Up and Under

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

UP

Argentina
In their first match of 2020, Los Pumas were winners. A team missing European-based players defeated the Australia XV 19-15 in Sydney. Argentina’s domestic-based line-up completed a comeback against Australia’s next senior XV. Involved were names including Folau Fainga’a, Isi Naisarani, and Jack Maddocks. Santiago Carreras and Domingo Miotti both impressed. Despite no Super Rugby experience Rodrigo Fernández Criado looks ready for the test arena.

Bautista Güemes
Argentine fly half Bautista Güemes made his test debut on Sunday. He did so for Spain, for whom he qualified for via residency this year. His first test match appearance was memorable; Spain defeated Uruguay by 12 points. Güemes was involved in the scoring. He kicked two penalties and a conversion. He performed well in general play. In short, the 30-year-old looks a good bet to slot into the planning for RWC 2023. Spain are looking to qualify for the first time since 1999.

Cindy Nelles
A try on full-time from Canadian international Cindy Nelles gave Canterbury a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Waikato in Saturday’s Farah Palmer Cup Final. With the Cantabrians trailing by four and the game in its 81st minute, Nelles barged through two defenders to claim the winning score. It’s been an exceptional two seasons for Nelles in New Zealand. The 27-year-old has been a fixture in the Canterbury side since arriving last year and also started in the 2019 Cup Final. She scored a try against Auckland in last week’s Semi Final and her latest effort gives Canterbury their 4th straight title.

Will Percillier
Another Canadian international enjoyed a dream Top 14 debut for Stade Français against Toulouse. The 21-year-old scrumhalf scored with his first touch after coming on as a replacement, hopefully a sign of things to come. Percillier is one of the biggest talents to wear the Maple Leaf in some time and is following in the footsteps of another great Canadian No9 in Paris – Morgan Williams.

Axel Müller
Axel Müller impressed for Brive on Saturday. His team were defeated 43-21 by Clermont. The result masks the performance of the 2016 Argentine Olympian. In the 42nd minute Müller provided a try assist for Simon Pierre Chauvac. Then he scored a try of his own in the 66th minute. With game time being a lading factor for the coaching staff, a pathway for Muller to Los Pumas.

Castres Olympique
Despite playing at home Castres were underdogs heading into their match against Racing 92. Benjamín Urdapilleta inspired a 28-26 win with 13 points coming from his boot. Tyler Ardron also had a strong game at No8, while Matt Tierney and Santiago Arata featured as replacements.

LA Giltinis
The expansion side have suddenly sprung to life with an impressive supporting cast added around initial coaching hires Darren Coleman and Stephen Hoiles. Alex Corbisiero, Marc Carter, Michael Stephen, and Orene Ai’i were all unveiled this past week. Look for player announcements to come all this month. Coleman will now arrive as a two-time Shute Shield champion after guiding Gordon to victory over Eastwood in Saturday’s Grand Final.

World Tens Series
The second day of the World Ten Series proved even better than the first. Aside from the short-handed Phoenix side, all teams appear to be closely matched and it made for compelling viewing. A little Bermuda rain sprinkled some magic on the day’s final match which was won by Rhinos at the death. Round 2 will feature a fully revamped Phoenix team and the first appearance of SX10. Both sides are loaded with South African talent.

UNDER

Uruguay
Los Teros were beaten 32-20 by Spain on Sunday. The result sees a fall in the rankings. More importantly, the performance was not sufficient. Uruguay were beaten by a better team. Experience from RWCs ought to have Uruguay better positioned. Instead, Uruguay were beaten up front by the Spanish forwards. Of particular note was Uruguay’s lightweight second-row. With the RWC players missing there is a gulf. Uruguay presently does not have depth in the position.

World Rugby and RWC 2023 Seedings
World Rugby uses rankings as seedings for Rugby World Cups. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic it was determined that the fairest method was to use the rankings from RWC 2019 itself. This decision was inconsistent with that of player eligibility. On Saturday Wales were beaten at home by Scotland. Wales are seeded in Band 1  while Scotland are seeded in Band 3. Evidently, the rankings are dated for a draw taking place next month.

Agen
Agen are in last place in the Top 14. The team is yet to win this season and hit rock-bottom on Saturday. Agen were slaughtered 71-5 by Bordeaux. Colombian Andrés Zafra started the match for Agen. The result means the team is seven points in the relegation zone. Next up is a home game against Lyon on November 8. It remains to be seen who will coach the side after Christophe Laussucq and Rémi Vaquin were both unceremoniously dumped following Bordeaux debacle.

Australia XV vs Argentina Stream
Kick-off time for Friday’s match was 1am in Argentina. Those who stayed up for the match were genuinely tested. The steam failed on numerous occasions; viewers were unable to see a lot of the rugby. The falls included Australia’s final score.