Team of the Week

Another week with no overseas competitions yet on the go. With the Rugby Championship and Top 14 set to start this weekend it will make a more competitive team next week, but in the meantime we reach almost exclusively into the URBA Top 14 for our weekly draft. The lone exception comes from Aviva Premiership pre-season action, which saw one Americas player receiving notable praise.

1 – Francisco Ferronato (Belgrano) The spearhead of another crushing forwards performance as table-toppers Belgrano trampled Moreno. Ferronato scored a try from close range and pushed over another to make our team for the second week running.

2 – Santiago Tsin (CUBA) The veteran got one over on top prospect Gaspar Baldunciel, frustrating his opponents in the trenches and helping his team to victory over Alumni. A try at the end of a driving maul was just rewards.

3 – Benjamín Espinal (Belgrano) The fulcrum of the Belgrano scrum that pulverised Moreno. Perhaps less conspicuous than Ferronato in the loose but every bit as influential in the tight.

4 – Ignacio Larrague (CASI) The young giant was a huge physical presence particularly in the set piece in the win over Atlético. Like an extra piston in the scrum that won two penalty tries by steamrolling their opposition into submission.

5 – Evan Olmstead (Newcastle) It’s early days yet but the Falcons faithful are very happy with their Canadian acquisition. An aggressive performance against Doncaster on the weekend wrapped up a very positive pre-season that should see Olmstead challenging for a starting role at the Aviva Premiership club.

6 – Agustín Schab (Hindú) A powerfully built loose forward in the mold of Facundo Isa, Schab was dominant in the tackle area and bulldozed his way over for a try. Showed some nice hands as well, linking with the backs to create another score.

7 – Vicente Boronat (CASI) Strong match from the Pumitas loose forward. Scored a try with a nice support line and created another with a break and textbook two-on-one pass. Look for him in next year’s Americas Rugby Championship.

8 – Tomás de la Vega (CUBA) Still not yet 26 years old, could the former Pumas prodigy see a return to national honors? Dominated the contact area and scored a simple try as the scrum walked over the line.

9 – Mauro Perotti (CASI) Unlucky not to make Los Pumitas after being called up for the ARC, the youngster came on as a reserve against Atlético and scored two tries, both near carbon-copies created by himself to secure the win.

10 – Felipe Campodónico (San Luis) It was the realisation of a dream on Saturday as San Luis defeated La Plata 29-17 ending a streak of 13 consecutive losses over eight long years. Campodónico led the way with 19 points in the local derby that saw players and fans alike dancing across the pitch at the final whistle.

11 – Luca Sábato (Alumni) Younger brother of Pumas Olympian Franco, the slight figure of Luca raced away for two tries in the loss to CUBA. With plenty of gas and no shortage of confidence, he is one to watch for the future.

12 – Martín Rodriguez (Atlético del Rosario) Kicked 19 points and might have notched a few more had he not been shown yellow. Didn’t get the win this week but a key player nonetheless.

13 – Severiano Escobio (Hindú) Selected at his preferred position this time, Escobio was outstanding on attack against Los Tilos. Danced through tacklers at will and created all kinds of space for his outside backs, with his passing game just as sharp.

14 – Sebastián Cancelliere (Hindú) A brilliant match from the Pumas 7s representative. Three tries showing his pace and classy footwork. Also stepped in as a secondary scrumhalf giving Hindú plenty of quick ball to attack with.

15 – Gonzalo Gutiérrez Taboada (Newman) The standout performer in the 24-0 win over Pucará. Joined the line effectively and stepped in as first receiver, with his huge cut-out pass creating the first try for Francisco Montoya. Nailed all three conversions and added a penalty. Good day at the office for the Pumas 7s veteran.