Team of the Week

All four teams were in action this past week, including two Canadian matches, and though there were few truly exceptional performances, there were enough noteworthy contributions to throw together this cosmopolitan selection.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (ARG) Special day for the Pumas legend who pushed on his country’s scrum in Leicester before switching jerseys and helping a Tigers second-half revival.

2 – Julián Montoya (ARG) Understudy to captain Agustín Creevy, he showed his worth by setting up one try and scoring one himself. Impressive mobility for a front rower.

3 – Andrew Tiedemann (CAN) Late replacement for Doug Wooldridge in the starting lineup, he played a full 80 minutes at tighthead against Georgia, one of the more difficult tasks for a prop forward. Scored a try and deservedly claimed man of the match.

4 – Evan Olmstead (CAN) Made an impact off the bench against the Lelos on Wednesday, then played a full match against Fiji on Sunday. Impressive work rate from the feisty warrior.

5 – Jamie Cudmore (CAN) An hour against Georgian and almost 50 minutes against Fiji, it was a long week for the Canadian captain. With Tyler Ardron struggling to regain fitness, will Cudmore continue in the role for the World Cup?

6 – Jebb Sinclair (CAN) Massive physicality against Georgia on Wednesday, got stuck into the rough stuff and buried poor Beka Tsiklauri with one tackle. Has added much needed steel to a creaky Canadian pack.

7 – Pablo Matera (ARG) Reminded Tigers fans what they’ll be missing with a bruising all-action performance. Looks in menacing form heading into his first World Cup.

8 – Leonardo Senatore (ARG) Strong carrying game and high work rate around the pitch from the veteran. At his best he is an underrated asset to the Pumas.

9 – Jamie Mackenzie (CAN) Earned a rare start against Georgia, his crisp service got the team moving forward. Still looks to be third choice at the World Cup but has put his hand up as a legitimate alternative.

10 – AJ MacGinty (USA) One of the few Eagles to get through the game with mostly positive marks. Threatened the line and kicked well.

11 – Rodrigo Silva (URU) Versatile and gifted attacker, he scored two tries in Uruguay’s victory over a Basque Selection. Prefers to play flyhalf, a certainty to start somewhere outside in the backline.

12 – Thretton Palamo (USA) Work rate trailed off in the final quarter but for an hour he was a menace in the midfield. Some shuddering defense, looks ready to make a name for himself on the world stage.

13 – Joaquín Prada (URU) Ended a questionable run of form with a quality performance for Los Teros against the Euskarians. Scored a great breakaway try, he’ll be crucial to any hopes of a good showing from the Uruguayans.

14 – Jeff Hassler (CAN) Another pulsating performance on the right wing against Georgia, making ground with every touch of the ball. One of the first names on the team sheet for Canada in the coming weeks.

15 – Jerónimo Etcheverry (URU) Steady performance from a skillful footballer. Good covering defensively and kicked well, including one from the tee.