America bank on the eaglets to end Argentina’s reign

AFTER last year’s successful inaugural tournament, the Americas Rugby Championship returns next weekend with Argentina XV, effectively Los Pumas’ second string, looking to defend their title.

Coached by Felipe Contepomi, Argentina XV begin their quest for a second straight title away to Canada, whom they beat 54-21 in Rosario last year. While Argentina have yet to announce their squad, Canucks boss Mark Anscombe has selected a number of U20s players in his, along with nine overseas professionals.

All bar one of the 15 games, played out over five consecutive weekends, will be broadcast live on various subscription television across the Americas, starting with the battle between last season’s bottom-two, Brazil and Chile, in Sao Paulo on February 3.

Brazil, known as Os Tupis, recorded one of the biggest shocks of 2016 when they defied the 26place rankings differential between themselves and the USA to beat the Eagles 24-23. That victory enabled them to finish ahead of Chile despite losing 25-22 to Los Condores in the opening round.

Veteran Todd Clever, who scored an eightminute hat-trick against Canada last year, co-captains a youthful-looking USA Eagles squad that includes nine new caps.

Newcastle flanker Clever will be available for the duration of the sixteam competition but fellow co-captain Blaine Scully will fly back to the UK and re-join Cardiff Blues after the opener against Uruguay. Uruguay will be led out by Manuel Gaminara.