Up and Under

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

UP

Argentina
Los Pumas made history on Saturday, defeating Australia in Australia for the first time in 35 years. This marked the first win from Los Pumas over the Wallabies in the country since the creation of the Rugby Championship. It also marked the first time ever that Argentina have won two matches in a Rugby Championship tournament. Confidence is quickly building as Argentina prepares to play host to New Zealand and Australia over the coming weeks in Buenos Aires and Salta.

Ontario Arrows
The Ontario Arrows started their fall schedule on a winning note as they defeated the Glendale Raptors 40-18 at York Lions Stadium on Sunday. While the Raptors were not at full strength, it’s a result that further underlines the potential of the Arrows moving forward as a professional entity. To that end the confirmation of Ontario as a fully-fledged member of Major League Rugby in 2019 now appears to be imminent. After many long dark days for Canadian rugby fans there is a hint of light peeking through just over the horizon.

Americas Wingers
Argentina had dangerous attackers in the form of wingers Bautista Delguy and Ramiro Moyano. Both players had strong matches. Later on in the day there were more noteworthy performances from Americas wingers. DTH van der Merwe was a try scorer in the Glasgow Warriors‘ big win in South Africa. Santiago Cordero continued his fine form for Exeter, scoring yet again. In France Juan Imhoff scored in a losing effort against Toulouse.

Juan Manuel Leguizamón
Featuring as a replacement for Argentina was Leguizamón, winning his 83rd test cap for his country. The Santiago del Estero back-rower added to his amazing list of accomplishments for Los Pumas. In defeating Australia on the Gold Coast he became the first Puma to win away matches against powerhouses England, France, South Africa, and Australia.

24 Team RWC
Expanding RWCs from 20 to 24 teams has been discussed with regularity. Now, though, the possibility is finally being talked about as plausible. World Rugby officials at last talked about the matter, offering reasons to believe that RWC 2023 in France may see four more teams than has been the norm since RWC 1999. This is extremely welcoming news for the likes of Brazil, and Chile.

South American Brotherhood
Argentina’s win over Australia was celebrated well beyond Argentina. Neutral supporters love an upset win and they got double with South Africa also defeating New Zealand. On social media unions including Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay publicly congratulated Los Pumas for their history-making victory.

UNDER

Wallabies Supporter
Australia’s loss against Argentina saw an ugly off the field incident Post match flanker Lukhan Tui was confronted by a spectator who pushed his sister, a child. This resulted in retaliation from Tui who had endured a horrendous week which included the loss of his step father. Following the incident he told teammates that he does not want to play rugby any more.

Cardiff Blues
USA Eagles Blaine Scully and Samu Manoa are yet to obtain match fitness this season. This has meant the Californians have been forced to watch as the Cardiff Blues have lost all three matches to begin their Pro 14 campaign. This includes two defeats against Italian opposition. On Saturday Zebre came back from 21 points down to defeat the Blues. It set a new all-time competition comeback record.

Rugby Championship Scheduling
Four rounds of the Rugby Championship have been played. The has seen Australia and New Zealand playing three home games while Argentina and South Africa have played just once at home each. This is a repeat of prior editions of the tournament. It will continue until 2021 based on a deal between New Zealand, Australia, and New South Wales tourism struck in 2011. Bad booking it must be said.