Americans Overseason: Wrapup And Warmup
Americans Overseason: Wrapup And Warmup
It's been a bit of a quiet time for USA players in professional teams overseas, but we've seen some action.
France
Titi Lamositele came on for 25 minutes as a blood sub for Monpellier vs Toulon. During the time the USA prop was on the field, Montpellier outscored Toulone 12-3. When he was on the sidelines, Toulon outscored Montpellier 22-9. So Toulon won 25-21 in the end. We're not saying Lamositele was the difference but ...
(Check out Lamositele's snazzy new hairdo too.)
Also on the bench was another USA prop from the state of Washington, David Ainu'u. He ran on at 68 minutes to help seal a 30-24 Toulouse victory over Racing 92. Joe Toufete'e is not slated to play for Lyon vs Section Paloise tonight.
The D2 season is pretty much over.
South Africa
Super Rugby Unlocked is the name of South Africa's Super Rugby bracket, and they are about the start that season now. USA scrumhalf Ruben De Haas (pictured) has his work cut out to get playing time for the Cheetahs. The team captain and goalkicker, Ruan Pienaar, is also the Cheetahs' starting scrumhalf. However, De Haas was involved in a warmup match against the Griquas last week and still has plenty of time. He just turned 22 on this past Friday, so he's still very young. And Pienaar will need time off.
England
The Premiership season ended with a bit of a whimper for the USA players as they were sat down once it became clear their teams weren't in the playoff hunt. AJ MacGinty ended the season with 72 points scored in 12 games, and has now 431 in Premiership action in four seasons for Sale. Paul Lasike ended up with five tries scored in 12 games, and established himself as an impact player. Will Hooley started twice for Saracens and once came off the bench. He established himself as a dangerous counter-attacker from fullback, but will have to raise his tackle efficiency.