Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
The Americas will have a contingent of players in action this weekend in Week 12 of the Top 14. Unlike the Aviva Premiership and Guinness Pro 12 matches will all take place on Saturday and Sunday. For this reason the naming of teams has been delayed by the clubs.
The USA eligible Dave Ryan has been named as the starting tighthead prop for the bottom placed Agen who host heavyweights Clermont Auvergne in one of five matches taking place on Saturday. Starting for the visitors will be Patricio Fernández who also started in the away win last month against Brive. Fernández will play behind a largely reserve pack with Jamie Cudmore among the rested players.
The one time capped Leandro Cedaro will play on the bench for La Rochelle who host Castres. Having turned down selection for his native Argentina, Cedaro was capped by Italy in June 2013. His one test in South Africa remains his only one to this day. The aging Italian pack, though may see him called-up for the Six Nations. Uruguayan second-rower Rodrigo Capó Ortega will lead Castres.
A star-studded Racing 92 lineup including both Manuel Carizza and Juan Imhoff in the run-on team has been named. The team will play host to Bordeaux-Begles who are to have a Puma of their own in the form of Francisco Gomez Kodela. None of the trio will be eligible to play for Los Pumas this year unless they terminate their contracts and return home.
Having been badly beaten and embarrassed last weekend in Toulouse Top 14 title favorites Toulon play host to the 2015 Pro d2 champions Pau on Sunday. Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe is expected to start for Toulon who are yet to confirm their lineup.
Pressure is mounting on Stade Français who performed badly last weekend, losing away to Oyonnax. A strong reaction is required from the Gonzalo Quesada coached side who host leaders Toulouse on Sunday evening. Former Pumas second-rower Patricio Albacete will be involved for the visitors.
