Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
At last we come to the end of our comparison of Americas depth in terms of professionalism. We’ve looked at the forwards (front row / second row / back row), the halfbacks, and the midfield. Today it’s the speedsters who take centre stage – the outside backs. The South Americans have traditionally used smaller backs out wide who usually feature an array of footballing skills and stepping ability. In the North it’s been about finding the best athletes – strong, fast, and sturdy in composition.
Several of the players below are versatile and can play all across the back three, and some the midfield as well. While efforts have been made to put them a their most common position, the distinctions between right and left wing, for example, should be taken loosely.
Disclaimer:
These are not official depth charts, but attempt to replicate recent selection history as closely as possible. In virtually every case, an absent player who might currently be more appropriate shares the same status – pro or amateur – as the player included. Players included are those considered for the World Cup. In some cases those players have since retired from international rugby. Players are listed by their most recent club affiliation.
It’s important to note that some ‘amateur’ players in the Americas are not entirely unpaid. Some players receive a monthly stipend to supplement their income, particularly those on the World Sevens Series. A significant portion of those retain full-time jobs outside of their rugby commitment. While these players might not be truly ‘amateur’ in the strictest sense, for the purpose of this exercise those who are not full-time employees of a professional fifteen-a-side club or franchise will be considered so.
LEFT WING
The injury to Manuel Montero prior to the World Cup looked like a terrible blow to the Pumas, but luckily they have capable replacements, though none of his physical dimensions. Juan Imhoff’s decision to remain in France could well cost him a spot in the team, which highlights a new selection policy that seems unnecessarily rigid if that is indeed the case. Promising 20-year-old Emiliano Boffelli has played everywhere from flyhalf to fullback, and Tomás Carrió is just as likely to be at fullback as on either wing.
Canada have had professionals on the wing for years, and in DTH van der Merwe and Taylor Paris they have two players who stand out among their peers at club level. Beyond those two are several younger players, many of whom have also featured on the Sevens Series.
Los Teros have been using utility back Rodrigo Silva on the wing, despite his preference to play flyhalf. Francisco Bulanti was the oldest player on the World Cup roster and will almost certainly give way to younger players for future internationals.
The Eagles have been indecisive about their no11 jersey since Luke Hume (ex-Narbonne) fell out of contention with a badly broken ankle. Chris Wyles and Blaine Scully have moved back and forth between wing and fullback, while Brett Thompson is also in the mix after failing to see game time at Edinburgh. Tim Maupin is playing in Dublin but didn’t really challenge for a World Cup spot.
| ARG | ||
| Juan Imhoff | Racing 92 (FRA) | PRO |
| Manuel Montero | Jaguares (ARG) | PRO |
| Emiliano Boffelli | Jaguares (ARG) | PRO |
| Tomás Carrió | Duendes (ARG) | AMATEUR |
| CAN | ||
| DTH van der Merwe | Scarlets (WAL) | PRO |
| Taylor Paris | Agen (FRA) | PRO |
| Justin Douglas | Abbotsford (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| Jake Webster | Lindsay (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| URU | ||
| Rodrigo Silva | Carrasco Polo (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Francisco Bulanti | Trébol Paysandú (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Federico Favaro | Old Christians (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Santiago Carrasco | Ceibos (URU) | AMATEUR |
| USA | ||
| Blaine Scully | Cardiff Blues (WAL) | PRO |
| Brett Thompson | Tempe (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Tim Maupin | Trinity College (IRE) | AMATEUR |
| Lemoto Filikitonga | Metropolis (USA) | AMATEUR |
RIGHT WING
Santiago Cordero was one of Argentina’s stars of the World Cup as he moved up from his usual fullback position to fill in for Montero, pushing Imhoff to the left wing. Ramiro Moyano is another flyer whose first choice is fullback, while Matías Orlando prefers centre but is often bumped to the wing. Gonzo Camacho finally returned to fitness this year but looks to be at the end of his test career, choosing instead to stay in England with Leicester.
Canada features the excellent Jeff Hassler on the right wing, with versatile Phil Mackenzie equally capable of playing in the midfield. Sean Duke has been a fixture in the sevens program for years, and Jordan Wilson-Ross has had limited opportunities at test level, zero at his preferred spot of outside centre.
