ARC Team of the Week

The Americas Rugby Championship wrapped up this past weekend which means it’s time for our last weekly selection of this year’s tournament. Of course there is still our ARC Dream Team to come early next week. Might some of the players below find themselves in our best of the tournament XV?

1 – Ramón Ayarza (Chile) His team sure didn’t get up to much around him, but that didn’t stop the young loosehead from impressing. Los Condores were dominant in the scrum from start to finish. He also carried well, consistently moving forward through heavy traffic. Facundo Gigena had a massive effect in the scrum for the Argentina XV though the legality of some of his tactics might be slightly questionable.

2 – Germán Kessler (Uruguay) The second of three promising front rowers under the age of 23 to make our team this week, Los Teros have a future leader in their midst. Accurate in his core roles and effective in the tight-loose. Rewarded with a try after he got the surprise nod to start over World Cup incumbent Carlos Arboleya.

3 – Enrique Pieretto (Argentina XV) The youngest of the three looked a completely different animal to his previous matches in the tournament. Part of a totally dominant forward pack who pulverised poor Brazil in the scrum with devastating efficiency. Mario Sagario was also in contention after a strong outing for Uruguay, both in the scrum and in defense.

4 – Cameron Pierce (Canada) Far more conspicuous than the Argentina match and more along the lines of what fans were expecting. Completely owned the lineout irrespective of whose throw it was. A constant presence in a supporting role and offered himself as a ball carrier on several occasions.

5 – Diego Magno (Uruguay) Arguably the most consistent of Los Teros’ forwards, the flanker-turned-lock has adapted to his new role seamlessly. Got his just rewards with the match-winning try against the Eagles in the middle of a well-constructed maul.

6 – Kyle Baillie (Canada) Followed up his impressive outing in the second row with another eye catching display, this time on the side of the scrum. A menace for poor Juan Pablo Perrotta, he put in numerous tackles and scored his first test try with a powerful burst through the line. Putting his hand up for selection in the June internationals. Brazil’s Cleber Dias stood out with his commitment in defense.

7 – José Deheza (Argentina XV) The rosy-striped scrum cap seemed to be everywhere against Brazil. Whether putting in thumping tackles, getting stuck in at the breakdown, or crashing onto the ball at pace, the 20-year-old buzz saw saved his best for last in a torrential display to lead Argentina to their undefeated finale.

8 – Santiago Portillo (Argentina XV) Not a vintage week for no8s, the leggy 20-year-old had an effective 80 minute effort with his carrying, offloading, and lineout work. Certainly has the frame and athleticism to compete at a higher level. A little more muscle and mongrel could make him a real danger man.

9 – Gordon McRorie (Canada) The dominant player on the field for the best part of an hour. Completely controlled field position with his refined exits and ripped Chile to shreds with a clean break from 40m out to score a classy individual try. Can’t argue with 22 points, though Agustín Ormaechea did his best with 19 of his own to lead Uruguay to an upset win over the Eagles.

10 – Juan Cruz González (Argentina XV) Celebrated his second straight start in even more impressive fashion than the first, showing all the skills demanded from a modern first receiver. Cut through the line almost at will, and put his support runners through with pinpoint passing and deft use of the boot. As complete a performance as there has been in the no10 jersey of any country in the tournament.

11 – Pedro Mercerat (Argentina XV) Shifted to the wing for the first 50 minutes thanks to the presence of Jaguars fullback Ramiro Moyano in the lineup, it didn’t phase the classy footballer in the least. Continued to weave his way through defenders and show off his rehearsed chip-and-chase skill. Six from six with his conversions to take home 12 points in the one-sided affair.

12 – Chad London (USA) A tad bit unlucky on Nick Blevins, who touched down twice for Canada against Chile, but the Eagle centre was the dominant back on the field in Montevideo. Seemed to do damage with every touch and played a critical role in all three tries, scoring one himself and delivering the final pass for the others. Starting to find his feet in test rugby.

13 – Phil Mackenzie (Canada) Assumed a more senior role with the team in the tournament and led by example in Santiago. Part of the first half wave of tries, scoring one and getting involved in several others. Ran and tackled hard in a performance that underlined his professional aptitude.

14 – Juan Pablo Estellés (Argentina XV) Took home three tries with some shifty footwork and slick running lines. Always seemed to be in the right place, and proved stingy in defense as well. Has done his Pumas chances no harm in this tournament.

15 – Daniel Sancery (Brazil) Couldn’t quite make it five-from-five, but certainly not through lack of effort. A danger man every time he got the ball, beating defenders with his step and fend. One of the finds of the tournament, he will get a chance to strut his stuff at the Vancouver 7s this weekend.