The second week New Zealand’s National Provincial Competition – the Mitre 10 Cup – is underway and there are a handful of Americas players in action.
After being a late scratch for last week’s game against Taranaki there was a return to action for Tyler Ardron yesterday. He had a strong game on the blindside flank for Bay of Plenty as they beat Counties Manukau 22-17 to retain the Chiefs Country Cup.
It’s another week at No8 for Tony Lamborn. The Eagles flanker is again selected at the back of the scrum for Southland as they face the Tasman Mako on Sunday. Argentine scrumhalf Nico Costa is among the reserves for the second week running.
Evan Olmstead will be on the bench for the second week in a row for Auckland when they play the Taniwha in a North Island derby on Sunday. Mike Sosene-Feagai will also be on the bench with Brumbies hooker Robbie Abel handed the start.
One-cap Canada blindside flanker Lucas Albornoz has been playing in the second for Northland’s Development team. He featured with the senior side in the preseason but hasn’t cracked the team yet in their two games.
Another Canadian lock, Josh Larsen, is yet to make his debut for Otago. He was not in the lineup for the match against Hawke’s Bay.