Leandro Leivas is Uruguay’s most powerful attacking winger but saw his right wing spot go to utility back Santiago Gibernau in the World Cup. Younger brother Gastón is highly thought of but none have any professional experience.
Taku Ngwenya remains a lethal finisher at the age of 30, though his commitment to the Eagles jersey has been questioned at times. Zack Test has barely played any XVs in recent years, instead focusing almost entirely on 7s. Tim Stanfill is another with top class speed but has only recently been integrated into national sides at the relatively geriatric age of 26.
| ARG | ||
| Santiago Cordero | Jaguares (ARG) | PRO |
| Gonzalo Camacho | Leicester Tigers (ENG) | PRO |
| Ramiro Moyano | Jaguares (ARG) | PRO |
| Matías Orlando | Jaguares (ARG) | PRO |
| CAN | ||
| Jeff Hassler | Ospreys (WAL) | PRO |
| Phil Mackenzie | Sale Sharks (ENG) | PRO |
| Sean Duke | UVic Vikes (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| Jordan Wilson-Ross | James Bay (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| URU | ||
| Santiago Gibernau | Carrasco Polo (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Leandro Leivas | Old Christians (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Gastón Gibernau | Old Boys (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Juan Andrés Pena | Seminario (URU) | AMATEUR |
| USA | ||
| Takudzwa Ngwenya | Biarritz (FRA) | PRO |
| Zack Test | Eagles 7s (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Tim Stanfill | Seattle Saracens (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Ben Leatigaga | OMBAC (USA) | AMATEUR |
FULLBACK
The move to midfield of Juan Martín Hernández opened the door for Joaquín Tuculet to step up, and he has responded with some eye catching displays. Lucas González Amorosino played alongside Tuculet at Cardiff Blues last season, but has now joined Munster until January, when he is expected to return to Argentina to play for the Super Rugby franchise. Quality goal kicker Martín Bustos Moyano appears to be the forgotten man despite good form in France, while Román Miralles has been a mainstay in the ‘A’ side for many years.
Speaking of mainstays, the days of consummate professional James Pritchard in a Canadian jersey have finally come to an end. Matt Evans is the new fullback, with utility back Harry Jones his backup during the World Cup. Andrew Coe is the heir apparent, only 19 but very highly rated. His arrival in a national jersey appears to be very much a question of ‘when’, not ‘if’.
Los Teros have a new exile at fullback with Gastón Mieres currently on trial with semi-pro outfit Coventry. Next in line Jerónimo Etcheverry played for Valpolicella in Italy for three seasons, but has since returned to Uruguay. Matías Plá is their next hopeful after graduating from the u20 team.
Beyond Chris Wyles and Blaine Scully there aren’t many options at the moment for the Eagles. Troy Hall is a New Zealander who was dragged out of retirement by Mike Tolkin, while Zach Pangelinan is a flyhalf forced to play in the outside backs to get a sniff with the national selectors. Joe Cowley looked promising but has been persona non grata since early 2014.
| ARG | ||
| Joaquín Tuculet | Jaguares (ARG) | PRO |
| Lucas González Amorosino | Munster (IRE) | PRO |
| Román Miralles | Duendes (ARG) | AMATEUR |
| Martín Bustos Moyano | Bayonne (FRA) | PRO |
| CAN | ||
| Matt Evans | Cornish Pirates (ENG) | PRO |
| Harry Jones | Capilano (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| James Pritchard | Bedford Blues (ENG) | PRO |
| Andrew Coe | UBC Thunderbirds (CAN) | AMATEUR |
| URU | ||
| Gastón Mieres | Coventry (ENG) | PRO |
| Jerónimo Etcheverry | Carrasco Polo (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Matías Plá | Seminario (URU) | AMATEUR |
| Tomas Etcheverry | Carrasco Polo (URU) | AMATEUR |
| USA | ||
| Chris Wyles | Saracens (ENG) | PRO |
| Troy Hall | NYAC (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Zach Pangelinan | OMBAC (USA) | AMATEUR |
| Joe Cowley | Life University (USA) | AMATEUR |
OUTSIDE BACKS SUMMARY
Argentina have slightly less depth out wide, though they do have several quality professionals capable of covering multiple positions. Canada have good starters but largely unproven alternatives outside the senior squad. Uruguay have a handful of passable domestic talent and one player overseas. USA have three top drawer pros and some 7s players moonlighting as XVs wingers.
