Team of the Week

It was a challenge to put together a select side this week and in all honesty it isn’t one of our best, but sometimes you have to make do with what you’re given. A number of backs put their hand up which made things a little easier out wide. Up front, not so much, with some ‘creative’ selections required to make things happen. Next week the domestic leagues return which should boost numbers somewhat with several Americas players rested over the European weekend.

1 – Marcos Ayerza (Leicester) In full-on piano-moving mode this week, the veteran only saw the ball twice – one carry, and one important turnover in defense. Had no qualms about mixing it with the monstrous Ben Tameifuna and Tigers earned a much-needed win at home over Racing 92.

2 – Martín García Veiga (Vannes) Earns selection simply by outlasting another former Pumas hooker Agustín Costa Repetto, who was forced off with an injury after 15 minutes. Vannes were crushed by Colomiers and while Garcia Veiga can’t take all the blame, he can certainly consider himself lucky to get the call at hooker this week with options very limited.

3 – Juan Figallo (Saracens) His side enjoyed an excellent win over Scarlets at Allianz Park and Figallo played his part superbly. Added a handful of carries but his contribution in his core roles of the scrum and ruck were more than adequate. Possibly his best game of the season.

4 – Brett Beukeboom (Cornish Pirates) Not the best week for locks so a half hour of dirty work is enough to put the Canadian back in the team. Pirates looked a little sluggish despite a big win over Ospreys Selects, but there was a lift in energy when Beukeboom came on that saw them score three tries in the final quarter.

5 – Pablo Huete (Bayonne) Faced up to a monstrous La Rochelle pack with the Chilean the best of a defeated side. Scored a try early in the second half and must have wondered if the backline was going to bother making a tackle.

6 – Cam Dolan (Cardiff Premiership Select) Tries as best he could but could not inspire his inexperienced teammates to victory over a dominant Jersey Reds. Played second row and captained his side but we need a flanker and Dolan deserves a pat on the back for his efforts against superior opposition.

7 – Juan Martín Fernández Lobbe (Toulon) Played more of a supporting role against Sale with several important tackles and his usual pressure around the ball. Replaced after 65 minutes by Samu Manoa, who also looked strong in his cameo role.

8 – Aaron Carpenter (London Welsh) Only his second start of the season, it was good to see him get meaningful game time with a full 80-minute shift. Responded with a solid game at the back of the scrum, with his carry and offload putting Ryan Glynn over for a second half try.

9 – Luke McGrath (Leinster) Desperate times call for desperate measures. McGrath may have no interest in playing for Canada but that’s where he was born, so he’s in on a technicality with no alternatives. He had a decent match for Leinster albeit in a losing effort as Montpellier took the win at home.

10 – Benjamín Urdapilleta (Castres) A late change to the Pau lineup saw Santiago Fernández shifting to no10 and he didn’t let his team down, but Urdapilleta was at the steering wheel of a smashing win over Northampton Saints at Stade Pierre Antoine. Five-for-five from the kicking tee and made it look easy.

11 – Chris Wyles (Saracens) Juan Imhoff and Blaine Scully each scored tries and did well enough, but so did Wyles who unequivocally won his head-to-head against DTH van der Merwe. The former Eagles captain has been in fine form with suggestions that his impact might diminish this season thus far proving off the mark.

12 – Nicolás de Battista (Cornish Pirates) No tries but played a leading role in others, running strongly and distributing well. Continues to prove a key cog in the midfield both on offense and defense for the Pirates in his first taste of professional rugby.

13 – Marcelo Bosch (Saracens) Walked his way into the end zone for a try and strolls into the team to join his Sarries teammates. After fading somewhat and losing his place in the starting lineup towards the end of last season, the Pumas star looks revitalised after enjoying a full pre-season with his club for the first time in years.

14 – Takudzwa Ngwenya (Brive) Marcel Brache won a Grand Final but Ngwenya put on a show. His breakout try in the 3rd minute had alarm bells ringing for Worcester and though he barely saw the ball after that, his strong defense helped Brive come away with the one-point victory.

15 – Toni Pulu (Counties Manukau) A scorching match playing at fullback this week though he will disappointed that his season has ended with the loss to Canterbury in the Mitre 10 Cup semi-final. Would be a savvy addition to the Barbarians squad this fall. His attacking style suits their game plan to a T.