The La Vila International Rugby Cup is set to showcase an exciting clash between the USA and Brazil, providing rugby fans with a thrilling match that promises intense action and fierce competition. Click here to get access to every game of La Vila International Cup, November 11 to November 18.
This tournament is a significant opportunity for Spain, USA, Canada, and Brazil to compete for silverware, especially after missing out on qualification for Rugby World Cup 2023. Hosted in the picturesque Spanish coastal town of Villajoyosa, this event will offer additional games to these four countries as they prepare for the upcoming cycle of Rugby World Cup qualification.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch the La Vila International Rugby: USA vs Brazil match online from anywhere. Try Rugby247 from anywhere.
When and Where?
The La Vila International Rugby Cup match between the USA and Brazil is scheduled to take place on 11 November. The venue for this exciting encounter will be revealed soon, so stay tuned for updates.
How to Watch Spain v Canada Rugby?
The matches of the La Vila International Rugby Cup will be streamed live on Rugby247.tv. This platform will allow fans from around the world to catch every moment of the action as the USA and Brazil face off in a showdown of skill and determination.
Exciting New Eras and Fond Farewells
This tournament marks the beginning of new eras for two of the participating countries. Pablo Bouza and Emiliano Caffera will take charge of Spain and Brazil, respectively, for the first time. Fans can look forward to seeing how these fresh leadership dynamics impact the teams.
In the case of the USA, they aim to build on the progress achieved under the guidance of Scott Lawrence, including a remarkable victory over Romania in Bucharest in July. Meanwhile, Canada is going through a different phase, with Kingsley Jones recently signing a two-year contract extension that will keep him in charge until 2025. Jones has been at the helm since 2019, and this tournament will mark his 40th test as the head coach of Canada.
Additionally, it’s a bittersweet moment as the La Vila International Rugby Cup signifies the end of fellow Welshman Rob Howley’s three-year association with the team as a senior assistant coach.
Closely Matched Teams
When it comes to rankings, the USA holds the highest position among the four teams, sitting in 18th place in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings powered by Capgemini. Spain is close behind in 19th place, while Canada ranks 23rd, and Brazil follows in 26th.
In the upcoming match, the USA will face Brazil, and Spain will take on Canada. The winners of these games will progress to the final on the following Saturday, while the losing teams will compete for third place on the same day.
Though the USA and Spain may be considered favorites for the title, the lower-ranked teams have a history of surprising their opponents. Brazil secured a memorable victory against the USA in 2016, and Canada holds a 2-1 record against Spain. However, Spain convincingly won their most recent encounter, with a score of 57-34 in 2022.
Trading Places in the Rankings
The rankings add an extra layer of excitement to this tournament. If Spain manages to secure a victory and the USA faces a defeat, the teams will swap places. The USA has been the higher-ranked team for the first 16 years of the rankings’ existence, but in recent years, Spain has had the advantage more often.
This match could have significant implications on the rankings, with the USA potentially dropping one or two places depending on the margin of defeat. It’s a critical test for both teams, and the outcome will be closely watched by rugby enthusiasts.
Notable Absences and Returns
The USA will be without the services of experienced fly-half AJ MacGinty, who sustained an injury while playing for his club side Bristol Bears. Luke Carty will step in as the replacement fly-half. Additionally, Greg Peterson, who captained the USA in July, is unavailable. However, the return of Toulouse prop David Ainu’u, after being named on the bench, is a positive development for the team. Second-row Nate Brakeley will lead the side in Peterson’s absence.
Brazil’s team boasts an experienced core, with players like Cleber Dias, Andre Arruda, and Lucas Tranquez each playing their 41st tests. They are closing in on Moises Duque’s record of 55 test appearances for Os Tupis. Second-row Gabriel Paganini will captain the team for the fifth time.
Spain welcomes back prop and talisman Jon Zabala, who makes his return to the national team after missing the last two tests. Zabala will also serve as the captain for this match. Several players are in line to make their senior national team debuts, adding an element of excitement and anticipation.
A Top 20 Prize
Canada is looking to break a three-game losing streak in tests, and a loss in this match could see their rating drop below 60 points for the first time. However, a surprising victory by a margin of more than 15 points against Spain would boost Canada back into the world’s top 20, making them the higher-ranked of the two nations. A win by a lesser margin would see them move above Chile and Namibia into 21st place.
The La Vila International Rugby Cup promises to be a rugby spectacle, with fierce competition, new beginnings, and exciting prospects on the horizon. Don’t miss this thrilling clash between the USA and Brazil, and stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing tournament.
