Pre-World Cup Americas XV

Each week during the World Cup, the editors will select an Americas XV from the best of the four teams in action. Once it’s all said and done, we’ll then choose an a select XV from the tournament as a whole. Below is who we think might make up that team, before everything gets underway.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (ARG) Clearly the best loosehead prop from the Americas and arguably the best in world rugby, at least in the scrum. It’s hard to see anyone challenging his spot.

2 – Agustín Creevy (ARG) A case could be made that no player has developed more since the previous World Cup. Fantastic player and leader, Creevy is certain to be among the best hookers in the tournament. Another spot unlikely to change.

3 – Ramiro Herrera (ARG) An all-Argentine front-row is no real surprise, and Herrera’s chief competition comes from his own country in the form of Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro.

4 – Cameron Dolan (USA) The Cardiff Blues recruit will curiously not start against Samoa, but his performances over the summer have earned him this nomination. With a number of quality second rows available, this spot is very much up for grabs.

5 – Tomás Lavanini (ARG) A truly remarkable player who has outshone more fancied players from across the globe in his young career. His immense physical presence makes him an automatic selection and virtual certainty for this spot.

6 – Jebb Sinclair (CAN) A second row four years ago and a possibility there this year, Sinclair is another strangely on the bench this weekend. The big man should feature heavily in Canada’s remaining fixtures.

7 – Pablo Matera (ARG) An explosive ball carrier and devastating tackler, it’s hard not to think he’ll be near the top of the charts in the flanker department. Lots of competition across all four teams will make the flanker spots highly contested.

8 – Samu Manoa (USA) No debate as to who is the best no8 right now, even if he did have a slow game against Harlequins. Solid competition here as well, but it’s Manoa’s spot to lose.

9 – Tomás Cubelli (ARG) Outstanding performances over the past year see Cubelli ahead of teammate Martín Landajo and entering the World Cup as first choice scrumhalf for the Pumas. Landajo and Uruguay’s Agustín Ormaechea are expected to make their claim as well.

10 – Nicolás Sánchez (ARG) An outstanding player who would start on most World Cup teams. Quality goal kicker, skilled playmaker, and brave defender. Hard to see how he’s not tops in six weeks time.

11 – DTH van der Merwe (CAN) Hard running and with a nose for the tryline, the man with the most initials in the team looks set to star for Canada once again. He won’t be without challenge, as other names like Juan Imhoff will surely put their hands up.

12 – Juan Martín Hernández (ARG) Still regarded in France as having the best hands in rugby, El Mago just keeps rolling on. With the other sides uncertain of their no12, it’s unlikely this selection will change.

13 – Marcelo Bosch (ARG) Surprises come in packages and the decision of Biarritz to convert Bosch to outside centre has proven to be genius. A superb tackler with a massive boot who can kick penalties from inside his own half. Another spot that looks a near-certainty.

14 – Jeff Hassler (CAN) Canada’s best player on the world stage of late and a star for Ospreys, his strength in the tackle makes him incredible hard to bring down. A couple others could put this in doubt, but Hassler looks a clear favorite for the spot at the moment.

15 – Chris Wyles (USA) His sudden move to the wing could jeopardise his standing, but for now we’re picking him in the position he’s played most of his rugby for the Eagles at. This spot will likely be hotly contested before the tournament is done.

Ted’s XV
1 Ayerza, 2 Creevy, 3 Herrera, 4 Dolan, 5 Lavanini, 6 Sinclair, 7 Durutalo, 8 Manoa, 9 Cubelli, 10 Sánchez, 11 van der Merwe, 12 Hernández, 13 Bosch, 14 Hassler, 15 Wyles

Bryan’s XV
1 Ayerza, 2 Creevy, 3 Herrera, 4 Dolan, 5 Lavanini, 6 Sinclair, 7 Matera, 8 Manoa, 9 Ormaechea, 10 Sánchez, 11 van der Merwe, 12 Hernández, 13 Bosch, 14 Hassler, 15 Tuculet

Paul’s XV
1 Ayerza, 2 Creevy, 3 Chaparro, 4 Cudmore, 5 Lavanini, 6 Matera, 7 Lobbe, 8 Manoa, 9 Cubelli, 10 Sánchez, 11 Imhoff, 12 Hernández, 13 Bosch, 14 Hassler, 15 Wyles