Team of the Week

It’s a creative team this week, with players drawn largely from two domestic leagues – PRO Rugby and the Canadian Rugby Championship – but there was also the Jaguares to look at and even a couple players from the Rugby Americas North fixture between Mexico and the Cayman Islands. Below is our best shot at the weekly Americas XV.

1 – Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (Jaguares) Limited opportunities outside a support role going forward, but he performed that role admirably and held up the scrum in tough conditions. Defended well and won a key turnover as he continues to fill in at the less familiar loosehead spot.

2 – Agustín Creevy (Jaguares) Two tries for the skipper as he led by example in the rain at Vélez Sarsfield. Consistently among the best players on the pitch at whatever level he plays. A tip of the cap as well to the Wolf Pack’s Casey Reed for his double against the Bears.

3 – Jordon Power (Atlantic Rock) The Rock gave the Blues a hammering once again in the scrum, though ultimately the team around them couldn’t turn the pressure into points. A former Canada u20 rep who has been a hooker for the past couple seasons, the 24-year-old looks to be settling well at tighthead.

4 – Brendan Daly (San Francisco) Returned to the Rush lineup and made a positive impact, though he must have wondered where the rest of his forwards went. High work rate and intelligent play mark him a key man despite being short of gargantuan proportions.

5 – Mike Sheppard (Ontario Blues) More commonly found in the back row, Sheppard moved up to lock with Ontario’s resources stretched paper-thin at the moment. Responded with a very involved performance in the loose that included a try on a nice angled run as the Blues earned their redemption.

6 – Gonzalo Pons (Mexico) The live-wire flanker with the trademark hairstyle was all over the pitch as per usual on Saturday. Never more than a split second away from the ball, he was rewarded with two tries against the Caymans.

7 – Andrew Wilson (Ontario Blues) A tough call to leave out Ohio’s Sebastián Kalm, but Wilson was outstanding for the Blues and simply demanded inclusion. Played no8 but moves to his more traditional flank role for us, his strength in contact earned him a pair of tries and led Ontario to victory.

8 – Langi Haupeakui (Sacramento) The man of the hour. A sensational performance in his return from the Eagles, the big man rumbled for two tries and looked near unstoppable with ball in hand.

9 – Shaun Davies (Ohio) Honorable mention for Tomás Cubelli who made a big impact as a sub for the Brumbies. Davies is our man, however, for leading the Aviators to another rampant victory with his quick service and sound decision making once again to the fore.

10 – Aidan McMullan (Atlantic Rock) Came on early in the second half for a sputtering Rock side and turned the ship around, though they couldn’t quite make it all the way back. His poise and kicking skills for a young man are impressive. Deserves to start at no10 in the next match.

11 – Jordan Wilson-Ross (Ontario Blues) No tries but plenty of metres racked up with ball in hand. It’s a joy to see Wilson-Ross firing on all cylinders again. He’s shed some excess weight and looks in top form. One for the Canadian selectors to keep a close eye on.

12 – Ben LeSage (Wolf Pack) Finally made his long-awaited CRC debut and didn’t disappoint in a strong partnership with Mozac Samson. Bagged himself a try and showed why he was called into the Canadian training squad ahead of the June internationals.

13 – Mikey Wilson (Cayman Islands) A dynamic attacker who nearly helped his team come back from a 20-point deficit against Mexico with two tries. The Caymans punch well above their weight with Wilson one of their key assets in a threatening backfield.

14 – Spike Davis (Ohio) Another week, two more tries, another selection. How long until he’s granted permanent residency?

15 – Brock Staller (BC Bears) Dropped back to fullback from his midfield role with Canada and proved his versatility. A couple long-range goal kicks and a fine try showing his deceiving pace.