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Pumas tries lit up European professional leagues this past weekend. In a positive sign ahead of the international season, Argentines ran tries in the Japan League One, the French Top 14 and the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Pablo Matera scored in Japan this past weekend. He did so for Mie Honda Heat who fell to a 39-31 loss against Urayasu D-Rocks. Mie Honda Heat are 10th and Urayasu D-Rocks are bottom of the table in 12th spot after 12 rounds of the season.
A top 14 derby featured a head-to-head battle between two Argentine N8s. Not only were Facundo Isa and Joaquín Oviedo playing for opposing teams but both were try scorers. Toulon won the match 40-19 at home. The result sees the team further consolidate itself in third position. Perpignan are fighting to avoid relegation. Many regulars were rested or benched for Perpignan including Oviedo and fellow Puma Ignacio Ruiz.
Benetton remain in the hunt for a place in the URC play-off’s. The Italian side celebrated a 21-18 home win over Edinburgh. The late win was secured two minutes from full-time. Puma Ignacio Mendy was a first-half try-scorer for Benetton. He was joined in the starting formation by Thomas Gallo and Puma in waiting Bautista Bernasconi. Italian captain, Juan Ignacio Brex, who is Argentine also started while Agustín Creevy and Tomás Albornoz were replacements.
The Sharks of Durban, South Africa, were 35-34 winners over Zebre Parma. The nail-bitter featured a double to Argentine Gerónimo Prisciantelli. The Puma in waiting scored two second-half tries and also captained the Italian side. Her played fullback. Fellow uncapped Argentine Juan Pitinari started at tight head prop and Bautista Stavile was a replacement.
