Super Rugby Americas had a truly exciting weekend, with two games that were decided with the final whistle and some fine rugby as momentum for the teams continues to build.
Super Rugby Americas kickstarted with a massive home win for debutants Tarucas – 45-6 against Cobras Brasil Rugby - and two narrow wins for Peñarol Rugby against defending champions Dogos XV 29-28 and 29-26 for Yacare XV against Selknam.
Last week’s post-Christmas block of fixtures took us beyond the halfway point in this season’s Gallagher Premiership and a number of the round nine results have certainly whetted the appetite as English ruby welcomes in the new year.
There are just four weeks to go before the All Blacks arrive at Allianz Stadium on November 2, so players will be vying to impress.
Argentina handed Australia a record defeat 67 - 27 in Santa Fe for one of the very best performances ever from a Pumas side.
Argentina captain Julian Montoya is set to win his 100th cap on Saturday in Santa Fe against Australia in round four of the Rugby Championship.
Australia's ability to profit from in-game adjustments bodes well for further progress under Joe Schmidt.
Argentina's bright start to The Rugby Championship is now firmly in the rearview mirror as they let slip a late lead to fall to the Wallabies 20 - 19 in La Plata.
It will be round three in Athlone on July 9 when that fancied duo – last year’s beaten semi-finalists – go head-to-head in an intriguing group that also contains a dangerous Argentina and a little known Fiji.