Team of the Week

With only three games to look at and a number of PRO Rugby’s stars of the foreign variety selection was a little tricky but thankfully there was just enough Americas talent on show to put a decent side together. With Los Jaguares now finished it’ll be purely domestic rugby including the Canadian Rugby Championship next week, and after that even slimmer pickings as the CRC wraps up on Sunday.

1 – Ben Tarr (Denver) Still looks more comfortable at tighthead than loosehead, but contributes in the scrum and loose just the same. There’s nothing flashy from the barrel-chested bookend. In the dark world of the front row that’s almost always a good thing.

2 – Zach Fenoglio (Denver) Another week, another reminder of his undoubted class. Accurate throwing, scored a try, and even ended the game on the flank. All in a day’s work.

3 – Patrick Latu (San Francisco) Moved back to prop from hooker and enjoyed his finest match of the season. Held strong in the scrum and smashed into heavy traffic with ball in hand. San Francisco rolled out their lightest pack of the season and got their best result with Latu leading the charge.

4 – Guido Petti (Jaguares) A good way to finish for the youngster who is maturing rapidly. His presence as a carrier has come on leaps and bounds this season and he had a handful of good ones against the Lions. A sharp contrast from the bludgeoning figure of second row partner Tomás Lavanini.

5 – Tai Tuisamoa (San Diego) In a pack that has flattered to deceive the old warrior has been a light in the murky waters. Produced some trademark carries including one for a try in yet another robust performance from the OMBAC legend.

6 – Brendan Daly (San Francisco) Bumped out to the blindside and had no trouble keeping up the pace. Whether it’s a tight forward or a winger on the break Daly is never far in support. A big reason for San Francisco’s improvement in the second part of the season.

7 – Peter Dahl (Denver) He’s an awful nuisance isn’t he? Sure, he takes the odd penalty at the breakdown, but if he wasn’t you’d think there’s something wrong. Relishes the contest at the tackle area like few others. Forms a menacing flank partnership with Hanco Germishuys.

8 – Facundo Isa (Jaguares) Another monumental effort at the back of the scrum to finish a superb Super Rugby campaign. Immensely difficult to bring down. Makes the gain line with virtually every touch of the ball. Rumbled over from the back of the scrum for a second half try.

9 – Chris Saint (Sacramento) It might seem counter-intuitive to pick a player from the least impressive team of the week, but he was the best in a green shirt by some distance on Sunday. Despite his team crumbling around him he never dropped his head and put in a full 80 minutes with his commitment an example for the rest.

10 – Will Magie (Denver) Another good day at the office helped by a dominant performance from those around him. Brilliant grubber for Max de Achaval to score and seven from nine shots at goal.

11 – Dustin Croy (Denver) Came on as a replacement in the second half but enjoyed himself so much he had to be in the team. His whirling dervish effort will go down as one of the individual tries of the season.

12 – Ata Malifa (Denver) Seemed a step ahead of the defense all night. Put Timana Tahu over early on and made the defense look foolish on his own score later.

13 – Chad London (Denver) Memories of British Bulldog as he coasted through absent opposition for the opening try. Content to be the distributor from then on. A bit of a field day in the midfield.

14 – Takudzwa Ngwenya (San Diego) Not the usual sort of performance that earns him selection. He never saw the ball in space. His work off the ball was outstanding. Tackled, got stuck in at the breakdown, and even popped up in a maul as he tried to inspire his lackluster teammates.

15 – Santiago Cordero (Jaguares) With no standout fullbacks we’ve shifted Cordero back where he is more than comfortable. Put in another stepping masterclass against the Lions leaving multiple defenders sprawled in his wake.