ARC Team of the Week

With a couple one-sided scorelines and a very disjointed match in Punta del Este there were less standouts to choose from in round three of the Americas Rugby Championship. As such there’s a distinct North American flavour in our weekly selection, something that could well swing in the other direction with both USA and Canada headed south for the final two legs of the tournament.

1 – Djustice Sears-Duru (Canada) Afforded a rare start ahead of team captain Hubert Buydens, and the youngster did not disappoint with arguably his best performance in the red jersey to date. Pulverised his opposite in the scrum such that Brazil swapped their entire front row before the half. Smashed through tackles with ball in hand, and put in a couple big hits in defense. Mateo Sanguinetti of Uruguay also had a fine match worthy of consideration.

2 – Ray Barkwill (Canada) Captain for the day and clearly enjoying himself, he gave the fans a sight of sorts with a… majestic dive for his try. Accurate with his throwing, dominant in the scrum, and ubiquitous in the loose – almost to excess at times. Rapidly-rising Joseph Taufete’e was again in the spotlight in a good performance for the Eagles.

3 – Juan Echeverría (Uruguay) Part of a clearly dominant front row unit that gave Argentina a world of problems for most of the afternoon. The stocky tighthead blasted Roberto Tejerizo in the scrum and showed up well in the loose. Somehow managed to last the full 80 minutes after his backup Ignacio Secco was forced to cover for injured Juan Manuel Gaminara.

4 – Paul Ciulini (Canada) Has put his head down and done the dirty work for three matches now, and was rewarded with his first test try against the Tupis. Seems right at home in his first senior campaign, he might well have a future as an enforcer in the Canadian pack. Pedro Ortega was one of the better Argentine players on the pitch.

5 – Ben Landry (USA) Another outstanding effort in the engine room, assured at the lineout and dominant in the contact area. Rag-dolls players in the tackle and relentless at the breakdown, almost like an extra loose forward. Possibly the find of the competition for the Eagles so far.

6 – Lucas Rumball (Canada) Certainly the most impressive newcomer from the Great White North. Always seems to be on his feet before he even hits the ground. In the middle of everything against Brazil and followed up his first test try with his second. A word as well for Nate Brakeley who impressed for the USA, particularly in the lineout.

7 – Lautaro Bavaro (Argentina XV) An absolute pain for the referee to manage, always a good sign for a flanker. Threw himself about with reckless abandon both in the tackle and at the breakdown. A very good performance considering his tight five were taking a beating in the scrum. Javier Richard impressed in a losing cause for Chile.

8 – Clay Panga (Canada) Can’t be denied this week. A man-of-the-match performance with two tries and numerous incursions with ball in hand. Showed an array of skills, particularly as a link man, and cleaned up everything at the back of the scrum.

9 – Andrew Ferguson (Canada) A tough call with no candidates free of criticism. Loses points for a missed tackle and some wayward passing but earns credit from some sterling kicking including a couple sideline efforts that landed him 13 points. Kept the tempo high at the breakdown and overall it was a positive showing. The USA’s Tom Bliss was well on his way to contention before hobbling off just before the half.

10 – JP Eloff (USA) Showed us a very different style to James Bird, giving the Eagles some options at the flyhalf position. A constant threat to the defensive line, scything through on numerous occasions to score once and create others. Improving his goal-kicking will move him a little further up the ladder.

11 – Franco Cuaranta (Argentina XV) Finished his try well and got involved frequently on both sides of the ball in a frustrating match for wingers. His size and style is reminiscent of the fellow we’ve selected on the right wing. It was a real shame that Nick Edwards went down injured. He accomplished more in his 35 minutes for the Eagles than others managed in a full game.

12 – Juan Cappiello (Argentina XV) Wearing no13 but the way the game went it didn’t matter. Easily the most impressive back on display, showing pace and power with ball in hand and strong in defense. Looks more than capable of following the footsteps of Joaquín Paz into Super Rugby contention. Moisés Duque was probably Brazil’s best against Canada.

13 – Lorenzo Thomas (USA) It’s hard to see how the last week could have gone any better for the teenager. One moment he’s scoring a try to help propel the Junior All-Americans to victory over Canada, the next he’s ripping the ball free in defense and following up with his first test try in his first senior cap. Now less than four years away from being Big in Japan.

14 – Luke Hume (USA) Continues to bamboozle defense with his magic feet, lending his talent to another memorable quip from commentator Dallen Stanford. Perhaps a little overzealous with his little grubber kicks but then Chad London probably wouldn’t agree. A mention too for Uruguay’s Federico Favaro, who showed some nifty football skills of his own to score a fine try before going off with a tight hamstring.

15 – Mike Te’o (USA) We may or may not be closer to finding his best position but he seemed to revel in the space afforded from fullback rather than the hot seat of scrumhalf. Both tries were somewhat comical yet one can’t deny that he put himself in place to finish them. Any guesses where he lines up next week?