head void. Veteran Nicolás Sánchez is the one new name. The tight-head picture sees Argentina without first and second choice names Gómez Kodela and Joel Sclavi. Eduardo Bello and Santiago Medrano will be the names to face Scotland.