Team of the Week

It’s been a torrid week with the UK set to re-start its professional divisions this weekend and guns already blazing in France, New Zealand, and Australia. Here’s a reminder of who impressed in the week past, with Argentina unsurprisingly leading the way after their victory over South Africa.

1 – Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (Argentina) Steady as a rock in the scrum and honest elsewhere. Continues to stand in at loosehead but would surely be happier if another put their hand up for selection.

2 – Agustín Creevy (Argentina) A little over an hour’s work from the fearless leader. Won two turnovers at the breakdown and put his body on the line in another famous first.

3 – Chris Baumann (Wellington) Didn’t quite have the impact of the week before but can still hold his head high despite the loss to Otago. Scrummed well and consistently offered himself as a ball carrier.

4 – Jamie Cudmore (Oyonnax) His first game for a club outside Clermont since 2005 was a victorious one. Captained the side to a dominant win over newbies Charente and saw 65 minutes of action.

5 – Josh Larsen (Northland) Came on as a replacement on the blindside in the first half against Auckland and shifted to the more familiar lock in the second half. The team came up short but Larsen scored his first pro try before the break and put in plenty of grunt work.

6 – Pablo Matera (Argentina) ‘Majestic’ is unlikely to ever be used to describe Matera but he was close to magical against the Boks. Abrasive in contact and won a couple turnovers at the breakdown.

7 – Juan Manuel Leguizamón (Argentina) We’ll forgive him for his senseless kick ahead early on. Otherwise the veteran was outstanding in his 70th test, scoring a critical try and spurring on his teammates to greatness.

8 – Facundo Isa (Argentina) Can he possibly get better? Arguably his finest international to date, blasting through defenders and putting in a thunderous tackle on Pieter-Steph du Toit to seal the win.

9 – Martín Landajo (Argentina) Energetic and decisive. Punished the fringe defense with several important carries and kept the pace high. Edging away from Tomás Cubelli in the starting role.

10 – Ignacio Mieres (Dax) At his preferred flyhalf position to start the season, he directed his side to an important opening win over Aurillac. Kicked 15 points via four penalties and a drop goal.

11 – Manuel Montero (Argentina) Only lasted until the half but made his presence felt. Seemed to burst clear with every touch of the ball, it’s a shame injury has struck again. Thankfully it isn’t too serious.

12 – Juan Martín Hernández (Argentina) A fully committed performance on both sides of the ball. Took on the defense and kicked superbly. Won’t be sending Oupa Mohoje any Christmas cards this year.

13 – Conor Trainor (Vannes) Enjoyed a memorable professional debut with a try in the first half against Montauban that ultimately led to an historic victory. Canadian fans are hoping the 26-year-old reaches new heights now that he is re-committed to the 15-a-side game.

14 – Santiago Cordero (Argentina) Another lively outing from the rocket man. Twice stepped through into space and kept Bryan Habana guessing as to his whereabouts.

15 – Joaquín Tuculet (Argentina) Not quite as busy with ball in hand but made the most of his opportunities, scoring a try in the first half to put the heat on the Springboks. Strong positioning limited the South African kicking game.