ARC Team of the Week

It’s here at last! The new Americas Rugby Championship finally got underway this past weekend and it did not disappoint, with three very entertaining rugby games ushering in a new era of Americas rugby. Of course it also means we have the pleasure of selecting from more than 100 international players this week instead of our usual European-based professional offering. That’s unfortunate for the likes of Ciaran Hearn, who had a fine game for London Irish, but it does give a number of new players a chance to shine. Without further adieu, this is our first shot at an ARC Team of the Week.

1 – Eric Fry (USA) The Newcastle Falcons loosehead has taken his fair share of criticism when it comes to scrum time, but he can hold his head up high after a terrific performance in the set piece on Saturday. How he must have enjoyed folding over the Argentine front row, and his efforts in the loose were just as important, driving Todd Clever over the line and picking up a try for himself late in the match. Chile’s Ramón Ayarza also put in an impressive shift both at the scrum and in the loose.

2 – Joe Taufete’e (USA) Big Joe was a surprise choice at hooker as most see him as a prop, but he proved his versatility with a respectable display of throwing accuracy at the lineout. His bustling runs into heavy traffic were always going to be a feature, and he certainly didn’t disappoint there.

3 – Chris Baumann (USA) What’s that you say? An all-USA front row? We can’t quite believe it either, but credit must go to where it is due, and Baumann was every bit as deserving as his teammates. Rock solid in the scrum and physical in the loose, it was easily his best performance in an Eagles jersey.

4 – Marcos Kremer (Argentina XV) The youngest player in the competition looks to have a giant future ahead of him, as befits his sturdy 1.96m (6’5″) frame. Mobile and athletic, he might have been out-muscled once or twice but his work rate was immense and he never shied away from the rough stuff. It’s incredible to think he was playing u18 rugby last year.

5 – Callum Morrison (Canada) A close call that could have gone to workhorse Eagles lock Brodie Orth, the Canadian gets the nod for a sterling lineout performance and good work around the fringes. Put in one memorable tackle that had the crowd – and commentator Bryan Kelly – ooh-ing.

6 – Rodrigo Báez (Argentina XV) Had a tough job to lead a young pack that were largely outplayed, but he showed his value as a leader with a committed effort. Showed his range of skills as a link man in the loose and a target in the lineout, and scored a try from close range after Kremer came within an inch of scoring himself. The USA’s Cam Dolan also submitted a solid application.

7 – Juan Manuel Gaminara (Uruguay) Wearing no6 but playing openside, the Los Teros captain had a similar job to Báez, leading a beaten pack, albeit a much more experienced one. Tenacious in defense, fearless on the charge, and a menace over the ball at the breakdown. It was great to see Todd Clever enjoying his return in an Eagles jersey as well.

8 – David Tameilau (USA) No debate required here, the Life West loose forward enjoyed an outstanding debut at the back of the Eagles scrum. His mobility belies his massive build and he also showed soft hands with some smooth passes down the line. Combined with his power tackling, a monstrous fend, and an offloading game, is it too early to call him the next big thing?

9 – Gonzalo Bertranou (Argentina XV) A typical Argentine scrumhalf, small but electric around the fringes and never far from the ball. Gave the Eagles fringe defense fits and kept the tempo high with his tap-and-go attitude. Rewarded with a try for his efforts. Beltrán Vergara of Chile also looked good on debut.

10 – James Bird (USA) The Eagles were delighted to welcome AJ MacGinty into the team last year, and now it looks like they have another solid option to call on at the troublesome flyhalf position. The Welsh-born New York resident impressed with his composure in his first senior international match, scoring 15 points from six successful shots at goal. Missed a potential match-winner in the 80th minute but it wasn’t a gimme so we’ll give him a pass on that one.

11 – Dan Moor (Canada) Argentine fans might by crying foul with Tomás Carrió’s double certainly worthy of praise, but we felt the powerful Canadian had an exceptional game against Los Teros, though his man-of-the-match award might have been slightly gratuitous. The Balmy Beach representative couldn’t have done more on debut, looking full of running and claiming two tries of his own. Chile’s Ítalo Zunino also impressed in a good week for left wingers.

12 – Matías Nordenflycht (Chile) Slightly out of position as he wore no13, but showed up often enough at second receiver and showed all the qualities of a 2nd 5/8. Ran hard, tackled well, and showed some serious kicking range with two penalties and two conversions. At only 21 years old he could be the next player to join the professional ranks from Los Cóndores.

13 – Mozac Samson (Canada) Many were disappointed when he was ignored by the selectors a year ago after showing impressive domestic form, and the Fijian-born hitman showed why with a memorable debut for his adopted country. Played with ferocious physicality on both sides of the ball and combined well with his Wolf Pack teammate Nick Blevins, who wasn’t far from selection himself. Brazil’s Felipe Sancery looked classy in defeat and deserves a mention.

14 – Takudzwa Ngwenya (USA) Sure, he was treading a fine line in legality on occasion, and probably overstepped it once or twice, but we like our players to have an edge and the Biarritz rocket had plenty of that on Saturday. Big hits in defense and a try that few others could replicate make him the standout right winger of week one.

15 – Daniel Sancery (Brazil) Yes, we managed to fit in one player from each team, but not by design. The other Sancery looked just as confident as his twin brother on the ball and each scored a try as the Tupis nearly upset Los Cóndores. Both look particularly dangerous given space to run, as Daniel proved with some devastating counterattacks, including one that put Zunino away. Brazil have themselves an impressive attacking duo.