Team of the Week

A disappointing performance from Los Pumas against Australia meant only limited representation this week. Thankfully a number of players in Europe stepped up to the mark with one in New Zealand making a notable impression. Technical difficulties have slowed us this week but we’re nearly back to full power!

1 – Ignacio Sáenz Lancuba (Ealing) Jersey coach Harvey Biljon wouldn’t agree, accusing ‘Nacho’ of nefarious scrum technique, but the Argentine prop got the last laugh in the 20-15 win over his former club. Set piece aside he moved well around the pitch and Trailfinders should be very pleased with their off-season acquisition.

2 – Agustín Costa Repetto (Colomiers) Denied a try after a rampaging run because of a knock-on as he blasted over the line. Smashed Narbonne in the scrum as Colomiers took the win in convincing fashion.

3 – Francisco Gómez Kodela (Lyon) Held up the scrum for just over an hour in the impressive win over Toulouse. Assumed the piano mover role in support and held fast on the fringes in defense.

4 – Rodrigo Capó Ortega (Castres) Excellent game for the captain as he put in an unusually high output on attack against Grenoble. Nearing his 36th birthday he is still a huge presence every week.

5 – Manuel Carizza (Racing 92) Honorable mention to Evan Olmstead, whose Newcastle forwards were excellent against Leicester and deserved a win. Carizza gets the nod for his strong support role up front in the win over Toulon.

6 – Pablo Matera (Argentina) The back row was a strong point for the Pumas and Matera’s work on both sides was exceptional. Carried strongly in traffic and won two turnovers at the breakdown.

7 – Tony Lamborn (Hawke’s Bay) A fine game for the Magpies as they blew past Southland 43-29. Scored one try of his own and created another, and was picture perfect in defense.

8 – Facundo Isa (Argentina) It says something about his recent form when a try-scoring performance and numerous carries is just a ‘decent’ effort. Got through a huge amount of work and is certainly in the mix for the team of the tournament.

9 – Agustín Figuerola (Lyon) Didn’t challenge the posts much but barked out orders for his forwards and kicked well from the base. Has carried the consistency of last season into the Top 14.

10 – Patricio Fernández (Clermont) No points on the board but the young Argentine directed Auvergne to a dominant win over Bordeaux. Gaining confidence rapidly and his ability to take on the line adds something extra to the Clermont attack.

11 – Juan Imhoff (Racing 92) What is there to say? A hat-trick against Toulon in one of the biggest games on the French calendar. The world misses his talent on the international stage.

12 – Juan Pablo Socino (Newcastle) Great line off Tane Takulua for the first try. A constant threat with ball in hand both as a power runner and distributor as Falcons were edged by Leicester.

13 – Marcelo Bosch (Saracens) Strong form to start the season continues as the former Puma keeps the likes of Duncan Taylor and Nick Tompkins out of the run-on side. Two line breaks and good variety in attack in the win over Northampton.

14 – Jeff Hassler (Ospreys) Another week, another heap of metres chewed up over the ground. Scored a try in the first half as Benetton Treviso were put to the sword.

15 – Joaquín Tuculet (Argentina) One Puma who probably came out the best after a quality game at the back. Covered well and joined the line to terrific effect.