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Americans Overseas: Debut For Joe T

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Americans Overseas: Debut For Joe T

Joe Taufete'e in his Lyon kit. Rugby Lyon photo.

AJ MacGinty continues his strong run of form, but if you can't win your own lineout throws, it's pretty difficult to win a rugby game.

So went this weekend for the USA flyhalf as he kicked well, set up both Sale tries, and made a try-saving tackle-and-poach against Bath. But Sale's inability to turn attacking lineouts into anything but disaster meant Bath ended up winning 37-22.

Harlequins plays today, Monday, but USA center Paul Lasike will not be in the lineup. 

Despite being forced into relegation due to salary cap violations, Saracens is playing well and hammered league-leaders Exeter 40-17. USA fullback/flyhalf Will Hooley started at fullback for Saracens.USA hooker Kapeli Pifeleti also started and had a strong 54 minutes in the Saracens win.

With the loss Sale drops from 2nd to 4th in the Gallagher Premiership standings. Saracens is now 13-7 but is last because of that salary cap penalty. 

In France ...

David Ainu'u did not play for Toulouse as they beat La Rochelle. Titi Lamositele started at tighthead prop and played the first 40 minutes in a 41-17 loss to Racing 92. Lyon lost to Toulon but Joe Taufete'e made the gameday 23 for the first time for Lyon. The USA hooker came on as a front sub during a yellow card midway through the first half, lasting nine minutes, and then came on for good at 58 minutes. Lyon was down to 12 men at one point. 

In D2, Carcassone lost to Oyonnax but Deion Mikesel did not play.  Nafi Ma'afu's Perpignan did not play.