Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Two rounds down and we’re starting to head into treacherous waters. Round Two was an easy one, almost everyone got their picks right though the scores varied wildly. Derek Sagehorn returned with a bang, sporting a perfect 3-0 record and correctly prognosticating the 21-point win by Canada over Chile. Not to be outdone, Doug Coil rose from the depths of despair to also notch a 3-0 round score and, like the sage one, he also called the Canada came to perfection. This week we have the great North American match that could shake things up.
The leaderboard as it stands:
Bryan Ray (6-0), Canada, Americas Rugby News
Dan Mason (6-0), USA, Rugby United
Jake Frechette (6-0), USA, Rugby Today
Curtis Reed (5-1), USA, This Is American Rugby
Ignacio Chans (5-1), Uruguay, El Observador
Junoir Blaber (5-1), USA, Rugby Wrap Up
Paul Tait (5-1), Brazil, Americas Rugby News
Victor Ramalho (5-1), Brazil, Portal do Rugby
Doug Coil (4-2), USA, DJ Coil Rugby
Derek Sagehorn (3-0), USA, This Is American Rugby
Ted Hardy (3-0), USA, Americas Rugby News
Round three… Fight!
| February 18, 2017 |
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| Bryan Ray Americas Rugby News |
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| Curtis Reed This Is American Rugby |
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| Dan Mason Rugby United |
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| Derek Sagehorn This Is American Rugby |
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| Doug Coil DJ Coil Rugby |
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| Ignacio Chans El Observador |
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| Jake Frechette Rugby Today |
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| Junior Blaber Rugby Wrap Up |
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| Paul Tait Americas Rugby News |
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| Victor Ramalho Portal do Rugby |
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TIE |
CHILE (30) vs ARGENTINA XV (9) – Match Preview
Saturday, February 18, 18:00 Chile, Estadio CAP, Talcahuano
The only questions here are a) can Chile score? and b) how many will Argentina put on the board?
BR: I undervalued Argentina last week, and won’t make the same mistake this time. Chile are in for a hammering.
DM: Argentina all the way.
DS: Chile is outclassed by Argentina as hungry proto-Jaguares feast on the Cóndores.
IC: Argentina found their rhythm last week, and with it Uruguay suffered. Still with a few areas to improve, Chile will be short on options.
JF: This match could be sloppy, and that suits Argentina.
PT: Too much all around quality from Argentina. The side named is under-strength, even for the Argentina XV, but the level will nonetheless be telling.
VR: Chile will play at home, so the score won’t be that ludicrous.
URUGUAY (23) vs BRAZIL (34) – Match Preview
Saturday, February 18, 20:00 Uruguay, Estadio Burgueño, Maldonado
Uruguay at home are virtually unanimous favorites against the fledgling Tupis.
BR: Los Teros were a disappointment against Argentina, and Meneses has suitably reinforced the team against the Tupis. I like the return of Daniel and Dias on the Brazilian flanks, but that alone won’t be enough to deal with what isn’t far off the strongest possible Uruguayan selection.
DM: Uruguay take a much needed get-well game at home.
DS: The Teros cap off a free-flowing game by entrusting their maul to put them over Brazil.
IC: Los Teros have named their best side of the year – and in many months – to take on Brazil. Following five defeats dating back to November, Meneses’ team needs a victory but not just this. Uruguay require a performance which can return the necessary confidence to the team that it needs looking ahead to the World Cup qualifiers. Returning to play at home is the crucial point.
JF: Brazil will be better than last week, but Uruguay still have a clear edge here.
PT: A good performance against the USA could easily be forgotten after folding to the Argentina XV. At home for the first time in 2017, Los Teros will be out to bully the Tupis pack. Without a vast improvement Brazil are to lose heavily.
VR: Again I am being optimistic. Brazil has a chance, as Los Teros suffered wth Argentna’s physicality. But of course Uruguay is the clear favorite. History proves that.
CANADA (18) vs USA (17) – Match Preview
Saturday, February 18, 17:00 Pacific, Swangard Stadium, Burnaby
The biggest match of the weekend. USA the favorites, but Canada a live underdog.
BR: Again I must put my patriotism aside to keep my record. After all, I’m representing Canada myself in this pool! I can see some of these youngsters sticking around in a Canadian jersey for many years, but their day will come. The Eagles have too much experience up front which trumps any advantage Canada has in the backs. I expect a tough game but the USA’s access to more pros makes all the difference.
DM: I’m taking the US because I believe a bit more in their offensive capability at the moment.
DS: The Maple Leafs eke out a win with a last-minute drop goal to raise the stakes for the World Cup qualifiers.
IC: We have not had a true measure of Canada thus far. Based on the snow in the match against Argentina and the win over Chile, the Canadians level remains in question. The USA, on the other hand, demonstrated class and significant resources in the second half against Brazil. In a similar fixture, the home advantage ought to weigh in favor of the Canadians.
JF: So long as this match isn’t the Phil Mack show, the Eagles will get another win.
PT: All eyes will be on this one. Lots of permutations involved. This is World Cup qualifying year. Second and third in the Americas Rankings. As for the game itself – two teams who know how to play well and tend to have great matches.
VR: Let’s call it even. Why not? Canada has the crowd, but the momentum still favors the Eagles.
