Team of the Week

While much of the European club season is winding down, we still had a full slate of Top 14 action to pine over and of course PRO Rugby, the Pro D2 final, the Canadian Rugby Championship, and the match between Chile and the Argentina XV. Next week we’ll have the June internationals kicking off, so there should be a heavy slant towards test players.

1 – Frank Walsh (Atlantic Rock) A tip of the cap to the old warrior. With the grande age of 40 in his sights he stepped up in a big way for the Rock. Smashed the Blues in the scrum, put in a couple tackles, and even won a key turnover in defense. Job well done sir.

2 – Zach Fenoglio (Denver) Came on as a second half replacement but such was his impact he demanded selection. Competition is fierce at hooker for the Eagles but you have to wonder how the form rake in PRO Rugby – and World Cup starter – doesn’t even rank in the top three in the eyes of the selectors.

3 – Jake Ilnicki (San Diego) It’s taken the big Canadian zero time to find his feet in his new digs. Against the vaunted Denver scrum he didn’t budge an inch, and if anything got the better of his opponents. It’s a great start to his PRO career and promising signs for Canada heading into the June internationals.

4 – Pablo Huete (Bayonne) What a year for the Chilean second row and what a way to end the season. Top effort in the lineout and as a support player. Fans can only hope that he lines up for Los Cóndores in the Americas Rugby Championship next year.

5 – Rodrigo Capó Ortega (Castres) Once again instrumental in his team’s tremendous bonus-point victory over Stade Français that put them into the Top 14 knockouts. A couple strong carries, defended well, and as ever in the middle of all the dirty work.

6 – Hanco Germishuys (Denver) Playing a sort of dual-openside role alongside Peter Dahl, the flanker pair caused all kinds of problems at the breakdown. Germishuys dominated the contact area defensive and made a complete nuisance of himself throughout.

7 – Juan Martín Fernandez Lobbe (Toulon) A steady, professional performance from the old master. Played a big role as a link man in the blowout win over Bordeaux that booted them out of the barrages.

8 – Santiago Portillo (Argentina XV) The size and athleticism of the youngster is reminiscent of another famous Argentine, Sergio Parisse. Portillo was a dominant force with ball in hand and scored a try of his own against an overwhelmed Chilean side.

9 – Gonzalo Bertranou (Argentina XV) Absolutely controlled the pace of the game, moving the ball with lightning pace that gave his backs miles of space to work with. Could well be challenging for a Pumas spot if his form continues in the coming months.

10 – Will Magie (Denver) Arguably his most complete performance to date in the purple jersey. Dictated field position and kicked beautifully, two stray shots at goal aside. His corner-kick led to Martin Knoetze’s try, and the near-sideline conversion won the game.

11 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92) Two more tries in the big win over Montpellier, Imhoff is capping a superb season with some brilliant form. Next up he’ll square off against Toulouse in the Top 14 barrages.

12 – Gabriel Ascárate (Argentina XV) The fact that every back outside him got on the score sheet twice tells you that he did something right. Excellent distribution and was rewarded with a try for himself in a superb display of attacking rugby from the Argentines.

13 – Segundo Tuculet (Argentina XV) Enjoying his new role as a midfielder, his lines of running are top notch. Grabbed two tries and created more with his speed.

14 – Paddy McNicholas (Atlantic Rock) Nabbed one long-range try after picking up a loose ball and nearly squeezed in for a second. His added three successful shots at goal for a 12-point haul in the monumental 22-12 win over the Ontario Blues.

15 – Martín Bustos Moyano (Bayonne) Another superb effort from the Argentine. Steady on the ball but most importantly nailed seven penalty goals to score all 21 points and lead his club back to the Top 14.