Team of the Week

The magic of Pato Fernández was well and truly on display at Stade Amédée Domenech as he led Clermont to a stunning win over Brive at their home fortress. There was strong competition in the outside backs this week, and also at the back of the scrum. A few spots weren’t as exceptional but thankfully there were candidates from the World Cup qualifier between Colombia and Mexico to consider, with three players from that match making the grade.

1 – Carlos Muzzio (Mont-de-Marsan) Marcos Ayerza was solid but unspectacular in defeat to Saracens, so we’ll plump for countryman Muzzio this week. Played his role as post defender for well over an hour and earned a decisive penalty try at the scrum as his last act in the win over Carcassonne

2 – Martín García Veiga (Vannes) Selected on reputation last week, he’s in on merit this time. Part of a thoroughly dominant side that clobbered Albi in all facets. It looks as though professional rugby will be in Brittany for at least another year, with the Argentine hooker proving a canny addition.

3 – Juan Figallo (Saracens) Seems to have finally dislodged Petrus du Plessis as the main man on the tighthead side for Sarries. Went head-to-head with old friend Ayerza and came out in good shape, and certainly contributed heavily in the tight-loose.

4 – Mariano Galarza (Gloucester) Has firmly established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the Premiership. Nothing flashy here, he just does all the things you need from your second row. Hits rucks, makes tackles, and dominates the lineout. Sadly his team came up just short against Northampton but the Argentine was quality.

5 – Samu Manoa (Toulon) The big man has been in vintage form in recent weeks. Playing almost exclusively at lock these days, he remains a vital source of impetus with ball in hand and a wrecking machine without it. Has learned to love the clear-out as well. The Eagles eagerly await his arrival.

6 – Sebastián Mejía (Colombia) Played at no8 but we’ve got three of those to fit in this week so he moves to the side of the scrum as a favor. Scored a try and led Los Tucanes to a fine victory over Mexico to take his team through to the next phase of World Cup qualifying.

7 – Leandro Pérez Galeone (Bourgoin) Another who lined up at the back of the scrum but shifts to flanker in our team. Put himself about and tried his best to lead Bourgoin to victory but the team dropped off in the final quarter to hand the win to Biarritz.

8 – Aaron Carpenter (London Welsh) Another strong effort from one of Canada’s finest as the Exiles earned a hard fought win over a game Doncaster side. Carpenter did what he does best – he won the collisions with some leg-pumping carries and a couple thumping tackles.

9 – Andrés Rodriguez (Mexico) Las Serpientes may have come up short against Colombia, but not without a fight. Their lively scrumhalf did his best to keep his side in the game and scored an opportunistic first half try to give Mexico a temporary lead. Brighter days are ahead for Mexican rugby.

10 – Patricio Fernández (Clermont) Another week with two of Argentina’s best exports on display and while Benjamin Urdapilleta can certainly hold his head high, there’s no question Fernández is the man of the hour. A magnificent 30-point performance that included two tries and eight successful kicks at goal heralded the arrival of a genuine long-term challenger for the Pumas no10 jersey. Of course Fernández will have to return to Argentina first, and Clermont will surely do their best to keep him in France…

11 – Axel Müller (Toulon) A few options here with Juan Imhoff scoring again for Racing 92, but Muller takes the prize for a convincing effort against Grenoble. Threatened with every touch of the ball and was rewarded with a short-range but clinical finish in the final minutes.

12 – José Manuel Diosa (Colombia) The short but sturdy centre notched a try and kicked seven points to guide Los Tucanes to a vital win in Medellín. His strong running and tough defense were also prominent against worthy midfield opponents in a challenging contest.

13 – Conor Trainor (Vannes) The Canadian centre has been turning heads with his attacking verve and he came up trumps again in the 34-6 demolition over Albi. His offlaod from the deck created the first try for Anthony Bouthier and Trainor himself went over for the second. It will be a surprise if he is not in Canada’s run-on side against Ireland.

14 – DTH van der Merwe (Scarlets) Watched as Blaine Scully scored an acrobatic try on the other side of the pitch, but scored one of his own and had a brilliant afternoon with ball in hand. Looks fully recovered from the illness that had him sidelined a month ago.

15 – Chris Wyles (Saracens) Played on the wing but with many contenders we’ll have him at fullback. The consummate professional, he just doesn’t seem to make a mistake. Scored his fourth try of the season against Leicester and looked class with every step.