Team of the Week

With a full deck of international rugby set for this weekend, our team next week should be chosen entirely from test rugby. This week we could have plumped for the Pumas in their entirety, such was their domination in the match over Japan, but we’ve found room for a couple club players and one US Eagle in our last selection before the official November test window opens.

1 – Carlos Muzzio (Mont-de-Marsan) In good form this season, it was another hour-long outing at the coal face for the Montois loosehead. Held his ground in the scrum and bashed over for a try in the first half against Béziers. A mention too for Eric Fry, who came on as a replacement for Vannes and scored a vital second half try in the win over Biarritz.

2 – Agustín Creevy (Argentina) A bit of a walk in the park for the captain. That’s not to say he slacked off. Indeed his standards were predictably high and he was rewarded with an early shower in the 53rd minute. Tougher tests are soon ahead.

3 – Ramiro Herrera (Argentina) Gave poor Satoshi Nakatani a torrid time in the scrum, a stern welcome indeed to the 35-year-old Brave Blossoms loosehead on debut. Herrera’s bulk was the stuff of nightmares for the overpowered Japanese forwards.

4 – Matías Alemanno (Argentina) Played much of the match as the only true second row with Guido Petti off-and-on with a blood injury. Provided a steady stream of possession at the set piece and muscled his way around the park against an overwhelmed Brave Blossoms pack.

5 – Javier Lagioiosa (Vannes) A full 80-minutes in the shock win over Biarritz, not bad for a 33-year-old second row. Used his athleticism to good effect in the lineout and provided steady support in the loose.

6 – Javier Ortega Desio (Argentina) Switched between flank and lock with Petti needing some patching up, but it didn’t phase Ortega Desio in the slightest. Has taken on more responsibility this season and seems to be thriving under the added expectations. High work rate around the park and a dependable target in the lineout.

7 – Danny Barrett (USA) It was not a good showing by the Eagles on Friday night. Amidst the wreckage Barrett managed to stand out with his carrying and aggression in the tackle. The Eagles are well stocked in the back row but it’s still a shame the wild man won’t be part of the test matches.

8 – Facundo Isa (Argentina) Only a 50-minute shift against the Brave Blossoms but did more than his share of damaging running. Must have been wondering if anyone was going to tackle him at times. The big fish are just around the corner.

9 – Agustín Ormaechea (Mont-de-Marsan) No slight on either Martín Landajo or Tomás Cubelli, both of whom played well for Los Pumas. Uruguay’s star gets the nod for a very different type of performance, bossing the Montois forwards to a scrappy win over Béziers. He will now join up with Los Teros.

10 – Nicolás Sánchez (Argentina) A personal record haul of 29 points. The Pumas maestro put in a near-flawless performance in all aspects.

11 – Santiago Cordero (Argentina) Two tries himself and created another. His only blemish was allowing Lomano Lemeki past him for a late try.

12 – Jerónimo de la Fuente (Argentina) Ran strong lines both as a carrier and decoy to keep the Japanese defense honest. An underrated and consistent performer for Los Pumas.

13 – Matías Orlando (Argentina) Has come on leaps and bounds this season and looks to be more confident each week. Many questioned his selection in the midfield rather than the wing but he has proved a fine attacking player thus far.

14 – Matías Moroni (Argentina) Bumped out to the wing by Orlando but still a threat with ball in hand. Will be keen for a return to the no13 shirt and could get his chance when Los Pumas arrive in Europe.

15 – Joaquín Tuculet (Argentina) Rarely if ever has a bad game. Invariably in the right spot defensively and a classy player going forward whether kicking, passing, or stepping past the first tackler. Looked totally assured against Japan.