Americas Team of the Week

It wasn’t a great week for the Americas teams in either the Rugby Championship or the Pacific Nations Cup, with three losses from three. As such it might be easier to select a ‘mediocre’ XV, but we can only work with what we’re given. Here is the Americas Team of the Week, as selected by the editors.

1 – Hubert Buydens (CAN) Solid in the scrum and put in a good effort around the pitch. Had numerous carries and though he didn’t get far, he can’t be faulted for following the game plan.

2 – Agustín Creevy (ARG) Led the Pumas by example once again. Robust in the contact area and rewarded with two opportune tries from the back of the maul.

3 – Titi Lamositele (USA) Came on early for Mate Moeakiola and put his hand up for a starting role. Solid in the scrum and powerful carrying culminated in his first test try.

4 – Guido Petti (ARG) Typical high work rate, got through plenty of dirty work in support. His cover tackle on Waisake Naholo in the second half was a try-saver.

5 – Manuel Carizza (ARG) Signaled his return to test rugby with a shuddering hit on Owen Franks. A primary lineout target and good work in the tight-loose.

6 – Cameron Dolan (USA) Has bulked up in his time at Saints and looked unfazed in a new position on the flank. A vital lineout presence and had several strong carries.

7 – Juan Fernández Lobbe (ARG) Honourable mention to John Quill, the former Pumas skipper takes the honours for being prominent at the breakdown both in support and in defense.

8 – Danny Barrett (USA) All action performance was probably a bit loose but hugely entertaining. Cover tackle on Alesana Tuilagi was one of the highlights of the weekend.

9 – Shalom Suniula (USA) Speedy service and active around the fringes, it was a welcome change for Eagles fans. Hasn’t locked down the spot but it’s a good start.

10 – AJ MacGinty (USA) His effort defined the Eagles. Very shaky first half but composed himself at the break and excelled in the second half.

11 – Blaine Scully (USA) The toughest choice of the week, with Santiago Cordero and DTH van der Merwe also in contention, Scully gets the nod for same sterling work on kick chase and being generally effective on both sides of the ball.

12 – Connor Braid (CAN) Not a vintage performance, but he was one of the better Canadians on show. A couple strong breaks and some big hits in defense, tempered by a couple mental lapses. Hopefully there will be better displays in the midfield next week.

13 – Seamus Kelly (USA) Not a great week for outside centres either, the SFGG man didn’t do anything exceptional but tackled reasonably well. Still a question mark surrounding the jersey for at least two of the Americas sides.

14 – Jeff Hassler (CAN) Looks in great shape after recovering from a long-term knee injury. Fast and powerful, his carrying was almost as impressive as his new hair style.

15 – Chris Wyles (USA) Strong leadership in his first match as captain brought the Eagles back in the second half. He’s forgiven for being trampled by Alesana Tuilagi, just about the last person a fullback wants to meet at full flight.