Up and Under

Up and Under is a weekly exclusive on Americas Rugby News. It identifies the tops and the flops from the past seven days of everything involving Americas Rugby.

 

UP

Costa Rica Prepare for RWC Qualifiers with wins over Nicaragua and Peru
An historic two weekends saw Costa Rica beating neighbors Nicaragua 74-5 and then Peru 27-26. The first underlined the competitiveness between the sides while the second was a monumental accomplishment. 99th in the world defeated 75th. It was Costa Rica’s first win over a South American country.

Brazil Complete Significant Win over Belgium
Brazil completed a significant win over Belgium on Saturday. Os Tupis were 47-25 winners in a match-up between two sides eyeing potential debuts at the expanded Rugby World Cup. Eight tries were scored with Brazil running in five of them. Fullback Lucas Tranquez put on an impressive goal-kicking display with 22 points.

Uruguay Play with Pride to frighten Scotland
Uruguay played with pride to frighten Scotland in Montevideo on Saturday. The team were locked into a 19-19 scoreline in the final quarter before Scotland scored two quick-fire tries to win 31-19. The match was a solid case in point for Uruguay to host Tier 1 test matches annually. It was also a remarkable turnaround. Only seven days earlier, Los Teros were beaten by a record making by Argentina.

Free Jacks are final-bound after pulsating win over Hounds
The New England Free Jacks are headed back to the Major League Rugby Final after a dramatic 23-17 win over the Chicago Hounds on Saturday. Both teams enjoyed periods of superiority but it was the swarming defense of the reigning champions that was the point of difference at the final whistle.

Seattle Seawolves pushed to the brink in West Final win over Jackals
The Seawolves are heading to their fourth Major League Rugby final in seven years after earning a 28-25 victory over the Jackals in the Western Conference Final on Sunday. In the end Seattle proved the better side, but they were very nearly upset by Dallas in an enthralling back-and-forth contest that wasn’t decided until the final moments.

Bristol Bears sign uncapped Argentine Fullback Benjamín Elizalde
The Bristol Bears signed Benjamín Elizalde from Argentina. The fullback joins the English Premiership side after impressing for Argentina at the World Rugby u20 Championship. He played in all matches for Los Pumitas who finished 5th. Elizalde is a Puma in waiting; his test debut i only a matter of time and could very well be over the coming months.

Chicago to Land Ireland vs New Zealand Rematch in 2025
With the USA being the host country of Rugby World Cup 2031, there are significant efforts into taking major matches stateside. Arrangements are taking place for Chicago to host Ireland vs New Zealand in 2025. Soldier Field was the venue in which Ireland claimed their first-ever win over the All Blacks in 2016. The home of the Chicago Bears in NFL has been selected again for the Chicago vs New Zealand 2025 fixture.

Pablo Bouza’s Spain Secure Solid November Schedule
Spain will face Los Leones taking-on Fiji, Uruguay and the USA in three test matches in November. It is an exciting fixture list for Spain who are eyeing a return to the Rugby World Cup 28 years after debuting in 1999. Coach by former Puma Pablo Bouza, Spain are showing good signs of progression. Los Leones defeated Tonga in Nuku’alofa earlier this month. The historic win over Tonga ranks on Spain’s Mount Rushmore.

 

UNDER

Argentina and USA falter in Men’s Olympic Quarter Finals
The medal dreams of Argentina and the USA in the Men’s Olympic 7s ended prematurely. Los Pumas 7’s came up short against hosts France in the Quarter Final, while the Eagles were shut out by Australia. It means no medals for the Americas in the Men’s Rugby 7’s competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Peru Slump to Historic Defeat
Costa Rica defeated Peru on Sunday. The 27-26 result gave Costa Rica heir first-ever win over a South American opponent. It also saw a new low point for Peru. Los Tumis were far from being the side from past Rugby World Cup qualifying campaigns. The Peruvians were very imprecise on attack and lacked penetration.

Diego Magno Retires from Los Teros
Diego Magno retired from international duty at the age of 35. He retirement marks more than just the end of an era; Magno is the Americas’ first player to reach 100 caps. He earned his 100th cap for Uruguay in 2022 against Romania in Montevideo. Two years on he called it a day after reaching 107 caps for Los Teros. His final cap was against Scotland.

Gastón Revol Retires from International Duty
After fifteen years of playing Rugby 7’s for Argentina, Gastón Revol has retired. The Paris Olympics marked the end of his involvement. The 37-year-old Revol returns to play for La Tablada in his native Córdoba. In 2023, Revol became the first man to play in 100 official tournaments. It was at the Cape Town Sevens, a tournament which Argentina won.

Rodrigo Isgró Farewells Los Pumas 7’s
Los Pumas 7’s will have new blood next season. In addition to Revol’s retirement, Rodrigo Isgró will not be involved. The Paris Olympics marked the end of Isgró’s career playing Rugby 7’s. He is to now focus on XV’s. His nam could well be on Felipe Contepomi’s forthcoming roster for the Rugby Championship.

Most Capped Prop’s Career on Hold
Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro was forced out of Rugby World Cup 2023. He had been set for a place on the roster but played no part. His subsequent season for Benetton did not happen. He missed the recent three Argentine test matches in Argentina and his name will be missing from the upcoming Rugby Championship roster. He has a record,78 caps for Los Pumas. No prop has played more; however, his chances of adding more caps continue to fade.