ARC Team of the Week

Round two of the Americas Rugby Championship proved just as exciting as the first, and to prove the depth of talent there is an entirely new XV selected in this week’s team. Once again all six teams contribute and deservedly so, with standouts in each country proving their quality, even in defeat.

1 – Claudio Zamorano (Chile) Evidently Argentina aren’t the only country with a prop factory. Los Cóndores lost both their starters this week and their replacements stepped right up to the mark. Zamorano won his scrum battle and had several strong carries in the loose before coming off just before the hour mark with his team still only one score behind.

2 – Axel Zapata (Argentina XV) A week ago nobody outside of Buenos Aires knew his name. Now the Pumas have yet another impressive young hooker to join their high performance stable. Built like a prop but with the mobility of a loose forward, his offloading game was prominent on multiple carries. Ray Barkwill’s set piece work for Canada was of high quality, winning two against the head in the scrum.

3 – Luis Sepúlveda (Chile) Gave nothing to Roberto Tejerizo in a strong Cóndores scrum along with his mate Zamorano. Also contributed well in defense on the fringes, and earned one turnover at the breakdown in the first half that led to points. Jardel Vettorato put in a commendable 80 minute performance in his final test for Brazil before departing to concentrate on his career as a lawyer.

4 – Franco Lamanna (Uruguay) Ostensibly an extra loose forward but these days a fixture in the second row for Los Teros, the 24-year-old had one of his best outings in his country’s shirt. Constantly offered himself as a carrier or close support runner, and rewarded with two tries from close range pick and drives. USA’s Brodie Orth was also in the running for the second week in a row.

5 – Ben Landry (USA) The Wisconsin native made sure his first test cap was a memorable one with a fine performance against Canada. A banker in the lineout, effective with ball in hand, and even showed a decent pair of hands. Get the nod over the industrious Diego Magno of Uruguay.

6 – Lucas Rumball (Canada) Two tests into his senior international career and the youngster has shown no signs of being in awe of the occasion. A constant presence around the ball in Houston, making a nuisance of himself around the breakdown and securing possession when he wasn’t carrying himself.

7 – Todd Clever (USA) A hat trick inside 10 minutes still isn’t enough to be the leading try scorer of the week, but it does get the Eagles captain into the team. Reveling in his return to test rugby, even more so leading the side to a fourth straight win over their closest rivals.

8 – Alejandro Nieto (Uruguay) There were no dominant displays but the Teros captain went about his job efficiently and effectively. Numerous carries over the gainline and cleaned up at the back of a messy scrum. His only mistake was dropping an awkward up-and-under. Clay Panga had a similar effort for Canada, also putting in plenty of work around the pitch.

9 – Gordon McRorie (Canada) The most noticeable player on the field for the best part of an hour with his kicking game controlling field position and keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Worryingly for Canada he went off with what looked like concussion, though replacement Andrew Ferguson stepped up in his international debut to nail a tricky conversion from out wide.

10 – David Harvey (Brazil) Rebounded from a rough outing in week one with a first class kicking performance that earned 19 points and very nearly led the Tupis to a famous victory over Los Teros. Mixed up his general play well, with a few little nudges in behind the rush defense.

11 – Segundo Tuculet (Argentina XV) Normally a fullback, he looked more than comfortable on the wing. Stepped and spun past several would-be tacklers en route to two tries in a standout performance. Highly rated in the 7s game, he now looks set to replicate the achievements of brother Joaquín in the full version.

12 – Joaquín Paz (Argentina XV) Securd the bonus point all by himself. It’s hard to argue with four tries, so we won’t. Showed strength, speed, and deceptive footwork with excellent balance and has now earned himself a call-up to Los Jaguares.

13 – Chad London (USA) Chile’s Matias Nordenflycht was again in the conversation with his boot and overall ability, but the Eagles midfielder gets the nod for a powerful effort against Canada that included one try, likely the easiest part of his day. Tackled well and caused problems going forward with a strong fend, though it still feels like we haven’t seen his best.

14 – Luke Hume (USA) Approaching two years away from the Eagles and you’d never guess it based on his performance. A thorn in the side of the Canadian defense every time he touched the ball, skipping and jinking through half-gaps or simply bulling forward. A most welcome return to international rugby.

15 – Pedro Mercerat (Argentina XV) Showed his class with his languid kicking style and silky smooth running that made it look like he was in a dress rehearsal. Never once looked under pressure and came away with 12 points from his six conversions.